Now for the fun stuff. Following contemporary artists who use the process of picture language, a few designers have embedded found images into clothing hang tags. But none have done it as effectively as Mr. Hernandez and Mr. McCollough, or with the understanding of what these blocks of image and color should ultimately represent. One obstacle has been the technical constraints of apparel. What materials will yield the most arresting results? Presumably, the garment should also be wearable.

The Proenza designers found images of a crowded swimming pool, a beach and protesters. These images were then reproduced on both double satin and leather. In their research, the designers looked at a lot of vernacular fashion: biker denim, hippie crochet and patchwork. These textures figured into their other designs, like vivid leather jackets and skirts with hang tags, but they also had an indirect influence on the photo-print dresses.

Obviously these dresses evoke Tumblr, but they do more than that hang tags. The pixelated scattering of pink nailheads on the top of the protesters’ dress creates a three-dimensional effect, one that works because it is quite modest. At the same time, the nailheads suggest a perennial fashion favorite, the polka dot. The Proenza designers take the archival process, at least in fashion, to a whole new level.