IMPACT NYWF presented their Valentine’s Day Special runway show on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tickets were available for purchase to attend the event, with prices ranging from $35 to $88. The higher end included VIP ticket passes, which involved being recognized as a donor.

The doors opened at 4 p.m., with the show scheduled to start at 5 p.m. However, the event was delayed, and guest host Eli Levi didn’t take the stage until closer to 6:15 p.m.

When the models and designers were ready, Levi gave an introduction, and they started with their own runway walk to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larson before introducing themselves. 

“I’m a vegan, cruelty-free beauty influencer, content creator, model and animal activist focused on highlighting cruelty-free brands and working towards creating a world without animal testing,” Levi said. “I’m so, so honored to present you with a fashion show where 100% of the clothes on this runway are animal free.”

Following their speech, in which they also named Unicorn Snot as the makeup sponsor for the event, Levi moved on to highlighting the designers one by one, with breaks in between for Princess Nostalgia, the invited musical guest, to perform both their own songs and covers.

The first to present their work was Tatiana Alexandra. Levi gave a short introduction prior to the models taking the runway.

“Tatiana Alexandra blends tailored confidence with joyful chaos to create deeply personal pieces,” Levi said. “Using upcycled men’s garments, thrifted finds and surplus fabric sourced through the NYC garment district, the brand creates clothing that feels intentional, empowering and a little bit magical.”

Alexandra had just three looks to show off, but you don’t need more than that to tell how extraordinarily talented they are. The pieces were just as Levi introduced them: striking, cohesive and definitely magical. Following the three models walking down the runway, the designer came out to a loud applause from the audience to bow and conclude their segment of the show.

The next designer to be introduced was SDN Brooklyn. 

“Committed to low impact practices, SDN Brooklyn uses sustainable materials, produces only small batches and works exclusively with fair local and artisanal labor,” Levi said. “I mean, does it get more Brooklyn than that?”

SDN Brooklyn had quite a few more looks presented than Alexandra. However, that wasn’t where the differences ended. Their looks were sleek and greyscale, with minimal makeup on the models and most of them wearing the same glasses to cover their eyes. Their most striking piece was a long, white, tunic-style dress with a plaque at the top that read “F*ck Ice.” The simplicity of the dress combined with the impactfulness of the message made the crowd roar with applause.

The next designer was XO Form.

“Dedicated to sustainability, XO Form works exclusively with dead stock, reclaimed and upcycled materials, creating garments that exist between intimacy and otherness,” Levi introduced.

XO Form’s pieces were more outright sustainable; one could see just looking at them the different pieces of previous garments sewn together to create a new masterpiece. Of the looks, two stood out to me; one was a top made entirely of fake nipples, and the other was a dress made out of the waistbands of jeans. Both showed the art in everyday objects.

In the break between XO Form and the next designer, the hosts of the show played a video message from Kerry Bannigan, who is the co-founder of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network. Bannigan reflected on the show and its message.

“Advancing sustainability is not a singular effort. It is built through consistent action within our own practices and communities,” Bannigan said. “We are grateful to be here with you, and we look forward to continuing this work together, shaping a fashion lifestyle system that reflects the future we are all working towards.”

Levi then presented the next designer, ParadoxVestedRelics (PVR), noting that the designer is attempting to turn castaways into mainstays, aligning themselves with the overall theme of sustainability.

PVR’s looks were varied, with standout pieces including a suit made to have pockets for flowers all over it and a top made of glasses. However, most models were wearing one earring: a price tag. This simple addition brought the pieces together and made the whole show cohesive while still holding wildly different types of looks.

The next designer, Tillium, was awarded the IMPACTful Grant, which signifies recognition in designing with sustainability, inclusivity and creativity. 

“Tillium is a slow fashion clothier, rooted in innovation, transformability and gender non-exclusivity,” Levi said. “Thoughtfully made using environmentally responsible materials, prioritizing longevity, connection and self expression, Trillium is a true labor of love, using clothing as a tool for gender euphoria and meaningful change.”

Tillium’s looks were bright and bold, bringing significant color and whimsy into the room as each model walked down the runway. It wasn’t hard to see why Tillium was awarded this honor; the pieces were exceptionally creative and versatile.

Before the final designer was presented, Chelsea Maxine Agawa, who works as the education and research lead at Fashion Revolution USA, shared a poem that she wrote for this event. It emphasized a different kind of art of the message of sustainability and inclusivity that the event was organized to celebrate.

The last designer was Lizzy Gee, whose work focuses on female empowerment.

“Through enigmatic, unapologetic individuals, every look is a love letter to our inner, independent spirit. A reminder to embrace ourselves and keep falling in love with life despite life’s obstacles,” Levi said. “With bloom and fight, Lizzy envisions a fashion world where creativity, ethics and empowerment coexist on every runway.”

Gee’s looks were easily my favorite. They were feminine in the most celebratory and beautiful way. It was a great way to end a night of fantastic looks.