Chippewa Valley Times

Whether we’re embarrassed or proud, we all fear and love something.

Who'd have thought, as they opened their acceptance letter to UW-Stout, that within a year’s time they’d be crafting an outfit representing someone else’s love or fear?

3D Design is a foundational art course offered every semester at Stout. Most students take it in their first year. Some take it later—like Studio Art minor students, who can take it any time.

For the students who take the class in the spring, something will be waiting for them: Fashion Without Fabric. This project fills the classrooms and hallways of the Applied Arts Building for three weeks every spring. It’s not just a project; it’s a fashion runway show with judges, lights, and awards.

Every year, the project adopts a theme. This past spring, it was Philias and Phobias.

Groups picked their words out of a paper bag: Fear of failure, love of heights; Love of plants, fear of light. Eyes widening, they looked at their group mates to decide: Do we keep it or exchange it?

In these classes working on outfits, groups focused intently while some bantered about silly things or had serious discussions about fish. Chunks of foam, cardboard, spray paint, coffee filters, sheets of plastic, bike tires, plastic spoons and stilts were all on the table.

Just imagine a college final where you're on stage in front of family, friends and the Chancellor of UW-Stout. The lights are blinding and hot while you’re wearing everything besides normal clothes you’d feel comfortable in.

But these students don’t quit. Their grit, creativity, energy and teamwork made up for any fear that bubbled up inside them.

“The whole point of the class is to learn the materials,” said Izzy Quade.

Shay Adesiji and Izzy were groupmates working with xerophobia (fear of dryness). Their group faced numerous setbacks but laughed and problem-solved through them.

Being Wisconsin’s only Polytechnic University comes with unwritten principles such as not believing great things are born in neat rooms. With many labs and studios available for making messes in the name of learning—collaboration with people and materials clutters our 180+ labs just as intended.

At 3:00 a.m., Shay and Izzy's sand pants were breaking into pieces resembling Doritos before the show. Other art students working late asked how they could help keep them from dissolving on stage—a rare moment behind-the-scenes that students remember forever.

Fashion Without Fabric leaves lasting memories at UW-Stout. Partners Allie Seanor and Lucas Moreno-Martinez III drew leukophobia (fear of white) from the mystical brown paper bag. Inspired by Iris Van Herpen and elements beyond earth's touch—they designed outfits earning “Artistry & Craft” honorable mention despite initial seriousness turning into friendship outside work hours.

Allie always looked forward to class to work with Lucas who shared that although their outfits went right into garbage after show—their friendship remained intact—perhaps hinting real prize lies within friendships made along way...

The big reward is end—the performance—the big shebang! Fashion Without Fabric event bursts full energy showcasing spectacular creativity; applause echoes upon entering/exiting stage concluding lessons continuing future classes/jobs/life looking back remembering good/bad times moving forward…

As beginning dives in making mess/friends/proud creations stands testament legacy UW-Stout embodies fostering collaboration learning process!

Students featured:

- Shay Adesiji: First-year Game Design & Development student.

- Izzy Quade: First-year Industrial & Product Design student.

- Lucas Moreno-Martinez III: Junior Fashion/Retail student (Studio Art minor).

- Allie Seanor: First-year Art Education student (Studio Art minor).

Watch 2024 Fashion Without Fabric Runway Show