Ideation2015 challenges students to reinterpret vintage dresses

It is often said that history repeats itself, and the five finalists in the student fashion design competition at ideation2015 will be the first to affirm that. The design competition, which was hosted by Gerber Technology, challenged students to come up with a modern version of a dress of their own choice from the vintage Darnell Collection: a private-owned collection of around 8.000 pieces of clothing that were made between 1720 and the present day. After the runway show, which took place at Gerber´s annual software conference for the fashion, accessories and footwear industries, Brittney Castillo´s interpretation of a 1940s Balenciaga dress was named the winner.

Castillo, who studies at the Art Institute of California, used a black, knee length Balenciaga dress as the inspiration for her winning design. For her modern-day version of the 1940s dress, she worked with neoprene and mesh. The result was a strapless tailored dress which features a skirt that is partly made of see-through mesh. “I wanted to take the woman who would wear that dress from that time period and create something that same woman would wear today,” said Castillo after the show. “The dress embodies exactly who I am as a designer.”

The other finalists who showcased their design during ideation2015, were Natalia Hendrichs (University of the Incarnate World), Natalia Gilca (El Centro College), Kenneth Espinosa (El Centro College Dallas) and Mildred Aroche (Art Institute of California). All finalists received a year subscription to AccuMark 2D and YuniquePLM: two types of software that facilitate pattern making. Castillo could go home with a year subscription to AccuMark 3D.

“Our mission is to preserve, develop and enhance the collection’s ability to educate, interpret and inspire existing and new audiences for the better understanding and appreciation of the art of fashion,” said Charlotte Smith, owner of the Darnell Collection that was used as a source of inspiration. In total, seven American colleges participated in the competition. Gerber selected the five best designs amongst all entries. The company has not disclosed how many students entered the design competition in total.

Image credit: The Darnell Collection