Fashion Statement

Mel Meo
Artist/painter
Seen at: Arts for ACT Auction, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, pictured in front of her painting, What a Life.
What are you wearing? This is my "1940s Cherokee Secretary Von Sexy" outfit. I designed and sewed it myself. Every year, I make my outfit to match my painting. My coral jewelry is from Traders Hitching Post on Matlacha Island.
What inspired this painting and your outfit? The painting is the first of a new series called Silver Lining, which is kind of retro, progressive Florida style. It’s kind of dreamy. All the paintings have silver in them, which represents the idea that all dark clouds have a silver lining.
Is there anything you would never wear? I don’t say "never" to anything. I would say, "I will never wear a three-piece, polka-dot, nylon pantsuit," and then I would come out with it on.
Are you having a show? Yes. This series will be at the Pine Bay Gallery & Gifts on Matlacha Island on Dec. 8.
What other outfits have you made to match your paintings? One year, the painting was of old cars, and I had just bought an old car that had an extra hubcap. I started out by making the hubcap into a hat, and it just went from there. The dress I made out of a white, vinyl car seat material with a red piping around it.
How would you describe your style? Classic. No patterns! Things can be plain but still stylish.
How long have you been an artist? Since I was four. I don’t know how long I’ve had my paintings at this event, probably like 10 years.
What’s your favorite thing to wear? Dresses. I make a lot of dresses. And cowboy boots. I have a lot of favorite pairs.