frock at next step studio
“FROCK is more than a special event. It’s an exclusive look at 25 eponymous fashion masterpieces—from Halston to McQueen, Balenciaga to Dior—curated by Detroiter and creative entrepreneur Jeff Newsom. Storied and timeless designs were chosen specifically to celebrate the Ruth Ellis Center and the community it serves and the kickoff of the Center’s 25th anniversary year. Every Frock is destined for the permanent fashion collection at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.”
Kaiser Suidan’s boldly colored ceramic cubes with Graceann Warn’s monochromatic text provide the pronunciation for the smooth luxury of three little black dresses. Cold Shoulder was a discard when Liza Minelli found it in Donna Karan's closet and wore it to the 1992 Oscars. Karan had no idea Hillary Clinton owned the dress until she wore it to a White House State dinner.
Black crows encircle the simple elegance of the navy shirtwaist dress. Crows placed in the window and floor draw the eye to and around the classic shift.
The soft folds and ruffles on this Raf Simons costume contrast with the graphical, geometric line work embellished with silver and matching cream making a perfect visual pairing.
This dress is from Kawakubo’s Fashion/Antifashion collection which are primarily black, shapeless garments that ride the line between what’s considered fashionable and what’s not. TIMELESS scrawled on the painting crowns this arms Akimbo gem while the distressed column creates a vignette. The portrait of Ruth Ellis reminds the viewer to the philanthropic purpose of this exhibition.
High couture isn’t accessible to most but the essence of it finds its way down production lines so most clothing has roots on the runway. How many iterations of Cold Shoulder have been seen around town for years? This exhibition blurs the line between art and fashion. It’s not the Met Gala, but where would we put Lady Gaga’s ensemble anyway?
“Founded in 1999, Ruth Ellis Center (REC) has established a national reputation for quality and innovation in providing trauma-informed services for lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth, and young adults, with an emphasis on young people of color, experiencing homelessness, involved in the child welfare system, and/or experiencing barriers to health and wellbeing. It is our mission, to create opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their vision for a positive future. Our vision is a world where LGBTQ+ young people are safe and supported no matter where they go.” –Ruth Ellis Center
On view through May 19th at Next Step Studio 530 Hilton Ferndale
*Huge thank you to Linda Allen for her enthusiastic support of this enterprise! Her bright, whimsical creations effortlessly generate a smile from any viewer. She graciously introduced me to her close friend Charles McGee several years ago. Even in his 90s his mind was sharp and intuitive. Hanging out with him was a life highlight. Thank you!
**images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Popps Packing several events
Big Ink at Color Ink Studio this weekend only!
Brain Candy every third Monday of the month