BYU students staged a runway show at the BYU Museum of Art, presenting fashion and makeup designs inspired by paintings from the exhibition "The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce." Students in a sewing class taught by Amber Williams created looks based on specific artworks, such as a dress evoking Dante Gabriel Rossetti's "The Roman Widow" and a contemporary two-piece inspired by Frederic, Lord Leighton's "Flaming June." Hair and makeup were done in collaboration with Theater and Media Arts students led by Jennine Hollingshaus. The exhibition, on view until Jan. 3, features works from the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico.
This story matters because it highlights a hands-on, interdisciplinary educational approach that connects students with historic art in a personal and creative way. By translating paintings into wearable designs, the project deepens students' engagement with art history and fosters collaboration between academic departments. It also underscores the role of university museums as active learning spaces that inspire new forms of expression beyond traditional gallery viewing.