New York, Paris, Milan... Lansing?

While Lansing is worlds away from posh fashion hotspots like Milan, London and New York, a collective of local designers is looking to create an outlet for determined Lansing stylists. 

The designer collective Pomp was founded this year by locals Kristy Warner, Keisha Thomas, Christine White and Bryenna Reinicke, who met in the Lansing Community College fashion technology program, where they’re all enrolled.

Their first runway show is Saturday at The Loft. 

The show features new lines by each Pomp designer; David Kim will also unveil his new urban-modern line. The night includes art by Rufus Rhea and Rob Shelburg, a vintage and pin-up clothing sale and music by DJs Andy Lynch and Nic Bouldin.  

Reinicke, 34, whose primary influence is the raw, New Wave stylings of British designer Vivienne Westwood, said her line is a cross between Marie Antoinette and punk.

She said she often revitalizes old pieces into something brand new. 

“I really like the paradox of frilly and feminine yet edgy and rough,” Reinicke said. “Most of the line has been revamped from pre-existing, thrift store pieces. I often get more inspiration from something that’s already put together than a just a bolt of fabric — it becomes something quite different.” 

Not everyone in the show has a rock-n-roll edge; Reinicke said the 30-minute runway show will feature Pomp’s broad spectrum of designs and tastes. 

“Kristy Warner is doing kind of an ethereal garden theme — a lot of florals, sheers, lace, and diaphanous dresses,” Reinicke said.

“Whereas Keisha (Thomas) is doing what she calls: contemporary sportswear separates. She’s really into the idea of an outfit that can be worn during the day, and then, for example, you can swap out the pants for a skirt at night and make it an evening look.”

Meanwhile, White’s unusual line draws from Oscar-winning costume designer Edith Head, and fashion risk-takers like Colleen Atwood and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

“For this show, Christine’s line is more avant-garde,” Reinicke said. “Everything is one-of-a-kind pieces you wouldn’t find in a store. This is wearable art for the fashion innovator, definitely not for the shy.” 

As for the future of Pomp, Reinicke said its members are looking to combine fashion with other artistic outlets in Lansing. 

“We’d like to continue designing and organizing fashion shows, and collaborating with other artists, designers, and musicians,” she explained.

“We’re definitely open to letting it all just kind of take its own direction and evolve. The more Lansing’s art community grows, the more Lansing will grow — this city has so much potential.”

POMP
fashion show
6 p.m. Saturday, June 11
The Loft at Harem Urban Lounge,
414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
Runway show starts at 7 p.m.; networking reception at 8 p.m.
All ages; bar is open  
$6
(517) 913-0103
theloftlansing.com