| When I first met fashion designer Thomas Lynch, he was just starting to make a name for himself in Calgary. Now three years later, Lynch has altered his brand name from Thomas Lynch Fashions to Thomas Lynch Events. "Fashion is more than just the clothes you wear, it’s about a lifestyle. With an event I am focusing on a lifestyle, and want to stimulate people with much more than showing my clothes," says Lynch.
Artfusion, which takes place on Saturday, March 19 at the Chinese Cultural Centre, is the latest and greatest experience conceptualized by Lynch and a roster of creative Calgarians who promise to stimulate our senses through fashion, music, painting, performance art and the written word.
"When I invite people to be part of a great event like this, they will get an intimate experience, which showcases what I stand for," says Lynch. "The energy that I get from creating my clothes and these nights is indescribable, and makes me want to push the limits even further with everything I do."
Those who have experienced a Lynch event know that Artfusion is not his first attempt at delighting Calgarians with something different. Over the past few years, Lynch has held his shows at unexpected places such as the Calgary Zoo, the Devonian Gardens, the Art Gallery of Calgary and the garden foyer of the Nexen building, "People are starting to realize that the bar scene does not always cut it, and we are trying to give the city something different," he says.
Lynch questions why most people opt for the usual fashion show catwalk presentation, or just another evening at the bar, when they can be subjected to various forms of art and walk away with something fulfilling, "With an event I can stimulate someone’s mind on many more levels, which I find intriguing," he says. "To the guests, this is an experience, likely one that they will remember."
To create such a memorable experience, Artfusion brings together both Calgary’s established artists and emerging ones who are making a name for themselves. Musical artists on board include Los Morenos, DJ Pump, avant-garde orchestra Nando and guest star DJ DIZ from Chicago. Among the visual artists involved are Tony Wong, Lane Arias, Erwin Staniszewski, Thomas Derksen, Melanie Bryson and Josh Wong.
For added flavour and excitement there will be contortionists, aerial acrobats, belly dancers, break dancers, mimes and mannequin models. "I wanted to do an event that focused on the wide variety of talent our city holds," says Lynch.
On the fashion front, Lynch will be showcasing his men’s and women’s Spring 2005 collection as well as offering a sneak preview of his Fall 2005 collection. "I’ll be looking for some reactions on the new fall pieces," he says.
Lynch’s design career began at Olds College, where he dropped out after one year of study to master the fine art of couture under the guidance of Madam Mithe de Fontinay, a Calgary based couturier who teaches only those who are serious about mastering their careers. At first glance, Lynch’s clothing seems quite ordinary, but his approach consists of great tailoring, a little fantasy and a touch of luxury. Most of his clothes are created out of fine silks and cut on the bias, which makes the clothing drape and feel amazing on the body.
For more information on Artfusion, visit www.thomaslynchevents.com. |
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