Welcome to the Doll House

By Christine Heilman

Friday night The Charleston Art Institute’s Fashion and Retail Marketing students put on a completely student run fashion show. The “Welcome to The Dollhouse” theme was reflected throughout the entire production; from the dollhouse set to the bright playful clothes to the up-beat music, the youthful theme was very fun and appropriate for the young designers’ show. The theme, set design, and clothes were all student developed and created. The fashion show was a culmination of a 10-week course at the Art Institute and was the idea of the students after a brainstorming session at the beginning of the class. Tickets were a suggested $5 or more as a donation to the schools newly developed fashion club MODE.

The show also featured new doll-inspired looks by some very prominent local designers. Cavortress, MEW, and Mamie Ruth each featured designs themed around specific dolls. Cavortress showcased a “Barbie” themed ensemble sporting lots of girly pretty-in-pink looks. MEW went for a more edgy look by centering their collection on a “Voo-doo doll” design, which entailed a much darker palette of colors. Mamie Ruth’s doll inspired designs mirrored the look of Russian nesting dolls or “Matryoshka.” This assortment of clothes featured bright colors, detailed designs, and floral designs. Other local designers were featured with less specific themes later in the show. Finally, closing out the night the student designers premiered their “Paper-doll” themed styles. All of the students were challenged to produce paper dresses to comply with the theme, all of which didn’t look like paper at all. The fashionable class project was very unique and all of the designers and attendees seemed to be having fun. When asked what she thought about the show spectator Brittany Errico said, “I loved it, it was such a neat idea. I wish my assignments in school were more like this.” I’m sure most girls would agree!