Tonight: Models Strip Down at Thread | Bare

A sudden spate of disrobing at the corner of 16th and Capp Streets isn’t something we’d normally want to see on a Friday night, but leave it to The Lab to convince us otherwise.

Part of an annual fundraising event supporting the the interdisciplinary arts space that also includes a trunk show on Saturday, Thread | Bare will put clothes and accessories by local independent designers on models tonight for the express purpose of removing them in front of a live audience. Simply put: go here, and you will see models wearing next to nothing.

Of course, the degree to which the models strip down depends entirely upon onlookers’ generosity, as garments will be auctioned off on the spot to the highest bidders in the audience. All funds raised from auctioned-off apparel and accessories by designers such as Alexandria von Bromssen, Chelsea Rae Snyder, Distilled, Gytha Mander, HT Habitus, Miss Velvet Cream, Mittenmaker, Nomads, Sarah Zins, Estrella Tadeo and Turk & Taylor will support operating expenses for The Lab’s programs and exhibits. Call it voyeurism with a charitable twist.

“It’s very cutting-edge fashion from and representing the San Francisco fashion community. It’s pretty diverse, but we do try to have clothes that can go from the runway to the street,” says The Lab Co-Director Kristen Chappa.

For the pragmatic among you who may worry, as we admit we did, about buying an item of clothing straight off a model’s back, sizing and other helpful descriptive information will accompany each garment presented, thanks to an emcee and an auctioneer.

Sure, there’s a little risk involved, says Chappa. But isn’t that what fashion is all about?

Thread | Bare takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight at The Lab, 2948 16th St., 415-. Admission is $10-$20, based on a sliding scale. A trunk show shopping event will be happening in the space on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entry to the trunk show is free.