Fashion Fusion
Designers inspired by exhibit of sleek cars create dramatic runway fashion
For the second year in a row, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston focused on a current exhibition to inspire local fashion designers to think creatively and to think big.
In this case, it's the museum's Sculpted in Steel: Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles, 1929—1940, a high-style exhibition of sleek vehicles that features flashes of chrome, steel, glass and leather on display for all of Houston to lust after. MFAH officials asked students from the award-winning fashion program at Houston Community College to interpret the exhibition on the catwalk.
The "Fashion Fusion" runway show at the museum's Cullinan Hall featured 20 garments designed by 15 HCC students that were warmly received by an enthusiastic audience. Judges, including Tootsies creative director Fady Armanious, MFAH general manager of retail Chris Goins, and Houston Chronicle fashion writer Joy Sewing, selected winners in four categories: Best Jewelry and Accessories, Most Sculptural, Most Couture and Best Use of Unconventional Materials.
Designer Luisa Nadarajah took home the prize for Best Use of Unconventional Materials. For a gown she titled "The Golden Bride," she incorporated bicycle tubes, fabric, and spray paint. For another gown, "La Ballerine," she mixed car parts, aluminum, Plexiglas, silver, metal, fabric, and spray paint.
Nadarajah also won the Audience Choice award.
Teresa Rangel's gown called "White Pearl," was declared the Most Couture while Alan Gonzalez' gown, "Aerodynamic," was Most Sculptural.
Silvia Otaola, designer of "Shield," was named winner of Best Jewelry and Accessories.
The Sculpted in Steel exhibition is on display through Monday May 30.