I attended Baily's first fashion show in the Spring of '05 and would love to say how far she's come, but fear that might sell her short because she's been killing it since day one. Over the past two years, there have certainly been learning experiences (aka disasters) and a steady progression of her clothing's style and show's production value, however, I can say without reservation that every last minute of it has been packed with great parties, great music and great clothing.

"Let's Have a Fashion Show" displayed a variety of punky cuts laced with graf art and draped over models whose styles spanned from haute couture to b-boy. The half-hour frenzy was accentuated by spinning records, rhythmic flashes of the professional photographers, an art giveaway and the ever-important booze, courtesy of Mamacitas.

It occurs that perhaps Baily's "Anti-Fashion" show - serving up PB&J's as hors d'oeuvres - best epitomized the playful approach to serious fashion that makes her events so valuable. By highlighting the fun side of art whilst getting people together for something beyond mindless alcohol consumption, these local shows subtly subvert the desperate masses attempting to follow national trends and the closed-minded monoculture that is built upon them. Just as Boulder itself is a friendly mash-up of a wide variety of people (if not racially, at least in spirit), so too should our fashion be an expression of that individuality.

March 22nd's White Hills extravaganza was Baily's first show of 2007, but you can expect at least a few more local events before the year is out. As Kyle Fitzgerald - owner of White Hills - put it, Baily verges on "fashion nazi" in her relentless energy and passion. She cranks out designs, does all her own promotions and gets everyone organized all whilst finishing off a CU degree full-time, placing her among the ranks of the Renaissance-ish wo/men who power Boulder's economy by day and its culture by night. Upon matriculation, I'd imagine that the fascist tendencies will evolve to a new level of determination and likely a related career ... as long as the area's gentrification doesn't compromise its values and in-the-know fashionistas keep buying her local creations.

Of particular interest to the crunchier side of our little bubble is Baily's emphasis on vintage fabrics that offer timeless style and yet another opportunity for recycling. From sweatshops to synthetic fertilizers and chemical dyes, countless atrocities have materialized in the name of looking like a magazine picture, but a little thought on Baily's part has gone a long way to differentiate her work culturally, environmentally and economically. Each unique piece is born of a unique foundation and an uncommon understanding of where she ought derive inspiration, source materials and invest profits.

At this point in our history, there may be something to be said for not being a part of the larger thing.

I had a chance to speak with Baily after the show:

K: Describe your design style in a sentence that does not include any variation of the word "inspired."

B: Freestyle sewing vibing to a rhythm of words and beats.

K: Art for art's sake is all good and well, but can you describe the social implications of your designs and the business of trying to make em effective?

B: I feel superfluous if I create something lacking passion. It's not real to me. Without a purpose behind the creative side, art struggles to find the energy to move people. Isn't that what art is supposed to do? My definition may vary from that of others, but I believe the ability to “move” people is necessary for a truly effective artistic project. We need this distinction to separate true art from mere souvenirs in a commodified society such as today.

K: It takes a lot more to get these things together than many people imagine, what are some of the little details that contribute to the big picture?

B: Promotion ... that would never happen without the help of other independent operations like Nancy Drew ... make-up and hair by Maggie, of Elevate Salon, who never fails me ... extra tip money so I can pay for handbills and posters ... supporting local shopkeepers down for the cause like Kyle of White Hills ... and everyone else around me who inspires me to keep doing this random act of fashion.

K: Where do you see the future of Boulder's fashion scene and local designers in general?

B: The epicenter of reconstructed, recycled eco conscious fashion. Local designers will flourish undauntedly in the rocky mountains - helping forward-thinking fashion spread like a smile on a sunny day.

K: And how bout some obstacles and opportunities to getting things done in the shadow of multinational design machines?

B: They ain't got shit on me. The sun is out, I see no shadow.

K: Any good assets out there that might not be apparent to the layman ... who's helped ya along the way?

B: Experience, guts, action and interaction. If you want to do something, do it. If you're inspired, get out there. Collaboration and inspiration is key.

K: What's your advice to the aspiring fashion nazi?

B: Is this really going to stick? My co-worker compared me to Basquiat last night. I like that comparison better. Anyway, back on point: my advice would be to stick to your guns. Find something you firmly believe by instinct, in a way you can't exactly put your finger on, and then have a hell of a good and crazy fun time trying to articulate it. That's why I keep doing it. I'm curious. It's my way to figure stuff out.

K: And the final word...

B: Ramble on… be conscious, please. Make fashion (and all art) not war. Don't be foolish with others hearts. Be passionate. Find your true passion first, instead of faking. Be a groupie for all things good (support) .... Respect. Feel free to let your freak flag fly. Welcome inspiration ... keep rambling on.

That's Baily's take (she's a little crazy, in that good sorta way).

-- Kevin Hotaling, 3.23.2007