Halloween isn't the only reason to play dress up in the coming months. Fall fashion in Tulsa is now fully underway. Local designers and boutiques welcome the new season as an opportunity to highlight some local talent and to benefit a few local charities.

For the second season, Productive Instincts, 1334 E. 41st St., hosts Fashion Meets Art -- an event orchestrated to give exposure to undiscovered creative talent such as fashion designers, hairstylists, make-up artists, visual artists, musicians, belly dancers and other performance artists as well as other entrepreneurs in the local fashion and arts industry.

You can expect to enjoy a showcase of clothing, accessories and art by a variety of designers and artists such as 3C Creations, Blackout Boutique, Sun Poppy and more on Oct. 16 from 3-7pm.

A unique aspect of the fashion show is the incorporation of a belly dancing performance by Najmi's Spirit belly dance troupe. The dancers of Hippie Shack have worked in conjunction with local artists to design and manufacture their costumes to compliment the concept of their dance choreography. And let's be honest, who doesn't love to see coordinated women shake it while wearing cute clothes?

3C Creations, the featured designer of the event, will be showing very versatile pieces inspired by the everyday elegance of the women of Paris.

"I am inspired by Paris citizen's appreciation of art and beauty. Parisian women tend to wear clothing that is functional and practical but also very elegant. They strike a balance of expressing individuality while always remaining beautifully put together. My goal is to make sure a woman looks beautiful in her everyday life," said Candice Carter, owner of 3C Creations.

As do the other participants in Fashion Meets Art, Carter welcomes the opportunity to raise some awareness and hopefully some additional support for her art.

"I strongly believe that we have an amazing fashion and art community in Tulsa. So much talent comes out of Tulsa and I think we all have an obligation to shine the light on local artisans and encourage people to pay attention to the local talent instead of venturing out to find talent," Carter said.

"The biggest obstacle that I've encountered as a designer in Tulsa is the fact that the majority of local consumers are unaware that we exist. It can be very difficult to get support. It's the support that helps us get to the next level and give back to the community in return."

Although Fashion Meets Art is free to attend, they will be donating a percentage of their merchandise sales to benefit the local Stop Child Trafficking Now organization.

Time Travel

Joz Studio on 15th St. will be showcasing their Fall 2011 Collection on Sept. 23 from 7-9:30pm. Known for their assortment of vintage, the Joz Fashion Show will feature male and female models in clothing from designer apparel that spans the decades from the 1940's to the 1980's. Expect to see unique pieces from Christian Dior, Ives St Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry, Donna Karan and others. A trip to the neighborhood Salvation Army, this is not.

"Great vintage will never go out of style. It's awesome to have the original piece of clothing that has inspired the latest current trends. You can't go and buy another vintage top at the local department store. It's yours and only yours," said Taylor Hull, Joz Fashion Show coordinator.

Taylor also points out that purchasing vintage is a more environmentally friendly option. "If we only purchased vintage furs from each other no more animals would have to suffer. It might just keep PETA off your back."

In addition to the fashion, Tulsa-based DJ Heady P will be on the decks and local artists will be doing live graffiti paintings. The show is free to attend.

Get Crafty

Since 2007, Indie Emporium has provided an opportunity for local designers and artists to showcase and sell their wares.

Inspired by the current hand-made revolution, Indie Emporium promises to all who attend, "the hippest craft vendors, a fashion show of handmade clothing and accessories, make-and-take crafting stations, a fine arts gallery space, workshops and demos led by fabulously crafty people and much more."

There will also be a pre-fashion show silent auction, with proceeds benefitting the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Those who attend are encouraged to bring canned food items, as well. In 2010, the Indie Emporium raised enough to provide 2,492 meals to Oklahomans in need.

Living ArtSpace, 307 E. Brady, hosts the emporium from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.

Send all comments and feedback regarding Fashion to natchley@urbantulsa.com.

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