‘Wearable Art’ packs a full house in Dunedin

DUNEDIN — A festive crowd packed the Dunedin Fine Art Center on Saturday night for the return of the “Wearable Art” fashion show. Guests dressed in artsy attire sipped bright blue margaritas and listened to live music from the G.E.N. Trio before heading over to the Dunedin Community Center for the runway show.

“Wearable Art” took a two-year pandemic hiatus but returned for its 16th go-around. Designers chose their own models and music, making the experience diverse.

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The show was kicked off by designer Lina Teixeira featuring the League of Extraordinary Kings and Queens. The men wore sheer garments, some emblazoned with the words “Step up,” and face masks. Women wore more elaborate designs featuring fringe and feathers and a series of whimsical hats. Dancers from Clearwater Kids Steppin Up donned black clothes and wore white face masks, delighting the crowd with their moves.

“Evolution of Consciousness” was the theme for Rya DeMulder’s collection. A crocheted ensemble of a bodysuit, full face mask and headpiece garnered an audible “wow” from the audience. Marked by elaborate headpieces and dresses that evoked nature, the collection was a crowd-pleaser.

Things took a carnival turn with Neva Durham’s collection, titled “Eclectic Remix.” With models dressed as a lightning storm, a ballerina and a Día de los Muertos skeleton featuring a giant, lighted sombrero and dress, the collection was indeed eclectic.

Wearable Art veteran Frank Strunk III brought conceptual art to the runway with a variety of headgear, some kinetic (the carousel and Ferris wheel were delightful) and another that dangled a cell phone in front of a model’s face. Titled “State of Mind,” Strunk said he was commenting on the “deconstruction and downfall of capitalism” and “bodily autonomy for women,” referenced by a metal chastity belt.

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Bay to Bay Wearable Art Collective presented mermaids and other fantastical creatures with the collection “Sins of the Sea.” Demons wearing elaborate headdresses haunted a girl with designer Cindy Linville’s collection, “Mara’s Demons.”

A tribute to Ukraine came with Olga Saretsky/Kikimora Studio’s “War and Peace” collection. With a backdrop of shelled-out buildings, feathered birds danced down the runway, followed by costumes of an old woman and abstract figures. It ended on a hopeful note, with Saretsky dressed as a dove. It was like watching a ballet.

The evening ended with balloon artist Mark Byrne’s “Deep Blue: An Underwater Fantasy.” Created just three days before, the balloon garments looked like sea creatures and some models walked together to become one big fish and a starfish. It was a joyful display to end an evening rich with creativity.