GRAM x KCAD

Alexander McQueen Exhibit

Crain’s Business Review Interview

Grace Anderson, a senior at KCAD presenting her piece in the GRAM exhibit, was the first student to use FlexLab’s laser engraving technology on velvet. Anderson said she was “a little bit of a guinea pig” when it came to creating her design, which features a black satin dress and a laser-embossed red velvet cape. 

Anderson made several appointments to test the velvet to see how far the fabric would need to be burned so that it would properlycreate an engraved pattern. The experience of exploring technology as a resource in fashion has pushed Anderson’s idea of what thefuture of design could be. 

“I think the possibilities are endless, especially being the first person to use this laser. It just opened my eyes to how many other things we could be using technology for. You know, 3D printing or even screen printing,” Anderson said. “There are so many different ways that you can use it to innovate and create new ideas and new processes.”

Mannequin wearing a red cape with star patterns, over a black dress, in a display setting.
Mannequins displaying a variety of fashion outfits, including dresses, capes, and skirts in a museum or exhibition setting.
Mannequin in red velvet cape with star patterns and black clothing with necklace.
Mannequin wearing a red velvet cape with star patterns and a decorative clasp, over a black outfit, adorned with a cross necklace, detail view.
Visitors viewing a fashion exhibition with mannequins dressed in vintage and modern clothes.
Mannequin wearing a red velvet cape with a decorative clasp and black outfit underneath against a plain background.
Mannequins in museum hallway displaying colorful garments; visitors walking nearby.
Fashion exhibit displaying mannequins dressed in various designer outfits, including gowns and cloaks, arranged on a platform inside a gallery.

Civic Theatre x KCAD

Disney’s Descendants

Kendall College of Art & Design Interview

For student Grace Anderson, the rapid and rigorous development process was an invaluable preview of what it takes to successfully design for a client.

“Learning the process of costume design from start to finish was extremely beneficial and eye-opening to understand everything that goes into creating an effective costume,” Anderson said. “It taught me a lot about time management and balancing multiple aspects of a project.”

The crowning moment came when students got to see the costumes they created being used live on stage.

"I knew the choreography would be very active and was able to design a dress with movement on stage in mind,” Anderson said. “While it was a little stressful to ensure everything fit properly and was easy to change into, knowing that tons of people would see my garment on stage was an incredible feeling. The cast was so amazing as well—it was exciting knowing my work would be worn by such a talented performer.”

A group of performers on stage in colorful costumes during a theatrical performance, with ornate archways in the background.
Two women in colorful dresses performing on stage, one with blonde hair in a pink dress, the other with purple hair in a dark dress, holding hands. A third person partially visible in a red jacket.
Stage performance with actors in elaborate costumes, including a woman with purple hair in a floral dress, a man wearing a crown, and others in formal attire, suggesting a theatrical or royal theme.
Theatrical performance with colorful costumes and dancing