Each year, the Rochester Area Builders Association puts on a charity event to benefit Habitat for Humanity. It’s called Studs, Struts, and Stilettos and is a construction fashion show! At least 40% of the runway look needs to be made with raw building materials. All proceeds go to Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity. This year’s theme was ‘works of art’. We had a blast and were blown away by the talent and effort that went into each runway creation!
Our design was based on the painting The Dream by Henri Rousseau. Isn’t it beautiful? So colorful and full of life. There were so many things from the painting that we wanted to incorporate into the look.
The preliminary sketch! We wanted a gown with a dramatic overskirt. Excited to get to work!
Building Materials Used:
Astro turf
window screen
paint sample sheets
laminate countertop
upholstery fabric
tarp
blueprints
rope
spray paint
Playing around with the basic design and shape of the gown using layers of window screen and tarp to create an overskirt.
‘kick pleat’ in the back of the overskirt made from upholstery faux fur fabric
Paint sample sheets in a variety of greens for details on bodice
lots of tracing and cutting! :)
Astro turf was cut in rhombus shapes using a quilting ruler, then glued and sewn onto the bodice.
origami lotus flowers made from blueprints! :)
time to add some color!
great pop of tropical color
Paint sample leaves were sewn in layers along top edge of dress in the front and back.
One ruffle sleeve was made from two pieces of accordion-folded green tarp.
Bodice completed with finishing touches of blue sequins. We made a snake to go around one arm made from braiding rope, upholstery fabric, sequins and craft jewels.
Back side of overskirt with completed kick pleat! Lion head is made from laminate flooring samples, paint sample sheets, and upholstery fabric.
Adding final touches and embellished shoes.
Completed project on the eve of the show! Ready and excited raise money for a great cause.
Hair and makeup provided by Rocco Altobelli Salon and Day Spa. Like our mini origami lotus flower for hair ? :)
Photo provided by Cheryl Scranton of Rocco Altobelli Salons.
Completed look on day of the show!
Back stage waiting for our turn
After party
Jessica’s turn to strut her stuff :)
We are so grateful to be able to help raise money for such an important cause! And it’s always better when you have a blast doing it. :) Have a great week!