Spring has officially taken over the Bay Area's fashion scene, from printed floral designs contrasting with dark fabrics to constructed lacey garments. Here at Hotspot Creatives, we had the opportunity to attend the Bloom Theory fashion show hosted by three designers: J.NARCI$$E, Fromsa from Mana Siyo, and Ja'Shon from HAUS OF HYTE. The theme: spring, yet these designers managed to bring the summer heat this Sunday evening. After two hours of chasing down each designer, here's what they had to say about the collections they curated for this event, their favorite part of being a designer, and any advice they had for a blossoming designer.
J.NARCI$$E
According to Mr. Narcisse, the show's "spring" theme represents more than just flowers. The idea of "Bloom Theory" means new beginnings and becoming a new person. This is represented in their designs, with his more traditional grunge street-wear aesthetic being the base but integrating floral elements in the outfits—from patterns and prints to actual flowers incorporated in the models' performances.
"My favorite part is bringing the community together. You see everyone right here; I got my family, my friends, so really, it's about bringing people together.”
"My advice is not to listen to people. You can always take advice but don't overthink and just be yourself, and you might make that piece that changes the world if you're being fully yourself."
On Friday, June 13th, Mr. Narcisse is hosting a Friday the 13th Fashion Show, bringing the spooky spirit to the Bay this summer. Check out their Instagram @jejuannarcisse for more details on the event and how to get tickets. You won't want to miss it!
Mana Siyo
Fromsa (Mana Siyo) is not a spring person but enjoys the challenge of thinking outside their comfort zone. As a mechanical engineer and a clothing designer, it is evident from the show that they are keen on reinventing the wheel. The collection relies on the theme of printed florals yet explores many different colorways and textures. While all the looks are distinct from one another, as a collection, they come together to explore what spring means to Fromsa.
"The world doesn't want you to do what you want to do. So, it's all on you to do it. What I look forward most to is the show."
Regarding advice, Fromsa said: "Don't listen to advice. Do what you want."
They envision creating a "Fashion House", which allows you to be your own designer. The idea is that you can design your own pieces with just a few clicks of a button – choose your fabric, stitch, patterns, and more. In 24 hours, the piece should be ready. Be on the lookout for this next level of creative innovation, integrating art and technology into an expressive medium for everyone.
HAUS OF HYTE
Ja'Shon Wright (HAUS OF HYTE) titles this collection "Ja'Queen." Inspired by Alexander McQueen, this collection encapsulates three themes: bloom, jungle, and curtains. The use of lace in this collection not only represents the season but new beginnings as well. "All garments are upcycled from donated fabric and textile materials… and some of my grandma's old curtains", Ja'Shon states. When we asked them what their favorite part of what they do is, the answer was:
"The process – doing it. I'm excited sitting here talking about it; imagine how I feel when I'm doing it – even if it's making me mad."
HAUS OF HYTE is big on sustainability, a topic that can be a difficult conversation for many creatives. There are many nuances about conserving materials and limiting carbon emissions in the process of creating art, especially in the fashion industry.
"Fashion is one of the biggest contributors to global waste. Everyone wants to upcycle, stop that shit! If you don't understand the garment you are trying to repurpose and breaking it down, you are making a less structured piece, which means it has less life cycles in it… people think the practice is sustainable… but you're not producing a garment that can withstand the span of time. If you're a designer out here: research and development.”
The fashion community in the Bay Area is thriving and only continues to do so with these designers and other creatives getting together to uplift and support one another. Learning how these individuals are connected and their passion for projects like this continues to inspire us at Hotspot Creatives. The Bloom Theory fashion show was another one for the books, and we cannot wait to see what is next for these designers. Be sure to give them a follow on Instagram to see what's coming up next.