WORN Fashion Journal’s Shoe Issue launches at the Bata Shoe Museum with cocktails, dancing, and a LIVE AUCTION.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ONTARIO (May 8th, 2009) – WORN Fashion Journal celebrates the launch of The Shoe Issue (the publication’s first themed issue) with SOL[e]D! The Bata Shoe Museum will open its doors – and its exhibitions – for a night of cocktails, dancing, and shoe gazing. This gala event is highlighted by a live auction of 24 pairs of Keds sneakers as interpreted by Canadian artists and fashion designers (previously on public display as the ART and SOLE exhibit).

Artists who worked on this project include: fashion designers Renata Morales, Clayton Evans of complexgeometries, Angie Johnson of Norwegian Wood, and Damzels in This Dress, and artists Allyson Mitchell, Hilly Yeung, Hollie Dzama, Marina Dempster and Team Macho.

The SOL[e]D! live auction fundraiser will offer WORN readers, supporters, and shoe lovers at large the chance to bid on their favourite designs. With a professional auctioneer and competitors in their finest, this event promises to be an experience above and beyond the usual fare.

In addition, a portion of all proceeds will go to Fashion Cares (in support of ACT) and, in the spirit of generosity, Keds has offered to match WORN’s contribution dollar for dollar.

Advance tickets include a two year WORN subscription, access to all Bata Shoe Museum exhibits for the evening, free hors d’oeuvres, and a night of cocktails (cash bar) and dancing with 1960s pop and funk music provided by Shake a Tail.

WORN is a publication dedicated to celebrating uncommon and unconventional style, offering a joyful and inspiring view of fashion’s impact, not as an industry, but as an expression of self. Supporting WORN through events like SOL[e]D means ensuring diverse and independent content outside of the influence of advertising dollars.

About the ART+SOLE Exhibit
The ART+SOLE exhibit, open for public viewing at the Bata Shoe Museum from May 21 – June 6, features two dozen pairs of an understated fashion classic, the white Keds sneaker. In the hands of diverse and imaginative artists and designers, these iconic shoes go from conservative staple to wearable art; altered, embellished, and recreated, each pair is as different as they were once the same.

About WORN Fashion Journal and WORN Events
Part fashion magazine, part academic journal, and part personal zine, WORN is a truly independent publication. Driven by sales (not advertising) Worn offers unique perspectives on fashion, creating a diverse and inclusive alternative to mainstream fashion magazines.

In this, WORN’s first themed issue, readers will find articles about Belle Vivier, the history of the Turn Shoe, and an interview with John Fluevog, along with regular columns, book reviews and, as always, a range of photography and illustration by unique and talented contributors.

WORN has successfully hosted a range of parties and fundraisers in both Toronto and Montreal. Whether an intimate gathering or a formal prom-style event, our parties encourage creative individuality and emphasize a joy in the act of dressing up. Previous events have attracted local store owners, journalists, designers, artists, fashion students and bloggers, and a variety of creative professionals.

WHERE: The Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W

WHEN: June 6, 2009, 7PM AUCTION:9PM DANCING:10PM–1AM

ADVANCE TICKETS:
$28 (includes 2 year subscription to WORN)
Online at www.wornjournal.com
Winkle, 1107 Queen Street East
Left Feet, 88 Nassau Street
Frou Frou, 1616 Queen Street West

For more information on this or any WORN event please contact: events@wornjournal.com
or contact our editor at: serahmarie@wornjournal.com

(image credits: shoes by Angie Johnson of Norwegian Wood, photography by Danijela Pruginic)