LOOK SHARP

If there was anything BK Fashion Week(end) – a marathon of live
music performances and runway shows featuring Brooklyn’s up-and-coming
designers – taught us, it’s that the borough is long on style,
creativity and attitude.



The event took place under white tents nestled inside the brick
shell of the Tobacco Warehouse, on the edge of the East River.
The venue seemed more appropriate for a posh, old-money wedding
until the line-up of hip-hop artists came down the aisle to rev
up the crowd.



The private event, orchestrated by Black Entertainment Television
stylist Rick Davy and publicist Cybelle Sandy, brought together
celebrities – such as "Project Runway" finalist Zulema,
who showed her collection on Friday night; buyers; industry insiders;
and the media, to help emerging artists get a stiletto in the
door.



The designers’ collections varied wildly, from the inventive,
eye-popping clothing, er, sculptures, of H.O.R.R.S. (Habana Outpost
Recycled Reject Shop), which playfully exaggerated the models’
bodies; to the flamboyant men’s suits of Nana Boateng; to Anita
Watkins’s Sixxfoota collection of furs, suede and luxurious leathers
customized for tall men and women.



The event also attracted some folks who’d rather not be wearing
any clothing at all, like Kiki Rockstar, author of the collection
of erotic short stories, "Under the Covers," and bad
behavior from one man, who snatched a Get Money Girl gift bag
from the stunned columnist from L Magazine. (She didn’t press
charges.)



Designers used various ploys to get the crowd’s attention. While
Get Money Girl’s models threw handfuls of dollar bills from the
runway (spurring several of the industry insiders to cast aside
their self respect and scramble to collect them), Tyeknow began
its show with a recording that blasted: "You’re gonna die."
(But after seeing the duo’s collection of drab men’s leisure
suits, it was clear their show should have been prefaced with
"You’re gonna get sleepy.")



Khalil’s line of clothing for men and women featured lots of unfinished
hems on animal skins and lavish use of woven textiles. But just when the
audience was ready to pigeonhole him for his use of earth tones and cowry
shells, he would send out a bright orange leather pullover or plaid, high-waist
trousers. Clearly, Khalil’s still honing his collection’s identity, but
we enjoyed all the facets of his eclectic show.



Although the level of experimentation and daring was inconsistent,
BK Fashion Week(end) did introduce the audience to many talented
designers. We can’t wait to see what they come up with in September.