Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Remix the image of fashion

The Advocates raises awareness of domestic violence at annual benefit

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Wood River High School Junior Maddie Codovano walks the runway during the "Epiphany" act. Third Floor Salon was responsible for the extreme hairstyles. Photo by Dana DuGan

Fashion—the history and the art of—fill many a gorgeous coffee-table book. Fashion is big business the world over. It's the art of adornment for women (and men) through the ages, and as such a window into the culture and times of each era.

When the Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault presented their second annual benefit fashion show Saturday at nexStage Theatre in Ketchum, fashion was also a point of activism. Advocates board members and co-chairs of the event, Margaret Block and Lara Spencer, opted for a less-than-traditional look.

Indeed, the conceptual show was both controversial and stirring. Eighteen local models were dressed in fashions from the Advocates' Attic and from Spencer's store, The Dollhouse, both in Hailey. The script for the show, "Remix: the evolution of a woman as shown through fashion," followed a path from abuse to empowerment, in four acts, as it relates to survivors of domestic violence.

In Act 1, dark clothing represented "Oppression." The models had blank stares, dark makeup and bird's-nest hairstyles. They walked with an air of hopelessness.

In Act II, the lighter clothing of "Epiphany" mirrored the models' realization that inner strength must be found in order to break free from abuse.

In Act III, "Enlightenment" showed action, lighter fabrics and a casual style. The program said: "The models hold hands in symbolism of the support a woman receives from others from the community as well as outreach programs such as the Advocates."

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Finally "Empowerment" showed the strength of women who have "healthy boundaries and demand healthy relationships."

After the runway show, the winners of the Fashion Progression: Design Contest were named. All fashions were then available for sale.