Story by Diane Sparks
Tyler Klene, a graduate student in the Department of Design and Merchandising, presents his evening wear collection oriented around the idea of subtle, ever-present, environmental noise. Klene’s work is being showcased this winter in Colorado State University’s Gustafson Gallery in the Gifford Building.
In White Noise: An Apparel Narrative, Klene employs surface design techniques to reference noise, including digitally designed and printed noise-making insects such as cicadas, honey bees, and beetles. In addition, there are computer-driven lights incorporated into areas of the designs that activate or light up in response to voices or ambient noise happening close to the dresses.
Shifting the focus of evening wear
In many cases, dresses for formal occasions are created using volumes of expensive fabrics and time-intensive techniques. Klene’s designs are voluminous creations that are brilliantly detailed, and at the same time have a humorous element as a result of the blinking technology and/or bugs printed on silk.
From architect to multi-faceted apparel designer
Klene began undergraduate work in architectural engineering and later changed direction to work more broadly with textile materials. He completed an undergraduate degree in apparel design and production, and this exhibition features the results of his graduate design research for the master’s degree. Klene’s range of abilities is broad and includes spinning, knitting, dyeing, printing, embroidery, pattern drafting, corsetry, and wearable technology.
Viewers will find colors and shapes used in spontaneous combinations, resulting in a joyous expression of creativity.
Exhibit up until Feb. 22
The exhibit opens with a catered reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, and runs until Feb. 22. The Gustafson Gallery is located in room 318 of the Gifford Building at 502 West Lake Street. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Admission is free.
The Gustafson Gallery is under the umbrella of the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising in the Department of Design and Merchandising, part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
