The Alternative Fashion Society Debuts with Animal Royale at Crescent Ballroom

•  Boy Barry, You are all over the place man. I'd venture a designer might find "1rst half was a- Titty Parade and some Speedos." offensive " and by your own words, "just flat out IMMATURE" and by no means a "Constructive critique". I'm just sayin'...pot/kettle?

• Wow. I know I have a made myself an easy target for haters in this forum since they see how upset the review made me and I put my opinion out there. I was up for many nights before the show sewing, even up until our bus left the last minute for Animal Royale. Sleep deprivation and stress can drive anyone over the edge especially when someone pushes your buttons. All I did was review what had happened at the show in my head for days afterward,s and all the things I wished I could have changed or finished on my line  that I just ran out of time. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my work and putting it out there and by no means was it perfect but I know we our my best. We had plenty of positive feedback afterwards but the saying "one oh shit takes away two atta boys" describes my feelings about the article and a couple of the comments under it and I just snapped I guess. I just want to humbly apologize to any of the other designers that were also left out of the review and let them know that I thought their work was fantastic as well, and truly just wish everyone had been mentioned, and that there had been a better description of the show in full. I wish this could have been a positive experience to see and read after everyone's hard work, and I want to praise everyone involved in the show, especially Jen Deveroux who worked SO hard, even though she had some doubters in the fashion community, I told her to keep her head up and I backed her all the way when Big Whigs went under due to so many pulling out, Animal Royale almost didn't even happen. I am so glad she had the courage to keep going, and I commend her for that!I'm sorry to anyone who was hurt by any comments I made, and this show was all about teamwork and group effort, so thank you to everyone who put there work out there!

• What a stupid jealous ^cunt ^ Go back to Bar Smith then you talentless scenester whore

• Get a new writer... Criticism is welcomed when it’s done in a constructive manner.  But when it becomes negative or condescending, the attending audience gets nothing from it. You obviously didn't choose the right words to use in this article. You should quit your job!

• Give the on stage art of downtown Arizona a break, shit is used every %#$#ing week @ hidden house and every other lame hipster bar... Nothing innovative there. Overused fire dancers... yeah if I wanted to see this I would hang out at Bar Smith.... and for the love of god, you little whiny cunts in these comments, especially Grimm. Holy fuck woman, get a grip and suck it up... this is the public eye and it has an opinion. This writer can have their own opinion also, it doesn't have to be fairy tales and my little pony stories of baking cookies to make all you egocentric bitches feel better. Based on the photos from this event it is no surprise she didn't write about everyone. The designs were dull, boring and common. What is there to say when there is nothing to say anything about? The only good point made in these comments is that the one designer who turned this into a total T&A display using pasties really did bring the overall class of the event down quite a few notches. Made this look like a 3 ring circus and not a fashion event. Remember Bitches, Opinions are like @ssholes and we all have one. So shut the $#!# up.

• Didn't read the articles but I saw this show and saw the pics here and I say 1rst half was a- Titty Parade and some Speedos. Intermission was some - Hot ass circus freaks. The last half was- project runway and pretty Dope overall= Fan-fucking-tastic show.

• This tends to happen in print reviews of group shows, but there's no excuse in a web formatted review.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion

• Indeed, reviews are just opinions, but they are also opportunities. Opportunities for a creative person to be represented.

• "Guest" is an interesting name!

• It sounds like lumping designers together is not much of a review...how can that be considered constructive or otherwise on an individual basis? As I stated above, there is space enough on the web to elaborate on a specific individual's work. I remember this same problem with the Chaos Theory show review.

• I have to say that the age of "print space" limitation should be over when applied to web reviews. I agree that there should be more critiques on the web site as there is "space" enough to elaborate. I would understand it being condensed in the mag, but on the web...no.

•  But Barry- a review cant be "unfair" as it is one's opinion. OPINION. I am not angered that you stated yours... Doesn't mean a reviewer is RIGHT but it is their opinion and rags like New Times find that writer's OPINIONS worthy of allowing that writer to write for them. Reviewers wont always mention everything they saw, felt, heard- only that which stood out to them be it good, bad or indifferent to them. My reply wasnt in regard to any of the "catty comments in this forum that are just flat out IMMATURE and cruel to other designers to say the least". I just didn't see how the reviewer was a bad guy here. Reviews state both sides and things in between. I You fear me the oppressor here. I am not. I am in fact in favor of the art, the work, the dream, the dedication. I just don't see-why the fuss- over a review by NEW TIMES for cryin out loud. Settle down, keep your cool everyone and lets C R E A T E. There's no need for all this craziness. Is there? What does it serve?

• After taking awhile to see how this went, I'm ready to write my feelings out. First off this article bashed plenty of awesome designers in one foul article and only praised one designer. The writer easily could have made this a fun article and set up an enjoyable setting like the show's atmosphere actually was. Instead, she shit on many talented designers and made it negative. If you write something negative you should expect to get something negative back especially when it was slanderous. We all spent plenty of time working hard on the show in the previous months. Why couldn't we have had something positive written about the show? Designers wouldn't you agree?? If she has the right to publicly write negative opinions that are being shown in the New Times and being posted and reposted all over Facebook in her article, then why is it so wrong for us to write how we feel about it?

• I would have to disagree with Fan of Fun. As someone who was at the show, and saw some of the designers such as HausofStardust, Missconstrued, Stickerclubgirl, and PiercedHeart, bring some amazing designs to the runway, this review was unfair, and borderline flat out just untrue. Maybe some designers overreacted to the review, but there have been some pretty catty comments in this forum that are just flat out IMMATURE and cruel to other designers to say the least. Constructive critique? I have seen constructive criticism before, and this does NOT fall into that category. Saying the others designers lacked imagination is not constructive, especially since it is obviously not true. I don't know who is saying what here, but it is pretty obvious that not many in this forum have come forward or had the courage to put a name or a face to what they have been saying in FEAR of their own words or image being criticized. So maybe if you are not able to admit who you are, your OPINION is not ready to be voiced or needed here.

• I don't quite see what all the fuss is about. This isnt a BAD review. It's just a review. Perhaps some feel that their hard work wasn't praised by way of glowing words? I agree with one comment- if you arent ready to hear people's opinions or read reviews (the good, the bad and the ugly) perhaps you arent ready to show. (or ready to hear feedback). The beauty of art is that there is something for everyone and not everything for everyone. What one reviewer found garish glam another viewer may have found shocking beauty. Bemoaning your review all over public forums is poor form and lacks class. Stand up for yourself? Others praise of your work and PURCHASE OF YOUR ART is where you stand up- tall, proud and making money. Use a bad review to fuel your passion. Do it by bringing the most mind-blowing line you can fathom in your next show. I speak from experience here- a bad review stings even months after it is published. BUT let your fans come to your defense and show their love as opposed to you making yourself look like a reality TV freak.

• yeah I know. We should only show work that is ready for tomatoes to be thrown at it. White would be a good choice.

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• yep

• It was a well put on that's for sure.  Much better then shows I've seen around town.  I do wonder though if I am a curvy or stick thin model now after reading this. 

• You're a whiny fucking bitch. 

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• Please get over yourself. Critics critique things. It's their job. Not every review is favorable. Of course you're going to like what you designed. YOU DESIGNED IT. Also, isn't art in the eye of the beholder? If what you're doing is to be considered art, it should be open to interpretation. Plus, if Ms. Bartkowski really was so negative and unreasonable, then why did she end her article with such encouragement and excitement regarding the Phoenix alternative fashion scene? And if you're so ALTERNATIVE, then you shouldn't care what the "establishment" thinks. By complaining, all you're doing is making people like the New Times not want to work with you in the future. Let your work speak for itself.

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• Seemed like pretty neutral commentary to me. She didn't say anything negative about it- could have used a more feminist approach for sure but hardly something to be up in arms about.

• Could give a shit less about her opinion on the designers and more so on her offensive descriptions of the models sizes.

• Show some humility and quit crying over the first unbiased opinion you read, and stop crapping on the writer, it's not her fault your work didn't impress her. If you are so easily upset by criticism your work is not ready to shown.

• Perhaps the designs were tacky?

• I would agree with you, but I may be burned at the stake by my peers.

• You know what? You are right. We all suck compared to Kelly Calabrese. The rest of us should have just stayed home.

• "featuring a flock of models ranging from curvy to stick thin boasting a kind of T&A not typical of runway shows." What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? NOT EMPOWERING! I am shocked and shamed that a female wrote this article! She should be canned from publishing anything for New Times ever again! I am escalating this! This should not be tolerated! 

• Pretty accurate article. Everyone designer but Kelly Calabrese was mediocre and stuck in the late-nineties.

• "I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." — Alexander McQueen  

• Jen put on a fabulous, polished show, which is more than I can say I've ever seen in the alternative fashion industry--ever. Unfortunately, alternative fashion is often run by people who care not so much about the production as they do about the sexy clothes coming down that runway. So bravo, Jen. You deserve a congratulations, because the show was truly a success. The designers brought their own unique visions to the runway, and this particular show had such a diverse collection of designers! Alternative fashion is a very broad category in which I feel every single one of the designers at the show has a rightful place. I almost, feel, though, as an experienced alternative model, that the writer of this article has not truly embraced what alternative fashion is or can be. Yes, we all need to be open to constructive criticism, because how else can we improve upon our craft if we don't open our ears to things we don't want to hear? I truly hope that the designers only grow from being a part of a show like this. I was extremely disappointed in the writers opening statments about the bodies of the huge group of models at the show. In some realms of the alternative fashion industry (goth, punk, retro, vintage, pin-up, tattooed, pierced, etc) models are expected to be voluptuous, with proportions drastically different than those of mainstream models, and the most famous alternative models in the world range from 4'10 to 6'0. When you have alternative designers who design for that population, of course they are going to put the same type of girls on the runway! What a jab, though, to open with that kind of statement, out of the possible hundreds of others. I'll agree that some of the girls seemed less experienced on the runway than the others, and of course it's up to the designer to test the girls before putting them on that stage. Remember that alternative is supposed to be different, a rebellion against the mainstream, and that encompasses arenas such as models and designs.

• I agree w/ Kelly. Just because 1 person said something doesn't mean anything. If you didn't use pasties, then you didn't use pasties, if your name was said- then so be it. It's a write up, you're not always going to be please by what people have to say, remember that this is only 1 person's opinion and if it matters that much to you what 1 person says, then maybe you shouldn't be a designer. Life goes on and so should you. Keep pushing your brand and  your designs, everything should work out after- you don't need to spend countless hours or so paying attention to what people write about you. "I don't pay attention to what people write about me, I just measure it in inches"-Andy Warhol

• As I understand why the others designers would be upset, it's a constructive critique! Take this article as an experience and stride on, push your limits and extend your horizons! I learned a few years ago that not everyone is going to enjoy or agree with your work, the time spent arguing with those people's opinions is your creative minds time wasted. You're all talented, take yourself out of your comfort zone and rise above and beyond. Like Tiffe said, if we all sat and patted each other on the back, we would get nowhere and continue to work at the same pace. It's not a popularity contest, it's an accomplishment, you showed your clothing to hundreds and no one can ever take that away from you. Xoxo

• I am proud of my line. I am furious with this review that throws all of us under the bus because of designers like Catrina La Dell who used too many pasties. Everyone knew ho w I felt about that before Animal Royale ever happened. If people are going to "critique" anything from the show, please critique us individually, or not at all. It is extremely unfair. 

• I care about everyone's success which is the reason for my review. I am always going to push everyone to try harder just as those were for me. I know how much work it takes, like I stated, so you should be proud. But I see the potential you have and I do believe in you. I'm always going to push you harder. I can already hear the determination in your words and that makes me happy.

• Tiffe-  you know how hard I worked on my designs, seeing as how you helped me to learn how to construct a jacket, from scratch that was on display in the collection I showed.  You know that I have learned about altering patterns to create my own unique style, and am a true seamstress. I had floor length ball gowns, leather shrugs, men's streetwear that we created our own screen print of one of the models images we photographed (no one else had men's)  I had sleek lined dresses, and only ONE see-through feather collared bodysuit with pasties (that was a favorite of many and very different from others shown that night).  All that hard work I did, being a seamstress who makes her designs from scratch, and THIS was the review I am grouped with? How can you agree with this? My fabrics were also all hemmed, no strings hanging out, and I am damn sure they were innovative and unique.I am really upset about this, and I have a feeling there are some politics involved. I have had to push through a lot of doubt, and people that didn't want me headlining the show in the first place, simply because I hadn't been in the fashion scene as long as them. I have been nothing but respectful to those that have treated me that way, and tried my best to be kind and friendly to all designers that I have met in the scene.The fact that we were not even mentioned in the "jawdroppers" category, when even Kelly Calabrese herself said she loved my line, shows that there are some sours out there that don't want Pierced Heart to succeed, and I am going to start standing up for myself from now on, and call people out if they are not going to give credit where credit is due.

• I'm all for constructive criticism but this article seems like an all out attack and I have to disagree with it. Downplaying the creative efforts of local designers is in bad taste when the show was about celebrating ART and the COMMUNITY that comes with it. Using such derogatory terms as "T&A" to describe a designer's line is just tacky. Alternative Fashion Society was the name of the game and I believe the theme was successfully executed. And I also think it's unfair that the headliners Pierced Heart didn't even get a mere mention in this. Everyone who attended the show loved it and had nothing but great and supportive things to say. Let that speak for all the awesome designers who put themselves out there creatively and showcased their talent. I think the writers of this article haven't been exposed to real alternative fashion, they seem a little spooked.

• what about Pierced Heart?? We didn't stand out? Why were we left out of the article?

• I am sad that a representative from the New Time would down play hard work and efforts by Phoenix local talent! It was an "alternative fashion show" and that is what was delivered.  There was GREAT feedback AT THE SHOW and many messages came flooding in from people that attended. The only complaint I heard was the sold out show. Calling the designers redundant - it was a themed collection.. have you ever been to an alternative fashion show before? At least there are people trying and others very interested in Alt. fashion in Phoenix. I have lived here since 1982 and this is the first I have seen yet. Get the facts straight too.. the names are incorrect on your slideshow. It's about living and having a great time with the artwork. If it is not fun..it is not worth it.

• The production was great & I'm very proud of Jen for working so hard to deliver what she promised. To the designers, I know the amount of hard work that must be dedicated to creating garments so everyone involved should be happy with that accomplishment.   However, I share similar sentiments mentioned in this article about the level of taste, quality, and imagination that the collections held. I hope the designers are equally open to constructive criticism as they are to the praise that has been posted on facebook. I feel as though the majority of pieces that were allowed on the runway were "fashion for fashion's sake" and can prove quite counter-productive in labeling any group of people an "industry". I am constantly striving to improve my craft which is the main catalyst for why I don't put a ton of work out publicly. Quality over quantity in any form is key. Practice, practice, practice and EDIT. I still have a lot to learn but my door is always open for feedback - and vise versa. We all must look to our peers for help since there are few opportunities in Phoenix to work for any major brand or designer. Building an industry is not about patting each other on the back or rewarding each other for work that lacks a lot. It's about putting our pride aside, being open and honest, and always improving in any way we can. I wish everyone the best and again you should all be proud of your hard work. I am looking forward to seeing the bar raised at the next event and vast improvements in the collections shown.

TotalComments: 46