I know you all don’t need more reasons to attend the History of Wizarding Fashion Show (it’s already the most anticipated event at Azkatraz besides the Prison Break Ball!), but I wanted to bring you some scoop from behind the seams (that’s right; I went there.) As part of the Countdown to Azkatraz, I’ll be featuring a few of the designers from the show. I’m excited to bring you these exclusive interviews and don’t worry: I haven’t seen any of their designs and haven’t been spoiled as a judge. That wouldn’t be very fashion of me.
First up is Kelli O’Neill, who will be showing her “Mod Witch” design in the competition. Although she comes from a family of seamstresses, this is the first time anyone in her family has tried to express their personal design aesthetic. Kelli says her dress is “heavily inspired by Yves Saint Laurent,” whom she says is her style inspiration. His infamous Mondrian Day dress was her muse and she wanted to translate the time period and “playfulness of the era” for the modern witch.
YSL's Mondrian day dress, circa 1965. This new shape eventually became today's shift dress.
As for the fandom, Kelli says she first read HP when her mom “didn’t know what else to give [her] to read as [she] was reading” everything she got her hands on. Like all of us, she’s been obsessed ever since.I’m personally excited to see what we make of Kelli’s creation. It’s simple to create a replica, but not as simple to revolutionize and inspire a new generation.
Remember: there’s only 6 days left until Azkatraz! You can still register here and find all of the info on hp2009.org. Also, a new wrockshow has been announced as an alternative (or a precursor?) to Wrock Around the Rock. Find more info about the Minna Gallery Show on Facebook or at 111minnagallery.com!
