By Sierra Clair, Lana Krapivina
On Saturday night the legendary Majestic in downtown Los Angeles was filled with fanciful costumes and creative masks as guests came out to kick off Halloween weekend at Avant Garde Magazine’s Annual Masquerade Ball and fashion show hosted by its one and only CEO and Editor in Chief Michelle Long. Avant Garde magazine and designers Sue Wong, Merlin Castell and Bobby Love put on the exciting event and showcased their collections along. As guests entered Sue Wong was posing on the red carpet with a few of her models showcasing the elaborate headdresses and beautiful designs as a preview to her show. Red carpet attendees included Romulo Canizales, Sue Wong’s pals Ms Alexandrina Doheny and Joe Hilton as well as actresses Cassandra Cass and Alice Amter, and guitar virtuoso Medi Em. Guests enjoyed free gift bags, snacks and drinks. The show was filled with Neo-Victorianism and Romantic Goth atmosphere. Actor and producer Vincent De Paul opened the show with a speech. He provided a great explanation of Sue’s artistic vision and lifestyle. People began to take their seats around the runway and soon the show started. Sue Wong presented a large collection of evening wear gowns and cocktail dresses. The collection of about 60 looks was full of a range of colors as is Sue Wong’s traditional style and started with several soft pink gowns and then transitioned into some earthy tones for fall and deep purples for winter styles and even included some white and silver gowns as well. Each gown consisted of intricate beading details and Sue Wong’s perfectly fitting and flattering cuts. Throughout the show the luxurious details in the collection were reminiscent of a 20s flapper style theme. Feathers and fringe as well as scalloped edges and sparkles decorated the silk and satin designs as they floated down the runway. Sue Wong included short and fun styles for a more casual look as well as signature long and figure hugging evening gowns. Each look was also completed with a fun and interesting headdress styled to match the dress. The headpieces were designed by Atzi Designs and Aunt Funky’s Closet, Inc. Jewelry was provided by PK Bijoux, Aunt Funky’s Close and Samira Kazemeni.
Most looks also included a wrap to complete the outfit and as the beautiful and silky material flowed behind the models walking down the runway the crowd applauded. The show ended with deep reds and then Sue Wong walked the runway for the finale as models posed along the edge. The show that was all about Sue’ motto Beauty – Magic – Transformation turned out to be a huge success and guests enjoyed music and champagne in the sparkling ballroom. The old bank was a perfect setting for the show and several guests even watched from upstairs in the balconies. The sparkling chandeliers and interesting art deco ceilings created the perfect backdrop for the 20s inspired gowns. The night was a success and everyone enjoyed getting into the Halloween spirit and the Victorian gothic and elegant fairy theme with masks and gowns.
Photo: Misha Urubkov
