European-inspired runway show in Akron
There are three things every 20-something Akron girl has committed to memory: Thursday’s has the finest selection of hipster boys, Mr. Zub’s is always best at 3 a.m. and never walk past Zelio NOTO if you need that last paycheck. On June 18, the hard-to-resist NOTO threads will pull on our heartstrings (and our paychecks) at the store’s third annual summer fashion show.
There are a few elements that set this year’s fashion show apart, however. The first? Unlike the past shows, held indoors at the High Street Gallery, the 2011 show will be held in Maiden Alley, directly in front of the store’s East Market Street location. NOTO owner Lauren Ward said the change was made to provide a longer runway and accommodate a larger crowd.
“It’s going to have this very cool, almost European vibe,” Ward said. “I think — with being in the alley — it’s just going to take on this whole new level.” While past shows have drawn in about 100 attendees, Ward is anticipating a crowd of 150 to 200 this year.
Another change? Instead of the usual live band, this year’s show will feature a DJ. Ward says the versatility of the music will help with the casual bohemian feel she’s going for this year.
The show, titled “Fashion is a Choice,” will feature upcoming summer fashions from a few of the store’s clothing lines, including the Canada-based Pink Martini. One of the best parts, though, is that the show will also showcase accessories from local vendors such as What a Great Hat! and KYEbags.
“The great thing about having the show is that people see the clothes in ways they wouldn’t usually think of wearing them,” Ward said. “It really kind of inspires ideas for people, and I think that’s why people like going.”
Aside from taking in the boutique’s charming fashions on the runway, the $32 ticket price includes an eco-friendly tote bag as well as two free Notini drink tokens. Not familiar with the Notini? Neither am I, but I’m never one to turn down free drinks and the store’s signature fruity blue concoction sounds delicious, so I can’t wait to try it. After the show, attendees will have the opportunity to compete in a “walk-off.” The winner takes home a NOTO gift certificate.
Attendees will also be able to rush the store afterward and buy their favorite looks from the show before they’re snatched up. “The store is closed off the entire day of the show, so there’s almost this sense of urgency to get to the store afterward and buy these items,” Ward said. “Everyone’s elbow-to-elbow.”
The first model walks at 8 p.m., but seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis; Ward advises arriving closer to the 7 p.m. door time. That leaves plenty of time to mingle and stop by the outside bar. “It’s a fun girls’ night out,” Ward said. “And it’s just really cool because there’s nothing like it in Akron.”
Fashionistas, get your tickets for the show at zelionoto.com. And don’t worry: You still have time to hit Thursday’s and Zub’s after.
