A Journey to Something Sweeter: Luxe Streetwear’s Futuristic Perspective of Candyland
Inspired by the concept of a future filled with the unbridled joy of childhood, Keiona L. Cook has put together an event that will delight: Luxe Streetwear’s The Futuristic Perspective of Candyland.
Photo Credit: Qe’Bella Couture
Keiona - a self-described big kid at heart - has hand-picked this year’s lineup to bring to life the theme based on the famously delectable game. Among the thirteen designers, attendees should expect to experience the full spectrum of futurism and confectionery couture. The producer was proud and tight-lipped, giving few spoilers of what attendees will see this year. Yet one should keep their eyes peeled for brilliant shows of textile manipulation, colors galore, and sleek silhouettes on the runway from beginning to end. Keiona herself has stated a lot of excitement in seeing the collections from her fellow designers: close associate and pupil Bre of Wet by Bre has purportedly bloomed and come into her own with a line that will have purchasers running from the pop-up to the beach, up-and-comer, Catrielle of Catrielle Creates will be firing up the runway with designs that you can only appreciate in person, and Qe’Bella itself is going to be a brightly colored vibe.
Photo credit: Qe’bella Couture
The venue is also transforming. Machine Shop, an unfamiliar location for Luxe Streetwear, has been incredibly supportive in the internal overhaul. With assistance from The Bounce Around, Keiona has guaranteed an alluring balance of candy-inspired set pieces and the sleek, innovative appearance indicative of ‘the future.’
At the heart of the event is, of course, the children. Lovely’s Sewing and Arts Collective returns as a part of the process, allowing some of the youngest of our fashion community to sew and present their creations. The nonprofit helps teach young people through various programs the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the society they’re growing into. The runway event that some of these children can participate in gives them donated fabrics and thrifted pieces to build their visions. From concept to the catwalk, students learn how to make complete clothes and the business acumen of how sales and savings work (something many of us would have loved to have earlier on). Funds raised by Luxe go directly back into Lovely’s system: paying for sewing instructors, rent on the space, and applying to partial youth scholarships.
Photo Credit: Lovely’s Sewing and Arts Collective
The relationship between Luxe and FWMN has opened doors for LSAC and the rest of the community. Keiona has used her more daring statement pieces as fundraising opportunities for other programs: bringing eyes from the Luxe event to assist others like Rose McGee of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie at annual jubilees or helping the north commons Parks and Rec Department get much-needed feedback from community members. Since being uplifted by mentor Sylvia Payne Loveless, Ms. Cook’s philosophy of using one’s influence to support those around her has since rippled through the twin cities.
Photo credit: Lovely’s Sewing and Arts Collective
So as we get ready to join Luxe Streetwear at their newest event on Wednesday, April 26th at 6 pm, remember that this present couldn’t be possible without tapping into the sweetness inside of ourselves and paving a road for our younger generations to see a future that is just as delicious.