‘Organic Matter’ from Pratt Institute Students and Ralph Pucci on Display at the Delano

Fashion as fine art gets highlighted in a new exhibit in the Delano’s lobby. “Organic Matter” features a traveling collection of 12 pieces of wearable fine art designed by students of the Pratt Institute in collaboration with design visionary Ralph Pucci.

Juxtaposing student-designed fashions with Pucci’s iconic mannequins, “Organic Matter” premiered earlier this year at Ralph Pucci International’s Nine Gallery in Manhattan and has since appeared in the windows of Macy’s flagship Herald Square store in New York City and Neiman Marcus’ flagship store in Dallas.

For a limited time, a collection of unique woven pieces ranging from elegant sheaths and sweaters to artfully crafted crocheted scarves and headpieces will be displayed throughout the lobby of Delano Las Vegas. Each design flanks one of the hotel’s iconic draped white linen columns, offering a unique visual for guests and passersby.

Credited with revolutionizing the mannequin industry in the 1970s by breaking away from traditional rigid forms, Pucci is renowned for his high-end sculpture, lighting and furniture company based in New York City and is a trustee of the esteemed Pratt Institute.

For the original Organic Matter show, undergraduate students in the fashion department at Pratt (#PrattFashion) were challenged to take an avant-garde approach to knitwear by re-thinking its form, function and design as wearable fine art. Working with neutral-hued organic Lion Brand Yarn, students created innovative styles to complement matte gray mannequins from Pucci’s classic MANIKIN collection. Of the more than 90 student projects considered for the exhibition, 27 works were selected for Organic Matter, each illustrating a forward-thinking approach to woven design. Twelve are displayed at Delano Las Vegas.

Among the diverse works from Organic Matter showcased at Delano Las Vegas are:
• A large-gauge knit tee made of panty hose and a knit skirt with leather suspenders
• A crocheted coat featuring a stuffed-dog doll collar
• A caged sphere head piece and skirt with a crocheted bodysuit

The exhibit is on display through Nov. 24.