On April 16, over 300 students and community members filled the ballroom of the Kent State Student Center to support The Kent State Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter. During the event, titled “Building Fashion,” participating designers were each given two old Habitat for Humanity T-shirts.
The challenge? Fashion a garment using solely the T-shirts and various hardware and construction items of the participants' choice.
The hardware components were nearly unrecognizable in the innovative constructed garments assembled by the 45 designers who rose to the challenge. Not all participating designers were fashion design majors, but each had a creative concept that they transformed into an avant-garde look.
Models showed off the finished garments, which had been assembled with duct tape, plastic bags, and rope and adorned with paint. Blues, blacks, yellows and oranges dominated the color scheme of the looks. Metallic was also a prominent feature as the silver of the flexible duct coil and duct tape reflected in the lights. Bright neon colors popped, in addition to the bubble wrap trains trailing along the runway.
The top looks of the show included a billowy skirt made of blinds, an impressive colorful dress made with paint sample chips, and a full cocktail dress built using plastic bags.
The event was a success due to the support of the students, faculty and community members who designed, modeled and attended the event as well as the sponsors including Lowe’s, ANU Eco-Salon, Skullz Salon and the Habitat for Humanity Restore. The fashion show raised about $2,000, all of which is going toward the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home.
Corinne Brothers, Roya Zaree, and Elizabeth Fox took first, second and third place respectively.
