Artificial intelligence, aviation, fiber optics and computer programming. Different technologies are a part of our lives and are very different from the fashion world of fabric, sequins and threads.
On Dec. 3, The Vault seamlessly intertwined the two into a jaw-dropping, mesmerizing fashion show influenced by cutting-edge technology in the Plenary Room, at Wisconsin School of Business.
Founded in early 2023, The Vault is a student-run organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that focuses on differing perspectives in the fashion industry. The Vault integrates fashion with other areas of study like business, marketing, communications and technology, according to Melina Zarboulas, The Vault Co-founder president.
The organization works to connect members with professionals to help give students a jumpstart on their careers, Zarboulas said. The Vault has different committees besides fashion including finance, creativity, networking, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Zarboulas founded the organization to “provide students with experiences that they can’t typically find in a classroom setting.”
“The camaraderie that they can find from other members in the club, hands-on interactions with industry professionals, and education about the business and fashion industries is unlike any other,” Zarboulas said. “We really emphasize the value that anybody can get involved, regardless of their experience.”
The Vault’s winter fashion show — the first the organization has put on — took the audience through a vast history showing how technology has revolutionized our lives today in every intricately designed piece.
From simple bolts and gears to technology used in submarines, host Daniella Orozco educated the audience on different types of technology as models strutted the runway showing off the different pieces created by student designers. Each model had a component of the technology in the design they wore.
Described by the president and vice president at the beginning of the show, The Vault wanted to have a lasting impact on their audience. By going through a history of each type of technology being shown to go with the models, the audience was able to learn and take away from the show.
“I was overwhelmed by how successful it was. I feel like it was so great that we were able to educate our audiences and deconstruct the typical form of runway fashion, Zarboulas said. “The main mission of The Vault is to provide a unique lens on the fashion industry, and I feel like we really delivered that last night when we were able to warn about and simultaneously welcome in new technological advancements in society through the clothes and narration.”
Zaraboulas and Marlo Pulliam, The Vault co-founder and vice president, will be stepping down temporarily due to study abroad plans next semester.
Annelise McDonald and Vesa Lumani will take the roles as the new president and vice president. The duo said they plan to continue cultivating creativity in an inclusive, inspiring student organization here at UW-Madison.
