The first thing I notice about a person is their clothing. It tells you where they come from, who or what they look to for fashion inspiration, what kind of job they have, or whether they have no interest in fashion at all.
When I was a kid, I would imitate the outfits of Disney characters I loved, like Raven Baxter from Thats So Raven, London Tipton from Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and Sharpay from High School Musical.
Although their personalities differ, self-confidence and confidence in appearance was something I wanted to have when I was a big kid like them. For me, fashion was a way to discover myself. It was uncomfortable and ill-fitting at times, but suitable at others.
Oklahoma may not be the first place you think of when it comes to unique clothing styles, but being fashionable isn’t limited to the West Coast and East Coast. First Friday fashion is a way to show that Oklahomans are confident and creative.
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Close-up of the Nuggets wizard cap.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
I struggled with this mission in a number of ways. Going in, I thought I would find sidewalks flooded with eccentric and boldly dressed people roaming the art scene. Instead, I found a lot of well-dressed people, but variations of the same outfits. Oklahoma fashion tends to lean toward a classic, modern Western feel. I wanted to find outfits that would bend or completely deviate from the norms of Tulsa fashion.
I grew more and more nervous as the hours passed with no progress. Until I turned to my left and saw a wizard's hat towering over a crowd of people. It took me a moment to gain the confidence to talk to the man, but I jumped at the chance when I saw him standing on goat-legged stilts!
From that point on, I met more and more people who expressed themselves in different ways through their clothing. From wizards to ballroom culture, every person you meet has a story that they tell you through their clothing.
A man named Nugget wears a green short-sleeved shirt, black parachute pants, and accessorizes his look with a green fox tail charm and a wizard's hat filled with pins.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
Michelle Cullom takes a bow at the end of her fashion show at Guthrie Green.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
Ruffled top and sheer skirt by Michelle Cullom topped with dramatic sunglasses by Da' Shade Room.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
A model wears a one-of-a-kind, hand-crocheted two-piece ensemble designed by Leatrice Parker, owner of SugarChicCouture, during her Fashion Opera show on Friday, July 5 at Guthrie Green.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
A custom yellow set from Fiber Arts designer Petra Zimmerman. Her designs are inspired by her garden and more of her work is on display at 108 Contemporary. The glasses are from Da Shade Room.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
Lakita Parker wears a custom hand-crocheted dress made by her mother, Leatrice Parker, owner of Suga Chic Glam Couture.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
A model wears a hand-crocheted tube top designed by Michelle Cullom.
Taylor Horner, Tulsa World
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