The Gypsy Parlor, Grant Street’s darling indie-esque pub, is in the midst of helping to produce a fashion show that would ultimately benefit its neighbor The West Side Bazaar (through ticket sales). Taking a page from the bazaar’s book, Gypsy Parlor will be bringing together different cultural elements to produce a fashion show that will highlight the art and culture from the neighborhood in a mashup that it has branded as “culture clash”. “The show will feature young designers and shine a spotlight on the refugee/immigrant cultures of Buffalo’s westside because we believe they should be celebrated,” said Gypsy Parlor owner Gabrielle Mattina. “The show will consist of two sections- street style and design.”
Culture Clash will be broken down into two parts – the mashup will be part street brand and part ethnic styles worn by the refugee community. The younger generation of West Siders are already starting to marry these looks as distinct cultures begin to identify with one another. Many of the pieces from the show will reflect the styles that are found in the ethnic boutiques that line Grant Street. Combined with street fashions that have appeared on the West Side for years, the looks will be a hybrid of the two. The blending of cultures is being described as “bold, bright and youthful, with a tough and unexpected look – a creative, collaborative beauty.”
Part 2 of Culture Clash brings the more refined styles to the table. This is where young, local designers will be able to enter the ring, showcasing original looks in collections that are inspired by Grant Street life. “Grant street is filled with an array of cultures and this mixture of immigrants with west-siders creates a truly unappreciated energy and our goal is to bring life to that energy through original fashion designs,” noted the Culture Clash team.
In order to pull of the fashion show, organizers have set up a kickstarted campaign to raise funds for the event. The funds will help to construct the runway, add professional lighting, chair rentals, audio/video equipment, and pay for marketing. Once the funds are raised, and the fashion show is underway, the tickets sold at the event will be earmarked for an invaluable cultural institution of the city’s West Side – The West Side Bazaar.
Click here to donate to the Kickstarter campaign. For the design-minded, who want to see the West Side flourish in fashion – Saturday June 21, 2014. Stay tuned to Facebook for details.
