The Apparel Design Collective at UMN hosted a "Project Runway"-type event where participants were divided into teams, given Thursday evening to brainstorm, all of Friday to make the garment, and then the presentation was on Saturday. My team (Team 2) consisted of myself and Mamie Slusher, and we met for the first time on Thursday.
Design Statement/Prompt and Contest Moodboard
"Get ready to showcase your creativity by designing a standout garment that captures the vibrant spirit of student life at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities! Imagine a runway where academic excellence, thrilling extracurriculars, and a lively campus community come to life. Your challenge is to transform the base dress into a unique fashion statement that reflects the dynamic and diverse experiences at UMN.
"Dive into the colors of UMN—maroon and gold. Maroon stands for tradition and strength, while gold shines with achievement and excellence. Let these colors fuel your creativity and bring a burst of university pride to your design!
"But here’s the twist—make it personal! Reflect on your own journey at UMN and infuse your design with your individual experiences and campus adventures. Whether it’s a nod to your favorite program, a tribute to your club, or a splash of campus fun, let your garment tell a story that’s uniquely yours.
"So, let your imagination run wild, mix in some UMN flair, and create a look that’s not only fabulous but also a true celebration of student life!"
I really enjoyed working with Mamie because not only was she super fun to hang out with, but her design style was very different from mine and that gave me a chance to branch out from my usual style. We decided on a very "classic runway" vibe, not super practical, definitely a statement outfit. The only materials we were allowed to use were items from the Free Fabric Closet. Mamie loved the plaid and we went with that for our skirt, I found the eyelet fabric for the ruffles. I patterned the jacket and Mamie took point on the skirt.
I had a previous commitment on Saturday so Mamie presented our garment on her own. We placed second!