Evan Clayton blew the roof off the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday, September 24, with his first show in several years. INFERNO is a fashion show based on Dante's Inferno. I arrived almost an hour before showtime; the crowd was gathering. The fashion-starved throngs had pulled out all the stops. The eclectic style of the patrons added to the expectation of a fabulous evening.

I've attended many fashion shows, but the experience of an Evan Clayton show is unique. Dial up the theatricality, add queer culture, drag queens, and gender non-conforming models, and you are getting close. While the fashion show was the main event, the crowd was a second feature, and the entire evening ended with an energetic drag show.

EVAN CLAYTON- INFERNO

Evan Clayton is not about clothes you might wear to the supermarket. These are clothes you dream about wearing; maybe if you were someone else. These garments speak to your fantasies, bringing out your inner diva or perhaps your dark side. Theatrical, bold, sexy, and often hyper-feminine, these garments are a hybrid between clothes and costumes. However theatrical this collection contains many wearable pieces.

In the tradition of other designers who have dealt with the queer culture, you can see the influences of Gaultier, McQueen, Galiano, and Mugler. However, these are not copies and stand alone in their powerful uniqueness. Optimism is always present in Evan Clayton's collections, the clothes aspire to haute couture while having a sexy backstreet realness. This is fashion as fetish.

Silver, white, black, and red are this designer's backbone. Add a splash of electric blue and gold to fulfill the colour story. Delicate lace is juxtaposed with stiff metallic corsets. A massive organza silver train dramatically sweeps the runway. Bodysuits encrusted with crystals, form-fitting gowns with unique flame-inspired shoulders, and body-conscious silhouettes create the framework for the collection. And of course, Clayton's signature ostrich feathers add glamour and movement. This collection ends with the traditional couture wedding dress. But in this case, it is brilliant crimson lace.

INFERNO marks a triumphant return to the runway for Evan Clayton. The fashion industry was hugely impacted by the pandemic and many are still struggling to recover. Thanks to Evan Clayton and his entire team for working so hard to stage this show. The fashion community is only as strong as it's weakest link. Therefore my darlings support our local Vancouver fashion scene.

EVAN CLAYTON- FACEBOOK

EVAN CLAYTON- INSTAGRAM

Angelo and I at Inferno Fashion Show

CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW