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Condom Couture: A Fashionable Approach to the Fight Against AIDS

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Kari Kimball
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Bernice Chuang
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

In design shows such as Project Runway, we have seen all kinds of amazing creations resurrected from unconventional materials, from candy to newspaper. However, our very own FACE AIDS Austin is taking fashion design a step further by incorporating an educational and philanthropic purpose and challenging designers to create a garment entirely out of condoms for their annual event, Condom Couture, on April 18th.
 
FACE AIDS is an organization whose goal is to raise AIDS awareness and fight the disease on a local and global level with chapters located nationwide.  Every year, Austin’s chapter raises money for specific projects via Partners in Health, a nonprofit world-wide health care organization.  This year, FACE AIDS Austin pledged to raise $10,000 for the Nyamirama Health Care Center located in Eastern Rwanda.
 
Condom Couture is held every April, and designers must produce a garment made entirely out of condoms, excluding the materials needed to fasten them together.  To participate in the show, there is no necessity for prior experience in fashion or design.  Designers must pay a $30 fee in exchange for their materials: 1,000 non-lubricated condoms in a variety of colors.  A panel of judges decides the winner based on aesthetic value and creativity.
 
“I think the provocative nature of the show entices students,” said FACE AIDS Austin spokesperson Fan Feng.  “People come to appreciate creative designs, learn about sexual health, and learn about HIV/AIDS.”
 

 
This fashion show is undoubtedly deviated far from traditional fashion shows in its choice of materials alone, but it is also forward-thinking in featuring models of all shapes, sizes, and heights.  In addition to the runway show, there is also a sex education portion and a chance for audience members to win prizes.  Tickets for the event will be $10 ahead of time or $12 at the door.
 
For more information or to enter a design, email FACE AIDS.
 
ALL PHOTOS COURTESTY OF NAKARAMI PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bernice Chuang is a fourth year double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Studies-Human Relations and doing the Business Foundations Program (aka business minor) at the University of Texas at Austin. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Bernice is a fan of good country music and yummy barbeque! At UT, Bernice is a resident assistant at an all-female residence hall and currently serves as a senator representing her residence hall, Kinsolving, on the Resident Assistant Association. She also leads a small group bible study for Asian American Campus Ministries and sings with her campus ministries’ a cappella group. When she’s not juggling her various roles and commitments, Bernice enjoys exploring downtown Austin, shopping with her fellow RA staff members, reading books on faith and spirituality, learning how to cook and tackling various dessert recipes, and spending quality time with friends.