Nathan Hurst’s first artistic fashion show, Off with Their Heads, is this Friday at CS13, a new gallery and music venue in Over-the-Rhine. It will feature a runway show winding down the building’s fire escape, to be followed by a party DJed by Northside Nick.
Along with references to diva stage costumes, Hurst’s work sometimes quotes Roman tunics and other historical costume. The word “armor” often arises in Hurst’s descriptions. He says that these clothes are meant to project invulnerability and power.
“I take things and make them look armored, like those fabric flowers that are stiffened,” he points out, gesturing to a light-blue neck piece in which white collars and cuffs have been folded and hardened in the forms of origami flowers. “I feel differently when I put these clothes on. I feel stronger, like a different personality.”
Hurst says he prefers showing in galleries to boutiques. “The art world is my peer group more than the fashion world. These clothes are more art for me. And I have to have at least one piece of art on me every day.”
Read Matt Morris' interview with Hurst and get venue and show details here.
