FASHION
“Mythical Medieval Realm:” Bridging Fantasy and Reality
By: Lianna Gourmos Edited by: Eleanor Unsworth
Kings, queens, fairies, and plague doctors galore: if there’s one thing the Syracuse University Fashion and Design Society knows, it’s time travel. The Fashion and Design Society, also known as “FADS,” put on its semi-annual fashion show last weekend, which was inspired by the medieval time period. The show’s clothing display consisted of light, medium, and dark categories, showcasing the original designs of talented student artists. With meticulously articulated outfits, unique struts down the catwalk, and a carefully selected musical setlist, “Mythical Medieval Realm” successfully transported its audience into Medieval times, meshing the era’s culture with fantasy realism and modern individuality.
Mythical Medieval Realm showcased pieces by dozens of talented student designers, which represented a myriad of medieval cultures from across the globe. Fantasy elements were magnificently incorporated into realistic silhouettes, and the designs captured fashion as limited only by the imagination.
The FADS design team dedicated hours of effort towards curating pieces that brought their visions to life. Designer and FADS Creative Director Amaya Evans is a junior majoring in fashion design, and strives to create pieces that evoke emotion and resonate with their wearers. “Each garment carries a narrative, reflecting the designer’s vision, emotions, and cultural influences,” Evans says. For the Mythical Medieval Realm collection, Evans drew inspiration from “the mysterious allure of the Dark Knight,” blending the darkness of medieval times with a feminine touch to create a contrast for one of her looks featured on the runway. Evans hopes the show’s audience gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship involved in fashion design. “By supporting emerging designers and making conscious fashion choices, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and ethical future for the industry,” she says. Evans proudly represents the collective drive the FADS design team shares for crafting innovative designs that hold the power to spark curiosity, creativity, and exploration amongst communities.
Student models sported the many authentic designs of the Mythical Medieval Realm, each one a time capsule of medieval culture. Every model embodied their garment’s story through individual walks with plenty of personal flair. Most importantly, the models collaborated tirelessly with their garments’ designers to ensure that their collective creative vision was articulated to the best of their abilities. FADS model Isabella Audi worked with designer Jeana Piwko to accurately portray what Piwko envisioned for her look. “I felt extremely grateful to be one of the people Jeana entrusted with her designs,” Audi says. “It gave me all the more motivation to be the best possible canvas for her art.” Audi showcased one of Piwko’s pieces from the “lights” category, her golden, fairy-esque look embodying the ethereal, innocent theme that opened the fashion show. Audi’s walk and attitude on the runway captured the spiritual essence of medieval beauty, and deemed Piwko’s design as one memorable for ages to come. “The models were a big part of bringing [the show’s] characters to life,” Audi says. “It’s all about letting your creativity go as far as possible, and refusing to let it be limited by the confines of our own worldly existence.”
While Mythical Medieval Realm’s designs and models provided the audience a visual feast, the show’s synth-wave musical ambience was the necessary component in bridging fashion fantasy with practical reality. House DJ Lauren Ervin, a sophomore at Syracuse University, has mastered the art of mixing, and her passion for sound shone bright at the show. “When I was first asked to DJ for FADS, my first thought was ‘oh my God, am I even cool enough for this?’” Ervin says. Ervin worked closely with the FADS creative directors to encapsulate the show’s categories by remixing modern songs with epic instrumentals. Ervin aimed to bridge the gap between centuries through music, and drew inspiration from distinct fairy tales and legends. For the “lights” category, the FADS team wanted a whimsical atmosphere, so Ervin played some of her go-to, upbeat tech house remixes. For the “mediums,” Ervin remixed indie hits, such as Tame Impala’s “Borderline,” which includes soft vocals and a dreamy essence. Ervin told Fetch she had the most fun with the “darks” category. “We were going for a haunting, eerie soundscape with deep bass,” Ervin says. In addition to the music for the individual categories, Ervin’s transitions between sets brought the audience back to the medieval aura of the show before being introduced to the specific emotions of each category. Ervin’s setlist flipped the switch on “Mythical Medieval Realm,” bringing it from a visually exquisite fashion show to a high-culture art exhibit.
“Mythical Medieval Realm” undoubtedly has Syracuse University’s many communities buzzing with inspiration and excitement. “Something so unique about FADS is that it draws students from every corner of campus,” Ervin told Fetch. “Whether it be designing, styling, leadership, set design, or, in my case, an addiction to house music, every member contributed everything they have to put together this show.” Perhaps the Fashion and Design Society has reintroduced fantasies of the past to the advanced technological future through their “Mythical Medieval Realm.”
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