‘Unbound’ gives designers release

(Credit: Submitted photo)

Fashion designer Nikki Blaine usually finds inspiration in all things glamour. But recently, this Indiana native has been exploring a more unusual path — human anatomy. Her latest collection, “The Transparency Series,” explores physiology through wearable art. The series  features two pieces: one mini dress and one evening gown, both constructed with red denim to signify blood, while materials such as broken mirror, glass beads, chains, and even small pieces of fencing represent mental and emotional strain.

Blaine, 35, is one of 40 designers chosen to participate in Project IMA: Fashion Unbound, a runway show inspired by the current exhibition “Body Unbound: Contemporary Couture.” The Oct. 22 show at the Indianapolis Museum of Art features national designers, but the majority are based in Indiana, including Beth Bennent of B. Trousseau Couture, Catherine Fritsch of Sweet Revenge Lingerie, and Jerry Lee Atwood of Jerry Lee’s Western Wear.

“Body Unbound,” on display through Jan. 30, looks at the way avant-garde designers, from Jean Paul Gaultier to Gianni Versace, have manipulated or liberated the female form. Likewise, Project IMA candidates were encouraged to submit designs featuring uncanny silhouettes and unusual materials; they responded with creations incorporating coffee filters, plastic bags and scrap lace.

This year, the stakes are raised with triple the number of competitors, but only two available awards. Three judges will award the top designer with the $500 Elizabeth Kraft-Meek Fashion Award. The Audience Choice winner will be voted on via text messaging.

About 1,000 people attended the first Project IMA in 2008 (tied to “Breaking the Mode”). It was such a success that both Blaine and Fritsch said they jumped at the opportunity to participate in “Fashion Unbound.”
 
The show starts at 7 p.m.; public tickets are $12. A $50 ticket gets you admission to the show and the “Behind the Seams” after-party. Info: www.imamuseum.org.