Rochester City Center and AIA Rochester third annual Product Runway
On October 26, 2024, the IIDA NY Rochester City Center and AIA Rochester proudly hosted the third annual Product Runway, a highly anticipated event that merged the worlds of fashion, architecture, and design. In collaboration with Fashion Week Rochester, this one-of-a-kind runway show featured original garments inspired by 18th-century fashion and furniture. These creations were not only influenced by historical aesthetics but were made with innovative use of building materials, with 80% of the materials provided by industry sponsors.
The event showcased the ingenuity of local architecture firms, design companies, and industry partners, who transformed products from leading manufacturers into stunning couture garments. The materials used ranged from textiles to architectural finishes, lighting, and other design products, all crafted into unique and elaborate fashion pieces. The challenge was to create a piece that blended the world of fashion with the functional, often industrial, nature of construction materials. This intersection of architecture and fashion offered a visual celebration of creativity and innovation.
The participating firms and designers worked tirelessly to craft pieces that were not only wearable but also functional and imaginative. The following local firms and industry partners took part in this groundbreaking event:
CJS Architects sponsored by Drapery Industries & Source
Colliers Engineering & Design sponsored by Mannington Commercial & Sandler
DJCA (Designing for the Future) sponsored by Tile Wholesalers & ArcCom
HUNT EAS sponsored by Wolf Gordon & Shaw Contract
LaBella Associates sponsored by Interface/Nora & Pallas
Sedgwick Business Interiors sponsored by MillerKnoll & Maharam
SEI Design Group sponsored by J+J Flooring & Matter Surfaces
SWBR sponsored by Designtex/Steelcase & Mayer Fabrics
These teams brought their unique vision and expertise to the runway, utilizing products from their sponsor manufacturers in ways that were both surprising and spectacular. Each design conveyed a narrative, from sleek, modern silhouettes to dramatic, oversized architectural elements. The fusion of architectural precision and high fashion drew attention from both design professionals and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In addition to the runway show, the event provided an opportunity for networking and celebration, allowing designers, architects, manufacturers, and community members to connect and appreciate the creativity involved in the cross-disciplinary collaboration. The event was a testament to the power of design to transform everyday materials into art and the ability of the architecture and fashion communities to work in tandem to push the boundaries of both fields.
The People’s Choice Award was also a highlight of the event. Voted on by attendees, the award was presented to DJCA for their stunning creation, which captured the popular vote at the Product Runway Recap Party held on November 1, 2024, at Mercantile on Main. This recap party served as a final celebration of the event, where guests had the opportunity to admire the designs once more and engage with the creators behind the pieces.
Overall, Product Runway 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for local design talent to shine, showcase creative collaborations, and highlight the versatility of building materials in the world of fashion. It further solidified its reputation as a must-attend event that celebrates innovation, community engagement, and the intersection of design disciplines.
By uniting local industries in an innovative design spirit, Product Runway continues to be a highly anticipated event in the Rochester community and a vibrant showcase of the region's architectural and creative prowess.
