On Saturday, April 11th, hundreds gathered to feast their eyes on the 2026 Fashion Without Fabric (FWOF) showcase. Each year, art students participate in this event through their 3-D Design class. This year, there were 79 designs, and over 250 students. Each show is designated with a theme that all contestants must comply with. In years past, groups were split into two people. This year brought a change many had hoped to see: groups of three. This way, the work can be more evenly distributed among team members. The change definitely showed this year. In each outfit, there was an added level of craft and creativity.
The theme this year: famous artists and designers. From Leonardo da Vinci to Frank Lloyd Wright, students drew inspiration from their assigned artist’s work to design an outfit entirely devoid of fabric. This puts students’ creativity and resourcefulness to the test and gives them a platform to showcase their skills.
The show was truly a sight to behold. Every outfit earned praise from the audience, rightfully so. As a former FWOF participant, I was struck by the level of detail and ambition in this year’s designs. Unfortunately, not every outfit can win, even though every outfit deserves it. New awards were added this year because of the participating students’ phenomenal work.
The “Working the Crowd” award was given to Dizzy Dolly; the piece being inspired by animator Chuck Jones, and created by students Jamie Pearson, Julia Robles, and Isabel Galloy. An honorable mention award went to The Court Jester of the Cosmos, created by Lucy Carlson, Eligh Hermon, and Tobi Fisher—Inspired by game designer Keita Takahashi.
The “Accessories and Details” award was given to The Orbit Inn Motel; designer Wayne McAllister inspired the piece made by Mia Forrette, Shelby Peterson, and Kona Lansing. Tiered Fragments of Wonder by Noah Leshok, Carys Gudahl, and Kierra Lovett won the award for “Innovative Use of Materials;” the outfit was inspired by designer Nigel Coats. “Avant-Garde Fashion” was awarded to Beloved Buttons with Pleats Please, inspired by Issey Miyake and created by Loganie Chalte, Treanna Fizer, and Aralyn Gardner. Lastly for honorable mentions, The Living Room won the award for “Artistry and Craft.” The piece was inspired by the designer Fritz Haller and made by students Adrian Nelson, Aaron Tong, and Alex Zimmerman.
Announced next were the winners of third, second, and first place. In third place was The Triadic Ballet, awarded to Luci Janzen, Elise Lenhart, and Alani Vue. The students took inspiration from the German artist Oskar Schlemmer and his most famous piece, also titled The Triadic Ballet. In second place, The Metropolitan Muse made by Marilena Grado, Margaret Stephenson, and Sadie Peissig, and inspired by the designer Massimo Vignelli, known for his design of the New York subway map. In first place, A Fragile Wonder, created by Elliot Clark, Quinlan Hartung, and Kyra Oertel. Eva Zeisel and her delicate ceramics were the inspiration behind the piece.
Finally announced was the long-awaited winner of the $1,000 scholarship. The winner was Immerse Your Eyes, Preserve Your Mind by Dani Binczak, Cole Kothbauer, and Zoe Watanabe. The piece was inspired by Brenda Laurel, a pioneer in the making of virtual reality. The intricacy of the outfit was matched by a performance that brought it to life, earning it the title of scholarship winner.
If this year’s showcase proved anything, it’s that creativity can still thrive under constraint—and FWOF continues to push students to redefine what fashion can be. If you have the chance, check out the link to see all the ensembles for yourself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGEg4MPCJe4&t=2000s
