I have one thing to say about how I came to work with Couture in the Suburbs: Tim Gunn made me do it.
I am a relative newcomer to the fashion culture scene and give Project Runway binges the majority of the credit for bringing me to where I am now. Well, that and Stacey London telling me just how much a fabulous shoe can change my life.
Preach, Stacey London.
A proud Nebraska native, I’ve spent the last three years studying journalism in Sioux Falls and didn’t know I was a closet art appreciator until this past one. When creative people begin surrounding themselves with other creative people, things get real interesting, real fast. I’m so incredibly excited to have found this in myself, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Photo Courtesy of Abbie Blank- Libra Photography
I love the arts culture of emerging cities because it serves as a reminder for the participant that beauty is not out of our reach. Fashion and its associated culture are available for everyone who’s willing to look for it both within their community and within themselves; this attitude turns every accessory outing into a treasure hunt and every new boot into an X on the spot. Fashion, like all of us, is exploratory. It’s an opportunity to try outrageous things and be praised for our daring without waking up regretful the morning after (except for the eighties. That whole decade is currently ashamed).
Photo Courtesy of Jamie Burbach Photography
My happiest discovery is that fashion is more accessible than anyone ever told me. Beautiful dresses don’t look at you and say, “I’m sorry, you’re new here. You’ve got to start with the peasant blouses and work your way up.”
Fashion is not exclusive. And if it is, you’re doing it wrong. I’ve been learning not to count myself out, because as Stacey London taught me, “You can’t be fighting your body if you’re going to dress it well.”
I can’t wait to explore Sioux Falls with you; there are so many photographs to be taken, so much food to be eaten, clothing to be worn, stuff to be done, and fun to be found.
As we booty hunters would say, “Here be treasure.”
As Tim Gunn would say, “Make it work.”
