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After fiercely ripped out from its silver packaging, enduring countless staples, duct tape, sewing pins and thread, a condom’s protective properties fail to survive. However, when used to design dresses, they succeed in making quite a statement – and a stylish one, at that.

Fashion received a latex facelift thanks to Face AIDS’ third-annual Condom Couture event held in the Student Activity Center April 14, where non-lubricated condoms slipped into an unexpected role: becoming fashion material to help fund public health initiatives in Rwanda through Partners in Health, a nonprofit organization. Dresses consisted of colored condoms, illuminating the catwalk like a rainbow of hope for a cure for the HIV virus.

“The focus of Condom Couture is to raise awareness about the HIV pandemic through quirky means,” said Katherine Jordan, the logistics coordinator for the organization. Jordan is a senior Plan II and history major.

Rather than raising money by holding bake sales and passing out flyers on West Campus, the organization decided to step outside of the box and onto the runway. With approximately 300 attendants, Face AIDS raised nearly $1,500 during this year’s Condom Couture.

“It takes a lot to get people’s attention on campus, and we feel like having a fashion show where everything is made out of condoms will definitely get people’s attention,” Jordan said. “It’s got a little bit of shock value.”

The design showcased 16 different pieces. The bright design of Moriah Rivera, a sophomore studying public relations, won first place. Drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican dresses, the ensemble had a canary yellow bodice and silver trimming, along with a flowing four-tiered skirt that swayed gracefully. Modeled by Rivera herself with a silver fan in hand, tangerine orange, rose

and dark orchid purple accented the piece, from its ruffled sleeves to its corsage.

Marlene Garcia, a freshman anthropology major and Esteban Desantiago, a senior government major, took home second place with their avant-garde look. Building on the simple fuchsia top lined with electric purple, the skirt glowed on stage with glossy, cherry blossom-pink air-blown condoms. Taking on the light appearance of bubbles, the design seemed to float onstage. Third place went to the animal-inspired design of Sarah Young, a senior biology major. Seaming together sea green, dark turquoise, and violet-colored condoms birthed a look resembling a flamboyant peacock, along with its glittering silver trail made out of condom packaging.

“The event was very colorful, very decorative – I really loved seeing all the dresses made out of condoms and just seeing all the hard work and time that was put into something like this,” Cody Permenter said. Permenter, a sophomore, is studying journalism.

As demonstrated on the runway, using condoms rather than satin, silk, velvet, and other common materials not only brought dress sketches to life, but embodied Face AIDS’ mission to increase HIV/AIDS awareness throughout UT while raising money to aid Rwandans.

“I hope that [the audience] gained a better understanding of not only what condoms are used for and why they’re used, but what Face AIDS is,” said Amanda Dalessio, a senior Human Development major and events coordinator. “We’re not just an organization that tables in the West Mall every single day, and we hope that they got a better understanding of the stigmas that are attached to condom use in countries such as Rwanda.”

As Condom Couture revealed, condoms can take on a whole new life, allowing fashion, philanthropy and health awareness to strut hand-in-hand on the runway while firmly cementing Face AIDS’ cause.

story by Jonathan Ochart

rubber on the RUNWAY

President Barack Obama speaks at UT at Gregory Gym Aug. 9. “The single most important thing we can do is make sure that we have a world class education system for everyone,” Obama said. “It’s a prerequisite for proserity.” photo by Jeff Heimsath

President Barack Obama speaks at UT at Gregory Gym Aug. 9. “The single most important thing we can do is make sure that we have a world class education system for everyone,” Obama said. “It’s a prerequisite for proserity.” photo by Jeff Heimsath

President Barack Obama speaks at UT at Gregory Gym Aug. 9. “The single most important thing we can do is make sure that we have a world class education system for everyone,” Obama said. “It’s a prerequisite for proserity.” photo by Jeff Heimsath

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