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The handmade fashions of Lawrence artist John Sebelius — son of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius — will be featured from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Deegie’s Carma at The Legends at Village West in KCK.
“They had a casting call for Kansas City designers, and they couldn’t decide between us and Happy Rhino Clothing,” Sebelius says.
So both designers will be featured by Deegie’s, a spanking new retailer that specializes in fashion, food and spa services.
Sebelius’ contribution is a range of men’s and women’s clothing, primarily jackets, dress- and T-shirts with hand-drawn illustrations.
“I’d give it my own title, Urban Prep,” he says. “Old shirts with pastel colors and kind of funky designs … everything’s done by hand, so if you buy a shirt you can be assured somebody else isn’t going to roll into a party with the same design.”
Prices range from $40 for T-shirts to $70 for women’s shirts, $100 for men’s and $200 for jackets.
What to expect of the art: “Basic portraiture of interesting faces,” Sebelius says. “I’ve done anywhere from John Lennon to Notorious B.I.G. to John Legend to Amy Winehouse. I started with a lot of hip-hop artists and people like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Richard Pryor. I’ve done a lot of Obama — a lot of people ask for that shirt — he’s the new up-and-coming interesting character people want to wear on their shirt.”
Has he ever done one with the governor of Kansas’ likeness?
“I haven’t,” Sebelius says. “But it’s definitely not out of the realm of something I would do. I mean, I’ve done everything from a dog to a crazy skeleton face — pretty much anything anybody wants.”
Check out Sebelius’ art at www.gilliusinc.com.
Over Cooked?
Last week’s over-the-top media coverage of a local reality show contestant calls into question the state of Kansas City pop culture.
“It’s bogus, but it’s also a reflection, a very, very sad reflection, on our local culture, or lack thereof,” says music industry veteran Marti Dolinar. “I don’t find him the least bit interesting and certainly not very original. His best talent seems to be ripping off other people’s riffs. He’s at eight minutes and counting.”
Mix 93.3 FM personality Kelly Urich begs to differ.
“I think the phenomenon of ‘American Idol’ is due in part to the fact nobody knew David Cook’s name a month ago, but he obviously has incredible talent,” Urich says. “Viewers have a connection with him before he hits the big time.”
Urich emceed last week’s Cook rally in Blue Springs and brought the reality star to tears. None of which impresses Dolinar.
“I’m sure the whole downtown Kansas City bash was a low-cost attempt by the city and Cordish to get some national press for Power & Light District so all the hoosiers from the Hootervilles around the country will make a pilgrimage to Kansas City to stand on the hallowed ground next to the stage where David Cook performed.”
Urich, however, is bullish on Cook.
“David is well-grounded and centered,” he says. “I’m not worried about him. Kelly Clarkson was the same way the first time I interviewed her. The last time I met her backstage at Verizon Wireless, she was a mess. I think David realizes his life is going to change, and he can pretty much throw anonymity out the door. Most people find that appealing until faced with the reality. Privacy is a good thing. Just ask local TV personalities!”
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