Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens extended its Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter show due to high visitor rates. That means there is still time to see how local college and high school students became an active part of creating the exhibit’s dramatic, vibrant outfits. Professional fashion designers worked with students from the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts magnet high school (CAPA) and Carnegie Mellon University — Porter’s alma mater — to create costumes inspired by the stylish outfits worn by the Pittsburgh-born and raised performer known for his Broadway, television, and film contributions. Originally debuted on May 6, Flowers Meet Fashion was organized by Phipps’ associate director of exhibits Jordyn Melino, and is described in a press release as featuring “brilliant horticultural displays and breathtaking fashion designs” inspired by Porter’s Pittsburgh roots and accomplishments. Among the featured designs is a display inspired by Porter’s role in the Broadway show Kinky Boots, a gold costume hovering over a water lily pond, and an aquaponics dress filled with live fish, as well as three dresses made with dried plant material.

Photo Credit: Paul G. Wiegman