Beyond Fashion at RIT

After being part of this event the last two years, I was able to take it all in from a relaxing seat in the audience this time. Held as a fundraiser for the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, the RIT Beyond Fashion has both alumni and student work that pushed boundaries of traditional garment norms. 
 

The Vignelli Coat

I was asked if this coat was up for grabs, and I was convinced it had found the perfect admirer. Part of the Vignelli show, it was a fun piece to make, and knowing I can make it again, I was all right with leaving it for an admirer. May she have as much fun with it as I had making it. Now, I've got to make another.
 

Yards of Dots

The dots are supposed to represent PLATES, so I do hope that comes across. I've soda-soaked, printed, washed, and ironed this one length -- maybe 6 yards -- of silk organza. It'll be a 'skirt' that ties in front and two puffy sleeves worn without a bodice. Yes, a shirt underneath. Oh, maybe a train, too. 

 

Table Ware

Here's part of the motif frenzy for printing textiles for garments. These are the service set that Vignelli designed. I may use this in a dress or pants. It's cotton sateen and has a nice weight. 
 

Let's Polka

I was gifted yards of silk organza. I will try not to put a value on this, other than 'use it' and so I've soda soaked it and printed it. There might be about 6 yards in this cut. It will take me several passes to get it printed. And those who've met me know how hard it is to print CLEAN. Stay tuned.
 

Results Trickle In

I've started to print on used linen garments, and so far, it seems okay. They are still ho-hum to me, but I've more ideas and more to go. Definitely love the intense color, one that is part of the theme color set. Rounding out this will be pants, but that's still on the printing room table.
 

Applied Design

I've started a stack of prints that I will combine to make garments for the Beyond Fashion project. I've been given the theme "on the table" which every designer will be using. These graphics are from designs for glassware by Massimo and Lela Vegnilli. I might have to buy these tumblers.
 

Fashion Again

I'm processing fabrics from travels. Returned to the studio to get a call asking to fill in for a designer who had to drop out of the Beyond Fashion show at RIT. I accepted, and now am racing to print for the theme 'At the Table' which highlights Vignelli designed table wares. I'm taping images here to screen.

 

Grid Work

Roger Remington's series of works based on the same grid are at RIT's University Gallery. The multiple versions and all are distinctly different. An honored teacher and influencer at RIT, Remington shows how simplicity generates diversity. Also, the Massimo Vignelli adage: Design without structure is anarchy.
 

Beyond Fashion

 

A perfect team to show my 'collection' of garments at RIT Beyond Fashion tonight. Using my printed fabric, and basic sewing skills for garments, nine outfits were showcased. The models were perfect, each bringing a perfect style to the piece. Could not have been happier with the show. I walked too!

Garments to Go

I've never sewed so many clothes in my life! I have nine garments, and a few that won't be used, maybe 15 all together. They are tagged, accessorized, finished, and ready to pack. Friday is the show, rehearsal tomorrow. Then, can we pleeeeeaaaase get back to normal?

 

Lella and Massimo

I've been printing this motif with delight. Both of there are cut Tyvek stencils; the material is a tee-shirt. The variety, the line and large shapes are so different from the organic shapes that I use often. The combination of the lettering is about to meet the others, my Printing Under the Influence will help.
 

Open Studio Night

It was First Friday tonight and the organizers for the Beyond Fashion show were visiting studio 301 as a surprise. We had fun getting various people to see how the coat looked on, and it became a party. Makes me think I should make another. And another. 
 

Fabric With Monogram

I've not decided how I'll use this cotton printed fabric for the Beyond Fashion show. The Lella and Massimo Vignelli Center for Design Studies is the sponsoring group at RIT, and I felt it fun to use the initials of these two designers for a few pieces. Reveal in a few weeks. Stay tuned.
 

Graphics Geniuses

The Vignelli Center for Design Studies showcases graphics from the famed designers who left their archives to Rochester Institute of Technology. They introduced the grid system, loved Helvetica, designed logos to dinnerware to subway maps. The grid is the buzz for a project I'm doing with the school.
 

Stacking Genius

The University Gallery is adjacent to the Massimo and Leila Vignelli Center for Design Studies. Here I rediscovered the Heller stacking dinnerware Massimo designed in the 60s. Still available (and in crayon colors as well) it's an iconic marriage of a common material with aesthetic design.