mauricio
There’s a place where art meets fashion and fashion meets business, and on Wednesday nights, that place is Trust lounge on Main Street in downtown Lexington.
If you step inside the new Lexington night spot on Wednesday nights, you might think you stepped into another world. Music is pumping, everyone is dressed to kill and there is palatable excitement in the air in anticipation of the night’s entertainment.
The creations of Lexington designer and stylist, Mauricio (Maui) Crane are about to take center stage in an extravaganza that is different than most night-life experiences in Lexington. Crane and a small army of models, performers and make-up artists, including his sister Ana Crane-Simpson, a professional hair and make-up artist, come together to put on a show on both levels of Trust lounge. The event showcases clothing from local boutiques like Miss Priss and MOD Boutique and Bella Rose among others, all embellished by Crane’s unique accessories, which might be better described as wearable art.
Each evening has a theme that shapes the choices and styles of the gowns, hair, jewelry and makeup the models wear. Some of the past events have been titled “Romance Is Dead,” inspired by the dark side of love; “Once Upon A Dream,” inspired by fairy tales; and “Let Them Eat Cake,” a show inspired by the flamboyant garb of eighteenth-century France. Crane sometimes borrows props from the Lexington Children’s Theater to set the stage for the show.
“I like to think of it as dressing to express, not dressing to impress,” explained Crane.
Crane admits he was always a bit of a performer with interests in photography, visual art and fashion from early on. Growing up in south Florida, Crane attended a design-oriented magnet school and studied architecture and industrial design. Later he developed an interest in jewelry design and made pieces for family and friends. He moved to Lexington to be near his mother as she battled illness and was able to spend valuable time with her before she lost her battle with cancer. She continues to be a central inspiration in Crane’s designs, and he creates a signature collection in her honor each year.
Crane fell in love with Lexington and decided to make it home.
“Florida was very much a rat race. People here are more open and friendly and sharing. You can network and collaborate here in Lexington and that’s so good for creative energy,” added Crane. “I like the sense of connecting and working together here. When people come together and share their creativity, the results are powerful and amazing.”
On any given night, before or after the show, you might mingle with an elegant mermaid or a Rapunzel lookalike complete with floor-length braid, or a ballerina, a huntress or a circus performer — all in outfits from Crane’s fertile imagination. At a recent evening’s festivities, the theme was Neon Carnival and the models and many guests were sporting bright, glowing jewelry, with the models’ make-up embellished with crystals to create a particularly exotic look.
Crane is quick to point out that this is couture, not costumes. The themes are fun and provide a mood, but the clothes and accessories are for sale, and they are meant to be worn and enjoyed.
Cameras flash, the music swells, the crowd vibrates and everyone strains to see the show from the floor and the balcony.
Many guests attending are decked out in extravagant outfits of their own design. Erick Moore said he loves to attend and sees each event as a challenge to create a new design of his own, often made from easy-to-find materials. He works in a creative field and has always had a knack for making something out of nothing, he added, and enjoys the challenge. For one event, he created a gown made of garbage bags refashioned to look like a frothy party dress. On another night, he created a colorful confection made of coffee filters dyed in floral hues. Other guests are proud to show off their wardrobe choices and arrive in unique outfits — dresses and heels, top hats and tails, with careful attention to hair, makeup and accessories.
Crane and his crew hand out poker chips good for a free drink to creatively dressed patrons whom they wish to recognize.
“I think Lexington realizes this is a big part of the future, and we aren’t even close to utilizing all the artistic talent that exists here. Events like this add a great dynamic energy to downtown,” said Trust owner Andy Shea. He added that Crane’s events have brought a new audience and good business to the area on Wednesday nights, which is not traditionally a big night for downtown businesses.
Kerry Glass, general manager of Trust, has seen business really pick up on the week night.
“We decided to give this a try, and it’s been great. People who say there’s nothing to do downtown need to know this kind of thing is going on. I think it’s great that the art community and a business can work together to everyone’s benefit. It brings something special, out of the ordinary things for people to enjoy,” added Glass.
“When you are in fashion, it’s hard to gain exposure for your art,” said Crane. “Poetry, music and visual art have outlets in bars, restaurants, galleries, etc., but there has always been a need for a venue for people to enjoy and experience fashion. I wanted something broader than just the occasional small show. Our goal was to create something that occurred year-round and has a lot of energy. ... Now we are all becoming like family.”
Shea sees these events as part of Trust’s mission to bring variety and nightlife to downtown Lexington.
“It’s essential in a growing city,” he said. “I want to be part of these artistic partnerships that stand to bring so much to this city.”
“Lexington has really accepted and embraced this,” said Brianna Newman, a model and photographer “discovered” in Lexington by Crane when they had both stopped for coffee in the same place. She has since become his “muse,” inspiring many of his designs.
“Our events have grown, and more and more people want to be involved,” Newman said. “It’s all very exciting.”
Ali Garey agreed.
“Maui is making this a movement and giving a lot of local talent a chance to shine. We want to see more and more events like this and for Lexington to be seen as a fashion-center city. People need to know how much talent is here,” Garey added.
Crane’s designs are available in several local shops such as Bella Rose, Black Market, Calypso and Mod Boutique. He has plans to further his brand with the creation of housewares, sunglasses and “everything you can imagine,” he added. Love Rocks is an idea he is developing, where the line will dedicate half the sales dollars to a selected group of charities, covering many needy areas from children to animals to medical research and allowing the client to choose where the contribution goes by selecting from the list.
“I’d like to give back to this community that has become my home,” explained Crane.
For further information or to see images of each week’s event, see the Maui Crane Presents Facebook fan page.