In a dazzling display of creativity and craftsmanship, Colliers Engineering & Design unveiled Colliers Couture at the 2024 Product Runway event, part of Rochester Fashion Week. This year’s competition challenged participants to reimagine 18th-century furniture through the lens of high fashion. CED’s entry, inspired by the timeless elegance of the Recamier Chaise Lounge, stood out for its meticulous research, innovative use of materials, and collaboration across disciplines.
Organized by the American Institute of Architects Rochester Chapter (AIAROC) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Product Runway is an annual showcase where architecture, design, and engineering teams create runway-ready garments using materials typically reserved for interiors, such as flooring, fabrics, and hardware. As part of the event, teams partner with manufacturers who donate 80% of the materials, leaving the rest to be creatively sourced or purchased by the teams.
A Design Process Rooted in Detail and Collaboration
The journey to create Colliers Couture was a five-month endeavor filled with research, experimentation, and collaboration. The competition kicks off every other spring, beginning with an extensive research phase to explore the feasibility of translating complex into wearable fashion. This year’s theme, Time: Fashion and Furniture from the 18th Century, mirrored the elegance and ingenuity of the 2024 Met Gala. Teams dove into the intricacies of period furniture, seeking inspiration while balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Leading the CED team was John Gray, DTS Application Success Manager, alongside Kara Brown, Interior Designer and a member of the AIA and IIDA committee for Product Runway. Together, they spearheaded a cross-disciplinary collaboration that included engineers, designers, and professionals not traditionally focused on interior materials. The six-person team – comprising Kara, John, Danielle Rupert, Project Manager, Architecture, Caitlin O’Leary, Project Engineer, Water, and Fphasieth Jimmeson, Accounts Payable Administrator worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life.
“Product Runway is unlike anything else,” said Kara. “It’s a space where different disciplines come together, pushing their boundaries to create something truly unique. That cross-collaboration is what makes this experience so rewarding.”
Bringing the Recamier Chaise Lounge to Life
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Recamier Chaise Lounge, Colliers Couture captures the timeless grace and sophistication of 18th-century design. The team’s garment features sweeping lines, layered textures, and structural elements that mirror the curves and luxury of the chaise. Materials sourced from flooring and furniture manufacturers were repurposed into soft, flowing elements and rigid, supportive structures, embodying the dualities of comfort and stability inherent in the original design.
The design process was not without its challenges. The team meticulously planned every detail, from material selection to garment assembly, often testing prototypes to ensure their vision was achievable. “There’s a lot of trial and error in this competition,” John shared. “You’re working with materials that aren’t meant to be worn, so figuring out how to manipulate them into something functional and fashionable takes time and creativity.”
More Than a Runway Show
Beyond the intricate designs and stunning fashion, Product Runway is a testament to community and purpose. As part of Rochester Fashion Week, the event supports the Center for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, and resources to at-risk youth. For participants, the competition is an opportunity to give back while celebrating the art of design.
“It’s not just about the runway,” said Kara. “It’s about the impact we’re making – on our community and within our own teams. This competition showcases what’s possible when you combine passion with purpose.”
The CED team’s involvement exemplifies the company’s core values of Working Together and Being Curious. The project brought together diverse perspectives, blending technical expertise with artistic expression to create a garment that was as innovative as it was elegant.
A Unique Challenge
What sets Product Runway apart from other design competitions is the sheer uniqueness of its concept. Teams work outside their comfort zones, repurposing interior materials into wearable art. The rules are strict – 80% of the design must come from donated materials, and the rest is up to the creativity (and occasionally the personal budgets) of the team.
“This competition pushes us to think differently,” said John. “It’s about finding the potential in materials that others might overlook, and that challenge is what makes it so exciting.”
Fashion, Collaboration, and Community
As Colliers Couture took to the runway, it stood as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and teamwork of the CED team. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final runway presentation, every detail of the project reflected the hard work and passion of its creators.
For Colliers Engineering & Design, participating in Product Runway isn’t just about fashion – it’s about fostering creativity,
strengthening team bonds, and giving back to the Rochester community. With their innovative take on the Recamier Chaise Lounge, the team demonstrated that even the most unconventional materials could be transformed into something extraordinary.