DIANA ENG: Fashion Nerd

Everyone has seen models strut down the runway, but there are actually two types of fashions shows. The runway show, and the fashion presentation. A fashion presentation involves models posing on platforms. Usually new companies will have a fashion presentation during fashion week because it is cheaper. But this fashion week, in honor of the recession, most designers had fashion presentations.

The Fashion Geek fashion show will also be a fashion presentation. Platforms are pretty simple, they are just wood boxes. I was very stressed about acquiring platforms, because they are expensive to rent. So Dave Clausen suggested that we spend a Sunday afternoon making them. Following are instructions so that you can make them too for your next fashion presentation on a budget.

Materials
4 pieces 3/4″ ply wood cut to 18″ x 18″ (if you ask nicely, they will cut all of your lumber to size at the hardware store)
8 pieces 1×6 lumber cut to 16 1/2″
8 pieces 1×6 lumber cut to 18″

Wood Glue
Vice Grips
Drill + Bits
Screws
Paint
Paint Brush
Old Paper Towels

Yield: 4 platforms 18″ x 18″ x 6 1/4″” (models are pretty tall, so I just want a little bit of height to distinguish them from the crowd)

Our total cost: $60

1. Start by building the sides of the platform out of two 16 1/2″ pieces of 1×6 lumber and two 18″ pieces of 1×6 lumber.

2. Place the pieces for your platform as picture, with the smaller 1×6 pieces between the longer 1×6 pieces (It is helpful to use another flat piece of wood to line them all up.). Drill pilot holes into the edges of the 18″ pieces. We made our holes 3/8″ in from the corner and 1 1/5″ from the top and bottom. Then glue the pieces with wood glue and screw them together. Wipe of extra glue with the old paper towel.

3. Add the 3/4″ plywood to top off the platform. Drill pilot holes 3/8″ in from the edge and 3″ from each corner. Then glue and screw down the top. Wipe away extra glue with old paper towels.

4. Paint the sides of the box. We are leaving the top wood colored, and will be stencilling “fashion geek” across it in hot pink for a deconstructed DIY look.

I had to let things dry. Stay tuned for a finished picture on Tuesday!