Fashion is Back!

ARTICLE BY SKYE AURELIA & KEVIN SKYE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAIME LIM

Fashion strikes back in a triumphant return showcasing art in a healing world. LUNAR, hosted by the Sonoran – Palm Springs, was a masterpiece presentation and a refreshing revival in the world of fashion. I think we can all agree the global pandemic came on completely unexpected. It has affected every part of our day-to-day lives and will undoubtedly reshape how we view and experience the world. Everything was brought to a standstill, and fashion was no exception. However, Metropolitan Fashion and RunwayFX said, “Enough is enough,” and bravely stepped back into the world of the runway.

The show was a beautiful collaboration of art, design, music, wine, and photography. In this time of uncertainty, we all need to relish the happy moments when we can. This delightful combined effort by everyone involved provided memories that will not soon be forgotten. Seeing the return of Metropolitan Fashion Week gives us all hope for brighter days to come.

Upon entering the Sonoran for the first time, guests were immediately transported into a world of magic and wonder. Classic and magnificent fashion, Mermaids and Medusa, artistic gowns and costumes, stunning metal art sculptures, great food, and drinks, with live performance music and DJ; it was a night that filled all the senses and kept the audience wanting more. The event aptly named LUNAR, sponsored by Kelsey Timberlake Events, created a night of ethereal fascination like a page from your favorite fairy tale mixed with Greek mythology. A smile adorned the face of almost every guest as they were greeted by mermaids playing effervescently around the pool. The event was located at the perfect venue named The Sonoran off Shadow Ridge Road in breathtaking Palm Springs. The showrunners took full advantage of the ample seating and large outdoor space adorning the runway with the entrancing artwork of talented Carlos Reyes with ARTFX.

Nowadays, it can be challenging to decide what events to attend in person. Safety is and should always be the first concern when making those decisions. The moment you entered the venue, all apprehension was immediately alleviated. Eduardo Khawam and Paul Jaramillo did a fantastic job of providing a magical atmosphere full of entertainment. They seamlessly created an enjoyable environment without sacrificing safety or creating an atmosphere of fear or inconvenience. The entire event was compliant with social distancing, and everyone, including the models, was wearing masks. However, as a spectator following social protocol, the thoughts of safety became an afterthought. Watching the gorgeous models walk the runway wearing fabulous designs while wearing masks was the perfect juxtaposition of life before and the gradual transition to living post-pandemic. It was the quintessential representation of a world we all know and the aftermath of a world forever changed. Bearing witness to the resiliency of mankind standing in opposition and remaining triumphant in the face of tragedy was truly a pleasure.

Every aspect of the show was seamless and so well put together by Eduardo and Paul that it was hard to stop and appreciate just how much work really went into this event. One of the best examples was the pit of photographers, led by the head of photography, Jaime Lim of Liquidstar Photography. Flashing lights and phenomenal poses all expertly captured in time forever thanks to the hard work and expertise of the outstanding photographers and videographers.

Everyone worked together closely and seemed like family while presenting the years of hard work and individual talents. Absolutely amazing models showcased the works of each designer, starting with the world-renowned David Tupaz. The acclaimed, Vegas-based celebrity fashion designer did not disappoint, opening the show with his astonishing line. Piece after piece left the guests wanting more. His work was an authentic portrayal of elegant, modern-day class. The best part was that every masterfully crafted design was functional, something that you could and would gladly wear every day. Drawing inspiration from the late Audrey Hepburn, Mr. Tupaz said he wants every woman to feel as beautiful as she is. Taking those words to heart, he most definitely made each of his models look and feel the part and showed the world that they could feel the same.

Up next was the fabulous Marika Soderlund of KICKA CUSTOM. She adeptly merged her artistic expression of fashion and costumes, fusing them into an exhibition of ethereal, graceful flowing gowns. Utilizing inspiration from elegant couture and ninja and warrior aesthetics, she created an air of excitement with her incredible combination of fashion and costume.

Last but certainly not least was the innovative Inoe Vargas as well as Ricardo Soltero and Erick Bendana. These were the men responsible for the overwhelming feeling of pure wonderment. Inoe’s segment of the show was full of magical creatures from an otherworldly place of fantasy. The crowd watched on in a mesmerized state of awe as he displayed pieces ranging from butterflies and mermaids to Medusa. Bendańa’s yellow feathers captivated the crowd as Soltero presented what could only be described as a moon goddess. Fully engaging the audience, their work was a solid finish to the night that the guests will be talking about for some time.

Overall, it was a wonderful night marking the return of fashion. Welcoming a little joy back into the lives of everyone affected by the pandemic was well needed. Friends and family gathered together, creating art and memories was the perfect way to spend a Saturday night. Those who went above and beyond to make this event happen truly deserve the utmost appreciation. Fashion strikes back in a triumphant return showcasing art in a healing world.