Think you’ve seen it all? Check out wearable art at free Fort Lauderdale exhibit

There is fashion … and then there’s wearable art.

The latter is what you’ll find in “Walk the Runway: Showcasing Local Fashion Designers,” an exhibit set for July 18 to Sept. 19 at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale.

Picture one-of-a-kind garments and accessories made by South Florida artists and designers — everything from hand-knit sweaters and painted sneakers to custom jewelry and upcycled couture. The exhibit promises to explore fashion “as a vibrant form of personal expression and cultural commentary,” according to an organizer statement.

“Fashion as a form of storytelling. Each stitch, silhouette and fabric choice tells a story of identity, culture and vision,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “This exhibit celebrates both emerging and established designers who are shaping our community’s creative identity and driving change through art.”

The exhibit has fashion designer Chelsea Rousso as a featured solo artist, spotlighting her “Alice in Wonderland” collection.

There also will be select pieces from the Young At Art Museum’s recent 18th Annual Recycled Fashion Show. Titled “Reef Restyled,” the fundraiser featured the works of middle- and high-school artists, who focused on sustainability and ocean advocacy themes. The reef-chic fashion had to be made of at least 75% upcycled or recycled materials: beach debris, thrifted materials and secondhand fabrics.

A free opening reception is set for Friday, July 25, with an audience-participation fashion show. For this catwalk show of some of the exhibit pieces, guests are encouraged to wear their “fanciest, flashiest or wackiest outfit” for an audience prize.

Now in its 36th year, ArtServe is an art and culture incubator for Broward County offering everything from free exhibitions to business workshops for underserved communities.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Walk the Runway: Showcasing Local Fashion Designers”

WHEN: Exhibit runs July 18-Sept. 19, with opening reception set for 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 25

WHERE: ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

COST: ArtServe admission is free; opening reception is also free but you must reserve a ticket at eventbrite.com

INFORMATION: artserve.org