Fashion meets fine art when ArtWear Fashion Week begins its run October 18-26 at The Lincoln Center. This biennial fashion extravaganza features one-of-a-kind wearable art garments and includes a runway fashion show and sales gallery that is a fundraiser for The Lincoln Center’s Visual Arts Program.
The event kicks off with the ArtWear Fashion Show on October 18. Featuring art garments and accessories created by over 50 nationally recognized artists, the ArtWear Fashion Show will showcase a variety of fiber-art techniques including shibori dyeing, silk painting, hand-stitching and embroidery, nuno felting and more.
“Every year a fashion comes out and there’s a look,” says Gary Hixon, ArtWear Fashion Show Artistic Director. “With ArtWear there isn’t that trendy look—if you buy one of these pieces, it doesn’t have a life. It can last a lifetime.”
In addition to exhibiting these unique creations, Hixon explains it is also important for the fashion show to illustrate that wearable art is for everyone. “The show models are of all ages and sizes. I want people to see that anybody can wear these clothes. We want to show that anyone can have fun with their clothes.”
“I believe, in life, that we need to smile a little bit more, and so some of these clothes do just that. They make you smile when you see them,” says Hixon.
Immediately after the Fashion Show, The Lincoln Center Art Gallery will be transformed into a boutique that will be open to VIP Fashion Show ticket buyers. Then on Saturday, October 19 at noon, The Lincoln Center Art Gallery opens to the public and everyone will have an opportunity to purchase these unique wearable creations.
“While the main goal of the ArtWear Fashion show is to entertain people, we also want to raise awareness and educate people about what wearable art is, and fundraise for the Visual Arts Program so the program can continue to bring artists and exhibits to the community,” says Hixon.
A purchase from the ArtWear Sales Gallery not only supports The Lincoln Center Visual Arts Program, it also supports the artists. Proceeds from ArtWear Fashion Week have provided significant funding for The Lincoln Center Art Gallery since the event started in 1992. When you purchase a garment, 40% of the proceeds will go to support The Lincoln Center Visual Arts Program and 60% to the artist.
As part of the Biennial, The Lincoln Center Visual Arts Program will also be offering a selection of free lectures and demos, as well as hands-on workshops. Visit LCtix.com/artwear for more information.
Fashion Show
Friday, Oct 18
7:30 p.m.
$15 General Admission
Sales Gallery (Lincoln Center Art Gallery)
Oct 19, 20, 24, 25, 26
Noon to 6 p.m.
Open to the public
(Oct 18 for VIP ticket buyers)
