Last summer, Ana Cantarella’21 attended Smashinfashin Camp in Demarest, led by camp director, Victoria Pero. One of the challenges of this Project Runway-themed camp was to create a runway-inspired look made entirely of up-cycled materials from Paterson manufacturers.

Before the challenge began, the group visited the Paterson Museum to gain inspiration and gather materials. The City of Paterson is known as “Silk City” due to its role as a silk and textile manufacturer in the late 1800s. Ana gained inspiration for her garment from an antique fire truck and her dress was chosen as a spotlight piece at the museum for a six-month site-specific exhibit with the other campers.