Above photo was taken during the CAM Art of Fashion dress rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Rich Crank Photography. All photos of the event are courtesy of Sofia Lujan.
The Runway Show Featured Emerging Designers In a Contemporary Art Setting
CAM Raleigh held the inaugural Art of Fashion runway show on September 7, which showcased cutting-edge fashion within its contemporary art gallery. Dr. Paul Baker, executive director of CAM says, “Fashion and art have been richly intertwined for centuries, sharing a legacy of creativity, innovation, and storytelling, while shaping cultural commentary, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.”
Ten emerging designers from the Southeast debuted their collections and several NC State College of Design students presented looks that represented their studies. Baker said before the event, “This group of incredibly talented up-and-coming designers will undoubtedly wow the audience as they share their individual identities via artistic expression and inventive design. They are true contemporary artists in every sense.”
Before the show, attendees could take in the gallery and shop the ready-to-wear designs. Additionally, they could watch artist Aliyah Bonnette produce high-fashion art in real time as she finished a wearable piece to be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Raleigh-based Bonnette says she focuses on the theme of Black womanhood, and the hand-painted element of her white coat reflected this with a powerful portrait featuring nature motifs.
The runway was uniquely designed, with its path flowing throughout the gallery, and featured slightly dimmed lighting and dynamic moving color lights for a hip and contemporary feel. More than 50 pieces appeared on the runway— worn by personalities that included CAM artists and local influencers—set to afrobeat and R&B music. Speaking about the production, venue and runway setup, featured designer Mark Taylor says, “This was really a phenomenal production. I’ve done my own show, which was a great show, but this is on another level.” The other featured designers included Carl Trogdon, Earle Bannister, Imani Harris, Nick Cole, Jasmine Rhodes, Dean Ellis, Lilian k. Danieli, Stephen Allen and Sonique Stephen.
The event was a smashing success, showcasing the blend between art, design and fashion. All funds raised from the event will go toward supporting CAM’s programming and community initiatives. Baker says, “[Its] a first-of-its-kind event combining couture and contemporary art and [we] look forward to this becoming an annual CAM fundraising event.”
Meredith Nelson, CAM board president, agrees. “What a delight it has been to bring Art of Fashion to life. From ideation to execution, this unique event represents CAM’s commitment to promoting creativity and connecting community through art in new and exciting ways. We celebrate this next generation of inventive designers, inspire our patrons, and realize our overall vision of serving as an incubator where culture, contemporary art, and community converge.”
