Farm to Runway: Rust Belt Fibershed’s Symposium brings Fashion full Circle
At Kogent Studios, we've always been passionate about projects that resonate with our core values of sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. That's why we were thrilled to partner with Rust Belt Fibershed for their inaugural symposium, a landmark event dedicated to fostering a local, circular economy through sustainable textile practices. Our team had the incredible opportunity to document this pioneering symposium, capturing the vibrant essence of a movement that's not only about textiles but also about nurturing our environment and communities in the Rust Belt region.
A Cause Close to Our Hearts
The Rust Belt Fibershed Symposium wasn't just an event for us to shoot but a cause we deeply believe in. The symposium's focus on creating a place-based, soil-to-soil textile system is something that resonates with our philosophy at Kogent Studios.
We're all about supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and regenerative practices.
The fact that this event highlighted the creativity and innovation involved in the entire process of growing and farming fibers through to the fashion design process was truly inspiring. Witnessing and capturing the full circle of fiber production, from the soil to the runway, was a profound experience that underscored the importance of sustainable practices at every step in the fashion industry.
The Magic of Fibers and Colors
One of the most captivating aspects of the Rust Belt Fibershed Symposium was the sheer beauty of the fibers, colors, and textures that make up the fibershed.
Our team was on the ground, engaging with vendors, experiencing hands-on learning stations, and listening to speakers at the forefront of this transformative movement. Through our lenses, we captured the magic of natural dyes, the intricacy of woven fabrics, and the raw beauty of locally sourced materials. These images tell a story of innovation, tradition, and a deep respect for the environment that we were honored to document.
Portraits of Passion and Purpose
Our work at the symposium went beyond the visual spectacle of textiles. We were privileged to capture portraits of vendors, stakeholders, board members, funders, and attendees. Each photograph tells a story of commitment and passion for a sustainable future. From the smiling faces of local farmers and producers proudly presenting their fibers to the focused expressions of artisans at their crafts, these portraits showcase the diverse community united by a common goal.
Immersive Experiences and Engaging Atmospheres
The symposium offered a range of experiences, from a thought-provoking film screening of "River Blue" to fashion shows, clothing swaps, and engaging discussions with experts across the textile supply chain. Our team was there to document these moments, capturing the excitement, the learning, and the sense of community that permeated the event. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with the buzz of conversations and the sharing of ideas, was palpable in our photos and videos, offering a glimpse into the energy that drives the Rust Belt Fibershed movement.
A Symphony of Stories
Through our photography and videography, we aimed to create a symphony of stories that together convey the essence of the Rust Belt Fibershed Symposium. Each image and frame tells a part of the larger narrative of creating a sustainable, regenerative, and creative textile community in the Rust Belt region.
Our goal was to capture not just the event itself but the spirit and the passion of everyone involved.
Reflecting on our time at the Rust Belt Fibershed Symposium, we're reminded of the power of community, creativity, and commitment to sustainability.
It was an honor for Kogent Studios to document this groundbreaking event, and we're excited to continue supporting and showcasing initiatives that align with our values. The Rust Belt Fibershed Symposium was a testament to the potential of place-based, soil-to-soil systems, and we're proud to have been a part of capturing its first steps toward a sustainable future.
