ARRIVING IN LA

The plane landed on the tarmac, and everyone jerked a little bit forward in their seats. Out the window, the rain looked like a misty shower bathing Los Angeles. The gray, gloomy sky made it look like the lights over the city were turned on dimly. This wasn’t ideal weather for a fashion show happening in less than 48 hours…

THE DAY OF THE SHOW

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and Women’s Month, Spotify hosted a fashion show featuring performances by female rap artists on their Feelin’ Myself playlist. The pink carpet was hosted by rapper Cleotrapa. The fashion show highlighted designer Latoia Fitzgerald, the creator of Lionne.

Backstage was lined with vanities, lights, and chairs to prep models for the show. Rappers Doechii and Rubi Rose walked as models in the show and on the pink carpet. The pink carpet was to the right of the entryway, with lights hanging from the ceiling to illuminate a Barbie pink wall behind the carpet that read: “Spotify The Feelin’ Myself Fashion Show.”

On the pink carpet, there were artists wearing Lionne, which gave a sneak peek at what could be seen during the show. The phrase used to describe Lionne would be “a denim delirium.” Designer Latoia Fitzgerald’s ability to conceptualize and repurpose denim to achieve the trendy, ready-to-wear, “it girl” look is unfathomable. Fitzgerald is a visionary, and she has perfected the art of creating pieces that make fashionable statements and look hot too.

Spotify’s pink carpet host Cleotrapa interviewed celebrity guests Bia, Doechii, Yung Baby Tate, Rubi Rose, Saucy Santana, and more! She kept the energy high with her bold personality, and she was able to get some tea from some of the artists about upcoming music!

Continuing through the venue, upon entry from the pink carpet, guests were greeted with hors d’oeuvres and delicious sweets like cake pops and macaroons. Guests also had access to a beauty bar provided by Topicals.

At the front of the space was the runway. A red, U-shaped course around the stage in the middle of the nightclub-like venue. Individual seats and couches lined the area, and the shape of the runway made a pit-like space in the middle of the venue for photographers and videographers to capture footage of special performances by Baby Tate and Bia!

During their performances, Bia and Baby Tate used the stage and the runway. Bia performed her new single, “SIXTEEN,” and “Whole Lotta Money.” Baby Tate performed her hits “Mickey” and “I Am.” The models appeared from behind a pink glowing wall that had the event’s title, “Spotify The Feelin’ Myself Fashion Show,” directly in the center.

At the end of the fashion show, during the remarks, there was a surprise visit and honoring of the legendary Lil’ Kim. Queen B humbly and graciously received her award and all the love from the crowd.

AFTER PARTY

The venue was converted to an after-party right in front of the guests’ eyes. More treats followed, the runway transformed into a dance floor, and there was a surprise performance by Coi Leray. Coi Leray put on a high-energy performance, executing fast-paced choreography with dancers to match her energy to the up-tempo jersey mix of her song, “Players.” Leray also performed “Blick, Blick.”

All throughout the evening and well into the after-party, DJ JADABOO (@jadab0o) commanded the crowd and played all the hottest new tracks. We got to hear songs like “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” by Nicki Minaj, “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPatheress and Ice Spice, and “Dusties” by Maiya The Don. Even as things started to wind down, JADABOO controlled the vibe and continued the celebration of women in hip-hop by playing Mary J. Blige and more.

Spotify knows how to throw a party, that’s for sure. The performances and red-carpet looks were true sweeteners on top of a meaningful celebration. Fitzgerald’s designs in the fashion show were hot! This event does justice to highlighting the importance of women and celebrating their presence in hip-hop.

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