Pardon Fashion Show organizers focus on local designers, artists, and
businesses – creative talent that isn’t normally very visible to the general public.
Above: The ferocity found at last year’s show.

Models, lights, designers, stage, music, style, cameras, tickets, attendees, and inspiration come together for the third annual Pardon Fashion Show. On Saturday, February 11 at VisionQuest in Menomonie, local designers and artists will feature their innovative works of wearable art and I can tell you right now, this won’t be your typical fashion frenzy.

“Outré is inspired by the mysterious, sensual, and bizarre [and] by surrealist artists, such as Claude Cahun and Maya Deren.” – Pardon Fashion Show co-director Mallory Cina

Mallory Cina, one of this year’s co-directors of the show, says this year’s theme, “Outré” is sure to pass the bounds of what is considered real. No people, she’s not talking about the flowing couture gowns by Christian Dior or the classy American style brought to life by Michael Kors. Cina is talking about showcasing the unconventional.

“Outré is inspired by the mysterious, sensual, and bizarre,” said Cina. “We have been inspired a lot by surrealist artists, such as Claude Cahun and Maya Deren as well as art nouveau.”
Cina, along with co-director Raine Nimmer, both agreed to keep the show local and highlight the immense amount of local talent in the area, featuring local designers, artists, and businesses. And creative talent that, until recently, wasn’t very visible in the surrounding community. Last year’s event, held at The Raw Deal, brought in more than 400 people. So with a much bigger venue this year, both directors are hoping for an even bigger turnout for the largest fashion event of its kind in the Valley.

“Pardon is not just a fashion show, but an event that brings people together to celebrate this community’s extraordinary achievements,” said Cina.

This is likewise fashion for a cause. All proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to the Cammie Johnson Memorial Scholarship for Juvenile Diabetes. A silent auction will be held from 6 to 7pm to raise money for the cause with numerous items up for grabs (pottery, paintings and jewelry among others).

If watching fellow Chippewa Valley fashionistas and supporting a good cause haven’t convinced you quite yet, how about some tasty tid-bits and appetizers while you enjoy fashions finest? Wine will be provided by Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub, VIP appetizers provided by Racy’s, and beer provided by Lucette and Rush River breweries.

Doors open at 6pm and the fashion extravaganza begins at 7:30pm with an after party to follow. Tickets can be purchased at Menomonie’s Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub and Robert Giede Design as well as Eau Claire’s The Local Store, Tangled Up in Hue, Just Local Foods, and Racy’s.

If you are looking to spend a little more mulla, you might want to consider purchasing a VIP ticket for $30, which includes premier runway seating, three complimentary drinks, complimentary finger food and personal wait staff. All other tickets cost $15 or $20 at the door. For an added bonus, every guest who purchases a ticket is automatically entered into a drawing to win a fine piece of jewelry from Robert Giede Design, which means there’s a chance you can be strutting your stuff with a beautifully crafted treasure.

For more info, contact Mallory Cina at (952) 250-1458 or Raine Nimmer at (920) 327-0545.