The Circular Fashion Exposition at the University hosted its eighth biannual fashion show, “Feast of Fools,” to a packed audience.
The event merged the principles of sustainable, circular design with a theatrical theme inspired by medieval traditions of revelry and the exaggerated archetypes of Commedia dell’arte.
Models strutted down the runway in a strikingly diverse array of outfits, showcasing the creativity and versatility of circular design. The garments ranged from sleek two-pieces and classic dresses to bold ensembles featuring fur and even a lampshade.
Designers worked diligently all semester, sourcing and thrifting clothing to create unique pieces within cohesive collections and themes for the show.
As a CFE executive board member, junior in LAS Annie Trompeter said sustainability is exactly what makes CFE’s creativity stand out.
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“I think (CFE) is definitely cool because you can see so many crazy looks,” Trompeter said. “But if you really look at them, it’s not that crazy because everything is sustainably sourced.”
Without explicit dialogue, models communicated complex stories through their movement and costuming. The energy was high, supported by a mix of popular radio songs and instrumental music. This left much of the narrative open to interpretation.
Audience members said that the ambiguous atmosphere was part of the appeal.
“(CFE) was very professional, very elegant,” said Michael Amberg, attendee of the event and sophomore in LAS. “I felt like I was in the Middle Ages. I felt like this is something you’d sit down and have a giant turkey leg or some s- – -.”
The staging carried as much personality as the clothing. A mock Thanksgiving dinner table sat at the center of the show, with performers weaving around the prop as if passing through a family feast.
Later, the runway shifted into “Dance of the Seasons,” where umbrellas, faux leaves and floral pieces immersed the audience into a more whimsical scene.
Some models walked solo to highlight standout pieces, while others entered in coordinated duos or staggered groupings.
The models interacted with only specific sections of the crowd at any given time, creating pockets of energy that continuously shifted around the room as the show progressed.
That shifting energy, particularly for first-time attendees, added to the excitement.
“My roommate was actually emceeing, which is the reason I came here,” said Camilla Forero, freshman in Engineering. “I had no idea what it was going to be like. So I just came here, sat down, and was like, ‘Oh my god, this is amazing.’ Everyone is so talented.”
By the time the last models took their bows, the Feast of Fools had revealed just how bold and bizarre circular design can be. The closing looks blended repurposed fabrics with decks of cards, masks and newspaper clippings, allowing each designer to interpret the theme in their own way and build a story from reused materials.
