By Sobi Mere, Art Coordinator ∼
Last week, Penn State’s Fashion Society held one of its semi-annual fashion shows in the Palmer Museum of Art.
Sammana Wilson, fourth-year theatre BA major. Credit: Jackson Ranger
The Fashion Society creates a community for those excited to learn more about fashion and culture. As a member myself, I especially enjoy discussing recent industry trends with others who love fashion just as much as I do. I view fashion and art as I do a pair of socks because you cannot have one without the other. Also my favorite form of artistic expression, it is safe to say I was beyond excited to see the Fashion Society merge with Palmer for a night.
The event, titled the “Radical Love Gala,” was a joint effort as the February focus for Palmer’s monthly “Art After Hours” and a recognition and celebration for Penn State’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.
Participants in the show, who are also members of the club, strutted elegantly alongside the art pieces and displays. What made the show extra special was the inspiration for their attire—the artwork itself.
After the show, I had the pleasure of interviewing one model, Sammana Wilson. Sammana is a fourth-year theater BA student at University Park. During our conversation, she reflected on her experience crafting her outfit and preparing for the show. She also shared the reason the show was especially of deep significance to her.
Check out our conversation (revised for clarity and concision) below!
1. Which art piece did you select as your inspiration and why?
I selected “Still Life with Grapes” (by Severin Roesen) because it initially drew me in physically, but then I learned about the background and how it symbolizes wealth, abundance and prosperity. That really resonated with me, and the painting itself made me think about my own personal style and fashion.
2. How was the process of crafting your outfit?
The painting itself is already very bold in terms of colors and vibrance, so I wanted a more simple outfit. I decided to go with the color white, specifically off-white. I also wanted a finishing touch or pop of color, which is why I went with red nails and garnets.
Sammana Wilson next to Severin Roesen’s Still Life with Grapes. Credit: Palmer Museum of Art Instagram
3. Why did you choose to walk in the Palmer fashion show?
I began modeling last semester with Valley Magazine, and I enjoyed doing that so I wanted to try runway modeling to see how that would feel for me. I’m happy I did.
4. What does fashion mean to you?
To me, fashion means being able to express yourself in a way that is physical. I think for each person it varies on what fashion is, and I don’t think it is just one thing, but a variety of things depending on perspective.
5. What does art mean to you?
Art, to me, is either a human creation or a divine creation, and it doesn’t have to be in a physical form. Regardless, art is supposed to make you feel something and it’s supposed to draw you in.
6. How has the Palmer Museum of Art fashion show altered or enhanced your perception of art/fashion? If it remained the same, why didn’t it change?
It made me appreciate both fashion and art a bit more, and this place itself is going to be a core memory for me moving on. The other models all brought their own taste and sense of fashion, and that was very interesting to see because my fashion isn’t the same as someone else’s sense of style. It was nice to be able to appreciate everyone’s work.
Inside the Palmer Museum of Art. Credit: Palmer Museum of Art Instagram
7. What are your greatest takeaways after walking in the show?
My greatest takeaway–things aren’t always as bad as it seems. Before any big event, I feel like I’m never mentally nervous, but my body reacts physically, so I must be nervous to some degree. Before walking, I felt a bit nervous and I’m not sure if it showed at some point on the runway. There was a moment I was just like “okay it’s just me here and no one is looking.” I had a few nervous moments, but once I got into that first round I was like “I want to go again! I want to go again!”
8. What do you look forward to in the future?
I look forward to bringing more modest fashion to my work. I recently began converting to Islam in the spring of 2022. Today I didn’t dress, let’s say, as modestly as is expected in my religion. However, at the same time, I wanted to be able to show myself without feeling subconscious or insecure. I’m trying to find that balance of being able to show certain parts of me while also staying true to my religion.
Learn more about the Radical Love Gala from Penn State’s Daily Collegian!
Sobi Mere is a first-year student currently majoring in Pre-Medicine. She is the art coordinator for KLIO and a member of the art and poetry committees. She is also a part of the website development and ekphrastic initiative team. She has a passion for the sciences, especially biobehavioral health. When she is not designing clothing, modeling, or playing volleyball, she is usually watching interrogation videos and fueling her avid interest in criminology.