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Et Cetera: It's a mad, mad, Madgirl World

Fishnets and fur hats? Sure, if you're Meredith Alex, who celebrates the 'out' in couture with a show inspired by Maine hunting garb.

By Avery Yale Kamila akamila@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

With Prada rocking camo on the runway, Roberto Cavalli showing buffalo plaid in his fall collection and Tommy Hilfiger selling a high-heel version of the classic duck boot, there's no doubt the campy freshness of Maine has become a hot commodity in the world of haute couture.

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OUT OF THE MAINE WOODS: HUNT.PREY.LUST.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $12 in advance; $15 at door; $30 VIP

INFO: Purchase tickets at the Meredith Alex boutique, 275 Commercial St., Portland, or  at www.portcitymusichall.com

But will any of these fashion powerhouses be a match for a homegrown designer who plans to turn hunter garb into runway chic?

Find out this Saturday, when Portland designer Meredith Alex presents "Out of the Maine Woods: hunt.prey.lust." at Port City Music Hall.

This over-the-top event features a 30-minute show of one-of-a-kind fashions, plus live music, drinks and food.

"It's all based on classic Maine style, mostly around hunting season," said Alex, who is the force behind the Madgirl World line. "With a mixture of hunter's plaid, flannel and camo, it really redefines hunting season in Maine. It captures the Maine aesthetic in a visually fun, couture way."

Alex is known for her art installation dresses and fashions that up-cycle vintage pieces by infusing them with a hipper, more modern sensibility. After her previous fashion show in March that featured menswear, all the one-of-a-kind items shown on the runway sold out from her Commercial Street boutique.

There's so much demand for Alex's unique looks that she's having trouble keeping up with all the custom commissions she's received.

This time around, the show will include fashions for both men and women, and all the models will sport vintage L.L. Bean boots while working the runway. A total of 35 ensembles will be shown.

The party starts at 8 p.m., with a reception featuring the music of DJ Jon and eats straight out of a traditional hunter's breakfast. Look for pancakes, sausage and baked beans.

Those who buy VIP tickets will also be treated to mini-sandwiches from Mike's Rock n' Roll Sandwiches and samples of Cellardoor wine and Allagash beer. Everyone will enjoy Moxie floats at the end of the evening.

The runway show begins promptly at 9 p.m. Once it wraps up, the Pete Kilpatrick Band will head to the stage, followed by Connecticut-based Bronze Radio Return, which recently performed for President Obama and opened for John Mayer this past summer.

The music venue will be transformed into a sort of modern-art hunting lodge courtesy of Tessa O'Brien and Thunder Lodge Productions.

"We're hoping to blow everyone's minds," Alex said.

While the inspiration for the pieces in the show comes from the woods, the clothing will blend in better at a cocktail party than a hunting expedition.

"You don't have to be a hunter to wear this," Alex said. "It's a parody of hunting season. We have men and women in hot clothes who are hunting for hot looks and hot dates."

Both will be in abundance at the show. 

Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at: akamila@pressherald.com