On Friday, May 7, I journied to the Modern Wing for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's new late-night student fashion show, NightWalk.

Though, probably not intentional, the event name reminded me of Edward Hopper's print "Night Hawks," currently in the procession of the AIC.

The show featured designs by SAIC Legend of Fashion honoree Gary Graham, a finalist in the 2009 Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. The collection was very Anna Sui, circa Autumn/Winter 2008-9. (Graham's designs are available at Chicago boutiques Robin Richman and Koros Art & Style Ltd.)

Then there were futuristic/sci-fi looks from SAIC sophomore students. The top of Pirada Muadsong's dress resembles fish gills and the bottom looks like a man's suit jacket. Her inspiration? Loy-Krathong day, a full moon festival in Thailand—composed of lotus-shaped boat flouts made of folded banana leaves, which gives thanks for the life-giving river goddess.
My interpretation of Leah Silverblatt's Norse Viking inspired garment is an Arabian prince in space.

Silvio Pinto's inspiration was Norwegian black metal. Oddly enough, the sleeves remind me of the bandaged and infected alien arm of the main character in "District 9."

Maggie Thom's ensemble is inspired by Triadic Ballet, which used geometric shapes to redefine the body. This outfit is extremely literal.

 More fashions to come...