GRANTHAM GREEN

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"When I was first asked to design this show, my mind raced in a million directions. How could I create a show that truly resonated with design students? I realized I was handed a task unlike any other I’d encountered- to design a show that highlighted and curated space for 13 individual designers, each with their own unique processes, designs, textiles, and stories. And beyond that, to make it cohesive and unified. It felt a steep hill lay before me, but I was determined to sprint up it.

The concept of PULSE emerged from a blend of inspirations. I had been reflecting deeply on my first year at college and my coursework, especially the role of AI (software like ChatGPT) and its future impact. However, what captivated my thoughts was the intersection of fashion and AI, and how AI could become an invaluable tool for creatives. Thus, PULSE was created - with a nod to Marvel’s Jarvis, I envisioned PULSE as an AI-driven database actively cataloging and evaluating a diverse array of designers and their creations. It would precisely organize and archive all designs, both present and future, becoming the ultimate resource for those seeking creative inspiration and research.

Throughout countless sleepless nights in the School of Human Ecology, I immersed myself in the lives of these student designers. They welcomed me into their world, sharing their design journeys and insights. I documented and fed all my findings into PULSE. By the end, PULSE and I had curated a show that provided space for everyone and everything. A show crafted to endure, to be reflected upon as more than a moment in time, serving as a software of inspiration for the untold stories of the future."

"Ameriican Requiem is a physical embodiment of Beyoncé’s opening track on her [Beyonce's] newest record. Bey notes, “The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.” Ameriican Requiem is about reclaiming the cultures we, as POC, were excluded from. All the rooms we never saw, all the lights still turned off, and all the doors closed in our faces. This production is about taking back our creative freedom, our expression, our ability to dive and explore every crevice we were denied entry. This production will be one of black joy and liberty. Having fun in the pandemonium that is the creative process. Fostering the liberation that is Ameriican Requiem."

"Inspired by the digital landscape, this collaboration was designed to capture the attention of designers worldwide. The shoe is not just for designers; it’s a celebration of their craft. Elements of the design pay homage to the digital tools used by designers, blurring the line between reality and digital creativity."