Origins Fashion Show

In January 2008 Oskar Ly added a new element of creativity to her already impressive resume. Ly is already a singer, artist and works with make-up, hair and wardrobes. However in January Os.Couture was born. Ly says she loves the, “creative process that goes into it–make something from start to finish.”

This has year has been a big year for fashion in the Twin Cities, beginning with the Fresh Traditions Show and the Mary Ly fashion show.

Pa Thao of PFT Couture talked about her experiences with fashion. She went to Mount Mary College in Milwaukee where she studied design. For the past 10 years she has been working at Look Inc. a local design studio. “We designed art to wear clothing for boutiques and specialty stores.” However the company did shut down last year. Currently Thao is “trying to start a business making one of a kind bridal and evening wear.”

These are just some of the designers who will showcase their work at the “Origins Fashion Show,” which will debut at the Metrodome celebration of the Hmong New Year December 13-14. Ly was approached by Padee Yang of the planning committee of the New Year. Thao describes, “She [Padee Yang] was looking for something new and interesting for the New Year. Our mission was to build art appreciation in our community by showing diversity of talent at the New Year event. We strive to promote the value of the New Year and rebuild its significance within our youth today, who seem to be losing touch with their heritage.” This is where the title Origins comes from. All the designers in the show are encouraged to incorporate Hmong customs and culture into their designs.

Oskar Ly said, “All my line is focused on that [Hmong Culture]. My inspirations come from different Hmong cultural groups [ie. Hmong Chinese, Hmong Thai, White, Green, Striped, etc.]” While she describes her designs as, “an artist approach, very extreme, couture,” she finds ways to weave her “origins” into her designs. She adds, “By including this theme a lot of people have specifically designed for it [the show] it is a great opportunity.”

The group is also including “other Hmong talent, models, make-up artists, hair stylists, event planners, wardrobe stylists and photographers.” The tentative time for the show is December 13 at 4:00. There will also be a meet and greet with the designers and models throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday. An after party will be held at Epic on Saturday evening. The designers are Pa Thao, Oskar Ly, Mai Moua, Cicily Kong, Vam Moua, Linda Thao and Mitsou Ly. There is a wide range of designs from street wear, to evening wear. There is something for everyone.

For more information, please see their Myspace page:  http://www.myspace.com/originsfashionshow