FLÜNCE: Not Just a "Fashion Show"
- outinthe956
- May 13
- 7 min read
Hmm this has to be my second time speaking to Rae. I believe we met at the screening printing mutual aid event at the Trucha Gallery in Collaboration with Baby Arcade. The second time we met was at the Co(o)ping Exhibition. Speaking about the exhibition and it's pieces. Rae mentioned to me her interest in creativity as she shared her astonishment behind the exhibit.
Later would I find out that Rae is the person behind FLÜNCE @weareflunce
I'm really curious to see how this will go. Thinking on House of Fashion and Alicia with ReMade who also hosted an up-cycled fashion show recently I'd say. Now my mind thinks of individual artists. I'm just thinking about all the cool art.
One thing I will note about FLÜNCE that it's not just a title for a "fashion show" but it's most certainly an attitude.
Now here's a few words from Rae @raedirectsstuff about their project FLÜNCE!
What is FLÜNCE? What is the purpose behind FLÜNCE as Rae explains
"It’s an amalgamation of all of the amazing opportunities and artistic cultures I’ve had the honor of being involved in. I would have these moments while working, where I’d be looking back and think: 'Wow, imagine what this would be like back home; Or really any town with undiscovered talent? People would probably get a lot more practice.' So that’s what I made my mission. I’m attempting to make an event where I can help up-and-coming artists practice in a nurturing and fun atmosphere that I would’ve wanted for my friends & I to grow in. FLÜNCE is for everyone who wants to deepen their understanding of any artist industry while sitting alongside people already within it." Sometimes we don't have a necessary space where folks can meet, talk, share, connect that it leads to someone creating the "atmosphere" and providing that opportunity. We create the third space. This alongside idea that what we're looking for isn't at "home" has been around SO LONG, but there's always a reminder from someone that we can put out exactly what we see out there, but here.
Jay, Jorbin, and Eli
How was the first casting call? How was that experience, especially meeting so many people wanting to create a "brighter and artistic future together." What did the first casting call set in motion for you as Rae exclaims "Heartwarming. It was at Cine El Rey so it was a mix of making little me proud and realizing how much hard work pays off. Seeing everyone who came prepared, with all the differences in experience levels, made me so excited for the valley’s future. Because of the individuals I met that day, it made me only want to reach further than what I could already envision for this event." Yes! Rae mentioning the "differences in experience" while there may that difference what's interesting to note is what may be new to either or. Growing together.
@dyebones @fibra____ @zomborat
On Instagram
From the prior event being watching fashion shows to now hosting a fashion show! What does this mean for you? These milestones and yet another coming up May 16th as Rae says "It’s definitely almost like a feeling of graduation into a different level of trying for me. I’ve always wanted to host a show, but actually turning the vision into a reality has been a real test. Not only of my skills, but of the connections I’ve nurtured over time." Yeah there's that moment where its talk, the concept, the idea, the date, venue, flyer, and it comes together creating that event. IT'S WILD! Rae continues by saying "I want to host all kinds of things someday, and with this show coming up on May 16th, working besides all the wonderful artists I’ve admired along the way is like finally opening a door that’s been waiting to be unlocked." The door appears with the idea I'd say, but the first event opened the possibility of further events. Especially with the support of individuals that see the vision and wish to grow alongside this opportunity. This includes the participants who are going out to view and experience as Rae mentioned " undiscovered talent" holds.
Rae, what does the artistry behind fashion mean to you? The expression brought with clothing, the style, the message and also this must have introduced you to new individuals who partake in this medium.
"To me, it’s definitely taken so many different forms. Mainly, it’s one of my favorite ways of keeping record of both majority & minority experiences (socially, emotionally, politically, etc). Sometimes it ties an emotion that’s universal. We see it even now. It talks before we do. Historically, it’s been a language all of us have spoken so I’d like to keep up with as many 'dialects' as possible. It’s allowed me to expand my circles and actually meet one of our designers after I worked at NYFW for the first time."
Interview filmed by Jay @itz_jay_duhhh also filmed at Baby Arcade
Could you share the artists involved in FLÜNCE that will be sharing? What could you share about the artists that caught your attention? " There are four featured designers & artists who will be exhibiting their work. The designers, (in no particular order), are Azalia, ZomboRat, Dyebones, & 37. As for the artists they are Eli & Jordan. What caught my eye about all of them was mainly how they go about storytelling. For example: ZomboRats designer headpiece collection is a campy take on their coming of age experience of being a creative, catholic, and queer individual. Just the iconography alone will make you nostalgic of the people we have in our day to day lives right here in the valley. Switching over to our artists Eli & Jordan, I watched them grow up over time at Baby Arcade. Seeing how they balance their world and the outside one through a pencil made me have hope in the next generation of artists. All of them in total are strong, talented individuals with a great sense of individualism that you will just have to come see for yourself." 37 actually reached out about FLÜNCE. I was looking into as well when he shared the flyer/the artist post via message. Reading the posts and viewing the recent events. Now looking at the artists that I know and don't know. It's such a mesh of artistry, I love it! Especially thinking about their work. I was thinking back on the 37 shirts. I was thinking back on Eli and Jorbin being exhibited at Trucha for 20 x 25 at the end of last year. Showcasing The Betty Head and how he tackled a whole workshop teaching people about sewing/altering your own clothes. Serkit too! Line up is CRAZY!
Graphics and Branding created by Macii @mace.createsco
Now you mention in the flyer "black tie attire is required. We encourage you to go further." In my mind I see the vision, a vision. Pushing the boundary of the "black tie." Could you give an example or explain how you would "go further." Now Rae explains what "going further" means "Why have one tie when you can have three? Or maybe you have some of your grandmother’s brooches and your tie is simply the canvas they must fill. Perhaps there’s no tie at all, but a statement piece that says 'Let’s talk business, but afterwards you will remember what I was wearing.' Embody your most confident self- then go from there. At the end of the day, this event may bring you to your next step into the life you want. So dress the part." Why watch, when you can partake. A statement to be made, a move to be made.
@37thuniverse @thebettyhead @serkitstudios @jorbin_art
On Instagram
What do you wish to evoke from the participants at FLÜNCE? What would you like them to go home with? "That you can have anything you want in life if you want it enough. The work will follow once the mindset is in motion. A lot of people are so passionate about this idea that the RGV is filled with mediocrity and no opportunity, but it’s only because people refuse to invest in potential and research how to make things more efficient. I made a lot of the opportunities I wanted to be a part of right here in the valley with only the support of my friends and doing my own homework. All it’s taught me is you can either join the hive mind of pessimism or work hard and shoot for the stars, all while giving back to your community."
Custom FLÜNCE shirts created by Serkit @serkitstudios
What sort of advice would you give to someone wishing to express themselves in fashion? What are some easy and budget friendly ways you could share.
"Don’t be afraid to try new things! Fashion is a way of getting to know yourself so no pressure if you don’t like something you used to wear or even if you like 2 opposing aesthetics at once. Humans are inherently complex so go with flow of wherever life takes your closet. As for budget friendly tips, I say try swapping clothes with friends. It’s a good way of tightening a bond between you and the other person while also saving money for a time out." I was about to say also swapping clothing with friends! I remember a lot of trial and error trying to find what fit me best. It's a way to get to know yourself. It's one way we express ourselves.
Any final comments you'd like to make? Any final comments about FLÜNCE you'd like to make? "I hope no matter where this goes, people are still inspired to do great things regardless of what people perceive them as. Same thing for FLÜNCE. If FLÜNCE ever stops I don’t want people to just give up. Don’t wait for other people to give you chances, make them yourself and you will realize how capable you really are. It only takes one person to get something going."
Comments