Project Runway: Beaufort Style returns for the second “season” show, “Art of Couture Madness,” on Friday, September 24 at 7:30 PM at a new location – the USCB Performing Arts Center. “Art of Couture” class instructor Pat Wilcox has challenged her students to create fashions in four categories: everyday and formal wear; costumes; and tailored suits. Unlike the hit American reality television series Project Runway, where contestants are usually restricted by time, materials, and theme, Project Runway: Beaufort Style contestants are only restricted by their own creativity. Willcox has told her students to “have fun, create, let your mind’s eye run free, then capture your vision through sketches, fabric, and making your own patterns.” The students select their category(s), purchase their own material and work independently under the guidance of Willcox.
Teacher Willcox, owner of Pat Willcox Studio and Sewing Unlimited, has been a working artist for 20 years, with costume experience in the movie industry. She has worked on movies and television including, “Critical Condition,” “ The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “ Days of Thunder.” She started the class “Art of Couture” as a way to give back her knowledge of fashion design, reviving the notion that it’s more than a piece of clothing – it’s a work of art. She spends most of her time in class guiding her students’ creativity. Art of Couture students include: Barb Bradham, Meaghan Senn, Tina Prideau, Adam Rich, Stacie Van Helpern, Taisha Seymore, Sherry Morris, Phyllis Tisch, Heather Jarvis, Alicia Webb, and Jennifer Caninio.
“This project is the beginning of a wonderful partnership between USCB Performing Arts Center and the Art of Couture students,” said Willcox. We will be serving as the costume design team for all Beaufort Children’s Theatre and Beaufort Theatre Company productions this year. Productions range from the 1930’s (To Kill a Mockingbird) to 1960 (Godspell).”
All proceeds for Project Runway: Beaufort Style will go toward underwriting the cost of the Beaufort Children’s Theatre productions. Maleia Everidge will be the commentator for the evening event.
Project Runway tickets go on sale September 1. Tickets are general admission. Prices: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, and $5 for students. Call USCB box office 521-4145 and leave a message to reserve your ticket.
