Fashion Show at MICA Examines Societal Labels

Kimmy Kim ’16 (Painting B.F.A.), Skin collection for the Annual Benefit Fashion Show. Photo: Derek Blanks. Courtesy of  MICA

ART NEWS: MICA student artists and designers address societal labels in Fashion Show

Fashion Show at MICA

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — Identity, fashion, and societal labels are the focus of the 23rd Annual Benefit Fashion Show at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).  This highly anticipated fashion show titled  Donroseto will be held on April 8 and 9.  MICA student artists and designers will examine the impact of societal labels that are often imposed on people from birth. Participants will creatively unpack labels such as gay or straight, male or female, black or white, and rich or poor during this thought-provoking show.

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The fashion show creators explained that the focus on societal labels helps address the deficient conclusion that comes with judging people from external influences. “It is often the case that external influences are imposed upon individuals, as an automatic response, without a grayscale,” note the organizers.

The goal of the artists and designers in this fashion show is to use their works to explain that the world is constantly evolving and changing. Above all, that fashion is not static. “Donrose is about breaking norms,” note the organizers of the event.

Societal Labels

Deconstructing norms that make societal labels possible is at the core of this fascinating fashion show.  Participants combine avant-garde, conventional and contemporary styles to make statements. The narratives of the artworks contest the binary approach to understanding human sensibilities. The works emphasize the gray area. The artists and designers use their works to appeal to all senses.  They accentuate the middle ground where people can see all colors and possibilities.

The artworks in Donrose show a deep understanding of the faultiness that comes from judging people on appearance. The participants channel their creativity on reinforcing the notion that there is more to people than the way they look.  They contend that fashion should be seen as an expression of emotions and not a means of labeling people. “Fashion can help people make bold expressions about how they feel on the inside,” the organizers explained.

Donrose features artworks by more than 20 students, including sculptor, graphic designer, illustrator, and art educators. One of the enterprising designs is by Nikki Hendrick. Titled La Marine de l’Oshun, the design was inspired by Yoruba Orisha or deity of love and beauty named Oshun. Hendrick explores Dutch Wax Prints also known as African wax prints, to illuminate the power of this highly respected goddess of water.

London Zhang and assistant director Brandon Brooks directed the show. There is a lot to see in this show that reminds viewers that appearance is not everything. Proceed from the Annual Benefit Fashion Show will go to supporting students in diversity programming and scholarly pursuits through the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Development, which sponsors the show.

Were you at the Maryland Institute College of Art Annual Benefit Fashion Show?  Tell us what you think about the designs.  Join the art conversation: Share your thoughts and comments.

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