After a Fashion

PINK & IDoL GREEN As fashion changes, so does our fashion scene. IDoL Gallery has reinvented itself, transforming from a retail/gallery space into a private atelier and fashion laboratory. A sizable portion of IDoL's stable of local designers, including Judy Masliyah, Bonnie Barton, and Joy Standefer, among so many others, will be available at the fab new boutique space at Pink Salon (1208 S. Congress). Under the aegis of Debra Carter and daughters Brooke and Farah, Pink is happening hard and fast. The new space is marvelous, and a great gallery too -- the art is always wonderful, and ever changing. March 16 at Pink brings us the multimedia magic of Bob Sherman. This man has so many irons in the fire it's almost impossible to keep track. In addition to this event, he will soon unleash his indie feature, The Mummy's Tongue, on an unsuspecting public, and recently created the stylish television commercial for Aqua, as well as video work for Satan's Cheerleaders. More on Bob soon.

THE TIKI QUEEN & MRS. X Hangin' at IDoL the other day, in walked artist extraordinaire Cindy Crowe and a mystery woman whom we'll call Mrs. X. Cindy and Mrs. X were sporting to-die-for bags and accessories from Cindy's new collection. I tell you what, this babe is hitting her stride big time with these things. We know that she is among an incredibly talented and creative group of women who seem to personify the spirit of the chic SoCo Strip (also including such artists, designers, and entrepreneurs as Tracie Goudie, Jyl Kutsche, and Laura Maclay, and so many others), and that her interests and energy know no bounds, but this new painted leather group that she has done is certainly among the best things she has produced. As alluring as the bags were, however, it was Mrs. X that I could not take my eyes off of. Sporting a scarf over her hair and oversized glasses, she oozed retro-glamour that was neither pretentious nor passé, and could have been a movie star. We chatted like we knew each other, and when her back was turned, I whispered to my friend, Gail, "Who is that woman?" "That's Lisa Dean from Under the Sun," she told me, and my jaw hit the ground. I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Dean several times; in one of my very first columns, I wrote about Under the Sun, the fab vintage store that she and her husband, Steve, run -- and she has a particular brand of chic that defies description. Every time I have seen her, she has completely reinvented her look. It is an almost chameleon-like quality she has that's amazing -- the kind of innate fashion sense that allows her to create her own looks that are totally outside of the usual realm, and still look fabulous every time. So fabulous that I never know that it's the same woman, and I've had to be introduced to her three times. What a woman. Lisa and Steve are playing host to an exhibition of Cindy's new paintings and accessories at Under the Sun (1321 S. Congress), opening March 9 with a party, 7-10 PM. Tiki Takeover is the theme; you'll just have to see it to understand it. Under the Sun is also hosting a number of events during SXSW, of which we'll keep you apprised.

HOW MANY WEEKS ... since we mentioned the fabulous Wet Salon? Six? Eight? 10? No, 16, thank you very much … and no, their business didn't just wither away because I didn't mention them. As a matter of fact, they are celebrating their first (!) anniversary, this Saturday, March 3. The salon, at 1109 S. Congress, is throwing a big ole shindig that will benefit the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. For a $10 donation, guests will wet themselves over the lavish spread of food and beverages, a silent art auction, and door prizes. With live music by Dewato, Will Sexton, and Sekhani, surely you'll want to wear your most festive attire. Apropos to everything, did you know that one of the owners, Jimmy Haddox, once starred in an obscure sci-fi movie with Pia Zadora? Just imagine having your hair styled by the hands that were once in close proximity to Pia. And, of course, Eric Massey was a championship award-winning figure skater -- the photos show his award clearly evident underneath his Lycra jumpsuit. And Brandi Cowley … well, we know what she's famous for… The ever-charming Will O'Connell says to be sure and see the new Dirty Girl collection that includes not only lipsticks and nail polish, but also such alluring items as Virgin Bubble Bath, Slut Bubble Bath, Bitch Soap, and Queen Soap.