Retro…Retro Lingerie Fashion Show Your Inner Vagabond Coffeehouse and World Lounge Jam on Friday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. 4130 Butler St. Lawrenceville, PA 15201 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 412-683-1623

Finding one’s inner vagabond can mean something different for each individual. It might mean hopping on a plane for an adventurous trip through Europe, or it might just mean ordering an Indian dish instead of a cheeseburger. On Feb. 9, local “vagabonds” met at a new coffeehouse in Lawrenceville, Pa., to take part in “The Sensual Souk,” a day starting with romance-inspired films, photography and toys and a retro lingerie fashion show.

The venue is appropriately named “Your Inner Vagabond Coffeehouse and World Lounge,” and it hosts events ranging from Middle Eastern Halloween parties to vegan belly dancing gatherings. Co-owners and married couple Andrew Watson and A.J. Schaffer strive to create a place for customers to come and take a break from everyday life, “The Sensual Souk” just being another example of this theme.

“You kind of come into our place and can be transported to another part of the world,” Watson said in a phone interview.

He thought the retro lingerie fashion show would be something new for coffee shop goers and also a chance to show off the clothing of a local talent, costume designer Beth Steinberg, or Beth Shari, her design title.

“A lot of the events we have held so far have been family friendly, so we thought we thought we would try a day that’s not exactly family friendly,” said Watson. “We like putting on a show.”

The night of the “Souk” was full of color, comfort and sex-inspired media. Watson said he wanted the coffeehouse to be decorated like a Turkish harem, and they just about pulled it off. Attendees did not sit in wooden chairs but instead lounged on giant red cushions and royal blue pillows. If it was food or drink guests wanted while enjoying the fashion show, they could order a Mango Lassi and Filebi in addition to the average coffeehouse fare.

“We specialize in world music and performance, such as reggae, belly dancing and Celtic bands,” said Watson. On this particular night, the fashion show was intertwined with Latin American tunes from a local band.

Once the fashion show began, though, the mood turned from foreign culture to retro sex appeal. Every piece was designed by Steinberg but completely influenced by styles from the 1920s to ’40s. The line is more of a side project, her primary job being a costume designer for Pittsburgh’s Open Stage Theatre. Steinberg, who has also worked with big names like Cirque du Soleil and Disney Cruise Lines, is rather new to the lingerie scene.

“This is my first attempt at creating a lingerie line,” she said. “I wanted to create something different for women of today.”

Her outfits shown at “Vagabond” were only samples of the collection, but the classic influence was widely noticeable. The models, one of them being Steinberg herself, strutted across the room in silk prints, lacy layers, pearls and floor-length gowns with plunging necklines. One dress was even accessorized with a detachable train made from authentic peacock feathers. She said she was going for a more “Hollywood glamour” style because, although the lingerie of old Hollywood would cling to the body, it would be complementary to the body at the same time. “I have an affection for the ‘Betties’