Kori Waldrup, Emerging Designer, represents ArtWorks at Couture for a Cause
by Taryn Oesch
Emerging Designer Kori Waldrup (L) with a model, Charlie Neufield, in one of her designs at the 2011 NCSU Fashion Week.
Triangle ArtWorks is excited to be paired with a designer this year for Activate Good’s Couture for a Cause on November 10. Local designer, Kori Waldrup, will be creating two design that embody the mission of our organization. Be sure to come out to this fun event and see the great work of Kori and all the other local designers and support Activate Good.
Activate Good, an organization that helps connect people, groups, and companies to volunteer opportunities in the Triangle area. The first Couture for a Cause was held in 2009. The event pairs local designers with Activate Good’s nonprofit partners “to create looks that embody the mission” of each nonprofit. Participating designers compete for prizes in Couture and Ready-to-Wear categories. This year’s show will be held at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. More info here.
Our designer, Kori Waldrup, is a student at NC State’s College of Textiles. What a great chance for us to get to know an emerging designer and get her take on the design industry in the Triangle. Here is what we learned:
Tell us about yourself and your work.
I am from Nashville, TN, and I am a junior in Fashion and Textile Design at NC State. My mom taught my sisters and me how to sew when we were little. I started sewing my own clothes in middle school and took a few fashion design classes in high school, which led to my interest in studying fashion in college. Most of my work features a lot of fabric manipulation because of my love of couture.
How is designing for a theme different from your normal work? How did you go about designing for Couture for a Cause?
Designing for a theme is not too different from my normal work. In my other work, I have an inspiration that molds my designs. Designing for a theme, like Triangle Artworks, just gives me a set inspiration to go off of. To design for Couture for a Cause, I started by researching Triangle Artworks online. Then I met with Beth Yerxa to really make sure I understood everything that they represent and what all they do. After that, I sketched and brainstormed to try and show that information in wearable art.
When and why did you get involved with Couture for a Cause?
This is my third year designing for Couture for a Cause. I think having a chance to do what I love and to have that benefit local non-profits is a great experience for me.
Model Victoria Anderson in a Waldrup design at NCSU Fashion Week.
Most of my support as a fashion designer comes through NC State. Even outside of school, I think there is a lot of support from the fashion community. Fashion is growing in Raleigh, and there are a lot of places and fashion shows that are focused on helping emerging designers. I think some sort of network of designers in Raleigh would help emerging designers a lot, although I am not sure what that would look like. Just to be able to reach out to established designers in the area for mentoring or collaboration would be really helpful.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as unique, funky, and a little over the top.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or about the Triangle design community?
I think the Triangle design community is growing, and Triangle Artworks is a great way to connect that community, which will only make it stronger.
Taryn is a writer and recovering band geek who still loves music and all the arts. She graduated from Meredith College in 2010 and then moved down the street to work for NC State. In her free time, she plays the piano and battles for apartment space with her uncontrollable collection of books. You can reach Taryn by email.
Tags: Activate Good, Couture for a Cause, fashion, fashion design, Kori Waldrup, NCSU College of Textiles