In many cultures, the animal motif carries a symbolism that goes beyond the decorative. Cleopatra chose suicide by the asp, and for every fancy dress party enthusiast (or Las Vegas showgirl) the asp headdress (or snake band) is synonymous with accurate and/or kitsch Egyptian costuming. Think we’re beyond it though? Oh, you really don’t believe that – the high-end endurance of the Lacoste alligator is a perfect example of contemporary anthropomorphic branding (French founder Rene Lacoste was the Michael Jordan of tennis, described as “Le Crocodile” on the court).

So, when we hear that Bata Shoe Museum curator Elizabeth Semmelhack is giving a lecture on symbolism in Chinese art and fashion – with a special focus on the ox and animal motifs – we’re very interested. Inspired by the temporary Chinese New Year exhibit (almost a ‘best of’ the previously successful Watched by Heaven exhibit, expect in-depth analysis of shoes and pullovers with lions, tigers and … ox. After all, it is the year of oxen : a born leader, a prosperous sign that captures springtime and agriculture with ruling hours between 1am-3am. Luckily, the talk is scheduled for the more appropriate hours of 6-8pm.

Exploring Symbolism in Chinese Art and Dress
Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. West, Toronto
Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 6pm
$10 per person; $5 per student
Be sure to stay for the complimentary dim-sum and tea afterwards.
-Rea McNamara

The last time I was at 69 Vintage Buy-The-Pound (1234 Bloor W), the typical rag picking experience transformed into a dress-up play set: red wine was surreptitiously served in plastic cups, and everyone casually looked each other over in the large mirror panels, complimenting on the finds displayed in the impromptu model show. I remain disappointed that a girl trying on this shiny Kamali-like jumpsuit decided against it, despite the “that looks a-ma-zing!” consensus and the few point-and-shoot flashes (and I’m not usually so invested in other people’s shopping decisions).

This was the scene at 69’s popular clothing swap nights (trade in closet cast-offs for riffled finds), with reliable evidence that the aforementioned experience isn’t unusual. Not just the basement that houses the Queen West location’s leftovers, the Buy-The-Pound is building a local second-hand lovin’ community with Dress Up & Draw Wednesday (fashion sketching the first Wednesday of the month) and has just announced a spring schedule of sewing, knitting and crocheting classes (because we all need to learn sometime how to alter, hem and knit cell phone covers). - Rea McNamara
(details after the jump)

Tues Jan 20th - Simple Alterations Pt.1
Learn to hem skirts and pants, take in waistbands, alter mens shirts to fit women, create bubble hems and more! Take this class if you have never sewn before, or if you’re looking to improve your alteration skills! Feel free to bring your own projects! 6-9pm
$20 in advance, $25 on night + $7 materials fee

Tues Jan 27th - Remade Accessories
Learn to use the serger to turn old sweaters into cuddly, cozy and enviro-friendly accessories! Simple projects like hats, mitts, scarves and armwarmers make it easy and fun to learn to use the serger. 6-9pm
Class is limited to four people so sign up fast!!!
$25 in advance, $30 on night + $7 materials fee

Thurs Jan 29th - Knit a Cell Phone Cozy
Knit a cute, simple cell phone cover or iPod cover with a flap and button. This is a good beginner project for people who know how to knit the basic “knit” stitch. New knitters are welcome. Techniques: Casting on, garter (”knit”) stitch, yarn over, increasing, binding off, overcast stitch, weaving in loose ends. 6:30 - 9:30pm
$15 in advance, $20 on night + $7 materials fee