When attending events and fashion shows, I always prefer to go alone, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience without distractions. Last night, for the first time, I felt like the event was feeding off me rather than the other way around. Organized by the esteemed MVMENT PROJECTS and hosted at the stunning AVAN LOUNGE, the event catered to an Afro-Asian demographic. I arrived with high expectations, drawn in by the allure of the glamour, effective marketing, impressive reputation, and the rapidly growing crowd in attendance.
The energy in the venue was electric from the start—a room full of people eager to enjoy a drink and celebrate. Before I could even blink, the red carpet, meant to frame the models' catwalk, was being shredded under the weight of pointy heels and stomping sneakers, all to the rhythm of "DEEEJAYYY WE WANNA PARTYYYY." The remaining velvet red lining was swallowed by a wave of dancing, inebriated revellers, and the crowd expanded before my eyes as I pushed my way through to find my spot.
The second realization that hit me was that I would have to "fight for my space" this time. I exchanged a brief but knowing glance with fellow media personnel as we scrambled to find a good position from which to capture the show. The show was officially kicked off by a host who, with a gentle yet commanding tone, managed to guide the crowd into leaving enough room for the models to walk. The models then began their journey, starting with a fierce opening from a COZYBRVND model.
As we were introduced to the first of many streetwear brands, its designs offered a fresh, stylish take on urban fashion. ABELAYE FASHION dominated the catwalk with streetwear-inspired pieces that felt reminiscent of anime aesthetics, elevating the typical comfort-driven, baggy style with edgy sophistication and a bold use of vibrant palettes and materials.
KATAL DESIGN taught us the power of making a name for oneself, emphasizing that being unapologetically true to who we are is enough. The brand’s collection, in neutral tones, set the tone of simplicity and cleanliness, making a strong statement in the process. IMAYA, with its luxurious and silky pieces, catered to the modest fashion audience, capturing my heart with designs that felt connected to deep-rooted cultural heritage.
CZCLUB made a bold statement with sharp cuts and shredded details, defining the brand’s exclusivity and reminding us of what the cool crowd is wearing right now. WHYNOT, created with a focus on spiritual elevation and empowerment, offered pieces emblazoned with short yet hopeful messages—a timely reminder that hope can often light the way through darkness. The show had scheduled breaks between designers, giving the crowd a chance to refill their drinks while enjoying the music from the DJ and live performers. With each catwalk, the heat in the room intensified, as did the physical discomfort of navigating a crowd—sharp elbows jostling my body, heavy-footed individuals stepping on my feet, and a few odd encounters that left me questioning the nature of personal space. Despite the chaos, I found myself momentarily meditating on the coexistence of pain and joy. How could they be so intertwined, like the persistent, overly enthusiastic person who insisted on talking to me EXTREMELY close to my face?
Closing my eyes, I imagined the event taking place in a larger venue or with only a fraction of the crowd, and it gave me a sense of hope. With less distraction from the suffocating crowd, the experience would have been blissful, allowing me to truly appreciate the designs and perhaps allowing the models to perform their choreographed walks as originally intended on that now-tattered red carpet.
The atmosphere, cleanliness, and charisma of the DJ were exceptional, however, and I look forward to the next event, hoping that there will be a better balance of quality over quantity.
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