Haute Happening

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NEXTPITTSBURGH.COM

You’ve likely heard the resounding buzz about the new and fabulous and out of this world Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion exhibition currently on view at Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA). She’s created show-stopping garments for everyone from Beyonce to Bjork and now the Dutch design sensation is inspiring new generations of local and emerging fashion artists.

The chic interiors of the new boutique hotel in East Liberty will provide a perfect visual backdrop for Material Worlds. Hosted by CMOA, the haute happening will spotlight local talent in fashion design as well as in runway work and event production.

Showcasing innovative new lines by 10 designers and teams, Material Worlds is part of CMOA’s ongoing exploration of the art of fashion via the lens of van Herpen’s prolific career. With a nod to van Herpen’s forward-thinking vision and cutting-edge production methods, the show is being curated around the theme of “Fashion meets Technology.”

Each artist and team will present two looks that will be featured on the runway inside the Gym at Ace Hotel Pittsburgh. Designers were selected based on a series of proposals they submitted that were expected to reflect the concepts and principles found in van Herpen’s work—such as “precision and meticulous handcraft, inventive technological solutions, and a striking, futuristic aesthetic.”

Selected from a pool of 36 proposals which were received during a two-part application process, the featured artists represent a wide range of diverse influences and disciplines—from fashion to architecture to sculpture. Designs incorporate a wide array of non-traditional and refreshing methods and materials, such as 3D printing, laser-cutting, metalworking, and more.

In addition to a stipend for materials, CMOA is providing the selected artists with a one-month membership to TechShop.

Dancers from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School will serve as runway models, while artists from the Paul Mitchel Partner School, Bella Capelli Academy, will oversee hair and make-up. LUXE Creative—headed up by CEO Martin Potoczny—is producing the event and creating the signature lighting. Students from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh are assisting with all aspects of the event production and design.

See the complete list of local artists with their bios and photos here.