The Origins of the Show

 

This past year in my designing, I began exploring using my fashion pieces to speak to social issues in society. I found that I greatly enjoyed not only making pieces that are visually interesting to look at, but also pieces that provoke questions and realizations in the viewers. I now strive to create not only aesthetically interesting fashion but also fashion that is a catalyst for social advocacy. 

 

In the spring I decided to further pursue this idea in constructing a senior project of putting on a social justice fashion show.

 

As the idea for this show developed, it seemed appropriate for it to support the fight against sexual assault because of a close friend’s journey through it. Last academic year I lived next to this friend  and our friendship greatly grew. Being a part of her recovery and witnessing her strength in her efforts in the fight against sexual assault, was truly inspirational. It only seemed appropriate for this show to further advocate against sexual trauma.

 

As the organization and planning for the show has been developing, I now have support from many friends, faculty, and community members. Together we are all excited to see how fashion can further promote the opening up of the dialogue in the Lansing community to fight against sexual trauma!