Beautiful creatures — some scary and very strange — graced the runway of Dunedin Fine Art Center's biggest event of the year Saturday night. The 10th anniversary event offered a wide range of designs, worn by models of all ages and body types. Lina Teixeira's enchanting and otherworldly tree nymphs and birdlike figures in her Natura collection were among the most stunning and unconventional designs to hit the runway at Wearable Art X [PHOTOS BY DANIEL VEINTIMILLA, more images here.].
As were Mark Byrne's iconic, large-scale balloon designs in his inflatable couture line Maidens and Monsters. Most were outrageous and one stood out as angelic, perhaps a tribute to Wings of Desire. He created homages to Alien and King Kong too.
One designer showed glimpses of Brazil. One piece, obviously inspired by the country's love of soccer and its hosting of the World Cup — was a dress made of futbol leather. Other models in his line wore tropical fruit, mini barrios, Amazonian jungle tribal wear and beachy seashells.Melissa Dolce's designs entertained with whimsical, cartoon-like pizazz, paying tribute to famous artists and masterworks through the ages, from Van Gogh to Picasso to Lichtenstein. Neva “The Diva” Durham had the most diverse showcase of the night with no single motif — everything from bondage wear to dresses made from flowers and body paint.
Julian Hartzog was the shiniest with his metallic, futuristic and spectacular reflective wear. Performance artist Alice Ferrulo returned with a refined ballet-influence vignette.
Neva “The Diva” Durham offered the most diverse mix of looks.
Rogerio Martins returned from Brazil to bring us more of his sultry, provocative looks, and the Garden Faeries returned with their earthy and playful designs. Also back this year, the intense and eerily beautiful performance artist Alice Ferrulo, whose works were inspired by the ballet.
It was Natalie Root’s first year as director, and she offered us a memorable maiden voyage for Wearable Art's 10th show. Brava!