Putting It Together – Hot Couture First Runway Show
Last weekend, I photographed The Crucible’s 15 annual fashion show in Oakland, California. The Crucible is an arts education non-profit that promotes collaboration. Here are my photos from Runway Show 1.
As an art educator, I appreciate the collaborative process. I also understand that if something is easy, it probably is not art. Nothing about Hot Couture seemed easy, but it was artistic.
The designers and industrial artists prepared three separate walks for Hot Couture 2014: The Fusion of Fashion & Fire. Kimberly Ayotte, Heather Wakefield, and Jennifer Remmers, designed costumes for Runway Show 1. Perhaps because this was my first Hot Couture, I have slowly been captioning photos. If you notice an omission or error, please help me update the information. Did I miss John Williams?
The event was divided into three separate Runway Shows. Each show was different. This post includes photos from the first Runway Show.
Hot Couture might not be your standard fashion show, but it has something in common with popular fashion shows — the designers do not create outfits for the general population. I realized when I saw the first fashion piece installed onto the first model. (see the gallery for more photos.)
Some models can carry an 80 pound art piece on their back and other models, such as Kara Nova, can lift their feet over their head. One model juggled fire sticks during the first runway show. I stood in one place and took pictures amazed by the models, designers and other collaborates. I had the easy part.
During the next two days, I will post the photos from the other Runway Shows. The link to the first Runway Show is at the top of this post and again right here. NOTE: I edited the post on June 18, 2014 and added a couple more photos to this post. About 100 photos from the first Runway Show can still be found on the link..
You did not miss me. I partnered with Jennifer Remmers. I was responsible for the design and creation of the fire Parasols held by Jonathan Hood and Savannah Lees-Haley, and the fire fan carried by Sophia Constance. Jennifer was responsible for the rest. Thanks so much for the post, and all of the fantastic photography!
-John
John,
I enjoyed the parasols and the fire fan. Jonathan and Savannah were especially striking. When two or more people walk together, someone detracts from the other, but both seemed energized by the other. I selected several photos for the slideshow, and I could have easily posted more. Sophia Constance was poised on the day I photographed the show too. Great job.
Thank you! Everything came together as well as I could have possibly hoped for. Our models were amazing, and we’re very fortunate to have been involved. The experience was amazing, and it’s great to experience it over again through the lenses of all the talented photographers that were present. What a privilege to be in the presence of so many inspiring people!
I can’t believe how fantastic these images came out and I feel so very blessed to have been a part of this. Having amazing and versatile models and a stellar partner helped everything just…mesh. These are truly lovely. Thank you!!
Jenn,
Thank you for the compliments and for producing such amazing final products. Your models must have known that you and John accomplished something special. I could see the excitement in the models’ eyes from across the room … in the dark!