IN "27 DRESSES," PERENNIAL BRIDESMAID KATHERINE HEIGL REALLY COULD'VE USED THE SERVICES OF COUNTERCOUTURE.

THIS FLEDGLING LOCAL LABEL IS APPARENTLY UNAFRAID OF A DAUNTING DESIGN CHALLENGE -- MERCY-KILLING HORRIFIC BRIDESMAID DRESSES AND GIVING THEM NEW LIFE AS FASHION-FORWARD FROCKS, A PRACTICE THEY CALL "UPCYCLING."

LABEL FOUNDER ANGIE ARNER SAYS SHE GOT THE IDEA AFTER LOOKING AT "THESE SAD DRESSES PUSHED TO THE VERY BACK" OF HER CLOSET.

Thursday, SHE'LL SHOW OFF A FEW OF HER CREATIONS, NOW ON SALE AT THE MNFASHION holiday pop-up boutique. Also promised is an informal "walk-off" (think Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller in "Zoolander") of ugly dresses. 5 p.m., Gaviidae Common, 651 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.