Llama style mavens

August 2, 2009

Some of the early risers in search of an answer to What The Smurf?

It was one of those things I’d never heard of, never would of thought existed but most definitely had to see to believe.

Going to the 4-H llama costume contest wasn’t a stretch. Getting up to get to the Indiana State Fair at 7 a.m. on a Saturday was the tough part, made doable by getting together with six friends to walk over the fairgrounds.

The real stretch was running unexpectedly into three more friends while we were there. That headed into the what-kind-of-freaky-people-am-I-surrounding-myself-with realm. Then again, I’ve now been to more of these than any of them.

That 2004 excursion led to spectacles such as Osama Bin Llama, Llama of Arabia, Llama on the Lam and other buddies dressed in scuba gear or completely made up as a race car, tractor, hatching chick, medical professional, some kind of table topped with cheese, a tuxedo-ed prom date and other characters. Not necessarily well tailored, but all stylish and sophisticated couture.

Sure, there’s a wrangler in a complementary outfit hanging out with them, but you know the outfits were all the llamas’ ideas. They’re amazing creatures destined for Vogue. When I grow up, I hope to be worthy enough to compete as a fawning Catherine Deneuve on the arm of some young Yves St. Llama.

The rules-ish

As I understand it, llamas don’t actually like to wear clothes. Hence, part of the challenge is to creatively cover them with as much costume as possible. And the more head coverage the better. There’s also an essay portion, but the sound system really stinks, so I’ve never had occasion to grasp that portion of this art form.

Here are photos from 2004, 2006 and 2008. This year’s competition is Friday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. Yes, p.m. Thank you, evening time slot. EDIT: 2009 photos now are posted here.

Now if only there were trendy cocktails to top off this llama-chic runway scene.

Tags: photoblog