My dear, dear friends David and Leslie Austin, owners of What Is That: A Gallery of Fine Art & Craft (located in Historic Downtown at 130 West Michigan Avenue for your convenience) are planning a big-time fashion blowout in the same vein as the parties Halston used to throw back in the 1970s only with a lot less cocaine.

The event, called “Dressed On Washington Street,” is a two day fashion extravaganza held on May 9th and 10th on North Washington Street located in the heart of Ypsilanti’s entertainment district. DOWS, as the young kids are calling it, will be made up of appoximately 30 designers ranging in skill from high school to professionals. A recent article in the Eastern Echo describes the schedule of events
as:

“Young adult collections will kick off the event on Saturday, May 9th in the afternoon, followed by adult designers showcasing “World of Wearable Art” collections in the evening. Wearable art collections will include theatrical and couture garments. For the finale on Sunday, recycled and adult ready to wear collections will be on display. There will also be a showcase for accessory and jewelry designers that will be on display at “What Is That Gallery” during the month of May.“

I know I shouldn’t tell you this, but Ypsilanti’s very own Big Bad D is going to be there. If you live in Ypsilanti and have never met D or the lovely Colors, then you’re obviously doing something wrong.

To entertain yourselves until the fashion show begins, check out this video of Big Bad D from 2005.

For what it’s worth, I used to wear a tricycle in my hair after my Flock of Seagulls phase in junior high school.

Saturday, March 28th is the last day to register. Do it now before you regret it.