The runway is set, the models gathering backstage with palpable excitement as the Kent State University Ballroom fills with an eager audience. The Fabric Pantry, a student-led, non-profit organization for creatives has opened its arms to the community, unveiling Artpop Resurgence: A Camp Editorial, a fashion show featuring sustainably made looks entirely from the hands of KSU fashion students.
Pearl Heinley, Vice President of The Fabric Pantry, onstage at Artpop Resurgence: A Camp Editorial addressing the audience. Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
“Camp” has become synonymous with iconic examples of glamour and outrageous originality in style. Think Lady Gaga, a source of inspiration for the theme of Artpop Resurgence. Camp, meaning that something is a form, style or mode of personal and creative expression that is the idea of artifice and style and exaggeration, combining elements of high and pop culture, and took on a new life through the creative direction of students and organizers. The essence of camp is self-expression, wild and unrestrained, however, for designers and stylists, there do exist constraints.
Art block is perhaps the most common hurdle for any creative, though, there are layers involved when art is taken out of the sketchbook and onto a model. Scarcity of fabrics, accessories, and other materials can stump progress before it begins. Artpop Resurgence: A Camp Editorial is the fruition of how glamour can be achieved through community effort, devotion to the arts, and the powerful ability of students to overcome these problems and excel in amazing ways.
Brianna Pixley (left) and Ella Kinman (right) post runway in their looks for the night, designed by Greer Lippert (center). Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
Greer Lippert, a sophomore Fashion Merchandising student and designer, having complete creative freedom and direction over her looks for the runway, said during her process that “my only limitation was time and resources,” and that “the Fabric Pantry provided most of the stuff I use for my looks, so that helps.”
The Fabric Pantry is an integral part of the KSU fashion community, and a resource “with an initiative to provide fabric and sewing materials to design students and creatives at zero cost.” From fabric to trim, tool to thread and buttons, the Pantry burns the bridge between the costly out-of-pocket expenses that fashion and design students have to spend and the supplies they need to succeed and thrive. “Fashion design students spend a ton on fabric if they’re not provided,” Lippert says, “and it’s a lot of money out of pocket, and we’re already paying tuition, so it helps a lot.”
The show itself was dedicated to the late Betty Gilliland, who’s family was sitting front row in the audience, looking towards the future of fashion in Kent State, in the industry, and the fruits of Gilliland’s work as a staunch donor and supporter of the Fabric Pantry, having understood how crucial it is for young artists to have access to the tools of their creations.
Gilliland’s contributions to the pantry are included in her acknowledgement within the Pantry’s pamphlet for Artpop Resurgence, in that she was “not only a cherished friend but also a generous donor of the Fabric Pantry,” and that “Betty’s family honored her legacy by donating vast amounts of cherished fabric from her own home, ensuring that her support will continue to enrich the lives of our students.” Her legacy lives on in the looks that KSU fashion students bring to the runway that are unique, colorful, and breathe artistry with every fiber and stitch.
Model Jordan James on stage, wearing designer Ethan Stoelt’s look at Artpop Resurgence: A Camp Editorial. Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
The energy, time, and effort that goes into these collections, supported by the material efforts of the Pantry, is immense, going beyond just clothing and design to encompass the stories, inspirations, and creative visions for the direction and meanings of art itself. For Lippert, her looks are take inspiration from the duality of butterflies and moths, with one having a brighter, earthy tone with a darling, cheerful spirit, and the other with a darker palette to represent a sharper edge and mysterious aura.
“My idea for my two looks was based off of influencers and the way they make life look versus how life actually is.”
– Greer Lippert, KSU Fashion Merchandising and French Major
Ella Kinman (left) and Brianna Pixley (right) posting in persona after Artpop Resurgence. Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
Lippert says that “My social butterfly look, which was by Brianna, my roommate, was representing how influencers life looks on the outside, like, party life and all the glamorization of it.” There are elements of the darkness and inner turmoil that comes from the stress of maintaining a fast-paced lifestyle. The costume is charming and youthful to incorporate the glitz and glamor, but green with envy and greed.
The moth is the inverse, in that it represents “the darker side of party life that we don’t really see, especially when it’s being out forward by influencers. Her look is more constricting. It’s about stuff like sexual assault and drug abuse that happens at parties,” Lippert says. Themes such as this are thought out, original ideas that are cultivated over hours of hard work and sleepless nights. To KSU fashion and design students, there is satisfaction in executing shows such as this, that serve as a platform for their careers and a way to elevate their abilities by constantly improving and reflecting on what was done well and what can be improved.
Model Ella Kinman, posing as the “moth”. Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
Ella Kinman, a sophomore Fashion Merchandising student and model for Lippert’s moth look was also among those inspired by the artistry and work ethic of the KSU Fashion Program. Having such a close look at the process of creating art and executing it, from both a technical and creative standpoint was not only preparation for the career field, but also stimulating for a creative mind.
”I think the inspiration I got from the show tonight was incredible.” Kinman says after the conclusion of the show and awards.
“Seeing these artists come up with these huge imageries and illustrations and whole stories with their art has definitely inspired me, and definitely a lot of other people to hone our own perspectives of life into our creations.”
– Ella Kinman, KSU Fashion Merchandising Major Fashion Media Minor
Ella Kinman, leading Brianna Pixley and their designer, Greer Lippert, out of the KSU Ballroom following a final parade and applause from spectators. Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
Walking the runway and refining everything from a catwalk in the making to embodying the expression and presence of the art that models are dressed in requires practice, an understanding of the creative process, and incredible confidence. It is as involved in the execution of a fashion show as any other aspect, especially to continue the reputation of professionalism that the program upholds. Aspect of the work such as this, along with production, organization, and a cohesive execution of the show are often unseen.
“There’s a lot of focus on camera angels, understanding where the cameras are when we walk, cutting corners, the path of direction and how specific it is to make sure the crowd gets an equal view of the looks,” Kinman says. The attention to detail required for these shows is rehearsed and perfected over time.
“There were designers finishing their touches last minute,” Kinman says from experience backstage. “They’re always trying to perfect their looks down to the last minute of production just to get the vision across properly.”
“They’re just constantly aware of these nit-picky details, and they’re constantly trying to enhance their vision more and more until the final second that they walk the show.”
The stage, runway, and audience of Artpop Resurgence: A Camp Editorial. Photo Credit: Spencer Payton.
As the lights dimmed and the spotlight shone down on the paths toward the stage, models from all majors, interests, and expertise paraded the ballroom with the attitude and persona of their designer’s visions from head to toe. They revealed the professionalism and the flair of a truly outrageously camp performance. Artpop Resurgence: A Camp Editorial shows the level of commitment the KSU fashion program has to the arts.
Lippert says that “it is a very rigorous program, but as much as it challenges you, it builds you up. So, there’s stuff like the Fabric Pantry, your amazing professors, or resources that you have to help you thrive.”
