After a Fashion

CH-CH-Changes

It's been amazing to see the changes that Change.org, the website that allows anyone to start a petition against just about anything, has brought about in the fashion industry. They are responsible for getting some major designers and retailers such as Giorgio Armani and Versace to ban sandblasting, a method that gives clothes the "distressed" look, following the lead of Gucci and H&M. (Who needs to be sandblasted to look distressed? Not me ...). Sandblasting causes silicosis, a potentially lethal pulmonary disease. The process has led to the deaths of workers in Turkey and Bangladesh, where jean sandblasting is done manually. Already having had Zara, Esprit, and Mango buckle under their pressure, Levi's also submitted. Now the battle cry is against designer Marc Jacobs to go fur-free, like designers Stella McCartney and Calvin Klein. Apparently, Jacobs' coats at the discount designer emporium Century 21 in New York were trimmed with a "faux-fur" that, upon inspection, contained real fur from raccoon dogs, a species closely related to our beloved four-legged friends. I applaud the website's ability to make changes, though Change.org has a number of asinine petitions under their belt, too ("Make Joan Rivers Stop Her 'Starlet or Streetwalker' segment!" Yawn.) And the fur thing, I just don't know. I use fur – primarily vintage furs that definitely did not die for my sins. In some universe I justify it by thinking that these animals were not part of a wild animal population being decimated; they were in fact born and bred for their fur. Sad, hideous lives, to be sure, but we have been wearing fur for millions of years. Proud tribal traditions utilize it, and entire communities support themselves on the fur trade. Honestly? I have my qualms, but I guess that makes me more paleo and less PETA, anyway.

SEEN & BELIEVED

Dazzling and delightful and very tongue-in-cheek, the wonderful and funny cuff links from Sikara & Co. (417 W. Second) are a simple way for a man to make a personal statement. We're not talking chunks of diamonds to prove you're rich; we're talking about Captain America cuff links, cuff links of vintage typewriter keys, cuff links of baseballs, planes, subway tokens, barbells ... practically anything you can think of. All the coolest dandies I know are getting them there. See for yourself at www.sikarajewelry.com/cufflinks.html.

DATELINE

It's Women & Their Work's 35th anniversary! Celebrate at the faaabulous Crystal Bash, Friday, April 5, 8-11pm at the nationally recognized residence (known as the Floating Box House) of Alexa and Blaine Wesner with a silent auction and mystical music from DJ Mahealani, readings by psychic Joe Nicols, performance by Denise Prince & her troupe of Uninvited Guests, spirits, beer and wine, and delectable food. Tickets and further info are available at www.womenandtheirwork.org... The highly-anticipated ArtErotica 2013 happens Saturday, April 13, 8:30pm-12:30am at last year's mammoth location, the old Home Depot at 7211 N. I-35, at St. John's. This is probably one of the most evolved events on my calendar. Every year, the hosts, the Octopus Club, offer new surprises, new concepts and, uh, new ways to look at sex. Just go. Info and tickets at www.octopusclub.org... The always lovely and always stylish Umlauf Sculpture Garden Party is Thursday, April 25, 6:30-9:30pm, at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. The 15th anniversary of this event, it is even more special than ever. With the passing of Charles Umlauf's wife Angie in 2012, the Umlauf has begun connecting the museum to the hilltop home and studio of the late couple, where the iconic Austin artist did most of his work during his long career. Come enjoy food from 20 fabulous restaurants, the great Nash Hernandez Orchestra, and plenty of wine. Tickets are available at www.umlaufsculpture.org.