Stars, Sea, Style

Come showers or dry weather, the West 18th Street Fashion Show will happen at dusk on 18th Street between Baltimore and Wyandotte. And there will be synchronized swimming. "Synchronized land swimming," says event coordinator Corrie Van Ausdal. In keeping with the event's theme — "Summer at Sea" — a performance by the Kansas City Sea Sirens kicks off the eighth-annual celebration of local style. Models will prance down the runway wearing creations by more than 20 area designers and boutiques, including Ariadne Fish, Bon Bon Atelier, Jessy Bergmann, Birdies and Spool. Rain has put a damper on the outdoor event in years past, but this could be the last time it's at the mercy of Mother Nature. Organizers hope that next year's show will take place under a structure they're calling "the lid," a collapsable aluminum and fabric construction that would provide a protected runway and a backstage and VIP seating area. Van Ausdal says the fashionistas would be happy to share the structure with the rest of the neighborhood. "Basically, we can do street parties under the lid anytime we want," she says. First, they need $70,000 to build it. Do your part by picking up a VIP ticket for this year's event in advance ($25) or at the show ($30). General admission is free. For more information, see westeighteenthstreet.com.
Sat., June 14, 2008