An Itch to Stitch

Gina Dudik turns back time to her childhood tonight, when she takes off the wraps on her new Paper Doll Collection of party dresses, smocks, and T-shirts. The clothing line's inspiration, she says, came from all the after-school sessions with scissors to make paper cutouts. "I was just having fun with the idea of when you're young and cutting out snowflakes or dolls," says Dudik, who designs under the Duchess von Dudik trade name. "It adds a whole other element to the clothes because the shapes are very simple and are able to flatter a variety of people." Each of the cotton and satin halter-style dresses features appliqués of boys and girls holding hands. Handmade to sell off the racks in Dudik's Little Italy art gallery, they are priced between $50 and $250. "It's really just about being fun and funny. I think everybody seems to be a little bit too serious, and these try to make you smile and laugh a little bit," says Dudik. "Sometimes, fashion tends to get too serious, and I don't think it should be like that." The collection debuts from 5 to 9 tonight at Gina's Gallery & Boutique, 2072 Murray Hill Road in Little Italy. Admission is free. Call 216-721-5319 or visit www.ginasgalleryboutique.com.
Sat., May 24, 5-9 p.m., 2008