Amanda Martinez reminds me of a fairy with her dark pixie cut, open face, and clear obsession with glitter. Candy skulls for the Day of the Dead, though today is no where near the holiday, are decorated, ironically, with bright cheery designs. The main draw of the table is the variety of sparkling spiritual magnets and jewelry made from old bottle caps. It comes as no surprise, then, when she hands me a shiny business card that reads “Spiritual Sparkles” in a softly glowing font.
The process seems simple enough: bottle caps, tiny pictures ranging from Buddha to Rosie the Riveter, glue, and (naturally) glitter. But there is something about these tiny treasures that makes these much more than old soda tops. Martinez says it’s all in what they mean to the customer. “I don’t limit myself to certain denominations,” she says, motioning to the magnet of Jesus next to Shiva. “Anytime you put a spiritual reminder in front of someone, I consider it a job well done.”
After making the rounds to the rest of the artists’ booths, trying to remember why I didn’t need the sunny-side up pillows, I head back to the Struble Studios storefront (say that five times fast) for the main attraction of evening: the “Re:Fashion Show.”
Despite the fact that I am in the middle of Oklahoma, the fashion show has all the expected elements of a runway event. The room is dark, further illuminating the brightly lit catwalk. People jam together so tightly if I turn my head too quickly I’ll end up smoking my neighbor’s cigarette. Champagne, in plastic flutes, is passed around like water and cameras flash in all directions. Mine runs out of battery before the show begins but this is one instance where the most active imagination can accurately picture the outfits.
A classic structured top and pencil skirt were created out of a retro shower curtain — the ultimate in spill-proof material. Refreshingly curvaceous models (often the artist) strut down the runway in altered vintage shifts that now pass for evening wear paired with spray-painted pumps.
I am a little surprised how much I like their designs. The materials are questionable, but the clothes are streamlined. But as soon as the thought forms, whistles and catcalls came from those pressed up against the stage.
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