Factory Girl: Zara does conceptual fashion

There is nothing in the world that tantalizes my senses, evokes emotion and fills me with desire the way basking in the company of gorgeous dresses does. At my core, I'm a sensual soul, who must be surrounded by creativity and beauty at all times in order to maintain a calm and peaceful demeanor.

It's for this reason that I found myself blissed-out in Factory Girl Heaven on Friday. I got to attend and participate in the over-the-top, fabulous, 6th Annual iconcept runway event, benefitting Art Center Sarasota. Iconcept is an event for which local artists create clothing using unconventional materials (Think a stark white caftan, intricately woven with hemp, a sparkling tea-length dress made from activia yogurt containers, and an ultra-posh black-tie gown paired with a fashion-cape made entirely of Observer newspapers, just to name a few). I watched in visual glee as girls resembling mermaids, queens, and works-of-art traipsed billowing, high-fashion dresses down a super-chic catwalk.

One of my favorite aspects of the evening was exploring the meaning behind each dress. What made these dresses so special, was that each one attained a powerful message or a bold statement. Each artist I spoke to had a fascinating story behind the dress, whether they were inspired by classic film, the environment, iconic paintings, the political climate or disease. Oftentimes, I find that there is a generalized lack of respect for the art of fashion.  Fashion is constantly written off as merely vapid and bougie.

Nothing irritates me more, because fashion is a powerful tool through which one can express their point of view without having to say a word. Fashion is a universal language, a form of self-expression that transcends the many barriers of verbal communication. The artists who participated in iconcept 2014 were risk-takers and gave our community an amazing, eye-opening evening. I left the event feeling proud to be part of such a shockingly creative, beautiful little city.

The fact that the event benefitted Art Center Sarasota was just icing on the cake. It;s an amazing organization that helps keep the art world accessible to everyone in our community (not JUST those with $20 martinis and heavy wallets).  Check them out, for this is nothing in this world more chic then being a patron of the arts.