Culture is always in style. On May 20, the Ascend AAPI Spring Fashion Show will transform the Houston Public Library’s historic Julia Ideson Building into a beautiful and festive runway from 2-5 p.m.
The fashion program is part of “Our Vibrant AAPI Community: Selections from the Houston Asian American Archive,” (HAAA) which tells personal stories that reflect the deep and varied contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to the fabric of Houston. The exhibition is on display through June 3 at the Julia Ideson Building Gallery, 550 McKinney St.
A joint project between Rice University’s Chao Center for Asian Studies in the School of Humanities and Fondren Library’s Woodson Research Center, the HAAA has grown since its 2010 inception to include approximately 450 recorded interviews and oral histories from members of Houston’s AAPI communities in addition to many other items now on display at the exhibition, including campaign posters from trailblazing political candidates, archival footage from community events and numerous other artifacts.
"The Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community is distinguished for its treasure trove of brilliant artists who have brightened our world,” said Anne Chao ’05 ’09, HAAA program manager and adjunct lecturer in the School of Humanities. “Our show will feature three fashion designers, Chloe Dao, Tina Zulu and Anthony Pabillano, who represent some of the most creative and innovative talents in Houston."
Dao is an American fashion designer and television personality who lives and works in Houston. She was the winner of the second season of the reality show “Project Runway” with a collection of women's evening wear. For the past 21 years, she has run the Dao Chloe Dao boutique, formerly known as Lot 8.
Zulu leads the creative exploration known as Kimono Zulu. A Filipina American, Zulu will present a collection of reimagined vintage Japanese kimonos. Kimono Zulu draws upon the rich history of traditional Japanese attire, mainly the kimono, and its influence on other cultures throughout Asia and the West.
Pabillano, a Houston-based Filipino artist, currently explores weaving in the style of the Philippine bayong, a traditional bag made from dried leaves but redefined today through his use of unexpected materials and forms.
Cutloose Hair and Oribe are hair sponsors for the fashion show, and several past contestants of the Miss Chinatown Houston Scholarship Pageant will be featured as models.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Due to limited seating, the show will be livestreamed on the Houston Public Library’s Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza and online at the Houston Public Library’s Facebook page.