Raleigh is Burning: Art to Wear 2009 Recap

Art to Wear, held this year at Reynolds Coliseum, upped the ante with a new venue and bigger and better talent than ever seen in years past. The art walking down the runway truly inspired (the Plow Dress literally brought me to tears. More on that later.) Designers chosen reflected a range of wearable collections, sculpture and art, according to one of the show’s three judges, Myriah Zaytoun.

Vansana Nolitha

Many designers represented their themes by using sparse color against a white backdrop, though none did it better than Vansana Nolintha, whose One Human Circle collection truly conveyed a sense of unity and spirituality through impeccable construction, sculptural elements and attention to detail.

Courtney Hummel, Katlyn Griffin

Other collections featured looks that could walk right off the runway and into Raleigh’s trendiest haunts, including Courtney Hummel’s Garnish Delight, Katlyn Griffin’s Absolutely, Maybe and Chase Kennedy’s A Reflection of Rebellion.

Kennedy’s collection, easily the standout of the night, featured eleven looks that were so on-trend, audience members gasped and whispered over each look, especially the zipper detailing on the slim cut trench coats and the tailored menswear.

Alyssa McNamara, Amy Quinn

Other collections inspired within their theme but had one standout piece which truly showcased the designers’ talent. For Alyssa McNamara’s Rooted collection, it was the cabbage dress, so complex and beautiful yet so simple in context with the theme. Amy Quinn, widely known for her talent and technical ability, created a feast for the eyes with Le Danse des Desserts, which featured many frothy and fun confections, but none so lovely as the multi-colored bon-bon opening look.

For Veronica Tibbits, whose American Dream collection had more than one exceptional piece, it was the cotton plow dress that brought audience members to the edge of our seats. The model, a lithe brunette, effortlessly moved across the stage in a simple white sheath that brimmed below with raw cotton, which spun into a large metal plow-like coil that she pulled along behind her. It was a show stopper.

Zaytoun said later of the dress, “This piece was easily the best of the night. The theme is so relevant, and it begs the question, ‘Where is the line between clothing and art?’”

At Art to Wear, designers danced on the line. It was a celebration of fashion, art and the local community who came out to support what has become a truly memorable event.