Topsham vogue present returns after COVID hiatus
New York Metropolis may need the Met Gala, the place Hollywood celebrities don unorthodox getups, however Topsham has the Mid-coast Altered Couture Contest — a vogue present giving designers an opportunity to advertise artistic recycling, philanthropy and acceptance.
Christine DeTroy Jr. of Topsham, who based the competition in 2011, mentioned she is happy to convey the present again after a three-year hiatus attributable to COVID-19. She mentioned the unique concept for the competition got here from watching a number of hours of the fact present “Undertaking Runway.” Delay by the present’s “mean-spirited” judging, she determined to create her personal vogue competitors specializing in inclusion, kindness and enjoyable, she mentioned.
The present can be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 9, at Topsham Fairgrounds Occasion Heart, with doorways opening at 5 p.m.
Altered Couture brings collectively youth and grownup designers to create clothes utilizing recycled and upcycled supplies primarily based on a broad theme, which they current to a reside viewers and panel of judges. Winners will obtain reward certificates from native companies.
Maria Castellano-Usery carrying “Beatles Couture” from a previous present. Susan Perrine photograph
Proceeds will profit Brunswick nonprofit Artwork Van, whose mission is to offer strength-based artwork remedy to youth dwelling in underserved communities. The van travels to neighborhoods, serving to kids and adults handle emotional expression via immersive artwork in a protected surroundings, in keeping with its web site.
This yr’s philanthropic contest will characteristic designers aged 8-70 and their creations primarily based on the theme “Artist Couture,” asking designers to make outfits parallel to the work of well-known painters like Picasso or musicians like Girl Gaga, to call a couple of.
Contestant Maria Castellano-Usery mentioned that is her seventh yr collaborating within the present and she or he has chosen Van Gough’s well-known portray “Sunflowers” as her inspiration.
“I like that Altered Couture is artwork for artwork’s sake. I like the inclusivity of it. I like how supportive everyone seems to be,” Castellano-Usery mentioned. “Backstage, individuals are serving to one another to prepare, they’re calming one another’s nerves, they usually’re cheering one another on. It’s not aggressive; it’s celebratory. It’s a good way to get out of your consolation zone.”
Repeat contestant Susan Perrine mentioned her muse is a New England poet.
Susie Stephenson carrying “Masquerade Couture” from a previous present. Susan Perrine photograph
“This yr, I’m impressed by Edward Gorey, an artist, poet and creator who lived in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts. He additionally collaborated with animators to create the title sequences for PBS Thriller Theatre,” she mentioned.
DeTroy mentioned Altered Couture is necessary to the group as a result of artwork has the power to nurture and heal.
“This small however spirited occasion is an excellent solution to convey the group collectively; the designers and their groups share abilities and creativity, the donors who wish to assist them, and the viewers who attends and celebrates,” DeTroy mentioned. “The extra focus of proceeds benefiting artwork youth applications is an integral a part of Mid-coast Altered Couture. For younger folks to have a chance to discover artwork and have it accessible no matter revenue or surroundings advantages us all.”
Tickets can be found for $20 on-line or on the door.
For extra info go to, artvanprogram.org/occasions.
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