Eleven years ago, a group of college students in Michigan started an annual fashion show to help people. On stage were folks who'd put together amazing outfits from what they already had in their closets as well as inexpensive items they'd found in thrift stores. It was aimed at showing people they could easily be stylish, and how they might prepare for a job interview or other event where they wanted to look sharp. It gave would-be designers a chance to show what they could do, and some of the proceeds helped service providers for people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes. One of those students, Alex Zhander, developed a reputation. Zhander was among the people who'd modify clothes by painting on them, adding things, or taking them apart and redesigning them. He named his portion of the show “Bizarre,” and each year he had to outdo himself. He used plastic, wax paper, “and once we even used people,” he says. Eventually the show morphed into the How Bizarre Fashion Show. Zhander says he's held it in numerous cities, and this year's iteration, Diva Dolls in Toy-Land, happens in San Francisco. Other designers include Jenny "Diva" Davis, Steven Holland of Bay Rootz Clothing, and Mary Mitchell of May'ree Designs.
Fri., April 15, 6:30 p.m., 2011
