Battle of the Beasts at Mr. Smalls in Millvale combines music, art and fashion
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Honeybees are the influence behind a fashion show collaboration coming to Mr. Smalls Theatre this weekend.
A trio of artists — Stuart Frick of Pittsburgh, who makes hand-painted clothing, the Pittsburgh-based band Hunnycomb and Pittsburgh painter and photographer Mariah Wild – got together to incorporate the insects into their assignment for the Battle of Beasts fashion show.
There are four teams participating. The musicians choose an animal that represents them and their individual style. The designer creates clothing and an artist contributes a painting.
“It’s been challenging, but so rewarding working with this team,” Frick said. “We have been bouncing ideas off of each other. My designs are whimsy and have a playfulness to them kind of like a cartoon combined with fun imagery. It is going to be exciting to see what each group creates.”
Troy Johnson, based in Homestead, is part of Abstract Theory, a hip-hop group. He said this is his first time delving into a fashion event. He is teaming with style expert T.J. Harris for the event. Harris has produced many runway happenings.
“It’s not your average fashion show,” said Johnson. “It is four teams of three facing off. Each team is composed of a musician, a fashion designer and a visual artist. The musician picks an animal they feel represents them, the visual artist creates three paintings of that animal that will be hung on stage as a backdrop — combined with a jungle-themed set design— and the fashion designer creates clothing based on the animal and the vibe of the art.”
There will also be local clothing vendors, drink specials specific to each team, and a best-dressed contest to wrap up the night, Johnson said.
“This is a huge undertaking by Troy to get everyone together for this event,” Frick said. “We are all looking forward to it because it’s something we haven’t done before. When you get so many talented artists together the results are amazing.”
The event is 7 p.m. on Saturday at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale.
Tickets are $15.