This year, Interplan had the incredible opportunity to participate in Cosmo Couture, an industry fashion show that truly lived up to this year’s theme: “Out Of This World.” This event was not just a showcase of fashion; it was a celebration of creativity and innovation, where designers pushed the boundaries by using unconventional building materials to create stunning garments. Each design team partnered with an industry company (flooring, furniture, lighting, etc.) and we were thrilled to collaborate with Mohawk Group to design an outfit that embodied this year’s cosmic theme.
Design Process
Our journey began in June with brainstorming sessions that ignited our imaginations. With the theme “Out Of This World” in mind, we wanted to create something that felt ethereal and heavenly. We drew inspiration from celestial bodies, shimmering stars, and the beauty of divine space. The collaboration with Mohawk Group brought a wealth of knowledge about materials that could both challenge traditional fashion norms and provide a unique aesthetic. Each team was instructed to name their design and write a concept for it – our garment was titled ‘Divine Dawn’ and we wrote a poem for our concept:
Other required elements for the competition included an Instagram post that showcased our team’s concept, as well as a fashion sketch of our outfit, with a description and details describing what Mohawk materials we were planning to use to achieve our look. After exploring various materials, we decided to use a combination of unconventional flooring elements such as carpet yarn, carpet and vinyl flooring backing, and vinyl wall base.
Constructing The Look
The construction process was both exciting and challenging. The first step involved prototyping different elements of the garment, experimenting with shapes and structures that would highlight both the materials and our fabulous model. We wanted to achieve a balance between artistic vision and wearability. The final design featured flowing lines, layered textures, and an array of gold, copper, and silver colors that shimmered under the lights. We carefully crafted each piece, making adjustments as we went along to ensure the garment would not only look stunning but also move elegantly on the runway. Countless hours were spent after-hours in the office working hard to achieve our vision, as well as working at home too. From pattern making and sewing, to crocheting and braiding (and a lot of hot glue towards the end), all the pieces came together to complete our otherworldly look.
Runway Day
The team arrived at the venue in the afternoon for our model to rehearse the runway show with the other models. After that it was time to get our model runway ready, doing final touches to the outfit, hair, and makeup. Before the runway show even started, our team presented our model and outfit to a panel of judges, where we explained our concept and garment, and they got to see an up-close look at the details and ask us any questions about the look and our process creating it.
The big event was held at the beautiful National Building Museum, where the space was transformed with dramatic drapes, nightclub lighting, and a long, elevated catwalk that circled the grand fountain in the main space. Drinks and appetizers were served as energetic music pulsated through the air while the guests eagerly awaited the start of the show. After introductions, it was time for the show to start! It was truly a proud moment for the entire Interplan office to see our final look sashay down the runway. Everyone had been so supportive throughout the entire process, watching our progress thanks to the mannequin dress form that had worn many iterations of our look. All of the designs that walked the runway were truly “Out Of This World” so we had some stiff competition! Awards were given out in various categories, and even though we did not win, our hard work definitely did not go unnoticed.
Participating in Cosmo Couture was an unforgettable experience for Interplan. It was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. We are proud of the garment we created with Mohawk, and we hope it inspired others to see the possibilities that unconventional materials can offer in the world of fashion. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue exploring new ways to merge design with innovative materials, always aiming for a vision that is truly “Out Of This World.” Stay tuned for more creative adventures as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in design!
Many thanks to Interplan's design team, which included Aylssa Farmer, Erika Martinez, Melissa Tuck, Michael Field, Tamiko Acuna, and our Mohawk Group collaborator, Emily Lamendola.
