The Detroit Institute’s new Web series “Beyond the Armor,” has given a handful of fashion designers a chance to showcase their talents in a unique and exciting way. Sarah Lapinski is one of 10 designers who are creating garments inspired by the current DIA exhibit “Samurai: Beyond the Sword.” The designs are intended to reflect and reveal the samurai warrior’s aesthetic ideals and values. Lapinski describes her style as “urban romantic,” the New Yorker says that she’s had to adjust to working in Detroit without some of her go-to tools of the trade.
“The most challenging aspect of this competition has been working remotely without my usual tools,” Lapinski shares. “I don’t even have a dress form in NYC! Much less all my odds and ends.” She has said that her focus is only sharpened now that she’s on a Web series; she’s always paid attention to detail.
“I always try to be thoughtful throughout any process, uncovering new angles as I go,” she says. “The webisodes just being another step in the series.”
For Lapinski, the experience of participating in the competition and the web series has been illuminating. She’s gain a greater knowledge of her own preferences as a designer, as well as enjoying the company of her fellow competitors.
She says the experience has given her more insight into her approach.
“I’ve learned that I like working with restraints,” says Lapinkski. “I do love a competition! It gets the blood pumping. But what I’ve enjoyed most, is meeting and befriending the other designers. [They are] really talented women; [I] couldn’t ask for better company.”
