C. Burr Artz Public Library Hosts “Harry Potter Project Runway”

Creating an outfit is no easy feat. Fashion designers work for years learning the craft, studying the history, and perfecting their vision. Fashion is a work of art, and these young witches and wizards have just started on that journey.

Harry Potter Project Runway was held during the last few weeks of August at the C. Burr Artz Public Library in Frederick, Maryland. A group of local children and pre-teens were asked to create outfits that would fit “seamlessly” into Harry’s magical world, and they certainly did not disappoint.

Frederick Library’s teen librarian Liz Bowen was the organizer. The event began when she handed out a few shiny “Galleons” so that they could peruse the selection of materials to make their costumes with. (In actuality, all of the materials had been donated, and the shiny coins were euros).

So the fashion race began! The participants were directed to book resources, websites, and all varieties of different learning methods.

They could choose to work solo or with a co-creator, but in the end, the entire event really boiled down to the creativity of the children and their love for the Boy Who Lived. The option was given between working on an outfit inspired by wizards or muggles, with one particular caveat: The design must be an original creation, rather than re-creating an existing one. I’m sure this proviso caused every cosplayer in Frederic, Maryland, to shift uncomfortably in their seats. Bowen pointed out:

It’s less of a copycat of the character’s costume and more about your own original take.

The American Sewing Guild seemed particularly entranced with the idea of these young fashion designers making a rather “enchanting” design. Helen DeRoo, a member of the Guild, claims:

So many of them have read all the books as well as seen the movies.

Harry Potter is acting to bring a younger generation into the fine art of sewing and costume making.

The event concluded on September 1 with a full fashion show. Young Raeann Kalinowski, 13, followed her inspiration and created a lovely, original version of Molly Weasley’s dress.

Ruby Frank, 9, made her own rendition of wizard garb as well.

Sisters Ada and Mary Johnson strutted in their brand new student and professor costumes, complete with hand-knitted scarves. Most of Ada’s costume was sewn by hand, and she wore it proudly. According to young Ada:

I’m a really creative person, so it’s one of my hobbies.

Have you ever sewn a creative Harry Potter-themed costume? Or any costume in general? We want to hear about it! Let us know about your fashionable experience in the comments below.