Fashion Without Fabric at UW-Stout is a tradition that has been going on for over a decade. Every year the assignment challenges students to think outside the box and – as the title explains – make a piece of clothing without any fabric. The theme this year is “125 Years of Art”, and each 3D-design class was given an era from which they had to pick a piece of art to design a garment. The event is notorious for selling out, as it’s always held on family weekend.
This year was no different. Two hours before the event began, there were already people in line with lawn chairs; they were even playing Catch Phrase to pass the time. Once the doors opened at 7 p.m., the crowd piled in and patiently waited for the show to start. The MC for the night, Brena Lesnar, kicked off the show by introducing the judges. The panel consisted of Stout graduate Mike Tarr, who also owns “Mike’s Art and Supply” downtown; UW-Stout art history professor Sarah Diebel, the show coordinator from last year; Stout alumni Allie Larsen; and Stout alumni Scott Cabot. The show presented the work of over 200 students in the form of 97 outfits.
The different outfits had a variety of interesting substrates. To give you an idea of how creative some students can get, materials include: puzzle pieces, plastic solo cups, tissue paper, shower curtains, pieces of glass, Christmas lights, paint swatches, plastic army guys, condoms, straws, and the list goes on.
While every student should be proud of the work they presented, the judges could only pick a couple of groups to award scholarships and honors to. This year they had the privilege to award two groups a part of the scholarship, which consists of about 1,000 dollars. Below are the winners of various prizes.
The “Attention to Detail” Award: 39,000 Light Straws by Mallory Lee and Malachi Nidersson
The “Working the Crowd” Award: Still life of Peaches by Theresa Hang and Andrew Fedie
The “Couture” Award: Sirin and Alkonost The Birds of Joy and Sorrow by Maria Adair and Nicole Juza
3rd Place: Light Shower by Jacob Vanness, Christian Johnson, and Hailey Foeller
2nd Place: Woman With A Hat by Katie Klyve and Kendra Lundstrom
Winners: Beat the Whites With The Red Wedge by Amber Herrick, Angus Mcpherson, and Ian Eltringham
Scholarship Recipients: Monogoat by Graham Balfany and Josiah Bell and Just What is It that Makes Today’s Homes So Different, So Appealing by Gemma Schlotthauer
If you weren’t able to get tickets to the event, they always post a link to the whole show, and you can find it here! Definitely give it a watch. It really makes you appreciate the convenience of just going to the store to buy your clothes, rather than making them, and without fabric no less!