by Mia Phillips
Provincetown is a place known for its eccentric community that celebrates those who are unapologetically themselves. Jimmy Lee Curtis feels that this special community is deserving of a celebration, and he chooses to do so the way he knows best: through fashion. Now in its fourth year, Curtis’ Provincetown Fashion Show at The Commons pays tribute to the town’s uplifting community and the talented artists who make it their home. It’s an event that aims to pay tribute to the unique community that is fostered in Provincetown as well as pay thanks to the many local artists this town attracts.
This year’s theme, The Grande Tour, takes inspiration from the 17th and 18th-century travel phenomenon, where travelers explored European cities like Paris and Rome to immerse themselves in art and culture. Curtis, collaborating with local artist and friend, Mark Adams, plans to transform the front of The Commons into a giant train, bringing this historic journey to life. Curtis cites Agatha Christie’s novels, Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express as his inspiration. His creative vision celebrates eccentricity, and he uses his colorful imagination to speculate on the extravagant outfits that travelers on this train might have worn. He says, “This year there’s a lot of hand-painted textiles. I’m using a lot of white and a lot of Tiffany blue color.”
Curtis’s creative process emphasizes flow over a rigid system, allowing his ideas to evolve freely. He aims to reflect on the Grande Tour as a whole, instead of each city or country one by one, which allows his creativity to flow uninhibited. He says, “I thought that would be too much like a Miss Universe contest.”
Reflecting on last year’s success, Curtis recalls the show-stopping finale that left the audience in awe. “At the end of the fashion show the designer comes out and waves to the crowd. So, I did that, but then I raised my arms up, and this giant dress came down from the front of the building that nobody knew was there… everyone was gagged.”
Curtis is very tight-lipped about any show-stopping moments he has planned for this year, but insisted “there’s always a little surprise,” and went on to say how “every year I try to outdo myself.”
The show being at The Commons is special for Curtis, as he is deeply grateful for the community and affordable studio space it provides. The Commons and the artists that work there alongside Curtis offered him inspiration when he was brainstorming creative concepts for the show. He says, “We all pop into each other’s studios. It’s really like family, it’s just great. And then we have new people come in, there’s a rotation which keeps it fresh.” In a town where affordable studio space for artists is scarce, The Commons provides a solution.” As an act of Curtis’ appreciation to the facility, there is an auction at the show where local artists have the opportunity to submit an 8×8 piece to be sold. The money made from the auction is then donated to The Commons. “That’s what they believe in to make affordable studio spaces. It’s really unheard of in town, and so I really love and support this place, and it’s a way to give back,” Curtis says. Artists this year are encouraged to represent their favorite place in Provincetown on their 8×8 for the theme of The Grande Tour comes to Provincetown.
Curtis’ over-the-top aspirations, such as the dress from the sky stunt from last year, are only possible due to his support system of local artists that make his dreams come true. He says, “I have a lot of creative friends in my life, that if I can’t come up with a solution, they can.” He enlists the help of his friends in many aspects, creatively and technically, which makes the process a joyful and bonding experience. For Curtis, the collaborative nature of the event is one of its greatest joys. “That’s the fun part of it, too,” he declares, “because my friends get to participate and create with their own special talents and gifts. It is so, so fun.”
Curtis wants to continue the tradition of the fashion show and encourage the future generation to follow in his footsteps. He remembers the way he was supported and motivated by the local artist community when he first arrived in Provincetown saying, “That’s what it’s all about, when I first came to Provincetown that’s what happened to me, people built me up. John Dowd, who’s a very big artist in town, was a huge champion of my work and so I tried to carry that on as much as I can.”
Looking ahead, Curtis hopes to involve more young designers in future shows, fostering greater collaboration between artists and ensuring that Provincetown’s artistic legacy continues to thrive.
The Grande Tour will be held on Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m. at The Commons, 46 Bradford St., Provincetown, The show is free and open to the public. For more information call 508.257.1748.
