It isn’t often that a girl who’s five-five and 140 pounds gets to be a model. “When Stacy Williams of The Aesthetik offered spots in her upcoming show at Conduit, I jumped on the opportunity.” This was an entirely new experience for Suzanne. “To prepare,” she shares, “I watched the Style Television network and practiced walking in my apartment. My daughter and cats all wondered what Mommy was doing walking in such a funny way, back and forth and back and forth again. By the time Friday the 15th came around, I felt fairly confident.”

The club, Conduit, is surprisingly spacious compared to New York clubs with its high ceilings, clean decor, and a decent sound system. Even though it was just 10 pm, people had already started to amass for the evening’s festivities.

In the basement rooms, the models had begun to get ready. Cicely, a model and accomplished make-up artist, was applying make-up to another model in a room with a big counter, full mirror and good lighting akin to theater. She chose a palette of reds including flushed, rouged cheeks, pale eyelids with red shadow accents, softly lined eyes and lips ranging from full, pouty red to barely stained.

Ms. Williams had placed everyone’s outfit in separate garment bags labeled as to who got what and how they were supposed to be worn. Even as more models began to show, things were going very smoothly as each person passed from make-up to hair to wardrobe. “The overall feel, as a participant, was that of a professional operation, no doubt due to Ms. Williams very hard work and preparation.” Suzanne tells us.

Half the models wore cyber-styled, hair-falls, adorned with glitter enhanced silk flowers which were created and installed by Kit of Anachronaut. “These pieces were very lightweight tubing and rubber. I got a first-hand look at Kit’s creations and saw how they were attached. They were very simple and easy to wear – I’ve actually just ordered a set for myself.” Ami exclaimed. Others donned curls with hand-made, mini-chapeaux complete with feathers and floral accents for an almost-Moulin Rouge look. “My excitement grew as more models emerged in their final attire and by the time we assembled to go upstairs, my heart was beating frenetically.”

The models lined up along the side wall, adjacent to the stage, and waited for the show to begin. Spotlight. Red cage. Flash of pink vinyl. Throbbing music. Beautiful modeling by real people; artfully done in such a manner to leave you breathless.

“Thankfully, I was about tenth in line so I got to watch several models go through their performances before me.” Suzanne says.

Each model, uniquely attired, appeared in a red cage adorned with silk flowers and vines. They appeared with sultry movements as though they were getting dressed to go out for and evening of decadence. With a sashay down the runway, some occasionally giving out pieces of fruit, the shows participants were off in a flash as the next model appeared in the cage.

“Although I had been upstairs to see the cage previously, I still managed to hit my forehead on a bar upon going in.” Suzanne admits. Her back was to the audience, so thankfully, no one had noticed.

To say that Stacy Williams’ creations are unique is an understatement. From hobble skirts and corsets, to billowing ballroom skirts and wedding garb, she can create a look that is both fashionable and functional. This collection was well thought out and unique from the asymmetrical top with red bandeaux to the burlesque skirt. Also available at the merchant’s counter were amazing accessories and Ms. Williams’ infamous “little deviant” stickers.

“Hidden by most of the decor, I decided to start my walk down the runway a little early. My outfit consisted of a sheer bodice with open and laced back, and a full-length hobble skirt with three laced panels and a train.” Suzanne tells us, regarding her modeling debut. “My foremost concerns were to get to the end of the runway without tripping over the skirt’s train and to not walk over the edge. That accomplished, I held my arms up to showcase the full-length, sheer, belled sleeves with vinyl trim. I turned slowly to display the full-length lacing on either side as well as the back of the red brocade skirt and the underlying black satin that peeped out underneath. Another turn and I was on my way back to the stairs, thankful to have made it through without any mishap.”

Not only does Stacy Williams create exciting and cutting edge designs, she designed stunning custom wedding attire for Karen and Rick S., of Hamilton, New Jersey. When Karen appeared in her purple, silver, and black wedding dress, it was breathtaking. “As her husband joined her onstage in his custom suit with black vinyl flame, I was moved.” Ami tells us.

After the final model walked, all the models joined Ms. Williams on stage for a final call and congratulations. Suzanne confides to us, “I felt that the audience really enjoyed the show. What they didn’t get to see, and perhaps only a fellow seamstress would notice, is the superb construction of the garments. Turned inside out, the finishing is immaculate. My skirt was fully lined and the hem was reinforced for added body; small but high-quality details.”

“This multi-talented designer is going places and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.” Ami states. Check out the entire line of The Aesthetik at www.theaesthetik.com