Fashion, at its essence, is a political act. The studded vests and mohawks of the Sex Pistol’s London or the globular afros of seventies Los Angeles are riled-up fists for individuality—against top-down norms. If there is a people’s history of America, the most exciting players are bound to be those dressed in sequins, leather and eye shadow.
This strange contradiction of government and wardrobe painted the three hour fashion romp hosted by Sweetest Day Foundation in partnership with David Njoku’s God is Excellent Foundation held last Sunday at none other than the stuffy home of Cleveland City Council and the wood-paneled office of the mayor. For Cavotta, one of Cleveland’s handful of fashion power players, Sunday was her event company’s pièce de résistance, a massive display of original styles from eight locally-based designers—from flapper-adjacent gowns with feathered headbands, to mafia-esque pinstripe suits and punkish cut-off vests that even Browns tight end David Njoku found right to rep on the runway. (And maybe, one day, heading to the lockers?)
Alongside Yasin Cuevas’ Miss Latina Image in Clark-Fulton, Aimon Ali’s Fashion Talks gala at the Hotel Cleveland and Valerie Mayen’s Yellowcake reopening in Ohio City, the close of the party at City Hall beckons a call for Cleveland’s next pride-worthy display of original clothing.
At least, on Sunday, our city boosters were close by to take the hint.
