After a Fashion

SHOWTIME AT MOMOKO The town is fairly bursting with fashion shows these days, no? Well, this one certainly has some interesting possibilities -- on Saturday, July 28, Momoko presents their Summer Fashion Show, engineered by wondergirl Jessica Sheick and featuring designs from Shiki (always innovative and fun), as well as Pangea. Judy Masliyah (aka Mrs. Glover Gill) will be showing original work, and is easily Austin's most prolific designer, churning out one amazing collection after another in her short time here. We can look forward to many surprises from her, and some of her work can currently be seen at Pink Salon, which, in association with the talented Kathy Miller, will be providing hairdressing and make-up services for the show. Another surprise will be the original designs from model-turned-designer Summer Lawson, who will also be responsible for many of the Momoko models' fabulous hair and makeup. Summer's collection is inspired by the J-rock trend from Tokyo. J-rock was news to me, and perhaps to you, too. Says Lawson, "J-rock (also called Visual Rock) is a cross between rock, goth, and techno. Most of the bands over there are men, but they wear lots of make-up and dresses. The hair and make-up is brightly colored and very heavy. Looks like Sailor Moon and other Japanese anime. It seems to be influenced by older Bowie glam stuff and today's latest goth trends. The band Malice Mizer is a favorite." The style can be seen at geocities.com/goth501/lolitahome/home.htm, and for further J-rock info, try jrockarena.com and jrocker.com. Momoko is at 705 W. 24th, and tickets for the show are $5, $15, and $30. Call 469-0232 for more info. See you there!

NEW NEW BOHEMIA This SoCo fixture is undergoing serious reorganization as owner Alexandra Renwick is moving to Portland, Oregon, and turning the store management over to Brendan Bicksler, formerly of Uncommon Objects. The store is still in the throes of transition, but is working new vendors into their lineup. With an eye toward diversification, Bicksler projects numerous events throughout the fall with new promotions and ads. The vendors themselves will be taking more of a hand in the operation, each one producing festivities for SoCo's First Thursdays. One of the new vendors is the infamous Ruby Lamb (consort of the equally infamous photographer Bob Sherman), who will be selling her own particular brand of kitsch -- pictures, accessories, vintage clothing, as well as her own original designs, such as the self-explanatory Poodle Bra. Okay, maybe it's not self-explanatory, but you must see it to understand. Drop by: Say goodbye to Alex, and say hello to an exciting new venture.

IF THE SHOE FITS Saturday, July 14, is the opening date for Goody Two Shoes on the glam SoCo strip. Christine Ann, the owner, has an innovative approach -- trendy shoes that need not be expensive. Offering dozens and dozens of styles of shoes that are not exactly what you'd call "investment shoes," the store runs the gamut from bright, springy styles to the kind of shoes that -- well, let's just say they're not meant for walking. With a lengthy history in shoe biz, Christine knows her market and is providing enormous style at sensible prices. Goody Two Shoes will also carry an assortment of jewelry, and some casualwear, as well as possibly venturing into men's shoes. Yippee!

SWIMMING POOLS AND MOVIE STARS Local photography legend Andrew Shapter is moving his base of operations to L.A. His internationally acclaimed work for such companies as RCA, Arista, Sony Music, Mercedes Benz, Kodak, Isuzu, Bliss Magazine UK, Miller Brewing Company, Anheuser Busch, Town & Country magazine, and Massimo & Storm, London has raised the bar for fashion photography in Austin. Constant traveling made a family life difficult, so Shapter has decided to make himself more accessible to those who hire him. But he's hardly leaving quietly. Saturday, July 14 through Monday, August 6, the Austin Modern Art Gallery (830 W. Third, #1134) presents The Last Picture Show: Andrew Shapter Goes to Hollywood. It will be a retrospective of his past achievements, as well as current work, and encapsulates the drama and style that Shapter brings to his work. Though the bulk of his work will be now be produced elsewhere, he will keep the studio that he has here, and promises to return in a couple of years. Congrats, Andrew, on your show, and best of luck in your future endeavors.