But let's get back to Juneau. The materials used in this year's show ranged from porcupine quills, moss, bark, and mahogany to mirrors, salvaged metals, phone books, prescription bottles, Skittles wrappers and shower curtains. People of all ages created wearable art and modeled it. Third place on both Saturday and Sunday was awarded to "Goldeneyespy". Made of brass, fabric, styrofoam, working light bulbs, and many "hidden" objects that could only be noticed upon close inspection - like little toy birds in a cage or a large golden ant - it was truly a creative masterpiece. "Pieces of Peace" took second place on Saturday and first place on Sunday. Created out of silk, bark chips, porcupine quills, spruce and pine needles, moss and lichens - it was literally a breathtaking piece of art. The bark for the dress was sent from countries in South America, Africa, Europe and Asia and most pieces had the word "peace" written on them in many different languages. Finally, the creation that took first place on Saturday and second place on Sunday was made entirely out of solid and striped mahogany, cedar, and lace wood maple veneers. "Lady of the Wood" was created to resemble an 18th Century dress as closely as the all-wood materials allowed. This piece is heading to New Zealand to compete in the International Wearable Art Extravaganza.

Many other pieces were as imaginative and innovative. After the show, many spectators lingered to talk about the costumes, speculating how such eclectic materials were so cleverly combined to create intriguing but very wearable dresses. The artists discussed what worked and what didn't, some were starting to think of new ideas for next year's show. And no matter whether they created the costumes, modeled them, volunteered to make the event possible, or just enjoyed the show from their seats, everyone seemed to have had a great time.
-Mihael Blikshteyn

Strut your stuff, Alaskan style! Check out our collection of "wearable art." Tailor it to your specific spirit.