While Asheville is no stranger to fashion shows, the upcoming Push Asheville Fashion is a runway event with a purpose beyond the posh frocks.
AB Tech student Sonia Hendrix is also the VP of projects for Phi Beta Lambda, the group coordinating the show. The idea behind Push Asheville Fashion is to encourage students—as well as local residents—to shop locally, Hendrix explains. “During this time of great economic strain the community must support its local businesses. What better way to showcase clothing than with a fashion runway show; a marketing method used at all levels in the fashion industry,” she posits.
But this is no mere do-gooder event. It has a celebrity element. Nearly three dozen local models will be joined by Miss North Carolina International Melissa Chambers. How did that come about? “I’ve been coordinating with [blog] AskAsheville.com,” Hendrix says. “I was looking for more models and [blogger] Gary put me in touch with Melissa Chambers.” She’ll model for Union boutique.
Among the local models, Ras Berhane of mystic reggae group Crystal Kind will strut his stuff in HoneyPot wearables.
Sticking to the local theme, the evening features area designers along with boutique representatives and musicians.
Need inspiration for a spring wardrobe? A dozen boutiques (Wink, Custom, Hip Replacements, Va Va Voom, Terra Diva, Frock, Union, Virtue, Boga, Vintage Moon, Hunk and Honey Pot) will send their fiercest attire down the runway. “Va Va Voom is showing classy lingerie for the normal-sized woman,” Hendrix says. “They also have awesome boots; they’ll be sending those, too.”
Terra Diva will also feature lingerie along with an affordable wedding dress and “cute outfits,” Hendrix reveals.
There’s plenty of spotlight for the music, too. Check out performances by dance troupe Asheville Dance Revolution, Ras Berhane, Ryan Knowles and Jacob Keller of experimental-electro trio Plaza Real, Americana bohemians Jen and the Juice and members of local Afrobeat collective The Afromotive.
who: Push Asheville Fashion
what: Local fashion and music show, featuring 12 boutiques and music from Jen and the Juice, members of the Afromotive and many more
where: The Garage at Biltmore
when: Friday, Mar. 27 (9 p.m. $10. www.myspace.com/pushashevillefashion)
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