From melted fabric to Asian-inspired looks, Vincent Quevedo, professor of fashion design at the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, created 40 pieces that are now being shown at the Kent State fashion museum.

“Beyond Fiber and Fashion Art,” Quevedo’s exhibit, opened Thursday in the Higbee Gallery and will be displayed for one year.

“I wanted this to be a learning experience for my students,” Quevedo said. “I look at it as an educational experience.”

Though the museum normally displays work from artists outside of the school, Quevedo said the fashion museum contacted him to see if he wanted to show his work. The museum is trying to promote the fashion program and who they are as students and faculty, not just as a school, he said.

“We want people to know that we not only teach, but we also do,” Quevedo said.

As a first generation Filipino and a 1983 national gymnastics champion, Quevedo said that some of his pieces have a cultural influence. He said he was inspired by Asian culture and gymnastics.

“When you look at my work, it’s very body conscious, very form-fitting, clean-lined and influenced by gymnastics,” he said.

Margaret Kluk, sophomore fashion merchandising major, said she’s interested in seeing Quevedo’s work because of his unique perspective and distinctive inspirations. She said she regularly visits the museum and is always interested in the new displays.

“I definitely want to see the exhibit,” Kluk said. “I’ve found all the exhibits at the museum to be amazing, and this exhibit will only add to it.”

Quevedo has won design competitions with some of the pieces shown in the exhibit. The clothing dates back to 1997, he said, and includes mostly women’s clothing, although there are a few men’s pieces and one unisex garment.

Quevedo said he hopes students consider his design aesthetic.

“I want students to look at the pieces and see where I’m coming from,” he said. “I want them to know all the designs are very do-able.”

Fashion is driven by what’s going to sell and current trends, Quevedo said. From using technology to very basic sewing, his clothing displays all levels of difficulty.

“My clothes are for creative, outgoing, confident people who know who they are and know what their limits are,” Quevedo said. “(That) is the type of person who would wear my clothes.”

After the exhibit ends, the garments will be loaned out to educational or nonprofit organizations. Quevedo said his work never stays in one place because it’s usually being used by someone or for something.

“Being exhibited is awe-inspiring,” Quevedo said. “It even inspires me to work more now, so it’s encouragement. I never run out of ideas.”

Contact Yelena Tischenko at [email protected].