This August, the Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC) once again transformed its stage into a runway where imagination took center stage. The 19th annual Wearable ART fashion show, themed Blurred, celebrated the space where art and fashion collide. From sculptural balloon gowns to recycled couture, the evening blurred the lines between clothing, performance, and fine art.


As a photographer, I live for these moments—when creativity steps beyond the canvas and becomes something alive, something wearable. This year’s show was an unforgettable mix of bold statements, whimsical fantasy, and technical mastery, and I’m so excited that Haley invited me out to photograph her creations, which meant I was able to photograph part of the runway show and some photos of her work backstage.


The Vision Behind Blurred

Every year, Wearable ART challenges designers to reimagine what fashion can be. The 2025 theme, Blurred, invited artists to explore boundaries—between art and fashion, sustainability and extravagance, humor and elegance.

The lineup featured an incredible range of talent, including:

  • Haley Damon – balloon couture sculptor bringing ephemeral whimsy to life.
  • Vanessa Froehling – slow-fashion designer blending classic silhouettes with modern textures.
  • Rya DeMulder – multidisciplinary artist creating immersive, sustainable wearable pieces.
  • Neva “the Diva” Durham – makeup, body paint, and special effects woven into high-fashion fantasy.
  • Jhordyn T. Innocent (Takumi Poncho) – abstract, tech-inspired designs with spray paint and IR flocking.
  • Talia Craig – botanical artistry, fusing fashion and flowers through her label Petunia’s.
  • Josey Prior – chainmail couture inspired by the elements and natural forms.
  • Rogerio Martinn – Brazilian designer using recyclable materials to craft bold, socially conscious fashion.
  • Cindy Linville & Bay to Bay Collective – collaborative creations that transformed discarded materials into jaw-dropping ensembles.

Each artist brought their own interpretation of Blurred, from surrealist gowns to wearable sculptures that challenged gravity itself.


Photographing the Fusion of Art and Fashion

What I love most about photographing Wearable ART 19 is the energy—it’s not just a runway show, it’s performance art. Theatrical lighting, live music, and dramatic staging make every piece feel like a moving artwork. Capturing these designs means paying attention not only to details in fabric and construction, but also to the emotion they evoke as models brought them to life.

From avant-garde couture to whimsical recycled creations, each design demanded to be documented as more than fashion—it was storytelling in motion.


A Night of Community and Creativity

This show isn’t just about fashion; it’s about community. The Dunedin Fine Art Center has made Wearable ART one of Florida’s most anticipated art events, bringing together artists, photographers, volunteers, and audiences who are hungry for creative expression.


The night began with a pre-party at DFAC, continued with the full runway experience at the Community Center, and wrapped up with an afterglow party and a late-night dance celebration at Blur Nightclub. It was truly a night where creativity didn’t just walk the runway—it filled the whole city of Dunedin.


Wearable ART 19: Blurred was more than a fashion show—it was a reminder that art doesn’t always hang on walls. Sometimes it moves, dances, and glitters under stage lights. Sometimes it’s sewn, sculpted, painted, or grown. And when you’re lucky enough to be in the room, you feel that spark of wonder that makes art unforgettable.

✨ Which design from this year’s show was your favorite? Contact me on social media and I’d love to hear which creations inspired you most!

 

Fashion model wearing vibrant red patterned outfit walks the runway under colorful stage lighting.
Model walks runway wearing avant-garde dress made entirely of bright orange balloons under dramatic stage lighting.
Performer in avant-garde yellow balloon costume strutting dramatically on dark runway stage with colorful lighting.
Fashion model walks runway in dramatic lime green balloon-inspired dress with theatrical lighting effects.
Dancer performs energetic moves on dark stage with colorful light effects and spotlights creating dramatic atmosphere.
Performance artist in a sculptural costume made entirely of bright blue balloons on a dark stage.
Dramatic fashion show featuring deep purple balloon-style dress on illuminated catwalk with spotlight effects.
Performers take final bows on stage during colorful fashion show finale with dramatic lighting.
Dramatic stage performance featuring white flowing fabric against a dark backdrop.
Performer in black and white newspaper print dress spins dramatically on dark stage during theatrical performance.
Dancers performing on stage in casual attire under dramatic theatrical lighting.
Performers on stage create dynamic poses with ropes and aerial equipment during a theatrical performance.
Dynamic breakdance performer executing an aerial move in an orange outfit on stage.
Fashion model wearing an elegant white ballgown with dramatic ruffled skirt performs on a dark runway.
Dancer in a pink dress performs an energetic leap on stage with red lighting effects.
Artistic fashion piece featuring metallic details and pink ruffled skirt on dark background.
Long black evening gown with dramatic ruffled details shown on fashion runway stage with red lighting.
Dramatic fashion performance featuring black textured costume against dark background.
Modern dance performance on stage with dramatic lighting and audience silhouettes.
Dramatic black feathered dress displayed on runway with theatrical lighting and dark backdrop.
White tulle ballerina-style dress shown in dynamic motion on illuminated fashion runway.
Contemporary dancers performing in black costumes on illuminated stage.
Figure in white sheer fabric against black background creating ethereal movement and dramatic dance poses.
Models showcase elegant white flowing dresses and dramatic silhouettes on a sleek runway with dramatic blue lighting.
Wide view of fashion runway show with dramatic lighting and audience silhouettes visible.
Fashion show runway featuring models walking in formal attire under dramatic lighting and beneath neon displays.
Sequential photos showing a twirling orange dress on a fashion runway with red lighting in the background.
Futuristic silver and blue geometric dress design displayed against digital backdrop on fashion runway.
Model walks runway in striking yellow quilted jumpsuit with dramatic black cape at fashion show.
Fashion model wearing futuristic silver outfit with dramatic spiked crown headpiece against dark blue background.
Elegant pageant contestant in white strapless gown and ornate crown poses gracefully against dark background.
Performers on stage during a theatrical production with dramatic blue lighting and vibrant costumes.
Fashion show featuring colorful orange dresses and theatrical costumes on a dark stage with dramatic lighting.
Fashion model poses dramatically on runway with flowers at fashion show with blue spotlights and audience visible.
An ornate silver frame serves as a portal for theatrical performers on a dark stage during a live production.
Burlesque performer in red and blue costume with feather decorations performing on dark stage during cabaret show.
Avant-garde performance art show featuring books and props on a dark stage with dramatic lighting.
Artistic performance featuring green military-style costumes and props on stage with emerald lighting.
Theatrical dance performance with colorful costumes and dramatic poses under blue stage lighting.
Dancer wearing yellow and green carnival costume with floral headpiece performing energetic dance routine on stage.
Dramatic dance performance on stage with colorful costumes and dynamic movement captured in action sequence.
Contemporary dancers perform in red and black lighting on stage with expressive movements.
Dancers in colorful geometric costumes perform against a gold backdrop with dramatic stage lighting.
Dancers perform dynamic breakdancing moves on stage during a hip-hop dance competition event.
Fashion model walks runway in flowing white sheer cape and sparkly bodysuit during glamorous fashion show performance.
Dancers in sparkly costumes with flowy fabric perform under colorful stage lighting at an entertainment show.
Fashion model walks runway in avant-garde dress made from recycled materials and natural elements during eco fashion show.
Fashion models display colorful outfits on a runway with polka dot backdrop and ornate gold-framed arches.
Colorful performance on a theatre stage with dramatic lighting, polka dot backdrop, and dynamic dancing movements.
Models walk runway showcasing latest fashion designs during high-end fashion show featuring bold patterns and glowing lights.
Dynamic performance on stage shows model in elaborate costume making dramatic movements under theatrical lighting.