The Night of the Monarch:
Wearable Art Fashion Show & Exhibition

NOVEMBER 17, 2001 - DECEMBER 1, 2001
LOCATION:  BABYLON CAFE AND GALLERY
1624 EAST LAKE STREET, MINNEAPOLIS MN 55408
OPENING DATE : SATURDAY,  NOVEMBER 17 2001, 7 PM-12 AM
WITH FASHION SHOW AT 9:15 PM

Thomas Lamonte' Johnson, artistic fashion designer, returns from Europe for this premiere solo exhibit of his recent work.  "THE NIGHT OF THE MONARCH" is an exclusive show of fashions and wearable art.  Based on the Monarch Butterfly, the collection is inspired by this symbol of universal consciousness and beauty.  Lamonte's designs include dresses, ensembles, shoes and accessories both informal and elegant.

According to Lamonte', "I use the butterfly as a symbol of hope and imagination, and of Nature's continuing cycle of life.  To me, it is significant that a month after the East Coast terrorist attacks, thousands of Monarchs began their migration south to Mexico, arriving just a few weeks ago from across the continent. "THE NIGHT OF THE MONARCH" will pay homage to these fragile creatures and their endurance."

The designer draws also from his extensive artistic experience in Europe.  Originally from Chicago, Johnson worked with Paco Rabanne in Paris, helped to found the Cool Tan Arts collective in Brixton England, and worked on commissions for the Eiffel Tower Centenniel, the BBC and Fuji Film of Tokyo.  Currently Lamonte' is a member of the ArTrujillo Studio Gallery, a multi-cultural, collective of international artists based in the International Bazaar at 301 E. Lake St Suite 01, Minneapolis.

CONTACTS: THOMAS LAMONTE JOHNSON (612) 821-9076 or
MEG  NOVAK  (612) 722-5438