Transformative Fashion: My Journey with ShadowBall Fashion Show
Photo by Natalia Reynolds, Edited by Jess Crane
Introduction to ShadowBall: Discovering a Fusion of Fashion and Mental Health
ShadowBall took place on January 20, 2024 at Macy’s State Street in Chicago, IL. When I first encountered the concept of the ShadowBall fashion show, an inspiring fusion of fashion, mental health, and environmental consciousness, I felt a surge of creativity. The challenge was to design a piece that echoed the complexities of shadow selves, mental health, and the state of our planet.
Exploring the Creative Challenge: Designing for the ShadowBall at Trashion Revolution
My inspiration at first was to create a traditional art piece along the lines of a painting or photography art piece. I spoke with Jordan Parker of Triveni Institute, which also arranged the 2023 Trashion Revolution show, to learn more about the ShadowBall. The show planned to include some pieces from Trashion Revolution that fit the theme, some new single use plastic creations, some upcycled looks, Scottie Rae Eskelund’s performance pieces, and an open runway for anyone to walk.
I agreed to make an upcycled fashion look for this show. I thought a lot about the concept of my piece and did some creative exercises which explored my knowledge, feelings and emotions about living with a rare, incurable chronic illness. This exercise and sketching helped me to envision creative ways to express these experiences and emotions as a visual and potentially physical work of art.
My planned timeframe for working on this piece was interrupted by a lingering virus, but this interruption didn’t prevent me from creating an upcycled look for the show. My look did transform from my original sketches.
The Upcycled Journey: Transforming T-Shirts into a Runway Look
I thought about what materials I would use for this project. I have a lot of materials available in my studio, but this was to be an upcycled piece, so I wanted to use old clothing to give it a new life. For some creators, this might mean a trip to the local thrift store to gather up some used garments. For me, that isn’t much of an option due to my sensitivities to many common detergents. Some may think, you can just wash the clothes, but the reality is those fragrances and chemicals become so bonded to the fibers in the materials that it is sometimes near impossible to remove them by laundering.
My husband had a lot of old t-shirts that he doesn’t wear anymore, so those became the materials of my piece. I cut the t-shirts into rectangles and serged them together to create a new material. From there I started draping the material on my mannequin to get an idea of how it could look and perform. I loved the way it looked on the mannequin and would like to create more garments using this technique in the future!
Embracing Resilience: Symbolism and Design in the Upcycled Dress
I considered how this design represents the theme of the ShadowBall and the emotions I explored earlier in the creative process. There were many things I could do to focus on the symptoms, pain, frustration, anguish, etc., but in this moment, I realized that that’s not what I was called to this event to express. I was here to show the resiliency, strength, the ongoing fight, acceptance, composure, and the transformation that comes from such a life changing experience. From surviving to thriving. Adapting and being present to be more empowered in the world.
I knew I wanted the dress to be basic with a beautiful style detail and comfort. Comfortable elegance. I left the edges finished with a serge to keep some rawness to the garment. The back draped in layers that appeared longer to give a sense of what is carried with me every day but is also behind me in many ways. Emotions, symptoms, and behaviors that were once main focuses of my day, are now behind me and just a part of my journey. There is incredible power in that statement.
Photo by Carl Hertz, Edited by Jess Crane
I also explored the idea of creating a piece that resembled a bubble which would represent the isolation, fear, and protective mechanisms needed to keep me safe from the environment and the world due to hypersensitivities. But this piece is about power and transformation, right? This brought the idea of the flexible tall collar which can close over my face to protect me from the world, then open to show the confidence and beautiy that comes from the transformation. Like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon.
To make the collar more beautiful and dignified, I added a gold trim remnant from upholstery. I then added mini lights which allowed me to play with the theme of the shadow self because when the collar is closed the lights create varying shadows on the face. When the collar is open and in the dark, it creates thought provoking shadows on the wall.
The Power of Transformation: From Survival to Thriving on the Runway
I decided to model my own look on the runway for this show. Being backstage with all the perfumes and hairsprays was uncomfortable for me, but I was able to find more tolerable areas to be in so that I could stay and participate as planned in the runway show.
Photo by Felix Sanchez, Edited by Jess Crane
Gratitude and Reflection: My Experience at the ShadowBall Fashion Show
A few years ago, I never imagined I’d be able to do what I did for this show. I am very appreciative to have been welcomed and invited to participate in the ShadowBall. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this show along with everyone else who was involved. The community surrounding the show are all very supportive, welcoming, and friendly.
Closing Thoughts: Mental Health, Fashion, and Environmental Consciousness
In conclusion, I invite you to reflect on the intricate interplay between mental health, lifestyle, and our impact on the environment. Watch the ShadowBall on YouTube: ShadowBall Live YouTube Video
Production team:
Producer ~ @triveniinstitute
Hospitality Director ~ @a_fashionaficionado
Front of House Director ~@stylebykimi
Backstage Director ~ @ray_donebydesign
HMUA ~ @futuramabeauty@mike.salonm8
@antonella.mkup @makeupbyjeaniaco
DJ ~@phreakybionick
PR ~ @imchaumein @23jinesh
Producer ~ @triveniinstitutefoundation
Sponsors:
@chriswelch_jd @chitherapycollective @consentiospirits @thealleychicago
Widow 71
More information: https://triveniinstitute.org/
