Guests are usually so busy hurrying to their seats for a concert or musical that they don’t have time to truly bask in the elegance that the lobby and foyer of The Fabulous Fox have to offer.
But stylist, designer and fashion show producer Denise Li provided the ultimate reminder with her “I Don’t Give A Fashion” runway show.
The gold embellishments, opulent painted walls and glorious staircase were as much a part of the show as the clothes and the models Sunday afternoon. Rows of chairs lined two sets of doors that usually serve as the entry way space after tickets are scanned. The layout gave the audience a bird’s eye view of the styles presented by Li and a handful of St. Louis based designers that showcased the capacity for creativity that can happen from forward thinking fashion minds.
As the name of the show suggested, the intention of the show was to show the magic that happens when one dresses to express as opposed to dressing to impress.
This was evident from the styles on the runway, in the audience and from the event’s host Kira Phoenix.
“I had to twist and turn to get into this – and I can’t breathe – but I look good,” Phoenix said. “I dress how I want to dress in fashion. That makes me feel good and makes me look good.”
Li – who had an adult and a children’s line as part of the show – was up first.
Her first segment was mostly evening wear that took high-yielding risks as far as shape, structure, embellishments and silhouettes.
She toyed with defying formalwear fashion norms with dangerously high slits, sheer garments and out of the box hemlines.
A black gown that became a conversation piece because of the tuxedo lapel that served as its neckline – and continued down the back of the dress. As did a dress that paid homage to 1980s prom culture, but with the twist of the skirt portion made to resemble small cut boxes embellished with gold spray paint.
During the breaks between designers, the audience was called upon to show off their personal style.
“It’s my cousin’s show, so I had to do a little something,” a woman named Kira said when Phoenix singled her out for her satin floor-length emerald gown with spaghetti straps that fit so perfectly it seemed custom made.
“Let’s see what the key to the city is doing,” Phoenix said before scurrying over to a woman in a denim outfit adorned with keys from top to bottom.
There was also audience participation in the form of call and response.
“When I say, ‘I don’t give a…,’ you say what,” Phoenix said. “Fashion,” the crowd responded in unison. It only took one rehearsal, and they joined in on cue for the rest of the show.
Roi + rik kept with the freeform nature of the clothes presented, with their culminating ensemble that appeared to be an homage to African fashion. The white pantsuit with the puffed sleeves and black trim was the perfect conclusion for their runway presentation.
Then it was back to the audience, where Pam Cochran was eager to show out.
“Can the DJ play ‘Eyes on Me’,” she asked Phoenix as she prepared to be a part of the show.
“She was waiting for this moment,” Phoenix said. “She has requests.”
The DJ didn’t play the song she requested. He had something better up his sleeve.
She took the beat drop for Dorrough Music’s “WALK THAT WALK” as her cue and made her way down the runway. She even grabbed a friend halfway and they strutted to the beat until they reached their seats.
The halfway point of the show was marked by a presentation that celebrated the St. Louis ballroom culture with a performance by the House of Bodega, where Phoenix serves as mother.
Other area fashion brands represented during “I Don’t Give a Fashion” included The Prynk Gallery, Skyy Boxx, Tenelle Appeal Fashions and Nadya The Creator.
One of the most unforgettable was Kaylin’s Kreations – which included an array of looks. The one that turned the most heads was a gown he made from repurposed St. Louis American newspapers. Phoenix was so impressed by the dress that Kaylin was called to the microphone to share his inspiration behind the look and his design in general.
The audience was stunned to learn that he is only 15 years old. He started in fashion as a creative response to the murder of his brother.
“I was very depressed and making clothes was something that helped me get through that,” Kaylin said. “This is something that I love to do – and I’m following my dreams.”
Young people were celebrated for their efforts on the runway as well. When Denise Li’s youth line walked in her designs – which were mostly chiffon gowns – the audience was so thrilled that Phoenix asked them to repeat the whole portion of the show. Shouts of encouragement were even louder for the second walk.
“Yes! Give it to ‘em, honey,” Maya Johnson Groves said from her seat as a tiny beauty wearing a red gown that made her chocolate skin pop stopped to strike a pose. “Give it to ‘em. Yes, honey. I love it!”
Groves – who made several purchases from the row of vendors that were selling everything from clothing, accessories, scented oils and pickles – was eager to offer her feedback.
“It was great to see the younger artists – the designer and the models – just to encourage everybody,” she said. “I loved it. I loved the atmosphere. I loved all of the outfits. I enjoyed myself – I wish I was on the front row, baby.”
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
