Smile Politely

Re-Fashioned’s return to the runway was everything

After a two-year COVID hiatus, Re-Fashioned returned to the runway on Saturday, May 7th with a new venue, a renewed commitment, a recordbreaking audience turnout, and 100 stunning new looks. Filled with natural light and an open, miminalist elegance, the Siebel Center for Design, provided a stage worthy of Project Runway. The multi-level glass atrium allowed the models to bring the looks to the entire audience. And, in a clever bit of stage management, the revolving doors allowed the models to exit, re-enter, and change direction before moving to the lower levels. Seeing them meet and cross with incoming looks made for some of my favorite moments. 

When I say that the return of Re-Fashioned was “everything” what I really mean is this: Each feature (choreography, integration of the location, the placement of the tech crew out in full view) came together to support and spotlight the designs and Re-Fashioned’s larger mission. Even the soundtrack was filled with throwback and remixes. With the new fashion concentration now in place, the Siebel Center for Design seemed to welcome these young (re)fashion designers into the the future of sustainable design. 

The looks did not disappoint. And neither did the models. The range of styles and source materials were stunning. The looks that came down the runway were not only repurposed and recycled, they were inclusive of a range of sizes, shapes, and gender expressions. The designs were, in turn, playful, sophisticated, modest, theatrical, wearable, bold, referential, and forward-thinking. I can hardly do justice to them all here. But please join me in congratulating these young designers on a show that was well worth the wait. 

 

Female model in orange and yellow tube top and mini skirt with coordinating orange furry hat and boots.

Photo by Debra Domal.
Female model with blue patterned cropped vest over red tank with matching blue patterned mini skirt.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Female model in black high-necked body suit with long black strips on bottom hen and sleeves.wearing black sunglasses.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Female model wearing long tan trench over multicolored dress and purple headscarf.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Female model walking down ramp wearing furry dark coat over black top and leggings.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Back view of two female models in striped skirt and dress, respectively,  meeting two other models returning from the revolving doors.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Female model in bright pink and black dress with cutouts with male model in black and white pants with black top and gray sleeveless vest and matching fingerless gloves with red trim.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Female model in silver halter with black trousers and male model in black crop top and matching shorts.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Front view of two blonde female models in short black dresses with cutouts.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Sideview of two blonde female models in short black dresses with cutouts walking down ramp at Siebel Center.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Female model in multi-colored and multi-textured ruffled sleeveless dress.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Male model with backless white jumper with back turned to audience.

Photo by Debra Domal.

Re-Fashioned 2022
May 7th, 6 p.m.
Siebel Center for Design
1208 S 4th St
Champaign

Top photo by Debra Domal.

Arts Editor

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