art and fashion on the runway
Art and fashion collide to send a powerful message
The backstage of Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center ( SBDAC) buzzed with all the makings of a high- profile fashion show December 13 and 14, as leggy models and industry professionals geared up for the 3rd annual Art Walks the Runway event. Clouds of hairspray and perfume filled the air, while models took turns getting dolled up by the likes of Red Salon & Spa, Blue Dahlia Salon, Kimberley Wood & Associates and Geancarla Sprella A.
Each year, SBDAC hosts a weekend full of style with two charity fashion shows that involve both nationally recognized and emerging local talent. This year, not only did the weekendlong performance raise funds for restoration of the historic art center’s upper floors, but it gave a voice to another cause close to the hearts of those involved: nature.
Saturday night was dedicated to haute couture styles that aimed to change the way society views reusable material. Everyday products were transformed into wearable art, like Mariapia Malerba’s rose- flamenco dress made from paper elements, and Paionia Couture’s designs made from upholstery fabric and grocery bags.
“Looking at these pieces, you would have never known they used things like paper,” said SBDAC development director and Art Walks the Runway organizer Melissa Tschari DeHaven. “There was really this beautiful theme of environmentalism and humanity.”
The theme probed deeper into the relationship between people and nature with a show, produced by Elements of Body Art and Simon917ink. Human canvases, painted to represent elements of Mother Nature and destruction, performed in front of a screen playing out natural disasters. “The stage was really dramatic,” DeHaven said of the scene, “it showed people that this is our planet and we have to take care of it.”
Preceding the main event Saturday night was Friday’s Keeping it Local show. WINK- TV anchor/ reporter Haley Hinds emceed as downtown and area boutiques, including Forever Yours, Marzela Boutique, Black@, Enjewel and Petunia of Naples, showed off the latest seasonal trends. Artist Lilly Hatchett opened up the evening with a Paper Grotto Fire performance, while stylish looks from emerging designer Stella Pink and a musical performance by local artist Sheena Brook paid even more homage to the Fort Myers art and fashion scene.
While eagerly waiting to strut their stuff down the stage Friday, both returning and new models expressed their excitement to participate in the shows. Canterbury School student Amanda Podlasek, who sported threads such as a black- and- white polka dotted top from Forever Yours boutique, was happy to add runway modeling to her resume of community involvement. “It’s such a good experience that builds confidence,” says Podlasek, who one day hopes to combine her love of fashion with animals.
Seventeen- year- old Rachel Bosecker of Riverdale High School returned to Art Walks the Runway for a second year to feed her craving for the catwalk. “I love runway modeling the most,” says Bosecker. “You get to be whoever you want. A lot of people say it’s just a hobby, but this is my passion.”
Whether participating in the show or simply admiring it from a seat in the audience, people not only had a sneak peak of 2014’ s hottest fashions, but were able to walk away with a newfound respect for the world we live in. Now that is something that looks good on everyone. Melanie Pagan is the assignment editor and social media coordinator for TOTI Media. Follow her on our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages, and at blog. totimedia. com