On April 13th, 2019 I have the honor of co-producing an event that is close to my heart, Lumiere Ball. The idea for this evening of art, entertainment, and conversation began over a year ago through my connection with fellow local entrepreneur, Chelsea Sanders. I truly cannot wait to experience it with local artists and supporters. My main contribution will be the featured presentation of the night, an avante garde hair show. More than a runway show, this is a story told through 26 models wearing sculptures made out of hair, found objects, and beautiful clothing by designer Kelvin Burzon and Mirth. We will also offer multiple art installation experiences with themes that coincide with the hair show. This event is a celebration of life and an offering to acknowledge the stigma that surrounds mental health.
Sketch of look for “Darkness.” Inspired by team members Jade & Cory’s vision
To fuse my love for all things art with my strong feelings about giving back to the community has really offered a lot of fulfillment! Below I explain what the scenes are about and some insight to what you will experience.
When it came to conceptualizing what the hair show would be, Chelsea said to me, “Think big and tell a story” and ideas began to percolate. Initially we were brainstorming body image as the inspiration, but my mind went from body and image to well, our mind. I realized that in order to give myself over to anything at this point in my life, outside of my company and my family, it had to represent a passion…something that I could be very vulnerable with artistically and also offer support to others. Based on personal experiences, as well as that of other loved ones, the shame and stigma that surrounds any illness related to mental health have been very bothersome to me.
Jade working on a model from the Lumiere preview at UNVEILED
Events like this don’t just happen. It takes community and support. If Chelsea hadn’t come to me with the idea to create a moving experience that is also a charitable event, I don’t know if these ideas would have ever been dreamt, let alone realized. We would not have the resources to create this experience if we didn’t have friends, fellow artists, and local businesses that care about our community and individuals that have suffered with any mental illness or disorder. I am very grateful to be a part of this community and to have the help that I have had.
The Royale team will be presenting a five part showcase. Scene 1, Darkness, explores depression, sadness, grief through clothing and hair using blacks, blues, and purples. Scene 2, Ties that Bind, will depict feelings related to anxiety, control, addiction through red, black, and grey. The 3rd scene, Warrior, depicts the battle with one’s self and adversity through natural tones. Some of the looks created remind you more of warriors that you see in stories and in movies(think viking bad-ass warriors) , the idea was actually a thought based on tools that I have found to help me through times of adversity. More specifically Pema Chodron’s books that use the term Bodhichitta:
“ Those who train wholeheartedly in awakening unconditional and relative bodhichitta are called bodhisattvas or warriors—not warriors who kill and harm but warriors of nonaggression who hear the cries of the world.” “ The central question of a warrior’s training is not how we avoid uncertainty and fear, but how we relate to discomfort. How do we practice with difficulty, with our emotions, with the unpredictable encounters of an ordinary day?”~ Pema Chödrön
A Lumiere Sneak Peak!
The more that I thought about this idea for the middle scene and talked to others about experiences, I found that a lot of people have found ways or tools to use to work through their adversity, ways to “fight” through these times and get to a better place. It has been an overwhelmingly moving experience to connect with folks in the salon and in our community to bring this to life. Scene 4 is called Lumiere and the colors are pastels and white. This scene is about inner light, self love, forgiveness, and all things healing. Hair sculptures in the shape of wings, and depictions of nature including flowers and clouds. The final scene, scene 5 is called Nous (french for “us” or “we”), this scene is all about connection and support. The love and support through community, the resources that we have and the need for education and knowledge. The colors for this scene are all things bright. Red, blue, orange, green, purple, and yellow. There will be a big finale that represents our celebration of life!
Wardrobe for scenes 2 and 3 wardrobe by Mirth
Wardrobe in scene 5 features local designer Kelvin Burzon
Scenes 1 and 4 styled by Bridgett DiVohl
What do you wear to Lumiere Ball? Though we want it to feel like a “Ball” and grand, what is the most important to us is that people come out and support the event. So wear what makes you feel your best self! You know I will be wearing a ball gown though, because I love a reason to get dressed up and experience something new!
Cory working on a piece during a workshop at the Monroe County Library Teen Center showcasing alternative sculpture materials
Join us by buying tickets at www.LumiereBall.com! All proceeds from this event will go to Mental Health America of Monroe County & Amethyst House. We can’t wait!!
