Background: The University of Chicago Festival of the Arts is a week-long celebration of the arts on the campus. The student-run organization, FOTA, provides funding to students to work on creative and artistic projects and performances that are then showcased for the duration of the week. The Festival of the Arts opens with a launch party and fashion show which features the work of student designers.

I participated as a student designer for the annual FOTA fashion shows during my tenure as an undergrad. After graduating, I continued to partake in these shows by collaborating with my friend, Joy, who is still a student at the university.

We created a collection titled “Lilac and Leather”, which focuses on the interplay of soft and structural elements through the use of (p)leather, wool, and georgette.

From left to right: modeled by Lauren C., Heather Y., Katie B., Kat L., and Jenna B.

These are my two favorite looks!

Joy doing Heather Y.’s make-up.

Flowers from our model, Heather Y.

Don’t worry, Heather. We made good use of those tulips.

You can also find more details and pictures of the collection on Joy’s website here.