When Fashion Week Came to Town...

A runway show at an art museum- what could be more fun? Our local Appleton Museum of Art offered several fashion designers the opportunity to create a statement piece and a small collection of garments inspired by one of the art objects in the museum collection. Then, on a warm and pleasant evening, models walked the runway, showing off the work of the designers. This gown, from designer Leeann Kroetsch, is worthy of a one-of-a-kind wedding and was rich with stuffed work and embellishment. 

This headpiece stayed firmly in place, despite a slight breeze blowing, so my hat is off to the model (no pun intended). The Stefania Costanzo gown had an over-skirt of gold strapping and a wide hand-painted flounce. You can see lots more photos by professional photographer Demilio at here at his site.

Julia Chew, the designer, wore her own inspiration garment beautifully. A carved Chinese jade pagoda was the inspiration piece.

All of the fashions were seen in the museum courtyard, and the runway itself went around the circular fountain. It all made for a splendid event.

Fiesta! The vibrant color against black made Hermione Elma's dress an eye-catcher. And it was covered with embellishments, bling, and trinkets which I found appealing. A quote I recently found says "the thing with bling is that the more you have, the more you want." Ain't it the truth?!

Perky, flirty, and colorful, this dress had floral overlays on the bodice and a full skirt of layered circles.

The back interest on this piece was stunning- gold, intricate lacing, and yards upon yards of tulle. I should write runway commentary, right? Seasons of Project Runway have caused me to see details I'd likely miss otherwise.

The fashion show was held in conjunction with this exhibit, which was very well done. No photos allowed as these are items not owned by the museum. As we wandered through the exhibit, the models and designers were standing next to each inspiration piece so show-goers could chat with them. And speaking of Project Runway, Fabio Costa of the recent Runway All-Stars season was scheduled to speak on Sunday about fashion inspiration. However, his flight arrangements from Brazil could not be completed at the last minute, so we missed hearing from him.

But wait, there's more! Jan at Laughing Dog Arts blog surprised me by sending this lacy and layered minibobber just for being a loyal follower of her blog. She posted about these recently, and you can see more here. At first I thought to put it on a journal cover, but now think it will get a pin back and become a wearable. It can go right on my own "accessory wall" (a Project Runway term). The piece began on a base of denim and then went in lots of directions, including some hand embroidered details, buttons, and fabulous frays. Many thanks to Jan. Notice the photo background also- that's the hand-print envelope the gift traveled here in. Lovely, lovely- all of it!

Joining in my recent festivities was none other than Elvis in a 1963 Bonneville! Yes, there has been an Elvis sighting at a local car show and I was able to snap a pic.