Silver Linings: A Light in the Dark

Around September this past year, all 31 designers of the Fashion Design Student Association here at UGA came together and collectively voted for the theme of this year's fashion show, "Silver Linings." Designer Bekha Brooks explained how the team met up several times earlier this semester to brainstorm ideas, which led them to pick their favorites, and the theme of "a light in the dark" came out on top. She also explained the flexibility of the theme, which is why so many designers voted for it. "Everyone really wanted this theme because there's a lot of ways you could have interpreted it, whereas some of the others may have been more of like a narrow type of interpretation whereas this one is a lot more broad," Bekha said. The association defined the concept as "Finding a good thing in a bad situation, clarity and confusion, shining through the storm." The FDSA show included an array of looks, from sequins to mesh, metallics to lace, and endless more. The show allowed designers to showcase their individuality and gave their audience numerous distinct perceptions of the subject that were highly creative and extravagant.

This past weekend, the Fashion Design Student Association hosted its semesterly fashion show at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens with the overlying theme, "Silver Linings." Designers, models, and producers alike took this in a multitude of ways, usually with the approach of finding the good in the bad. The theme was seen throughout the entire show in immense detail, not just the clothing pieces. The venue, Morton Theatre, is one of the first and oldest surviving vaudeville theatres in the U.S., operated by an African American and hosted by many astounding African American performing artists such as Blind Willie McTell (Our History, 2023). This choice of venue is a clear example of "Silver Linings," as Athens has a problematic history with the treatment of African American communities, such as the demolition of Linnentown in the '60s. As a community, Athens is working to recognize such communities and the harm placed upon them, as seen through the naming of Linnentown Lane (Wood, 2023). Morton Theatre stands for the vibrant community that suffered hardships but is beginning to receive the recognition it deserves. A few designers also used their designs to advocate for issues in today's current political scene. One model's umbrella prompt was adorned with a keffiyeh, a black and white checkered scarf typically worn around the neck and head as an icon of Palestinian solidarity (Sottile, 2023). Once again, the theme is depicted in all its glory, as designers use their showcase as another chance to highlight the importance of awareness in today's political sphere.

For Designer and Design Director Vanessa Gissel, fashion has been in her life from a young age. From hand-sewing at six years old to sketching wedding dresses in kindergarten for her teacher, she has always had the creative eye it takes to get her to where she is today. Sharing her love for art is something she is passionate about, and that is where her title as design director comes into play. This role is exciting for her because it allows her to meet other fashion-obsessed members of FDSA and help them unlock their talent to their utmost potential. Gissel interpreted the theme "Silver Linings" as being reborn from a storm, and she drew inspiration from the light that came up from behind storm clouds. The dress Gissel designed incorporated elements of rain and lightning (Image 1), with the creative details of lights in the dress's tulle, smokey makeup perfected by makeup artist Caylin Payne, and wet hair as seen on her model Aurora Parlotto.

(Image 1)

Fashion designer Bitsy Bergwall explained her interpretation of the theme as she said, “Although heartbreak is devastating, it can help you grow and become a better person.” Whether it be lovelorn admiration or heartbreak, Bitsy expressed that her look was even better than she imagined. Another designer, Jenna Richards, took a more metaphorical approach when creating her two looks. Jenna said, “I drew my looks from both the North Star and shooting stars that make a light that you look towards.” Despite their two different approaches to the theme, Silver Lining, their creativity led to stunning designs for the show.

(Image 2)

(Image 3)

Sources
Our History. Morton Theatre. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from, https://www.mortontheatre.com/history

Sottile, Zoe (November 28, 2023). The keffiyeh explained: How this scarf became a Palestinian national symbol. CNN Style. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from, https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/28/style/style-palestinian-keffiyeh-explained/index.html

Wood, Jesse (September 22, 2023). South Finley Street renamed “Linnentown Lane” to commemorate Athen’s neighborhood. The Red and Black. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.redandblack.com/athensnews/south-finley-street-renamed-linnentown-lane-to-commemorate-athens-neighborhood/article_d80154a0-58f2-11ee-8b39-d72dfa7b91f4.html

Written by Emily Arreola, Sarah Punjani, Katherine Fivgas, Lovely Pilibino, & Sydney Annis
Copyedited by Emily Slepsky Graphic by Evelyn Krakovski