Dreamscapes in fashion: A surrealism odyssey
In a collaboration with Naomi Quintana, Full Circle Brewing Co. will be transformed into an immersive showcase featuring artwork from local artists and original designs from community designers.
Just after the end of my show in April (Fashion Inc.’s “The Enchanted Forest”), I was left to imagine the next step for me and my fashion venture for my community.
It was my last “hurrah” before graduating from Fresno State and I had donated much of my energy to making sure it has surpassed what I had originally envisioned.
Models were decorated in flowers, gold, and glitter to emulate the fantastical appearance of mystical creatures, and the audience was transported to the Smittcamp Alumni House disguised as an arcane temple.
It was everything I had imagined and more.
After a momentary break, Naomi Quintana, a designer I had invited to showcase at “The Enchanted Forest,” came to me in May with an idea for a large-scale fashion show she wanted to have around Halloween.
I immediately said yes to helping her coordinate this show.
On Oct. 31, “Into The Æther” will transport fashion and art enthusiasts to the unknown land of a chimerical fantasy. The event serves as a tribute to Fresno's unconventional artists and invites attendees to explore an ideal life within a dreamscape. This space not only represents one's ideal existence but also confronts personal fears and shadows.
The dream world welcomes one to delve beneath the depravities of the waking world and to imagine an ideal life that can be achieved in the dreamscape.
The dreamscape is more than envisioning one’s ideal life, it’s also the space in which an individual faces their shadow selves and biggest fears.
Quintana, who has been designing for seven years, is only now making her major return to the fashion scene. She first came into the scene from modeling. Later in her fashion career, her mother taught her how to sew.
Quintana’s collection can best be described as encapsulating spirituality and medieval romance elements. Her last collection from “The Enchanted Forest” showcases emulated divinity and pagan symbolism. She is now renowned for her handcrafted chainmail garments.
Victoria Elaine, the model and actress in the short film directed by Quintana and shot by Denzel Singh for the fashion show, highlights the unknown space of the dreamy paradise. In one shot, Elaine is dressed in an original outfit from Quintana and is composed of bejeweled elegance. Elaine encounters masked figures representing various aspects of the dream world, eventually finding herself in an eerie, unfamiliar space.
“Into The Æther” will feature original artwork from Angel Lesnikowski, Jose Soria, Vivian De La Cruz, and Alison Walker. Walker and De La Cruz will be designing an immersive surrealism space for audience members and original artwork from Lesnikowski and Soria will be exhibited and available for purchase.
In addition to the artwork Gale Force, a stilts and aerialist performer, will be interacting with audience members. Ranisa Wells will open the fashion show portion with a belly dancing performance.
The designers featured in this surrealist showcase are: Conner McKnight, Nightmare Nay, House of Francisco, The Fairy Shaenna, Bastian Morris, Fastened By Lyn, Summoned Clothing, Leshawl Vintage and Kordova.Co.
Models will be styled as enigmatic creatures of the unknown inspired by tarot cards and the artwork of Salvador Dalí.
There will also be an opportunity for guests to shop locally with a variety of vendors in the outdoor section of the Full Circle Brewing Co. Vendors include those from Bad Girls Market, Moments With You Shop, and The Moon Room.
The Elastic Horizon Quartet, formed by Fresno State students Bryce Lowenthal, Kevin Hill, Trevor Kubose, and Jordan De La Tore, will open the show. Following the fashion show, DJ V3S will be spinning music with performances by drag artists, Parker, Barely Even Know Her, and Stella Nyte.
“Into The Æther” will be at Full Circle Brewing Co., located at 712 Fulton St, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Seated tickets start at $20 and can be bought on Eventbrite. The event is open to audiences aged 18 and over and the purchase of alcoholic beverages is available to those 21 and older. A portion of the proceeds will go towards benefitting the people of Gaza.