'A Hard Boiled Wonderland' S/S 2012 Presentation by Barksdale

When most of us look at tarps, dryer sheets and old electronics we see everyday objects, seemingly useless beyond their intended functions.  When designer Marianna Barksdale looks at these things, she's envisioning how to best dye, drape and sew them into some of the most colorful and experimental garments we've ever seen.

Marianna's S/S 2012 collection presentation, "A Hard Boiled Wonderland," inspired by “A Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World” by Haruki Murakami was wonderfully creative.  Marianna's use of unconventional materials and recycled garments to craft her clothing made for a blend of both texture and color that made the night visually very interesting- at every angle, you notice a different detail or accent in each piece.  The one-of-a-kind nature of the garments and the sheer amount of imagination it takes to make each of them made the presentation both a live action art show as well as a fashion display.  The models, who were painted with bright colors to match the garments were mingling and talking to guests and seemed to enjoy the clothing as much as those who attended the presentation.

We're already looking forward to Marianna's next show. But somehow I think she's enjoying a well deserved break.