After a Fashion
Stephen talks about a few up and coming fashion events and tells Brooks Coleman what he can do with his Erector set.
By Stephen MacMillan Moser, Fri., Aug. 23, 2002
SUNNY SKIES Designer Sunny Haralson has a Trunk Show coming up at the great space created by Big Red Sun (1102 E. Cesar Chavez), next Thursday, Aug. 29. Haralson makes a delightful collection of dresses and handbags, imbuing them all with her personal charm. She has a certain something that shows a great deal of promise, and the quest for success in fashion has a funny way of making people leave Austin. Her work will be available for purchase at the show, as well as at the wonderful Shiki (on the Drag), and Creatures (on South First), whom always has some of the coolest merchandise around. Also showing is Haralson's partner Chia, whose quirky accessories adorn the racks of several stylish boutiques. Sunny also sent me something pretty funny we can all appreciate -- a little encouragement. At www.zefrank.com/ predate/index.html one can find all the positive reinforcement. Think your butt is too big? Nonsense! Think you need more make-up? Forget it! This hysterical site is like having a best friend that thinks everything about you is a scream. Go there -- and come away feeling much better about yourself.
BROOKS, BROOKS, BROOKS Well, Brooks Coleman's letter in The Austin Chronicle "Postmarks" section two weeks ago brought tears to my eyes. Yours, too, I'm sure. He responded to my review of his show with a heartbreakingly woeful tale of unfinished buttons, buckles, bags, and shoes for his last collection. Listen, Brooks, I know all about getting a collection ready on time ... and I also know that if the collection simply isn't ready, it's better to not go on with the show, rather than showing a half-assed, ill-produced collection. I didn't review whatever it was you intended, Brooks, I reviewed what I saw. And what I saw was exactly what I wrote about. Did you really expect your audience to imagine what these garments might look like were they finished? Ridiculous. How could we possibly know what is going on in your mind? Or maybe you subscribe to the prevailing theory that because it's an "alternative" fashion show, it's okay to put on a substandard presentation? Sorry, that just doesn't fly. And as far as the personal attacks go, let's discuss résumés in private; you may find you don't want a public pissing match. Suffice to say, I had a career in fashion when you were still playing with your Erector set. My job is fashion critic. I criticized your collection, and you didn't like it. Get over it.
GET THE AIR FRESHENER I'm going to have to let you guess which local television news anchor I spied at a local beauty emporium, strolling the aisles, yakking on her cell phone at the top of her voice. So concerned was she about her phone call that she was oblivious to everything else -- including a gaggle of teenage girls who were laughing at the personal revelations she was making on the phone. Picking up products without looking at them, and putting them back on the shelf several feet away, the TV diva completely ignored all attempts at assistance from the sales staff. Standing behind her in line, she wrote a check for the (don't laugh) box of haircolor she bought. Eeewww! She colors her own hair? Tres recherché. When the salesperson thanked her by name and declined her offer of ID for the check, Miss I'm-Too-Fabulous rolled her eyes and impatiently shoved her hand out, snatched the receipt, and flounced out the door. Her whole attitude was so dismissive, that the reputation she left behind lingered like a foul odor.
SPINOUT Friday, August 23, 6:30pm, brings us the TFAA Spin Art Party. Last year's party was a great success, and in addition to music, breakdancing, raffles, and party favors, you'll get to bring home your very own spin art. Texas Fine Arts Association, a very worthy (and unstuffy) arts organization, is at the corner of Seventh & Congress. Admission to the party is $10 for members, $15 for non-members (or try the special: membership and a ticket is $40). This will be your very last opportunity to see the fabulous SXSW fixture Karla Keeton Page before she makes the big move to Norway. Let's go for a spin!
