“Toto – I Have a Feeling We’re Not at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Anymore!”

Model Wearing Dress from Wardina Summer 2010 Collection

While I am in love with all things fashion, I am undoubtedly NOT a  fashionista or a frugalista. In fact, just the sound of those very overused words makes me throw up a little in my mouth.  They represent a diva mentality to me, which in my opinion, cheapens the beauty and the art of the fashion industry.  I mention this because while those words now seem stale and uninspiring, a fashion show that I attended a few weeks ago here in Beijing was anything but.

After I decided to move to Beijing in December, I knew that I would not be able to attend any shows during New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February.  So, when I learned of the Wardina Launch Party for their Summer 2010 Collection, I was thrilled!  To be totally honest, I had not heard of the brand before I received an email about the event.  After a bit of research, I discovered that Wardina is a line of Middle Eastern Couture.  I.E. – super long dresses.  For those of you reading this that know me personally, you might be aware that  I am not afraid to go short.  And yes, sometimes perhaps I have gone too short.  But the thing is, even my very tasteful great-grandmother, Birdie Bass, told us to wear short skirts before the hail damage sets in.  My days are numbered so I am living it up!

I did suspect that the show might have a slightly different feel than previous shows I have attended; however, nothing prepared me (and certainly not Brett) for the mayhem that came down the runway.

Artist Performance by YETING

It all began with an artist performance by YETING.  The room was dark with only one spotlight on the artist and her giant canvas (which appeared to be a massive piece of newsprint). She began with a pencil, quickly switched to an oversize paint brush with basic black paint, and finished with black spray paint creating shading like a graffiti artist.  The entire performance did not last more than 3-4 minutes.  It was fascinating, and yet it was just the appetizer of the show.

Belly Dancer

The lights flashed, the artist disappeared, and the first group of dresses sashayed down the catwalk.  All long.  All very Middle Eastern in style. All completely not my scene – but very beautiful in their own right.  Lights flashed again.  A belly dancer gyrated up and down the runway to the DJ’s crazy beat.  Lights flashed yet again and revealed another group of dresses.  This pattern continued to include a Hip Hop ballet recital, more Wardina Summer 2010 Collection pieces, and an African dance performed by The Africa Queen Dance Troup.  Wth it’s circus nature, I felt disappointed that the models were not bearded ladies juggling bowling pins.

A night of sensory overload it was indeed.  It’s true that the actual fashion collection played second fiddle to the entertainers, but Brett and I had an absolute blast. We hope to experience many more thrilling nights like this one.

Moya Li and Me (Morgan Harbin)

A special thank you to my beautiful friend, Moya Li, who invited us to this extraordinary event! She certainly knows how to entertain!

Tags: art, china, culture, dancing, design, fashion, middle east, people, style