The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), in partnership with the Detroit Garment Group Guild (DG3), would like to invite local fashion designers to participate in an upcoming competition in conjunction with the museum’s upcoming Samurai: Beyond the Sword exhibition. The exhibition will open March 9, 2014.
The competition for Detroit’s local designers is called “Beyond the Armor”. The designers will be asked to create a complete Samurai inspired outfit. Designers interested in competing should submit an electronic portfolio of their work with a minimum of ten designs to Karen Buscemi, President of the DG3, at detroitgarmentgroup@gmail.com by January 31, 2014. Mrs. Buscemi will give preference to those living in the tri-county area and to those with a demonstrated history of high-quality work.
Ten finalists will be selected, who will be invited to tour the exhibition this coming spring and will then be asked to create a complete outfit inspired by what they see. The designer’s cost of materials will be provided and DG3 will oversee the designers as their inspirations become reality. Those selected will be notified by February 14, 2014.
The competing designers will post blogs and/or vlogs while they are creating their designs. The finished looks will be on display at three different locations within the community for local exhibitions, culminating with a fashion show, where the final winner of the design competition will be announced. The winner will then be chosen by the community. The winning prize will be announced during the final fashion show.
“Beyond the Armor” is the third edition of the museum’s “DIA Inspired” program, which asks participants to use the museum as a source of inspiration and to create works of art based on what they see during their visit.
“The DIA is committed to connecting people with the museum, but also helping people make personal connections with art through fun and unique experiences,” said Kathryn Dimond, Director of Community Relations. “Our engagement programs like DIA Inspired are important to our community, because it not only showcases how the museum’s collection inspires visitors, but how it impacts the talent of our region.”
Shannon Lazovski