February 18, 2011

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball x Performance Works

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball at Performance Works on Granville Island on February 12, 2010.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

Last Saturday, I dropped by one of the strangest yet intriguing events I've ever been to. Advertised as an outlandish and fabulous romantic gala and presented by BoldLove Communications and Sad Mag, Evolution definitely lived up to that description.

The dress code said "Think Lady Gaga meets Marie Antoinette" and boy, was that an apt description. I felt astounded by the crazy dresses, sexualized decor, wild dancers, and (what I think were) transvestites.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue BallEvolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball
Check out Pure Magnolia model, Carven Long with writer Amanda McCuaig, and their friend Jen Greene in some colourful garb (left). Fashion students Jan Classen and Courtney Chow concocted a pretty fabulous coffee filter and Q-Tip creation (middle). That's a flower dress made of paper created by Art Institute students Nancy Harder, Jill Smolkin, and Beth Letawsky (right).

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

Above is the voguing dance crew, The House of La Douche, backstage after performing their stunning choreography.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue BallEvolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

There were some pretty wicked touches including the disco ball and what seemed like an endless amount of DJs. Some beautiful ladies were tricked out in sassy garbs and costumes, adding some flavour to the night. Even though it wasn't my bag or scene and I felt more than a little out of place in my hipster gear, I think it's great Vancouverites of all persuasions had a safe, classy party to let loose and showcase themselves and their talents.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

There were some pretty epic dance battles. Yes, that's right. Think Zoolander. Sadly, no Bowie to emcee it.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue BallEvolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

Carven (above), resembling what I can only describe as a "houseboy" (said with affection), was lighting up the dance floor with some enthusiastic moves, stripping down to his briefs. I kept thinking this must one of those parties that Bill Hader's character Stefon would talk about on one of his bits from Saturday Night Live.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue BallEvolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball
One of the stars of the MTV's Youth Electric, Eric Solomon, sang live on stage (left). Above is one of Patty Nayel's more unique, eco-chic wedding gown designs, modelled with Chemically Addicted's cake wig creation (middle). BoldLove Communications director, Kei Baritugo poses with Angel Cheng of Salt Rose Productions (right).

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

The Tito Deville Band rocked out with vigorous energy. I dug their set. There were so many different artistic performance showcases from music, dance, and fashion. Thanks to Kei for the invite and kudos to those who put in all the hard work to put on the show and raising money for  A Loving Spoonful and those living with HIV/AIDS.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue BallEvolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

The event was hosted by Riel Hahn and Isolde N. Barron in drag (far left). They proved to be a quirky pair amidst an eclectic group of people.

Evolution: Fashion | Music | Vogue Ball

Everyone seemed to be having fun or at least in awe of the strange yet compelling entertainment backstage with a few corset-clad ladies. The night was definitely an unforgettable, sometimes jarringly wild, but amusing experience with an atmosphere of sexual and artistic liberation and acceptance.

Originally published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

Photo | Bob Onoshi

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