Buffalo NY, November 5 – In November Buffalo’s Mass Appeal 2010 took place, a unique local fashion event produced by Erin Habes, featuring many designers and boutiques including Morgan Love and Holly Hue.  Auxiliary Magazine is happy to share with you some backstage interviews and amazing video coverage of the event by Nathan Peracciny.  Mass Appeal has become an important and vital event and is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the key events in the growing Western New York Fashion scene.

video by Nathan Peracciny

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photographer : Luke Copping
fashions : Jessica Darwin
fashion stylist : Molly Hoeltke
makeup artist : Shianne Valetta
hair stylist : Kristin Draudt
model : Kerry Quaile

Meagan Hendrickson :
Break out of the “little black dress” syndrome of the past and push forward to include wardrobe basics in fabrics like cotton spandex, leather, and even latex. Don’t be afraid to step back and allow your clothing to make a statement, be uncomplicated, and allow the drama of sleek sophisticated designs to grace your body. Avoid the common pitfall of alt fashionistas, it’s not about loud designs in color and texture or fad-like concepts that seem like eye grabbing ideals, but rather, the truth is in the subtle details.

Jessica Darwin is a designer who uses a captivating combination of line, design, and tailoring. To really understand Darwin’s designs you need to experience them for yourself in person. While photography captures the beauty and ideals of the garments, to hold the pieces in your hands is to truly hold pieces of art.

The eye is drawn to the texture of the clothing. The designs are effortless chic. Set against an industrious back drop, create a subdued drama that is truly inspirational by design.

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tomorrowland jacket w/draped collar, lambskin & recycled leather, $1,245, by custom order
ruffle skirt, rayon jersey w/recycled vintage lace slip, $210, by custom order
tribal fusion pendant necklace, $95, by custom order

What is your background in fashion and accessory design?

When I was about 14, I became inspired to learn how to sew. My mom pulled out her old 1970s mint green Singer, taught me how to thread the bobbin, patted me on the ass, and said, “have fun.” I started making really unique, but very badly sewn clothes, and continued to do so throughout high school. I credit much of my creative path to the teenage years I spent in the rave scene, in Buffalo and Toronto. I was inspired not only by the music, but by the people I met from all different walks of life who came to revel until the wee hours of the morning in the most fantastic and ridiculous outfits I have ever laid eyes on. I fell in love with this unapologetic self-expression, and thus began my affair with adornment. My “official” education came from Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY) where I studied fashion design, costume, and cultural studies. During my time at Pratt I interned with NYC accessory designer, Kelly Horrigan, to whom I credit my leather-working skills.

Do you find yourself influenced by other designers or past movements in fashion and costuming? Or do you find that more of your influence comes from outside fashion culture, looking more into ethnic influences, mass media, naturalism etc.?

I find that I’m most inspired by groups of people, tribes, I guess you could say, both ancient and modern. Native people in this country, in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. And also the nomadic wanderers and spiritual seekers who make their pilgrimages each year to places like Goa, Burning Man, and Bali. This emerging modern tribal culture is one that offers a different approach to fashion and adornment – one that is entwined with conscious evolution.

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