Roadside Attraction: Phenomena of Funhouse

Roadside Attraction: Phenomena of the Funhouse is a captivating fashion show that immerses the audience in the world of the unexpected and the extraordinary. Inspired by the mysterious allure of a circus tent, the show celebrates the whimsical chaos of the funhouse—where illusion meets reality, and every turn offers something new and bizarre. Each collection piece mirrors the carnival’s playful spirit, filled with surreal contrasts, vivid colors, and an unpredictable sense of wonder.

For my personal inspiration, I drew from the circus tent itself—a symbol of secrets and spectacle. Inside, it holds a world unlike any other, full of eccentricities, untold stories, and thrilling surprises. This collection reflects that same magic, embracing individuality and the unique beauty found in the most unexpected places. It’s a tribute to the circus’ ability to spark curiosity and wonder, blending the familiar with the fantastical.

The process of creating these dresses was a journey of both challenge and creativity. Initially, my designs were based on bold, sweeping sketches inspired by the circus tent’s iconic stripes and the whimsical nature of the funhouse. However, as the project progressed, I encountered some unexpected challenges that pushed me to think outside the box. A shortage of fabric meant I had to get creative with my cuts and designs, adjusting proportions and finding innovative ways to work within limited materials. Additionally, ensuring the garments fit each model properly was a constant hurdle, so I focused on creating adjustable sizing features that would accommodate the models’ different body types, while still maintaining the integrity of the design.

While the sketches had a clean, polished look, I wanted the final pieces to feel more raw and authentic—just like the circus itself. The iconic striped pattern was key, serving as a nod to the timeless visual of the circus tent, but I wanted to make sure the garments reminded the audience of the fun, yet gritty, experience of being at the circus. After the dresses were constructed, I added a touch of the “roadside” vibe by using black spray paint to create a worn, dirty effect—giving the garments the look of something that’s been sitting on the side of the road for years, full of untold stories.

I also took extra care to add intricate details, like hand-glued rhinestones and fully boned corsetry, to elevate the designs and give them a sense of refinement despite their raw aesthetic. For the finishing touches, I prepped accessories like shredded ribbons for hair ties, adding a playful and slightly chaotic element to the looks. With everything complete, the garments were ready to be unveiled—perfectly imperfect, full of personality, and ready to transport the audience to a world of roadside wonder.