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Fashioning social messages

Zenergy Fashion Show showcases local talent and sheds light on social issues

What: Zenergy Fashion Show

When: Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.

Where: Tommy Africa’s

Tickets: $10

What can be more beautiful than beauty that comes from both the inside out and outside in?

The Chozn Collective’s Zenergy Fashion Show showcases local couture, jewelers, DJs and make-up artists Tuesday at Tommy Africa’s, with themes such as global warming and nuclear warfare running through all mediums.

"(The show) allows for an artistic outlook on controversial issues," said Sharai Tapp, Chozn Couture clothing designer.

"Demoralization of a humanity fraught with dissension can be lessened through prevention: gaining awareness, aiding positive directions and applauding imperfections. Through the visually stimulating medium of couture, (we are) hoping to impact aesthetic values while evoking emotion and provoking fashionable perspectives."

The Whistler-based Chozn Couture line seeks to evoke a fresh urban-underground graffiti feel.

Models and dancers will take to the catwalk musically manned by DJ Rob Banks, who is no stranger to Whistler’s nightclub circuit with his extensive vinyl library having been heard in Tommy Africa’s, Garfinkel’s, the GLC and Tapley’s, just to name a few.

Local make-up artist Lauren Cottell, who is also helping coordinate the event, brings five years of MAC cosmetics training to her brush. Model’s faces will become her canvases; an artistic endeavour she has been pursuing over the past six years in independent films and fashion shows.

Chozn Couture will be complemented by the ornaments of Sham-bo-tai Designs.

Twin brothers Beau and Dustin Blanche – the Chinese word Sham-bo-tai means twins – were inspired by the places they traveled, particularly Asia, resulting in a funky, yet wearable jewelry line that spans the globe. The two artists draw on Vancouver Island abalone, New Zealand pauwa, Chinese jade, Nepalese turquoise, Costa Rican shells, Thai bugs, Philippines pearls and Indonesian mother of pearl shells for their unique creations. Check out their on-line gallery at www.shambotaidesigns.com.

Tickets are $10 at the door. The show begins at 7 p.m. sharp.