Equine Adaptability in Fashion Design Studio II and Advanced Fashion Technologies

Abstract

The fashion department of O’More College of Architecture and Design at Belmont University partnered with Saddle Up! to create meaningful connections for the students enrolled in both programs. Saddle Up! provides opportunities for youth with disabilities to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational, and recreational experiences with horses. These equestrian students were paired with O’More fashion students to design and produce a customized riding uniform. The opportunity provided an experience for the fashion student to create adaptive garments for someone with special needs. The design process merged traditional methods of flat pattern drafting and draping together with advanced digital technologies. Not only were student designers able to iterate sustainably, vet concepts quickly and readily, and ensure a customized fit for the Saddle Up! students, but the digital process also allowed the students to share digital renderings of the designs with the equestrian students for approval before cutting any materials. Custom prints were created using graphic software and were then uploaded into 3D, producing photorealistic renders to show design concepts. The combination of traditional techniques with advanced technology created successful experiences for the fashion and equestrian students alike, making connections with the physical and digital realms, but even more importantly, making a new friend and helping them bring their ideas to life digitally and physically. The partnership is an example of how O’More College of Architecture and Design partners with underserved populations to develop diverse leaders of purpose, character, wisdom, and transformational mindset, eager and equipped to make the world a better place