Emily Li'23 Invited to London for Junk Kouture World Final
Senior Emily Li's wearable art piece "Older Motions,” has earned a spot in the Junk Kouture 2023 World Final! Emily is one of 10 New York City regional finalists and 60 total finalists from around the world. Emily and Visual Arts Faculty Alison will be flying out to London in October for the live event at OVO Arena Wembley. The winner of the competition will receive a prize of $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their design at a major fashion event.
In a video entry showcasing her work, Emily talks about her decision to use VHS film in her design. The piece “allows the vhs tapes to have physical movement beyond the motion pictures they have stored inside of them,” she explains. In addition, their light nature allows them to move and sway with the slightest of motions.
The white base of the design was made from upholstery from a company that was liquidating its assets, and the vhs tapes were from old collections around art teacher Alison Safford’s neighborhood. The leg attachments of the garment were inspired by the circular form of the zoetrope.
Junk Kouture is a competition that challenges students to create avant-garde, wearable fashion pieces using only recycled materials. The competition aims to inspire young people to think creatively about sustainability and to promote a more responsible way of living.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.