Dunedin's Wearable Art isn't exactly a fashion show. Sure there's a runway and models, but it's not just an hour of women strutting down the runway in pretty clothes. It's way more artistic than that (and there are men, too). These "outfits" aren't meant for everyday life — they are designed to entertain and make a statement. Nine designers and countless models participated in this year's Wearable Art show. The designs were edgy, sexy, whimsical, absurd, flowery, feathery, hairy, and beautiful. Take a look...
1. Lina Teixeira
Lina's fashions aim to break down stereotypes and celebrate diversity. And they're sexy. It's a win-win.
2. Sue Woodall-Metas
Is that woman's skirt made out of Barbie dolls? Sure is! An entertaining, if brief, glimpse into the whimsical imagination of Sue Woodall-Metas.
3. Melissa Dolce
Edgy. She does great work with flowers — and ends with a formidable pairing of Audrey Hepburn-worthy white and Maleficent-worthy black and red.
4. Irina Bilka
Here comes the hair...lots and lots of hair from BOTB winner Irina Bilka. At once stylish, beautiful and kinda creepy.
5. The Garden Fairies
Who knew being tall could be so beautiful? The Garden Fairies, I guess. The flowing flags, streamers, capes, and skirts were absolutely captivating. And those headdresses...
6. Julian Hartzog
Swimsuits in outer space...now that's a theme.
7. Dacota Maphis
8. Johnson Hunt's plant-based fashions
9. Mark Byrne
Once again we are in outer space, but this time we're wearing balloons and hanging out with R2D2 and C-3PO.
The fashions showcased at Dunedin's Wearable Art show were at times outlandish, at times absurd, but that's all part of the fun. Mall fashion shows are boring. This is not.
