Lifestyle

Clothes encounter: Salem native's designs to be featured in outdoor fashion show

By Amanda McGregor
STAFF WRITER
Published: June 26, 2009

When Allison Schmidt couldn't find clothes to suit her tastes, she took matters into her own hands and began sewing outfits to wear to dance parties. She received so many compliments that she decided she was onto something and launched a clothing label, Zombieface Designs, made by Allison Zombieface.

Tomorrow, Schmidt is organizing a free fashion show on Artist's Row in Salem to feature her designs and those of other young, up-and-coming designers.

"I know fashion and art are of interest in this area," Schmidt said, "so hopefully we'll get a good turnout."

The Fresh Flesh Fashion Show, billed as "a tasty look at up-and-coming fashion designers," is sponsored by the Experimental Art Gallery on Artist's Row off New Derby Street. It will take place from 4 to 5 p.m.

Elise Mankes, co-director of the studio, said the gallery sponsors free events during the summer.

"This is our first fashion show," she said.

Schmidt, 24, grew up in Salem and graduated from Manchester Essex Regional High School. She graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2008 and lives in Boston.

Her mother, Pamela, lives in Salem, and her father, Mark, lives in Marblehead.

Schmidt will present the joint fashion show with designer Kristen Connelly and accessory designer Joella Stevens, all of whom went to MassArt together.

Schmidt has fluorescent pink dreadlocks and an array of piercings. She wore oversized pink-and-black zebra-patterned pants that she designed to a recent interview, during which she told The Salem News about her career and Saturday's fashion show.

How would you describe your style?

I like a very particular look. I like to dress unusually, and it's hard to find things to wear.

What will people see at the "Fresh Flesh" show?

I make a lot of big pants, and I'm trying to expand into nouveau Victorian clothes — lots of capes, ruffles and lace.

When did you launch your label?

Probably two years ago. As I was starting to get commissions from my fans, I knew I needed a name.

Why "Zombieface"?

I love zombie movies and horror movies. They're kind of gross, but kind of a little cute, too. "Fresh Flesh" is a fun play on the Zombieface thing.

What did you study at MassArt?

I was a fashion design major. I took other classes too, like welding, fibers, dyeing. ... I was there five years. I got a lot out of the experience.

Is fashion design your full-time job?

It's close to it at this point. I work one to two days a week at a video store. It's kind of fun and gives me a lot of research material.

How did you become interested in art?

I come from a really big family of artists. My mom, Pamela Schmidt, is a local painter.

Favorite aspect of your work?

I guess it's probably when people appreciate the work I'm doing. It's so nice to hear it.

Your signature item?

Huge pants.

Why huge pants?

I like them because they're just really comfortable and a fashion statement. I've noticed that if the bottom half of your body is really big, it makes your top half look at lot better and smaller.

How much do your clothes cost?

The big pants cost around $75, depending on the number of pockets and type of fabric.

Is pricing difficult?

It's very expensive buying materials and selling things at a price that's reasonable to charge people, but still enough so you're making money. It's an expensive (job), but it's fun.

Want to go?

What: Fresh Flesh Fashion Show

When: Tomorrow, 4 to 5 p.m.

Where: Experimental Art Gallery & Studio, Artist's Row, 24 New Derby St., Salem

Cost: Free

Rain date: Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m.

Information: Visit Allison Schmidt's MySpace page at myspace.com/zombiefacedesigns.