CMC Students Transform Circus Magic into Dirty Circus Fashion Line

Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) soft goods sewing and design program has once again caught the fashion world’s attention with their bold approach. Over the past month, five students have poured their energy into transforming the magic and wildness of the circus into handmade, runway-ready statements.

This is CMC’s third year joining the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show, which celebrates its 15th annual event, themed “Step Right Up,” from March 12-14 at the Carbondale Recreation Center. Their collection, called “Dirty Circus,” reimagines classic circus characters with a grungy, cheeky twist.

The Concept Behind “Dirty Circus”

Julianna Reese, a CMC adjunct professor who co-teaches the sewing and design course, led the concept for “Dirty Circus.” She wanted to explore the idea that carnivals and circuses aren’t always as clean or bright as they seem.

The collection features bold takes on classic circus characters, using gritty colors, worn finishes, and even some “naughty” details like butt cheek cutouts and exposed torsos. It’s playful, a bit rebellious, and definitely not your usual circus vibe.

Student Creations

Each student, along with co-professor Cecilia Metheny, picked a classic circus image and gave it a unique, glamorous spin:

• Gigi Rascon: Chose the big top and designed a skirt shaped like the classic tent, paired with shorts, a bra, and towering six-inch heels.
• Julie Wille: Went with a snake charmer, weaving found objects like a tent and a tennis racket into her look.
• Nicole Nagel Gogolak: Picked a jester, bringing a playful yet edgy energy to the lineup.
• Cecilia Metheny: Reimagined the ring master as a grungy, glamorous figure.
• Elizabeth Shaw: Took on the clown, adding her own twist to this classic character.
• Sedona Crouch: Selected a white tiger, focusing on sculptural masks that stand out.

Gigi Rascon’s Journey

Gigi Rascon, one of CMC’s dedicated students, has been sewing since she was six. This is her second time creating a piece for the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show.

She describes herself as “very nocturnal,” often staying up late to perfect her design. Even when she hits creative blocks, she finds real joy in seeing her outfit come together, scrap by scrap.

Future Aspirations

After graduation, Rascon plans to take a gap year, then head to college in New York to study fashion and design. She credits CMC’s program for pushing her to pursue this dream and sparking her passion for the field.

Professor Julianna Reese’s Solo Line

Professor Julianna Reese isn’t just guiding students—she’s debuting her own solo line at this year’s show. Her collection, “Treat Yourself,” turns traditional gown silhouettes into bold takes on beloved carnival foods.

Creative Process

Reese found inspiration in classic carnival snacks like corn dogs, funnel cake, popcorn, and cotton candy. Each piece is a playful mashup of food and fashion, with a sexy twist.

For example, her corndog look features a brown wool coat reworked into a princess-seamed pencil dress, finished with red and yellow laces for that ketchup and mustard vibe.

Challenges and Rewards

Reese and her students definitely hit some bumps along the way. For Reese, the hardest part was building structure for each silhouette on a tight budget and keeping things sustainable.

She got creative, like using hangers to craft a tutu for the funnel cake outfit. Sometimes you just have to improvise, right?

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges, both Reese and Rascon can’t wait to see how “Dirty Circus” actually looks onstage at the fashion show. Reese especially loves watching her students’ ideas take shape and seeing how people react.

For more details about this project, check out the original article.