Homebody’s in Blacksburg presents its 6^th Annual Anti-Fashion Show this Sunday, April 26^th, 2009.  The event at the Lyric Theatre on College Avenue begins at 4 PM.  You’ll also hear special music by Yossarian Lives!  Admission is $5.00.

The catchy “anti-“ in the title is somewhat of a misnomer, though.  Homebody owner, Margaret Breslau wants to correct any misconceptions that sweatshop clothing is too expensive and unstylish.  Presenting both sweatshop-free and vintage clothing, the show illustrates both stylish and affordable options.  Homebody’s is a sweatshop-free clothing store which also carries jewelry and craft items.  Owner Breslau says she has great items at great prices. The show also showcases ways to buy local and support worker’s rights at the same time.

Breslau also wanted to have do-it-yourself (DIY) items which recycle, reconstruct, and reinvent existing clothing.  DIY subculture, she says, “Explicitly critiques modern consumer culture, which emphasizes that the solution to our needs is to purchase things.”  DIY focuses on “inventiveness, creativity and up-cycling items that would ordinarily be thrown out.”  Fashion needn’t be cooker cutter, Breslau says.  She sees DIY as a political act toward mindful, sustainable living.

There’s never been a better time to check out the Annual Anti-Fashion Show, where you can get ideas for stylish, but affordable, attire and have fun while doing it.

Kathryn Welch is a freelance writer from Blacksburg