Material World

#TransformingFashion: The golden lights that washed across the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh in East Liberty on Friday night marked the beginning of the transformation of the space as eager guests piled inside the gymnasium to the (sold out!) fashion event featuring pieces inspired by the Iris van Herpen exhibit on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Inside, it was the place to be #SEEN as LUXE Creative reimagined the gym from shabby chic to runway ready with shifting light schemes and colors that illuminated each moment. Level Up dancers fired up the audience with an incredible, animated, four-person hiphop routine before the models hit the runway. Designers — including professional architects to jewelry makers, pulled inspiration from the natural — and futuristic world — from cloud-like wire mesh pieces to computer-coded knits that would have made Ms. van Herpen proud. “It’s incredible to see Pittsburgh’s artistic talent on display like this, and even more amazing that these designs were produced in a matter of weeks!” said Laura McDermit, manager of social experiences at the CMOA.

#InHerOwnWords: “Iris van Herpen’s work has inspired my aesthetic for a long time in both my metalsmithing and wearable design work,” said designer Sarah Jane Sindler. “‘Hug Me, I’m Pointy’ is made mostly of merino wool felt with a series of plantable pockets reminiscent of a hanging wall planter. ‘Honah Lee’ is a starkly minimal gown made with handwaxed, laser-perforated linen. Although each piece resonates an almost opposite tone, they both exert a powerful confidence that is strongly rooted in nature and organic materials.”

#SEENPrediction: It’s clear that Pittsburgh loves a fabulous fashion moment so expect to see more runwayinspired events in coming months.

#SEEN: Martin Potoczny, Terry Boyd, Richard Parsakian, Suzy Teele, Terra McBride, Zoe Namey, Tara Rieland, Jody Stein, Casey Pratkanis, Mara Leff, Gretta Barton, Jess Gibboney, Lee Ann Boersma, Maelissa Gould, Sam Berner, Marti Albertz, Joan Sindler, Hannah Edelstein, Marc Sindler and Elizabeth Craig.