She was in a bar on the Upper West Side watching a fashion show on television when Amy Merli decided she wanted to plan something like that, but “with ballerinas and garbage.”
Trashion Fashion was born.
Now, there are shows in Hartford, New York, and Washington DC.
Merli was the featured speaker at the April Green Drinks event, describing the plans for the fast-approaching fourth annual Trashion Fashion show, to take place in City Hall, which will be transformed into an ocean scene. The set and the ensembles being modeled are created from recycled materials.
Instead of having over 70 models like in 2013, Merli said they will scale back to a more manageable 50, some of whom will be barefoot, others in pointe shoes. Goza, a Latin band, will bring the music.
Evergreen Design Co. will be coordinating local businesses and organizations to set up tables on a separate floor in City Hall.
She said Nina Salazar has been guiding workshops in recent months, making jellyfish and seaweed out of used plastic bags and bottles. These, and other pieces of the set, will be getting installed in City Hall (If you want to help make that building prettier by installing the art, stop down there after 6pm on April 16-18. Use the building’s back or side entrance after hours).
Wednesday’s Green Drinks was also designed to highlight the recently opened EBK Gallery [small things] on Pearl Street. It’s a small space, lending itself to short shows, each one lasting one or two weeks. Closing receptions are on Saturdays, 6-8:30pm.
Getting this space took awhile. Fiona Stone Boutique previously occupied the storefront across from the former Ados Israel Synagogue. That closed and the space had been vacant for years; and after years of asking if a gallery could fill that emptiness, EBK Gallery began showcasing art in February 2014.
Through April 19th, the sculptures of Chris Cox will be viewable and for sale. The reception for this exhibit will be on April 12, 6-8:30pm.
The Trashion Fashion Show will be on April 19, 6-9pm. Tickets get be purchased online.
