“The Blonds” and other SCAD Atlanta Highlights
While in Atlanta for SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film’s exhibition opening of “The Blonds: Glamour, Fashion, Fantasy,” Whitewall witnessed firsthand the dynamic presence of SCAD in Georgia’s capital—an expansion decades in the making.
Founded in 1978 by President Paula Wallace, the Savannah College and Art and Design has flourished as the global leader in art, design, and innovation in higher education, with locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, and Lacoste, France. Now, as SCAD celebrates 45 years of preparing the next generation of creative visionaries, there is ample reason to celebrate this world-class art and design institution. “The Blonds” turned out to be but one of the highlights.
“Where else but SCAD FASH can you see ensembles worn by Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna and inspired by Cruella de Vil, Ursula, and Maleficent?,” asked President Wallace at “The Blonds” opening, revealing her fondness for the rhetorical bon mot. “These looks and more await fans, stans, and students alike in David and Phillipe Blond’s first-ever museum exhibition—where Disney meets decadence and stage costume meets haute couture.”
SCAD’s founder was not wrong. Set in a series of themed vignettes, iconic garments we’ve seen throughout culture’s most famous moments illuminated the main exhibition hall of SCAD FASH. From Katy Perry’s crystalized fruit-flavored dress (made legendary at the 2009 Grammy Awards) to unforgettable looks worn by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton, and Missy Elliott, the garments looked so fabulous up close that guests were tempted to try them on. The intricate pieces exemplify The Blonds’ unique craftsmanship, embroidery, and embellishments. Opulent materials. Corseted silhouettes. Patterns from dresses remixed on shoes. As President Wallace succinctly put it: “Bling is back!”
“The Blonds merge high-stakes glamour and fantasy with innovative couture-like creations, making them one of the most compelling brands in the industry today,” said curator and SCAD FASH creative director Rafael Gomes. “David and Phillipe’s visionary approach to fashion design and individuality will excite and inspire SCAD’s next generation of creative visionaries and museum guests.”
“We are so grateful to Paula Wallace, Rafael Gomes, and the entire SCAD team for bringing this amazing exhibition to life,” said the Blonds. “To be included in the company of other esteemed designer exhibitions is one of the highlights of our career, and we’re proud to invite visitors and fans to view this unique exploration of The Blonds universe!”
Courtesy of SCAD
On view through February 18, 2024, “The Blonds: Glamour, Fashion, Fantasy” presents over 100 elaborate, showstopping high-fashion-meets-costume-design creations by The Blonds from the runway, red carpet, and stage. Also on view at SCAD FASH, through January 7, 2024, is “Ellen von Unwerth: This Side of Paradise,” presenting over 50 images and films from the celebrated photographer’s expansive archive.
“Ellen von Unwerth is one of the industry’s most enigmatic personalities and photographers. Her style is truly one-of-a-kind, and her images and films are spontaneous, playful, bold, and seductive,” said Gomes. “Ellen’s thrilling body of work is an inspiration to so many of our SCAD students and it is an honor to present this exhilarating showcase at SCAD FASH.”
“I am so proud and thankful to SCAD FASH for dedicating this show to me,” said von Unwerth. “The show reflects my vision of a society with no boundaries, of celebration, intimacy, love, friendship, fun, and glitter—even a little devil is allowed in.”
The devil is in the details, as the saying goes, and Whitewall’s visit revealed details of the finest filigree permeating SCAD Atlanta’s continued expansion.
With the fall 2023 debut of its new FORTY FIVE tower—named in honor of the 45 years since the university’s founding—SCAD Atlanta marks the final phase of its transformational development project. FORTY FIVE is a dynamic student-life complex in the heart of the city’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood, cohering its campus footprint. A state-of-the-art residence hall with modern amenities for high-rise urban living includes expanded academic facilities with classrooms, labs, and experimental workshops, SCADfit fitness center and rooftop pool, and Ex Libris bookstore. Its selection of art supplies is worthy of the most well-stocked shop.
“FORTY FIVE is SCAD’s latest, greatest, most spectacular gift to our Bees, where SCAD students live, learn, and thrive in safety and comfort,” Wallace said. “FORTY FIVE is a dreamland for makers.”
The crown gem of FORTY FIVE is SCADshow, the theater and performance venue featuring two art theater spaces: its 700-seat mainstage, and an intimate 130-seat theater with industry-tuned projection and sound production technology. SCADshow promises an array of programming to delight SCAD students and the local community, offering a year-round roster of screenings and signature events including SCAD TVfest, BAM! Black Artists in Music, SCADstyle, SCAD AnimationFest, and exclusive celebrations of the university’s milestone 45th anniversary.
The completion of FORTY FIVE emphasizes SCAD Atlanta’s record growth and enrollment significant investment in the city. Truly a global university, SCAD boasts a diverse student body with students from all 50 states, and internationally from over 100 countries. SCAD Atlanta has also grown by leaps and bounds since opening the location in 2015, now with over 3,200 students enrolled for the current academic year. SCAD Atlanta Vice President John Buckovich said, “Students are drawn to Atlanta because the city offers proximity to the world’s leading companies, a thriving arts and culture scene, and limitless opportunities for professional growth.”
Visual stimulation permeates FORTY FIVE and SCADshow, with over 230 significant artworks by an international roster of SCAD artists. Site-specific and commissioned artworks, sculptural installations, and vibrant large-scale murals by a global network of alumni, faculty, and staff create an environment that inspires limitless creativity and imagination. Significant works by acclaimed artists including Trish Andersen, Bradley Bowers, Michael Porten, Kipper Millsap, Hannah Polskin, Justin Armstrong, Ashley Cunningham, Helen Choi, Yunan Ma, and Summer Wheat illustrate the remarkable breadth and talent that has blossomed from SCAD.
Beyond the walls of SCAD Atlanta’s Midtown campus, the university’s influence can be seen all throughout the city. Through SCAD Art Sales, SCAD’s own in-house art consultancy and curatorial service, commissioned works from SCAD artists adorn some of the city’s most desirable properties and venues including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Midtown Union, Four Seasons Hotel, and Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Buckhead.
SCAD is also committed to serving local communities and neighborhoods through SCAD SERVE, bringing together the SCAD community to address neighborhood needs and create meaningful design solutions that improve quality of life. SCAD SERVE’s Paint Our Parks public arts beautification initiative, developed in partnership with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Parks and Recreation, has completed nine basketball court and playground murals, fostering a unified celebration of the power of the arts across Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods.
Come for “The Blonds,” stay for the best of the rest of what SCAD Atlanta has to offer.
