From the beginning, The Paper Fashion Show has been a part of DAVA’s curriculum. Students ages 7 to 17 research ideas, learn to draw figures, think about design, colors and patterns to create their fashions. These students learn to problem solve and to work on a team while gaining leadership skills and real world experience by participating in a professional event. At the show, DAVA students work alongside professional designers and creators, see their fashions walk the runway and even participate as judges.

“Through the Paper Fashion Show™, students have been able to show leadership and participate in a professional event as team leaders, interns, judges and models,” says Viviane Le Courtois, Program Manager at DAVA. “Students are excited about the project every year, it adds something to our program that is unique.” 

Combining art and technology, DAVA programs emphasize innovation, problem-solving, and connection to community. While arts education can connect to careers in the arts, at DAVA they do much more. Their unique approach results in students not only gaining skills in art, but also valuable education, job, and social skills in preparation for a wide range of life aspirations.