Tacoma School of the Arts senior Sena Kim buzzes around UrbanXchange in a frilly, daffodilly top, plucking sweaters and shirts off of the clothing racks while the 2007 Daffodil Parade roars down Pacific Avenue: high school marching bands zim-zam ahead of lumbering, flower-laden floats carrying beaming teenage beauty queens; pirates from every sea swashbuckle through the crowds lining the street; and in a bizarre anti-smoking display, a pinstriped chain gang swings cigarettes through the air whilst dragging their shackles across the pavement. Kim and two other SOTA seniors (Andy Wright and Jill Mendoza), however, are the busiest bees of the whole daffodil season hive: Kim and crew must attend to Tacoma’s hipsters during store hours at UrbanX while planning one of the biggest fashion events of the year this Friday, April 27, at Club SOTA in downtown Tacoma.

Along with an already vibrant local music scene, Tacoma is fast becoming a place of colorful and inventive fashion, with local artists such as Daniel Blue and his Loyalty clothing line spearheading a 253-oriented, ultramodern urban style.

The SOTA Fresh Fashion Bash will feature student-designed apparel from American Apparel (“Sweatshop free!” Kim chimes) and is open to the entire community, with all proceeds, from the door to the sale of the sweet threads, going to the School of the Arts. The event will also feature performances by DJ Scout and Tacoma band Don’t Tell Sophie.

“We wanted a way to combine a lot of different mediums of art,” says Kim. “Performance art, visual art, photography — to help support the Tacoma School of the Arts in a [nonexclusive] benefit. Please come!” — Michael Stasiak



[Club SOTA, Friday, April 27, 7 p.m., $8, 1117 Broadway, downtown Tacoma]

Purrfectly fashionable afternoon

Break out that hat, beaded purse and hankie: the Point Defiance Zoo Society will present their ninth Fashion Tea on Saturday, April 28, at 1 p.m. at the Emerald Queen I-5 Showroom.

While originally created as a showcase of formal fashions suitable for wearing to July’s Zoobilee, the event has evolved.

“We started adding in the casual flair just a few years ago,” explains Christine Roha, the Zoobilee manager who also has worked with producing the fashion show.

The “casual flair” this year will come from some of our favorite local boutiques—Dame Lola, Rocky and Coco’s, Sonja Clothing for Women, Tiki Lounge, Red Line, and Envy — as well as from Nordstrom, among others.

The models, diverse in age, shape, body, and skin color, are community members who will wear the clothes the day of the event.

Fashion is only a portion of the afternoon — live and silent auctions, entertainment, and a mysterious must-see guest appearance will also feature.

And while hats have been a hallmark of the “high tea” 21-and-over event, they’re not a necessity, nor are the hankie and beaded bag.  Semi-formal attire is recommended, though.

The $45 general admission will benefit the Zoo Society. — Jessica Corey-Butler

[Emerald Queen I-5 Showroom, 2024 E. 29th St.,  Tacoma, 253.404.3633]