From New Orleans to Orléans, France
Connected Capsule in The FRAC Centre, Orléans, France; Modèles: Léa Boulais, Laure Kissangou, Marie Dervaux
Version française: https://thechicpsyche.com/blog/fr/connectedcapsule
New Orleans Fashion Week (NOFW) has been the major outlet for runway shows in the gulf coast area since 2011. Founder and creative director, Tracee Dundas has been the influential fashionable woman of the South, creating a platform for local designers and brands to unite. As an intern for Tracee for three years, I learned so much from her, and now as a friend, I continue to admire her work and collaborations with well-established organizations. While there has been much discussion and insight on the yearly runway shows, I wanted to feature NOFW in a different light to show a new element that includes its partnerships with large institutions, most recently sister city Orléans, France.
The Collaboration
Tracee Dundas for Connected Capsule @nolafashionweek
The initial fashion collaboration between the sister cities began last year when Tina Blanche, founder and president of Famous Art, an association for the arts in Orléans, showcased designs in a NOFW runway presentation. Béatrice Odunlami, former Deputy Mayor of Orléans explained the importance of the connection between the cities, which incorporates both cultures to promote tourism and share similarities, such as food, language, and art. The event was held at the renowned Degas House and recognized by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the French Consulate in Louisiana, and the French American Chamber of Commerce.
On June 20th the two cities partnered to create one of the first virtual fashion shows, known as Connected Capsule, a runway presentation inspired by the pandemic and current world events. Through the relationship that evolved between Beatrice and Tracee, Beatrice reached out on behalf of Famous Art to brainstorm ways in which the two could collaborate and continue to cultivate the sister cities’ relationship.
Famous Art’s vision aims to connect people with creativity through art and fashion shows, as well as through incorporating elements of philanthropic acts, such as showing fashion and donating supplies to schools in Africa. The mission of the organization aligns with NOFW’s passion for connecting artistically talented people to design and create.
Tina Blanche and Béatrice Odunlami for Connected Capsule in The FRAC Centre, Orléans, France @bea_odunlami @fraccentre
Native to New Orleans, I am passionate about the French culture and language. The beauty and cultural aspect of the show, including the French music and ballerina entertainment prompted me to learn more about how the show was created. I had the honor of talking with Tina, Beatrice, and Tracee following Connected Capsule to discuss the details of the show, the challenges involved, and message that it conveyed across the world.
The Show
Tina designed and choreographed the fashion show, which took place at The Frac Centre, a modern art museum in Orléans. She expressed that the virtual event posed challenges and was particularly difficult to choreograph to ensure that the models and ballerina entertainment were within the views of both the camera, for the online viewers, and the small audience that was in attendance (due to COVID-19 restrictions).
Modèles: 1. Lea Boulais, Laure Kissangou, Marie Dervaux - 2. Laure Kissangou - 3. Sarah Castro - 4. Safi Bere - 5. Manon Enguerand - 6. Shanice Marcelin 7. -Louise Lemette / Léa Boulais
The garments and accessories were uniquely beautiful and incredibly chic, incorporating an elegant style with bold textures, fabrics, and masks. In addition to the masks, Tina explained that the puffy sleeves and skirts were representative of protection, symbolizing the pandemic. Masks from the designs were also sent to Tracee in New Orleans for NOFW to utilize for the photos and videos that she created for Connected Capsule. The long rope and string incorporated into the garments represented the connection between the sister cities, and the metallic outfits and modern venue illustrated a futuristic society.
A Deeper Meaning
This fashion show takes on a significant meaning, going beyond showcasing beautiful clothing and designs. It symbolizes and captures the uniting of people across the world, even during the most difficult of times. Béatrice mentioned that upon beginning this collaboration, COVID was a barrier, but the virtual aspect revealed that there can still be ways to connect with others during difficult times. She said that they used this world problem to create something beautiful.
Tracee gave further insight to a deeper meaning behind this runway show, bringing to light how fashion has always played a role, transformed, and left footprints throughout the history of world events and crises. Just as there have been fashion transformations during global catastrophes, such as during world wars, Connected Capsule found a way to implement fashion during a pandemic. In addition, Tracee mentioned that fashion is changing, so it would make sense to see that the style of runway shows might reflect that, as well.
As a virtual audience member watching the show, I felt a sense of unity and oneness with the world. During hardships, people find comfort through coming together, and this virtual fashion show allowed me to experience these emotions while thinking about all that our world currently endures. Connecting globally through art sends a powerful message.
Models: Shontiera Allen, Rachel Pizzolato, Cameron Pikes; Makeup: Pilar Miranda; Hair: Holly Heymann; Fashion Stylist and Photographer: Tracee Dundas.