Bikers, walkers and bus riders will gather this evening at 8 p.m. at The LAB for Asheville’s first-ever “Multimodal Fashion Show.”
The Strive Not to Drive event will “explore the question of ‘what are the aesthetics of dressing for multi-modal transportation?’” says Mike Sule, the founder of cycling-advocacy group Asheville on Bikes. “It’s really easy to think of bikers as wearing these tight flashy uniform outfits, but for the urban riding experience, whatever you were going to wear to walk down the street or get into your car, you can also wear as you hop on a bicycle and go. It’s a fashionable experience.”
The fashion show will feature several biking, walking and busing enthusiasts modeling outfits provided by local boutiques, including Union, Wink and Custom. Designer Sheila Moon, who specializes in “infusing cycling apparel with a twist of fashion, without sacrificing fit or function,” will also be represented. Xpress’ fashion editor, Alli Marshall, will emcee.
Among the amateur models strutting their stuff will be the chair of Asheville’s Transit Commission, Paul Van Heden, who offers the following advice on how to best dress for riding the bus: “You need a satchel, and you need a coffee mug that does not spill no matter what,” he says. “And you need your bus pass of course, because it makes you look awesome-sexy.”
Photos by Jonathan Welch
Great pics Jonathan!