This April, Talley Student Union was transformed into a space for advocacy and artistic expression with the installation of Wear the Message. Build the Wings. This interactive art installation is a collaborative effort between the Arts Village, the Wilson College of Textiles and the NC State Women’s Center to honor Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness month. 

The history of Denim Day traces back to a 1998 Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a sexual assault conviction. The victim wore “tight jeans,” with the justices arguing that the victim must have assisted in their removal, thereby implying consent.

This “Jeans Alibi” sparked an immediate international outcry, leading to the first official Denim Day in 1999 as a global protest against victim-blaming and the myths surrounding sexual assault. Today, as the NC State community gathers in 2026, the installation serves as a vital reminder that no garment serves as an excuse for violence; by “stepping into” the denim, students and faculty continue a decades-long tradition of reclaiming the narrative, ensuring that support for survivors remains unconditional and that the focus stays firmly on consent and collective accountability.

Arts Village worked with the Wilson College of Textiles and the NC State Women’s Center to create a patchwork sculpture of denim jeans and denim butterfly wings. This installation was created from recycled fabrics and sewn together to create an interactive sculpture. Visitors are invited to literally “step into” the artwork by standing behind the cutout denim jeans with the denim wings sitting behind them.

This act symbolizes the personal commitment to supporting survivors and challenging the myths surrounding sexual violence. The sculpture encourages students to take photos and to use their digital platforms to spark the vital conversations about respect and consent. 

When photographed, participants appear to be wearing the denim artwork while framed by the wings behind them, providing a powerful visual of standing with survivors while lifting up the community. This collaboration demonstrates how creative practice can serve as a catalyst for change. By blending the technical artistry of the College of Textiles with the mission of the Women’s Center and the vision of the Arts Village, Wear the Message, Build the Wings ensures that NC State awareness is not just a concept but an active, participatory movement.