Welcome Lydia Spears & Keerthi Nagapudi
Student Directors
MAD Tech
Design Studies
e are so excited to present Art2Wear 2025: Revive! The theme Revive has been a prominent source of inspiration for the direction of Art2Wear’s production this year. We wanted to revive the history of Art2Wear and lean into the unconventional nature of the organization by reinterpreting the classic runway style show. This year’s project would not have been possible without the extraordinary team working behind the scenes. Directing this year was never-ending fun, and we cannot wait to see where these incredible people take Art2Wear in the coming years.
Lydia’s Thanks:
As a previous designer and long-time enjoyer of the club, nothing could have been more special than being a co-director alongside my best friend Keerthi. Keerthi and I have been roommates since we were freshman. This is our last year of school together, so it’s been incredibly bittersweet to work with her before our departure from this four year journey together. She’s been the perfect counterpart to me and has not failed to amaze me with her passion and unfaltering commitment to this club. We truly could not have done it without any one of our student and faculty leadership members. Through all of it, there’s been so much laughter, love and support. It was an honor to lead these designers through their processes and I’m so proud to show everyone what’s come from all of their hard work.
Keerthi’s
Thanks:
Co-directing this year’s Art2Wear production has been such a rewarding experience that I will continue to cherish. I feel incredibly privileged to have worked alongside such an incredible and talented group of people. The dedication from everyone involved in this project is undeniable, and it has been so fulfilling to have a part in such a collaborative community. Lastly, co-directing with Lydia, my best friend and roommate of four years, has been such a unique experience and feels like the best send-off I could have ever asked for. Throughout my college career, Lydia has consistently motivated me to be my most creative self. Her talent has been and will always be so inspiring, and it made being a co-director one of the best experiences.
Mark Elison Hoversten
Ph.D., FASLA, AICP Dean, College of Design
NC State University
evive, the theme of this year’s Art2Wear event, perfectly describes a new approach to a decades-long tradition. Working with the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, this year’s show highlights the hard work of our student designers, positioned against a backdrop of past collections.
While many hands work together to bring the show to life, the work it takes to do so could not be done without the strong support network and intimate nature of this college. I applaud the work of so many undertaking this herculean task, whether as a designer presenting their wearable art for the world to see or for the supporting staff of the college and the Gregg.
Revive also speaks to spring, to new beginnings and fresh starts. I hope that the trajectory of this showcase brings a new era to Art2Wear, and that continued partnerships across campus and across the university will flourish.
Map Key
Exit Only Doors
Designer Collections
Art2Wear 2025 has reinterpreted the traditional runway show, transforming into an immersive experience. Throughout the Gregg Museum, collections will be showcased in designated areas, with models bringing each design to life through dynamic performances.
Guests will have 35 minutes to explore the museum and view the collections at their
Following the show, join us outside for mocktails and a final walkthrough of the designs,
Faculty Remarks
Adrienne McKenzie
B.A., B.A.D., M.A.D.
Arts Production Specialist
Costume Technician, University Theatre Lecturer, Media Arts, Design and Technology
elcome to another year of Art2Wear! As one of the College of Design – Media Arts, Design and Technology faculty advisors, I have been both incredibly awed and proud to have worked with such talented and dedicated students as they have cultivated this year’s show, Revive.
The value in creating wearable art (Art2Wear) and the versatility of its presence in our lives continues to draw countless students from various degree programs to create collections of work to share with our greater community. This year we were excited to move from the platform of a stage to an immersive exhibition of creative work at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design. This exhibition style performance is a nod of revival to Art2Wear’s earlier production days – intimate gatherings between audience and art.
With this year’s production at the museum, audience members will be able to see the incredible amount of detail and technical craft that goes into creating these one-of-a-kind pieces, as they move throughout a display of live models - up close and personal. From hand-sewn beads to sculpted clay and dyed fabrics – the textures, silhouettes, and details of Art2Wear will come to life directly in front of you – nothing to be missed and everything to be appreciated.
I congratulate every student involved in the production of the 2025 Art2Wear show. The knowledge and experience they acquire in producing a large-scale event with countless variables is an invaluable educational and pre-professional experience, both in and outside of the classroom. You are, and will continue to be, the reason for the success of Art2Wear!
Many thanks to fellow faculty and staff for their contributions and fearless support in the continual creation of this event!
he history of Art2Wear as a student-run event celebrating the creativity of our students and creating wearable art that explores art, design, media and motion is one of the hallmarks of the last 25 years of the College of Design. This year’s theme, Revive, celebrates the roots of this great tradition with new and innovative spins. Holding it at the Gregg Museum, and reconceptualizing the show as a “walking exhibit” that pays homage to the past while also looking to the future, embodies the bold, experimental and innovative spirit of the student leadership and vision of Art2Wear. Over the years, many faculty have played a critical role in Art2Wear, including Susan Brandeis, Katherine Diuguid, Kate Greder and Adrienne McKenzie. Art2Wear would not be what it is without these amazing teachers.
But Art2Wear has always been a student initiative and it is truly the dedication of the students that make it what it is, and bring the energy, excitement and vision of the event. Lydia Spears and Keerthi Nagapudi have been amazing directors for this year’s event and have brought together a dedicated group of students – their tireless vision, flexibility of thought, process and production has made the reinvention of Art2Wear an amazing feat to witness. I am so grateful and proud of this group of student directors, and to the amazing designers who give their all to creating pieces of art that truly challenge what fashion and wearable technology can be.
Over the years, Art2Wear has been made possible by the generous support of corporate donations as well as funding and support from many people and entities including local businesses, the College of Design Leaders Council, College of Design staff and administrators from the dean’s office, Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology, communications, development, finance and facilities. I would also like to thank the tireless dedication of Katherine Klinger, Adrienne McKenzie and Ryan Khan for their leadership in managing multiple layers of people and procedures required to produce Art2Wear.
Tania Allen
Interim Department Head of Media Arts, Design and Technology
In 2025, the Art2Wear program once again brings new ideas, light, passion and creativity together for a truly novel and unique experience. These students show what the best of young designers can do with their talent and passion. Join me in congratulating their incredible accomplishment!
Gregg Museum of Art & Design
Riley
Holt
Visitor Services and Security Coordinator
t has been a rejuvenating and exciting experience working alongside the Art2Wear student directors and production team to create this year’s show in a brand new way. Art2Wear
team has gone beyond expectations, and I am grateful to be a part of this year’s show. It has been a treat to see their ideas and hard work come to life over the past two semesters. I want to offer a huge congratulations and thanks to the students, staff and everyone involved in this show.
o-creating with the College of Design and the Art2Wear student group allows the Gregg Museum of Art & Design to enhance its role as a community-centered space for NC State students.
This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration, elevating audience reach and reputation of all involved through the exhibition “Art2Wear: Through the Archives” and the “Revive” wearable art event. Additionally, artist Danielle Hatch developed a large-scale outdoor textile artwork coinciding with Art2Wear and honoring the contributions of strong women in North Carolina as part of the sewing labor movement. Through this project, Art2Wear students are gaining insights into the intersections of public art, design and fashion.
I extend gratitude to the dedicated Art2Wear group and Gregg Museum staff leaders, including Mary Hauser, Associate Director, and Riley Holt, Students and Visitor Experience Lead, for their leadership in guiding the Art2Wear student group.
Sara Segerlin
What is Art2Wear?
rt2Wear (A2W) is an educational event where students gain experience by coordinating and producing an annual wearable art production. Young designers are challenged to imagine, create and inspire by expressing their point of view through wearable art. This highly anticipated show fuses the talents of several departments in the College of Design and beyond, exposing student designers to the broader field of wearable art, digital media productions and fashion. A2W attracts attendees from all over the Triangle by encouraging participation through engaging the student body, the Raleigh community and the broader design industry.
Mission
Vision
Our mission is to inspire and empower students to explore the art of wearable creations by providing a platform for them to express their creativity and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Through collaboration, innovation and education, we aim to create a community that values and celebrates the intersection of art, fashion and the digital world. We strive to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth and expression, and to showcase the power of wearable art as a medium for storytelling.
Our vision is to inspire a new generation of artists and designers to use wearable art as a canvas to create unique, imaginative and thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional ideas of fashion and art. We hope to encourage the blend of physical and digital construction to push the imaginations of the next generation of designers.
Wearable Art & Technology
Wearable art is a product or sculptural piece that interacts with the body and serves as either a cultural artifact, an artistic expression, a reflector of society, outward illustration of a person’s identity, starter of revolutions, economic building block, basic human need or body covering. Technology serves to enhance and elevate the story of these wearable pieces through digital storytelling, immersion or to push the boundaries of what “wearable” means.
Lounge Exhibition at the Gregg
n 2025, Art2Wear collaborated with the Gregg Museum of Art & Design to co-curate the exhibition Art2Wear: Through the Archives, featuring student designs, print, video and photo materials chronicling the organization. One of the only student-run organizations of its kind, the 2025 Art2Wear team, inspired by its theme, Revive, wished to create an exhibition that revisits the production’s roots. From small beginnings in the fiber arts program to Reynolds Coliseum, the gallery highlights student designs from every era. The wide variety of materials, technology and form across the exhibition emphasizes Art2Wear’s bold and innovative philosophy towards wearable art. Art2Wear: Through the Archives showcases the work of its behind-the-scenes student committees as well. Past booklets and promotional materials scratch the surface of a year-long effort by students across NC State to produce Art2Wear. Finally, the exhibition presents the question, “What is next for Art2Wear?”, looking to the future of student talent brimming with new ideas.
Leadership
he Art2Wear leadership team is a collaborative group of staff and students who work together to aid in the vision of Art2Wear’s show. They are involved in the planning and execution of the event, as well as important behind the scenes tasks.
Katherine Klinger
University Program Associate Production Consultant
Emma Huber Aurelia Pyrczak
Junior Director Marketing
Consultant
Junior Director Production Head
Consultant
Consultant
Brooke Parrinello
Aurora Henderson
Arynn Baginski
Student Board Communications Fundraising
Not Pictured: Lauryn Henderson, Veronika Sommerova
Gracie Wood Committee Head
Evie Dallmann*
Anastacy Golovidov Committee Co-Head
Abigail Harris Committee Co-Head
Laura Doody
Production
Committee Head
Aurelia Pyrczak
Not Pictured: *Evie Dallmann, Logan Gray, Annabelle Greene, Madeline Jackson, Lina Pettaris, Nawshin Sakib, Veronika Sommerova, Jalah Thurmond
Joseph Sabatino
Julia Grace Hardy
Mae Sharpless Autumn Tate Samuel Sheppard
Kai Newsome
The Fall of Icarus
t is important to revive or reminisce about the past or we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. The gods of old were believed to punish even the greatest of men. Luring the common man to their demise with their power, just or not. However, some people do stray from the path and are dealt with accordingly. Many who believe themselves to be great men are victims to one of humanities blights, hubris. There is no better example of this ignorance than the story of Icarus, who fell from the sky as punishment for his egotism.
To encapsulate this balance, we developed the idea of a dance between humans and their hubris. This performance seeks to show humanity that although we think we can master every part of our world, we will make a misstep that can ruin us. We were inspired by ancient Greco-Roman visuals and clothing, medieval garment construction, as well as a mixture of masquerade, ballet and the usage of the human face to entrance and disturb the viewers. We strive to represent revival of an old tale, which we must not forget, with our dance through the clouds. Each step they take followed by the pluck of a feather or two, as we witness the inevitable, again and again, the Fall of Icarus.
We want to thank our friends, families and the Art2Wear Team for supporting this project. The Art2Wear team have guided us through the evolution of this project and have helped bring our vision to life. We have cherished this experience and will take the knowledge and skills we have gained and apply it to our future endeavors. We congratulate our fellow designers on their incredible work, collaboration and community. A special shout out to Aurelia Pyrczak and Alli Jo LaFevers for allowing our apartment to be an at-home studio and for being the heart and soul behind this project.
Mia Potter & Devyn Williams
Fashion Design
Fashion Development and Product Management
‘Til Mourning Comes
il Mourning Comes is a wearable art piece following the story of a transformation of a mortal overtaken by a banshee, set in a haunting, swampy forest. Through the symbolism of possession, the piece delves into the process of self-growth and liberation, as the model removes parts of the garment—each black fragment representing the restrictive forces of possession. The unraveling crochet, spiraling outward, mirrors the soul’s journey, reflecting internal conflict, growth and eventual release.
The performance acts as an exorcism, where the model sheds these layers, engaging in a physical act of catharsis. As each piece is discarded, a release of emotional and spiritual tension occurs, symbolizing the battle between restriction, surrender and freedom. The act of unraveling and deconstructing the fibers echoes the healing process—painful, yet necessary—for reclaiming one’s autonomy and sense of self.
Through this piece, I explore the tension between destruction and creation, engaging with the fibers in ways I have never before. The garment becomes both a prison and a means of transformation, highlighting the power of letting go as a form of renewal and self-realization. In this exploration of body, soul, spirit and mind, the piece challenges the audience to consider the boUndaries between these elements, leaving them to question whether the battle is internal or external after all.
I would like to dedicate this piece to my grandmother, who crafted, sewed and crocheted with me as a child, and inspired my return to working with fibers as an adult. Although she has passed, I aspire to continue her legacy and honor the deep connection we shared by never giving up on creating. Her struggles at various points in her life with mental illness, dementia and cancer—“evil spirits” in their own ways—mirror the themes of transformation and growth present in this work, equally echoing my own struggles in grieving her. Through it all, her strength and unwavering love moved me. She was an extraordinary person, and I strive to embody her power and warmth in my own life.
I also want to thank my friends, whose support, both creative and emotional, has been invaluable in bringing this piece to life. I’m forever grateful for their love and encouragement.
Alyx Hucks
Graphic & Experience Design
The Return Home
his piece is a tribute to the cycle of life, death and rebirth. The law of conservation of energy states that all energy is neither created nor destroyed, but changes forms. This reflects my belief that death is not just the end, but the beginning. It’s a return to our origins in the earth– a reclamation that is beautiful, imminent and necessary for the natural flow of the universe.
This piece explores the balance between life’s fragility and its enduring strength. The materials and textures symbolize this balance: strong branches and wrapping blankets of moss provide stability, leaving room for delicate flowers and passing animals that combine to create a single ecosystem. I also wanted to capture the grief and the beauty in the transformation that follows death. Both light and dark are represented in the details: soft greenery and colorful flowers contrast with decaying skin and scavenging insects.
Historically, something that has been viewed as sinister and tragic also carries an unappreciated beauty. Death, to me, is not something to fear, but something that should be embraced as a natural, eternal rhythm. We are all born of the same energy, and upon death, it will be returned to the earth. Human lives may be limited, but the energy of the soul is infinite. The impermanence of our lives means that every moment is rare, beautiful and worthy of being cherished.
This piece is dedicated to my grandfather, who always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my passions. What began as a way to process his passing has grown into something much deeper. In reflecting on his memory, I’ve found beauty and comfort in places I’d only ever known as empty and dark. I now find myself so much more capable of appreciating the life I’ve been given, and the memories I carry with me.
The world around us is a delicate balance, with beauty in both the light and the dark, in the pain and the joy. Papa, you were a shining light in my life, and the darkness you left behind is just as beautiful because it’s a reflection of the love and wisdom you took with you. I will always be grateful for the time I had with you, and the memories you left behind.
Danford-Klein
Life After Death
ife After Death is a collection centered around the revival of oneself. Throughout life, we experience cycles of birth and rebirth. We find ourselves, lose ourselves, and become something new. We navigate trials, tribulations, anxieties, discoveries, comfort and discomfort as we grow and improve. Life After Death aims to showcase this transformative process through the lens of zombification, offering different perspectives on life, death and life after death.
The first piece in the collection, Life, symbolizes comfort—who you are now, encompassing all your goals, dreams and anxieties. It presents an overstimulating yet beautiful display of color, highlighting the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming aspects of life. Death represents the loss of oneself or the realization that one isn’t entirely content with their current state. It reflects a moment of rest, boredom and despair, as one seeks to discover their true self and what brings genuine happiness. Zombie represents self-actualization—the idea that by discovering what gives you purpose you can achieve fulfillment, symbolized here through the act of “eating brains.” This signifies finding comfort, understanding and optimism for the future.
While this process of self-discovery has been greatly simplified, we hope this collection encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys and discover which pieces resonate most deeply with them.
We’d love to extend our thanks to Adrienne for all of the knowledge you shared, and making us better sewers; we couldn’t do this without you!
Thanks to my sister and friends for their support throughout the creation of this collection! I’d like to give a special thanks to David for inspiring me to be a part of A2W. I’ve discovered a new passion and I’m forever grateful that I got to help you do it the year before. - Caleb
To Caleb: I want to thank you for making this dream of mine come true. You pushed me to do this even when I was so scared because I had failed before. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you. - Maia
Lastly, special thanks to our models and Annabelle for giving their time and energy to our collection and for being the best models and set designer to ever walk the earth!
Caleb Sowah & Maia Lindgren
Biochemistry
Ornaments of Being
he Ornaments of Being is an effort to revive the episodic memories of my past and my true self from childhood.
Decorating the neuron ‘branches’ and incorporating photographs into the piece provides a new look at my being and legacy that has become hazy. Cyanotypes, various found childhood objects and souvenirs represent memories distorted and changing nature over time. Ornaments of Being’s purpose is to remember the fleeting moments of a single life, and the connection with one’s existence.
Thank you to my family and friends for encouraging me to put in the work on this project and believe in myself!
Sophie Dickerson
Graphic & Experience Design
Ignite
his piece rejects the rigid expectations of 1950s women, where domesticity was both obligation and identity. It follows the slow unraveling of a woman who has spent her life conforming, only to realize the walls around her were never her own. Her liberation is not instant but a charged transformation, tension building until eruption is inevitable.
Once symbols of submission, the tools that confined her become weapons of defiance. Worn down, her frayed dress and weary posture reflect the weight of expectation. But as smoke curls around her, suppressed rage begins to manifest. The objects around her shift in meaning, submission turns to reclamation.
Then, she erupts. Smoke swirls as she rises from the ruins of expectation, her old life reduced to ash. This is more than destruction, it is defiance and renewal. Rather than letting her past weigh her down, she draws strength from it, turning her struggles into fuel for her freedom.
To my friends and family, thank you for your endless support, brainstorming sessions and for always believing in my vision. Adrienne McKenzie, thank you for teaching me how to use a sewing machine. Her fibers studio I took in Fall 2024 played a key role in my decision to pursue designing for Art2Wear. Without taking this class and learning about different sewing and embroidery techniques, I would not have even considered the opportunity. I still remember walking the Art2Wear catwalk as a freshman in 2022, carrying my paper project and looking up to the designers who had created full collections, convinced that could never be me. And now, here I am. I highly encourage everyone, whether a design major or not, to take on designing for Art2Wear. It’s an incredible opportunity to push creative boundaries, bring bold concepts to life and gain hands-on experience in fashion, sculpture and performance.
Charlotte Da
Graphic & Experience Design
Palingenesis
alingenesis is a collection dedicated to the little deaths and rebirths every individual undergoes during their time on Earth. The human experience is a constant cycle of different lives lived, lessons learned and feelings felt. This collection further delves into the theme of revival through the designer’s exploration of her own cultural roots. In recent years, traditional Korean fashion has been undergoing its own revival. Young people are modernizing the traditional hanbok and other fashions to fit our constantly changing world and lifestyles. As a designer who is half-Korean, this endeavor is my attempt at connecting with my heritage, and subsequently rethinking my sense of self expression and identity.
This collection has been divided into three separate looks, which are Maiden, Han and Atlas.
I send my love and thanks first to my parents, who have always encouraged me in my creative endeavors and through my schooling. Without your support, I would not be where I am today and have accomplished what I have, I am so thankful. I would like to thank my teachers and professors, who over the years have gifted me their knowledge, helped shaped my outlook and pushed me to reach my potential. Lastly, thank you Matthew. Your love and support are more than I could have ever asked for, I can’t wait to share this collection with you.
Elle Newkirk Architecture
Baggage
ur environmental baggage as a society grows with every passing second, which means a revival of the environment will be a long and complicated process. This wearable art piece is meant to shed some light on our over-consumption of plastic, specifically single-use grocery bags. I am reviving single-use grocery bags as a textile material because plastic bags are an unnecessary item that plagues landfills, oceans and other parts of our planet. The average single-use grocery bag is used for only 12 minutes and then is thrown away, remaining in the environment for up to 1,000 years. If plastic production is not slowed down, we will have a bleak future. The character portrayed lives in this future where plastic is the only resource left for clothing and household items. Watch as she flaunts her overconsumption of plastic, serving as a reminder that plastic has no place this integrated into our lives.
I would like to thank my friends, family, colleagues and peers who have kept single-use grocery bags for recycling and have donated them to me for this project. Thank you to my mom, dad and sister who have all helped me fold, cut, sort and braid bags for my piece. Lastly, thank you to anyone actively working or supporting the research and development of better recycling practices. I would like for everyone watching to think about the simple ways they can eliminate excess consumption of plastic from their lives. The topic of environmental revival is very daunting, so taking things one step at a time is key. My idea - step one, is to keep to a supply of reusable bags for shopping, which will stop the large production of single-use plastic bags.
Scan for more information about the collection.
Megan Mersch
Graphic & Experience Design ‘24 @meganmerschdesign
Special Thanks
Soft Constructions Studio
Adrienne McKenzie
Beverly Martin
Jasmine Coleman
Mixed Reality Lab
Ryan Khan & Virtual Production Team
Media Arts, Design and Technology
Tania Allen
Katherine Klinger
Video Production
Evie Dallmann
Grace McNabb
Joseph Sabatino
Mae Sharpless
Gregg Museum
Amanda Reed
Christopher Garrison
Dana DiMaio
Mary Hauser
Matthew Gay
Riley Holt
Riley Holy
Sara Segerlin
Tamara Velasco
Zoe Starling
Mark Hoverstein
Randy Woodson
Ella Glitzer
Emma Huber
Lauren Tran
Reese Anderson
College of Design & Wilson College of Textiles
Christian Karkow
Bailey Knight
Chancellor Photography
Kyle Lewis (Videography)
Matthew Maharaj
Contributors College of Design Dean Makeup Hair
Oluwasola Israel Abimbola @theajibadisrael
Prashanth Vennapusa
Rachel Laminack @chocolateoatmilk.jpg
Raleigh Fine Arts
Ella Glitzeer
Jalah Thurmond
Reese Anderson
Jurors
Anna Lee
Jean Gray
Miranda Green
Rachel Gore
Ian Stewart
Kai Newsome
Sam Sheppard @sepi.wav
Music First Year Experience
Grace Anderson
Cailee Bennett
Carlos Bedon
Annie Chang
Milo Ciccone
Paz Doune-Bosch
Jocelyn Heustis
Sam Howard
Meg Lee
Abigail Mitchell
Zoe Muti
Maddy Strudwick
Support Art2Wear
Visit go.ncsu.edu/donate-a2w or scan the qr code to support Art2Wear.
All funds raised by Art2Wear are collected and managed by the NC State University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
