Collegiate Times

The average person may not associate fashion with political activism, but this is just one of the stereotypes that Margaret Breslau is trying to break.

As the owner and manager of Homebody, a clothing boutique located on North Main Street, it has been her goal to sell clothes and other items that are strictly sweatshop-free and fair-trade.

In an effort to further spread both these items and awareness of her cause, Breslau has put on a fashion show each of the last four years ? though she uses the ?fashion show? moniker very loosely. The show is really ?a celebration of independent art and business,? qualities she feels are lacking in the Blacksburg community, Breslau said. She is very forthcoming about her commitment to political issues and human rights, and said she always tries to correspond the date of the fashion show so it falls during Earth Week.

As always, the focus of the show will, however, be on the clothes.

?People tend to think of independently designed clothes as ?folksy,? and I?m hoping to showcase the do-it-yourself and Indie designs as fresh and youthful,? she said.

Many of the designs on display at the show were made by Breslau herself, who designs and sews her own clothes. She uses only vintage fabric in order to ensure the material is sweatshop-free. In keeping with the friendly, independent atmosphere of the show, the models wearing the clothes are generally friends of Breslau?s who expressed interest in helping with her cause.

This year, the show will feature not only Breslau, but also the designs of three other young women, one as young as 15. All will be present at the show, and available for inquiries about their clothing. Breslau said while a few articles of clothing to be featured in the show have already been claimed by friends and customers, most of what will be on display is available for purchase. Attendees should feel free to ask about any clothing that interests them. In addition to bringing fair-trade and sweatshop-free goods to Blacksburg, Breslau also uses her show as a way to promote local arts and culture.

This year, three different kinds of performances will take place during the fashion show. Local band The Two Funerals ? an all-female group ? will open the show, and local bands Social Studies, Spring Salad and the ABC?s will be performing afterwards. Breslau says she gets a lot of interest from musical groups every year, and is always enthusiastic about exposing local talent. The dance troupe Hill and Veil will be performing as well, as will a member of the dance group Danah Bella.

This year, there is another special element to the show. Takiyah Nur Amin, a feminist, activist and friend of Breslau?s, will be performing a spoken word piece. Nur Amin was recently named Miss Black Virginia 2006 and will soon be leaving for the national competition. The majority of the proceeds raised by this year?s $5 admission fee will go toward her trip.

Breslau says if there is one thing people should know about the upcoming show, it?s that ?(the show) is lots of fun, the focus is on street fashion which is something very lacking around Blacksburg. It will be very creative and there will be lots of ideas on display.? This year?s show will be held 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23 at the Oasis World Market on South Main Street.