VCU news

By Carrie Atherton

Some of Maymont Park’s trees recently received a makeover courtesy of students from the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising in VCU School of the Arts.

The sophomore fashion design students were participants in the sixth annual “tree skirt” project, which involves students outfitting a selection of Maymont’s trees with skirts that they’ve designed. The project was sponsored for the first time this year by Cotton Inc.

“It is a great way for the sophomore class to have an outlet for their creativity,” said Henry Swartz, associate professor in the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising.

According to Swartz, all participants had to follow guidelines for the design of the skirts and they were not allowed to use any materials that could potentially harm the trees – no nails, tacks or staples.

“Velcro, waistbands and wrap skirts became their best friends during the two weeks,” said Swartz.

Each student spent two weeks designing a “tree skirt” that was measured and fitted to a specific tree he or she chose. They were each given 10 yards of muslin, or unbleached cotton, and ric rac trim donated by the project’s sponsor, Cotton Inc.

Students were graded on creativity, how well the skirt fit the tree and whether it stayed intact over a two-week period.  

Quintin Franklyn, one of the student designers, chose the largest tree of the class and was allotted 12 yards of muslin to dress the tree.

“Every year some students say that they don’t want to work with a big tree,” Franklyn said. “Everyone deserves to be pretty and this tree has been out here for a long time … she deserves to get dressed too.”

Cotton Inc. is also giving the sophomore class an opportunity to win a scholarship for “best design." The first-place skirt will receive $2,000 and second place will receive $1,000. The winners will be announced on April 25. Swartz says he and the department are very grateful for the support of Cotton Inc.

The trees, located at Maymont’s Hampton Street Entrance, will stay decorated until April 25.