The inaugural Fashion Circuit fellows will show their work Friday night in Valley Junction. (Photo: Trinity LaKose)
By Rylie Smith
A vibrant celebration of fashion, art and community is set for 7 p.m. Friday, when the Fashion Circuit debuts at Olson-Larsen Galleries in Valley Junction. This free event for all ages is more than just a fashion show: It’s an immersive experience designed to spotlight Iowa’s emerging creative talent.
With more than 70 models and eight Iowa-based designers, the event also features dancers, music from DJ cdisiac and the creation of a community mural with local artist Siricasso. The event coincides with Valley Junction’s Gallery Night, and guests are encouraged to dress as if they themselves are artworks.
“When you walk in, it should feel like you could be picked up and put on the wall,” Fashion Circuit co-founder Sandrah Nasimiyu said with a laugh.
The concept began when Nasimiyu and Izzy Kelai (both pictured) were taking a stroll outside the Des Moines Art Center, and a bird pooped in Nasimiyu’s purse. They took it as a lucky sign.
At the heart of the Fashion Circuit is its fellowship program, designed to nurture young creatives through mentorship opportunities. Design Fellows are paired with local clothing designers to co-create garments, while Creative Fellows help produce the entire show, from visuals and social content to venue setup.
The participating fellows include students at Iowa high schools as well as DMACC, Grand View University, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. “A lot of people think you need a fashion degree to belong in fashion,” Nasimiyu said. “But we’re creating a space where creatives can find their lane, no matter what they’re studying.”
One of the mentors is the designer Jaden Jacobson, who founded the streetwear label Life of Us. He’s showcasing five looks in Friday’s show, including three pieces he plans to release later this year. “It’s been amazing working with the fellows,” he said. “It reminds me of when I was younger, trying to start my brand and find opportunities. It’s a full circle moment.”
The show features eight designer-fellow teams in all, each presenting original looks that reflect both mentorship and experimentation. The design labels are Life of Us Clothing, J.Lidan, Sailuc, Denim & Such, Gracie GoGo Designs, Seraphic Couture, Piece of Mine and Rachel Reloaded, whose designer, Rachel Gai, recently led a free community workshop about sustainable sewing skills and upcycling techniques for the SewCial Impact Initiative the Fashion Circuit leads with Nisaa African Family Services.
Already, buzz for Friday’s inaugural event has prompted Nasimiyu and Kelai to start planning another fashion showcase for the fall. Pre-sale tickets will be available at the April 18 event. For more information, including opportunities to get involved, visit thefashioncircuit.net or follow along on Instagram @the.fashioncircuit.
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