Gigis Playhouse Collaboration

A custom menswear look

Gigis Playhouse is a place where people diagnosed with Down Syndrome can learn, grow, and build a community of people like them. In 2024 Belmont University partnered with Gigis playhouse with the goal for the fashion design students to make their dream outfit.

When I first met Daniel, we talked about his love for horseback riding, the TV show Yellowstone, and how he wanted a western inspired outfit. Seeing his inspiration, we talked through different silhouette ideas like a western button-down shirt, fringe, and riding chaps. We initially discussed using leather in the chaps but since that wasn't in the budget, I experimented with other heavy weight fabrics such as corduroy and duck canvas.

After that original meeting, I searched for inspiration by looking at Louis Vuitton's men's fall/winter 2024 collection and the costume designs from the show Yellowstone. Since this garment had a limited time to be designed and constructed, I found a way combine chaps and pant into one garment. I did this by using piping, pattern manipulation, and different colored fabrics to make the pants look like two separate garments. This concept also a more wearable design in case Daniel wanted to wear this outfit while horseback riding. 

Creating garments for Daniel and collaborating with GiGi's Playhouse has taught me so much about alterations, making custom garments, and grown my collaboration skills! It has truly been a highlight from my Junior year.

The Concept…