From our BEST Arts of the decade feature:
Last spring, Re-Fashioned, a re-use student fashion show helmed by University of Illinois School of Art + Design faculty member Susan Becker, celebrated its 12th runway season. This show, and its evolution, is a testament to the School of Art + Design’s commitment to research and finding creative solutions to global challenges. Think Project Runway’s unconventional materials challenge meets eco-awareness. When I spoke with Becker in May she told me she’s been teaching a version of this class since the 90s. Clearly ahead of her time, Becker shared that students whose budgets were limited really appreciated the thrifting/re-use course requirement. But now, facing a new decade bound to be filled with increasing awareness of consumer waste and the need for ecological awareness, re-use fashion has become, to quote Becker herself “a moral imperative.” I have watched this annual event grow in scale and in artistic vision, and I’m excited to see it evolve as more designers and artists jump on the re-use bandwagon. Kudos to Becker and her students for leading the way. (Debra Domal)
Photo by Melinda Edwards