10 Apr MFW 2026 • RECAP
At our 2nd Annual Melrose Fashion Week Runway, the Los Angeles community got to experience collections from local designers and emerging fashion students, all pushing the future of sustainable fashion, right in the center of Melrose Trading Post!
This year’s show featured a combined total of over 100 looks from 7 different brands as well as 4 youth designers and collectives. After the show, patrons could shop the collections in vendors’ booths along “Designer Row.”
The talented Graciela Rodriguez was our MC, while DJ VFresh provided our Runway Soundtrack.
We also had Circular Fashion LA onsite for a Re-Dye to Re-Love Sustainable Garment Workshop, sponsored by Melrose Arts District!
Local & Sustainable Designers Pt. 1
SAUSALITO BLUE
Opening the runway was designer A. Michelle Blakely with the beautiful craftsmanship of Sausalito Blue. Known for timeless silhouettes and refined elegance, her collection celebrates the artistry behind sustainable fashion by incorporating reclaimed designer upholstery textiles, vintage fabrics and secondhand denim.
ETERNAL RETURN
Next on the runway was Eternal Return, created by designers Brianna‑Monet Polite and Chief Mellow.
This brand explores identity, creativity, and the idea that fashion is constantly evolving — just like we are. Their sustainable pieces utilize techniques including screen printing and cut-and-sew.
RAG RESERVE
Up next was Justin Gargasz, founder of Rag Reserve. His upcycled Japanese inspired clothing is made in Los Angeles in one-of-one and limited capsules. Justin brought 18 striking new looks to this year’s runway.
CLOVEN + SPIRITUAL PSYCHOSIS
Next up was Josephine KilCullen, founder of the Cloven shoe brand as well as the Spiritual Psychosis Fashion Collective. Through Cloven, Josephine creates one of a kind shoes from thrifted materials inspired by fantasy fashion.
Student Showcase
Our Student Showcase features talented designers from local high schools and colleges, including programs connected with FIDM, Santa Monica College, Fairfax High School and Sage Hills High School.
FASHION: FAIRFAX STYLE
Opening the student showcase was Fairfax High School! These students represented their fabulous school style in collaboration with Greenway Institute for the Arts (GIA)! Led by Christina Carrera of GIA in partnership with Fairfax Fashion Teacher Nyasha Williams, each student incorporated a sustainable element into their outfit, with some students designing and constructing their outfits from scratch just for the day.
REIMAGINED from Sage Hills High School
This innovative student-led sustainable fashion club breathes new life into discarded clothing and materials. Their club is dedicated to sustainability, tackling fast fashion by upcycling, designing, and sewing secondhand clothing into new garments.
ERICA PERLA: A New Tropical Season
Erica Perla, a student designer from Santa Monica College, designs hand-made knitwear. Her collection is focused on women’s resort wear and swimwear inspired by the tropics.
ASU FIDM Class Runway
The next student runway highlighted work from Fashion Construction I and II classes, foundational studio courses that teach the fundamentals of garment construction at ASU FIDM, Arizona State University’s fashion school that leads fashion education in Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Local & Sustainable Designers Pt. 2
THREADHAUS
Up next was Manny Jackson, the designer behind ThreadHaus. ThreadHaus blends bold design with artistic expression — where street style meets storytelling through fashion. Manny’s process begins with discarded materials, and ends with innovative fashion-forward pieces with many uses. This year’s collection took inspiration from popular sports teams.
HIROKO
Hiroko Hata designs wearable art featuring reworked vintage pieces and original creations. She creates statement pieces that get people talking, and this was her first ever fashion show.
SON OF DIO
Our final designer was Darius Dio, an artist, designer, model, actor and more! He presented his creative brand, Son of Dio. This collection blends bold creativity with cultural storytelling and powerful self-expression. Celebrating the SEA Effect – Substance Energy & Art – through original wearable art collections.
Thank you for being part of the 2nd Annual Melrose Fashion Week Runway Show! See you again in 2027.