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After a nine-year hiatus, “Fashion of the Pines” is returning to Fire Island on August 20.
About 200 people are expected at the event, held at Whyte Hall and the Albert Lepage Pavilion, which will spin criticism of the past in the present day. While many well-known designers have ties to the island, the show also features young up-and-coming minority founders, designers and artists.
The show is a production in collaboration with the Fire Island Arts Project, which has been presenting events and performances on the island for the past 35 years. JD Winston, a board member, producer and former multi-disciplinary actor, and Ryan Espinosa, another FIPAP board member and owner of the Denizen store on the island, will oversee the revitalization of the event.
The runway features items from the store and other stores, as well as some donated pieces. “We don’t sell one particular brand. Basically, it’s a celebration of who we are as an island in this expressive season of individuality. The island is very DIY. People get thrown over the head, maybe a pair of designer shorts and the rest are made up as they go along,” Espinosa said. “If you spend a lot of time here, you know what can happen in a very free and safe place. The rules remain [behind] When you get off the boat.
In the 70s, “pine fashion” was an annual celebration of local style. The late Fire Island developer and former model John Whyte was instrumental in creating the scene and held celebrations at the swimming pool in Bothell.
The “Day in the Pines” theme was first used by Russell Graham in the late 80’s. Andy Baker and Ward Auerbach helped plant the seed to revive the event, which is being told through Denise. Winston said he and Espinosa talked about Pines fashion events from the ’80s to early ’90s and the hope of holding one again. The event started in the 70s, but the outbreak of AIDS stopped it.
The two bounced ideas around and picked up some ideas from some of the guys who had experienced the original shows, like Bob Howard and Scott Bromley. Some people from the Fire Island community signed up to act as models. Pines-related sportswear will include a few styles from previous Pines fashion events.
An open bar with a DJ and a silent auction will be held during the first hour of this month. Visitors will find nostalgic ephemera from Fashion of the Pines events from years past. After the crowd went indoors, Luis Villabon sang “My Strongest Clothes” from the musical “Aida” in drag and Hal Rubenstein and Espinosa supported the show.
Noting how Fire Island became a popular getaway for many gay artists, designers and celebrities in the ’70s, Winston said it was known as a haven to escape, feel safe and be themselves, “something we had to do when it wasn’t so easy” at the time.
In the 80s, profits from the annual fair benefited the Pine Preservation Society. In recognition of that, profits from the 2022 edition will go to that organization and FIPAP.
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