Counter couture

Fishnet stockings, dark eye makeup and neon colors are in this season – if you are a member of Axis of Evil, Bloomington’s own gothic community, that is. Axis held its first runway show on Feb. 27 at Jake’s Nightclub. Six designers, four DJs, three runs, and 21 ensembles collaborated to create the show titled\nCTRL+ALT+DEL, which stands for stands for Control + Alteration + Delineation.“(CTRL+ALT+DEL is) a ‘soft reset’ of alternative/subculture aesthetic through manipulation of the old-school do-it-yourself mentality and integration of the brand-new and cutting edge ... ” according to the CTRL+ALT+DEL program. “We will not be controlled, we will not be deleted, we will alter, we will delineate, and we will reset the machine.” \nAxis of Evil has dance nights each month and once had a Zombie Prom for Halloween.\n“A bunch of our girls decided to go to Jake’s one night,” Paul Friebus, DJ coordinator for Axis of Evil said. “They liked it and asked if we could have an event here, and it became a monthly thing.” \nCtrl+Alt+Del was the first alternative fashion show, announced the co-master of ceremonies, Bailey Redick. It marked a celebration of art, passion and community. \n“Axis of Evil has a strong do-it-yourself ethic, and this event is all about celebrating that,” Friebus said. “It fits the Axis of Evil idea where we take a club usually reserved for the greek scene and turn it into a place where we can hang out.” \nCrowd members were decked out in their gothic finest. The sea of black was dotted with glowing neon lights and blue mohawks.\n“There are no rules,” Redick said. “We don’t want to be controlled and don’t want art to be determined by what the mainstream calls fashion.” \nMari Kermit Canfield, was one of the first designers to present. Her collection was titled “Alabastergoddess Creations.”\n“My work has been inspired by some beautiful photographers – mainly Suza Scalora and Madame Yevonde,” Canfield said. “This was a really exciting project, especially for someone who is not a professional designer.”\nThe collections of her colleagues – Kristin Ziegler, Christina Gasko, Sandy Baker and Jarett Diamond – were varied. They were awarded prizes for categories such as, “most creative” and “best in show.” \n“It is wonderful and I am very interested with the designs so far,” judge Lisa Coffey said. “I was especially impressed by the peacock’s gown, (presented by Ziegler).” \nThe audience was equally thrilled about the event. \n“I think it’s amazing,” said IU graduate Sindra Luna. “Since I appreciate fashion, I would love to see such a fashion show again.” \nThe organizers thought the event was successful, a result of months of hard work. They are considering the possibility of holding another fashion show.\n“I feel really good with the response, and it is up to the designer community of Bloomington to take up the event,” IU staff member and Axis of Evil organizer Libby Bulloff said. “This event will let people in the Bloomington community know that they can come out and show their work,” she said. “They should feel empowered even if they are not professional designers.”