'La Tuta' Captivates and Innovates
The Steel Plant’s latest exhibition “La Tuta: The Journey of the Jumpsuit” commemorates the 100th anniversary of the jumpsuit by showing the evolution of jumpsuits from function to high fashion.
The exhibit begins featuring utilitarian garments from as early as the 1940s originally made for factory workers. Several of these pieces were donated to Marist’s fashion program by Archivio Storico Vintage, located in Reggello, Italy, as well as several Marist professors. Danilo Ceri, the director of Archivio Storico Vintage, also attended the opening event as a guest speaker, describing how vintage designs can serve as inspiration for designers today.
The exhibit flows seamlessly with the passage of time, displaying the jumpsuit’s start as a fashion staple. Designs from the 60s and 70s are on view, showing the jumpsuit as a symbol of freedom, expression, and experimental fashion. It also features images of pop culture icons like Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger donning jumpsuits, as they helped popularize them to become part of mainstream style.
“La Tuta” features visionary designs from Marist seniors Sara Kaseta and Julia Luff, as well as pieces from Marist alumni. One look by Cara Benevenia ‘17 is especially beautiful, full of vibrant color and energy. Another design by Gabrielle Amaturo ‘18 draws inspiration from Dr. Seuss and emulates adventure and playfulness in its gorgeous zebra print cape.
The gallery is full of mesmerizing pieces that are sure to impress anyone who attends. Student observers are especially thrilled by the opportunity to see genuine vintage pieces up close. Lisa Giulianelli (2020) was especially dazzled by the exhibit, saying “It’s so great to get so many historical pieces.”
No one is more proud of “La Tuta’s” success than senior Jordan Kerr, one of the master organizers behind the project. The exhibition is a semester long project for one of the event planning classes, and an integral part of Kerr’s senior capping project.
“I asked myself: what can make this class different?” said Kerr. She and her peers were fascinated by the jumpsuits’ journey through time, and were elated to put together such an extensive exhibit with vintage looks. With an excited smile, Kerr said, “This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this.”
Kerr credits the work of her fellow classmates in the event planning class for all their hard work in putting together the event. “Everybody really came together.” All of the classes’ efforts certainly shine through in the professionalism and creativity seen in the gallery.
“La Tuta” is an exceptional display of fashion’s history alongside the modern brilliance of Marist’s own talented designers. Anyone who attends will embark on a journey from the jumpsuit’s humble beginnings to its current high-fashion status. “La Tuta” is sure to captivate spectators and send them shopping for a jumpsuit or two of their own.
The exhibition will be on view in the Steel Plant’s Fashion Gallery through November 20th.