New York’s Bowery Poetry Club was a haven for the latest in high-fashion thanks to the efforts of real estate entrepreneur Avi Oster and designer Catherine Fulmer. The two co-hosted Southern Crawl, an event highlighting the latest innovations in fashion and music, where Fulmer’s latest line was showcased for guests. Also featured were veteran DJ Paul Sevigny and newcomer Soul singer Marla Joy.
Fulmer had been inspired to start her new line after returning from a trip to the Southern United States. It is the flagship of her Fall 2011 women’s collection, and borrows generously from the feminist rocker archetypes dating back to 60s luminaries like Janis Joplin and Grace Slick. It also pays homage to minimalism and neo-Gothic fashion designs. “My linings represent bright energy, love and joy.” Fulmer stated.
Oster has long been a devotee to the fashion world, and had no shortage of praise for Fulmer’s latest release. Describing the new line as, “raw, downtime, do-it-yourself, make-it-rock-chic,” Oster also credit the evening’s performances by Sevigny and Joy as really putting the energy over the top. The venue, a staple for groundbreaking poetry and music, also played a large role in the event’s success.
Fulmer and Oster have a long history of successful collaborations, starting in 2003 when Oster became on of the earliest adopters of Fulmer’s fashion vision. He also works regularly to promote New York’s Nolcha Fashion Week, having recently hosted an event with hop-hip legend Ne-Yo and rising R&B star Estelle. He is also good friends with Stephen Seo, the costume designer for HBO television series Entourage.