Afa Ah Loo 2019 Spring Collection
I had the opportunity to be Afa Ah Loo's Creative Director of Operations for his post-Project Runway Fashion Show—an all-inclusive, all-bodies welcome show.
We hosted guests, models, and photographers from across the world, namely Veronica Pome'e, Sports Illustrated's first Polynesian Swimsuit Cover Model. We had a sold-out show in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, which was significant as Utah houses the largest number of Pacific Islanders per capita within the contiguous United States. Our community really showed up and showed out for us.
It was one of the most labor-intensive projects I've ever taken on, yet the most fulfilling. From coordinating over 400 guests, 40 models, 100 staff members, and vendors to menu sampling and curating, styling, designing a VIP experience, sourcing artists, interns, and venues, drafting letters to sponsors, contract writing, charity donations, etc., you name it, I was doing it. It was exhausting, but in retrospect, I feel so much gratitude and fulfillment knowing we brought such a fun, inclusive, and unique show to our community. I’d do it all over again if I could.
My friends lovingly showed up for me too. My friend Jessica Bird, an incredible artist made Veronica Pome’e a custom paper watercolor and sculpture piece as a thank you for all she’s done for us and our community. My best friend, Lyle Letalu-Lokeni shot video for us on multiple occasions and took the photos posted below.
