Art in the Round was fresh in all the right ways

Only in Indianapolis does the freshest fashion show of the year take place in a strip mall furniture store. And leave it to one of my favorite gals, Murph Damron, to put it on.

Last Thursday, Scandinavian Comfort on the north side was transformed into a runway for local clothing design talent. Chairs for sale at the store made up the two rows of spectator seating and the standing room was all but full.

Such a decidedly un-chic locale as a suburban strip mall would normally garner some snarky comments on my end, after all the designer clothing pictured below is sandwiched between berber carpet and particle board ceiling tiles.

But that wasn't at all what I was thinking about as I gummed the sucker from my swag bag and bounced my feet to the music. The daylight streaming through the store's front wall of windows was a refreshing reminder that Spring is here, and so are some really talented designers.

New pieces from R.Lynda, Beth Bennett's "Picnic" line and newcomer Stephen Sweat were among my favorites. Take a peek...

denim corset and ruffled denim skirt by Sweet Revenge

Feathered wedges by Eimaj

I'm gonna call this the Jetsons dress (but in a good way!) by Eimaj

I'm gonna call this the "Rachel Zoe goes to a rave" look (also in a good way!) by Eimaj

Flower and bead-encrusted bodice dress by Nikki Blaine

Quilted romper by R.Lynda (LOVE THIS ONE)

Zebra pants and ruffled bustier by R.Lynda

Forties-inspired wiggle dress by Picnic (hat by Emilliner)

cocktail dress with panniers by Sweet Revenge

bleached pants (kinda want a pair) and jacket by Stephen Sweat

Butterfly gown by R.Lynda (hat by Emilliner)