Stylenspire: Project IMA - CUTTING LOOSE

Earlier in the summer, The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) invited local and national artists/fashion designers to submit original works for inclusion in Project IMA: Cutting Loose, a runway fashion show organized by the IMA. Each artist/designer was to have sought inspiration by pieces from the Cutting-Edge Fashion: Recent Acquisitions exhibition. Featuring works by Rudi Gernreich, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Franco Moschino and others. This exhibition showcases pieces by fashion designers who constantly push the envelope and present collections that are ground breaking and artistic in nature.
The fourth in a series of fashion shows organized by the IMA, this 2015 event showcased both emerging and established design talent, as well as engaging the Indianapolis community through fashion. I strongly debated putting in an entry for this event and wow, I surely am glad I did. It was a beautiful experience that garnered the 'Audience Choice Award' for yours truly.

The runway show prizes, The Stephen and Elizabeth Taylor Grand Prize
(winner - CC1 by Cierra McNeal) and the Audience Choice Award Prize (winner - Stylenspire) were announced at the after party. With live music, a photo booth, food and a cash bar available for guests, the Behind-The-Seams after party was a great gig and platform for the Indianapolis community and emerging artists/designers like myself to get acquainted.

Artist Name: Yemisi Sanni

Brand/Label: Stylenspire

Locale: Indianapolis, Indiana

Work Title: Àwọn ọmọ Yorùbá in diaspora

Inspired by: The inherent similarity of JEANNE LANVIN's (1867- 1946) French culture and design - 'Robe de Style' and my Yorùbá Heritage.

Model: Brooke Deighton (Helen Wells Agency) 

Email: Stylenspire@gmail.com

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/Stylenspire

Project IMA 2015 Judging Panel

Deborah Riley Draper, Filmmaker, Versailles '73: American Runway Revolution
Nicolas Putvinski, Russian Designer and Project Runway contestant
Petra Slinkard, Curator of Costumes, Chicago History Museum

Hair provided by emmetts THE STUDIO
Makeup provided by Mary Miller
Models provided by Helen Wells Agency




See also Gabby McLemore/Indy Star  // Indianapolis Star