The Art of Fashion -- SC Designer Diko Pekdemir-Lewis of Anton & Maxine Unveils Spring/Summer '25 collection

For most of us, an elegant fashion show with too-fab creations draped on too-beautiful bodies is something we only get to see on screen. But  Diko Pekdemir-Lewis, of SC’s own artisanal fashion brand, Anton & Maxine, is bringing us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the art of design when she presents an in-house fashion show, En-Cloth-Sure, on Saturday, March 1 from 6 to 8 PM at 713 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC to unveil her Spring/Summer '25 collection.

"After eight years of participating in various fashion shows and twice at New York Fashion Week, this in-house fashion show is my way of giving back to my loyal local customers and friends," says Diko Pekdemir-Lewis, designer and owner of Anton & Maxine. 

"The fashion show will take place right where all of my designs are created, reminiscent of the intimate gatherings once hosted by Chanel and Dior. Guests will enjoy wine and light hors d'oeuvres, followed by a captivating fashion show with close-up views of the models wearing the collection. Attendees can even try on garments and place custom orders directly from the studio, which is an exclusive experience that is becoming rare in today’s fast-paced fashion world."

The show’s title, "En- cloth-sure," is a play on the word "enclosure," inspired by the idea of enclosing fashion in a smaller circle. The collection features Asian-inspired designs, particularly influenced by Pekdemir-Lewis’s favorite designer, Yohji Yamamoto. Expect to see lots of black linen with oversized, loose fits that are perfect for warmer weather, as well as the new coat style.

SC Designer Diko Pekdemir-Lewis

Diko Pekdemir-Lewis is the creative force behind Anton & Maxine, a luxury fashion brand rooted in handmade craftsmanship and elegance. Pekdemir-Lewis’s formal training includes a three-year apprenticeship in bespoke tailoring and dressmaking, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Arts from Modeschule Schloss Eller in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2014, Pekdemir-Lewis launched Anton & Maxine, named after her two daughters, Antoinette and Maxine. Now based in Columbia, Anton & Maxine continues to deliver true luxury and quality garments that blend timeless craftsmanship with modern design.

Happy Hour Release Party for Jasper Magazine Spring 2022 - Thursday, June 9th at Black Rooster Rooftop Bar

Join us as we celebrate all the artists honored in the spring 2022 issue of Jasper Magazine for the official release event at 5:30 on Thursday, June 9th at the Black Rooster’s beautiful rooftop bar.

Among the artists we’ll be celebrating are cover artist Lindsay Radford (written by Kristine Hartvigsen) and centerfold Michael Krajewski (which was shot by Brad Martin in the Black Rooster itself!)

In a jam-packed 64 pages you’ll find another piece by Kristine Hartvigsen on Mike Miller’s new novel, The Hip Shot, as well as excerpts from Jane Zenger and Angelo Geter’s new books of poetry from Muddy Ford Press.

Music editor Kevin Oliver put together a detailed section of new music called “10 to Watch” featuring new work from Saul Seibert, Katera, Desiree Richardson, Tam the Vibe, Rex Darling, Space Force, Admiral Radio, Hillmouse, Candy Coffins, and Lang Owen, with contributing writing from Kyle Petersen and Emily Moffitt.

Tam the Vibe

Stephanie Allen writes about Josetra Baxter and Tamara Finkbeiner’s Walking on Water Productions and their new series Secrets in Plain Sight, with photography by Bree Burchfield.

And we highlight Columbia artist Quincy Pugh as well as feature Will South’s interview with Tyrone Geter all the way from Gambia.

The Three Graces by Quincy Pugh

USC filmmaker Carleen Maur helps us understand more about the art of experimental filmmaking.

Emily Moffitt profiles visual artists Rebecca Horne, Lucy Bailey, and designer Diko Pekdemir-Lewis.

Ed Madden curates poetry from Juan David Cruz-Duarte and Terri McCord.

Christina Xan details the incredible success of Cooper Rust and her non-profit organization, Artists for Africa.

Cindi Boiter profiles SC Arts Commission executive director David Platts, with photography by Brodie Porterfield, and writes about the new public art, Motherhood by Nora Valdez, with exquisite photography by Stephen Chesley.

Motherhood by Nora Valdez, phot by Stephen Chesley

And finally, we memorialize two pillars of the Columbia arts community, Mary Bentz Gilkerson and Wim Roefs, whose loss this spring we are still reeling from.

——

We look forward to seeing you Thursday night.

The event is free and Black Rooster’s regular rooftop bar will be serving drinks and food. Come by for happy hour and grab a drink, a magazine, and a hug from your favorite folks. Or plan on staying a while and grabbing dinner or snacks.

Thanks to restauranteur extraordinaire Kristian Niemi for hosting us.

We can’t wait to see you and show off these exceptional artists who call Columbia, SC home!