Keep STRUTing

by WHITNEY DOWNING photos by CASSIE MULHERON

As Kendall Battle prepared for the seventh annual STRUT fashion show, she also balanced her first year in college, and in the Art Foundation program. In November, Battle was selected as one of the eight fashion designers to present in the textilethemed show.

“I haven’t cried yet,” she says. A couple months later, her dorm room was covered in woven leather strips. But it wouldn’t have happened if a friend hadn’t suggested that she submit her designs on the day of the auditions. Thinking quickly, Battle prepared a slideshow of her past pieces and presented it to the planning committee in the Student Organizations room located in the Commons. They seemed to like her ideas and invited her to be apart of the design team. Then she began the work. Finding her inspiration through music, Battle was required to submit a total of six sketches before December. She had chosen to work with two fabrics— leather and velvet. After STRUT’s planning committee approved each sketch she started the tedious work.

“Its one thing to draw your ideas on paper but producing them into something tangible is a whole different story,” says Battle.

I was able to get a sneak peak of a piece she worked on over the winter break. It was a leather mini skirt accented with pieces of a broken mirror giving it an edgy rock and roll feel. She even had a few battle wounds to show for it. “But it’s worth it,” the young designer explains.

Battle was able to get access to the STRUT’s model try-outs held on February 2 and 3 because she is one of the designers. Both nights drew huge crowds of talented models all trying to land a spot on the runway. The judging committee allowed the designers to suggest who they would like to see their clothes.

This year’s STRUT drew a crowd of 1100 people to the Siegel Center. According to director Stefa’nie Thomas, a number that large has not been achieved since 2008. As one of the biggest fashion shows in the VCU community, and as part of Richmond Fashion Week, this was Kendall Battle’s chance to prove that she can handle the pressure.