A liquid crystal device comprises of a pair of opposed substrates defining a cell gap. Each substrate has an electrode disposed on a surface facing the other substrate. A plurality of spacers are randomly disposed in the cell gap and extend from one substrate to the other substrate, wherein a polymerization enhancing or initiating compound is not disposed on the surface of the spacers. Polymer columns are randomly disposed between the opposed substrates, extending from one substrate to the other, at least a portion of which are disposed around and immobilize the spacers in the cell gap. A liquid crystal material is disposed in the cell gap. A method for making a liquid crystal device is also provided. The internal columnar structures provide stability against mechanical pressure enabling the fabrication of durable, flexible LC display devices using plastic substrates for applications in portable and handheld devices.