Coalesse Archives

Last month, Bialosky Cleveland once again took to the runway in support of Providence House, a crisis nursery fighting to end child abuse and neglect, in IIDA Cleveland/Akron's biennial design competition Product Runway. The competition challenges interior designers, architects, and artists to test their creativity and technical skills by transforming interior finish materials (such as upholstery, ceramic tile, and laminates) into runway-fashion. This year's event took place during MIX at The Cleveland Museum of Art, drawing a crowd of 2,300+ people from across the community. Cleveland native, and Project Runway alum, Valeri Mayen of Yellowcake served as this year's celebrity judge.

2017 marks Bialosky's third Product Runway (see our entries from 2013 and 2015), and we showed up in a big way with two teams competing for the top prize. Our teams consisted of: Bialosky:Element: Christy Schalmo, Alan Hipps (Model), Sam Meyer,Hallie DelVillan, Chris Persons, and Courtney Bell (DL Couch) and Just A Little Cocky: Sandy Weigel, Mandisa Gosa, Emma Kurfis (Model), Bridget Hrdlicka, Miranda Hiss (Ohio Desk), and Maria Asser (Ohio Desk).

Model Alan Hipps owning the runway for team Bialosky:Element

Bialosky:Element
The design of Bialosky:Element’s outfit was an exploration of raw corrosive forces, and how they translate into garments. Materials including vinyl wall covering, and colors were chosen that call to mind patinaed copper or rusting iron. That palette was advanced through outfit elements that seemed to make materials corrode each other, dissolving into complementary colors and forms. The main article—an overcoat—expressed an asymmetry through lapel construction, a one-sided collar, and a facial prosthetic that balanced the composition. It emphasized a single line drawn across the body through the entire jacket. Beginning in front, that line terminated in a disintegrating geometric pattern on the back of the garment, completing the look.

Model Emma Kurfis doing her best rooster strut for team Just a Little Cocky

Just A Little Cocky
Inspired by the Chinese Year of the Rooster, our team designed a garment that was both bold and detailed. We created an intricate stylized feather pattern over the fitted bodice with laser cut pieces of plastic laminate that mimicked the scale and pattern of a Designtex fabric. The ‘feather’ pattern was softened by adding brightly colored pieces of drapery fabric. The accent color serves to visually connect the top with the ruffled base of the vinyl mermaid-style skirt. We completed the look with rooster-inspired hair and make-up. Special thanks to our sponsors Designtex and Coalesse and our hair and make-up team Jen Brennan and Tierra Banks!

This year's competition was steep and unfortunately, neither of our Bialosky teams took home a prize. Congratulations to this years winners and a job well done to all teams that participated. We can't wait for 2019!