What do you get when you mix a bowling alley, David Bowie tribute show, drag artists and fashions by Pittsburgh-based designers?
James Houk hopes it’s the making of a stellar style event. On Saturday, he’ll bring them all together in a Fashion Alley runway show and concert at Hollywood Lanes in Dormont to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s creative and expressive arts therapy program.
The odd event was a hit when it debuted in 2016, says Mr. Houk, a fashion designer from Brookline. This year, he wants “everything turned up a lot” for what he’s dubbed “a celebration of fashion” for a good cause.
With help from owner Jeffrey Parke, bowling lanes will be transformed into runways where models will show off looks by designer Brian David and Mr. Houk along with a few things from Kiya Tomlin, Lana Neumeyer and Diana Misetic. The event also will be in part a salute to drag artists and a display of support for transgender rights.
In keeping with the spirit of the evening -— “an underground rock ‘n roll show” -— a David Bowie tribute concert by Chris Theoret will follow the runway show. The night will be emceed by vocal artist Natalie Shugars.
Think a bowling alley’s a bizarre place for a fashion show? Don’t knock it until you see it, Mr. Houk says.
"I love the dichotomy of it. It’s just a very cool place.”
Doors open at 7 p.m., the fashion show begins at 8 p.m. and the concert at 9 p.m. Tickets: $48-$150 at eventbrite.com.
Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com or on Twitter and Instagram @SaraB_PG.
First Published: January 18, 2018, 7:49 p.m.