Los Angeles has faced a tumultuous year, from devastating wildfires to ongoing ICE raids targeting the city’s Latino community. However, at The Rio World’s runway show at The Broad on November 11, resistance and joy were on full display. The event, titled “A Poem and a Protest,” celebrated the Latinx community through fashion, music, performance, and art.
Designer Rio Uribe showcased a collection inspired by the influence of Latinos on the L.A. goth scene. Models strutted down the runway in dramatic black-and-white makeup, oversized hoops, bucket hats, visible thong bikini bottoms under miniskirts, and unique accessories like skinny scarves. Uribe’s designs blurred gender lines, with the audience, including model Vivian Wilson and influencer Aaliyah Mendes, appreciating the unconventional yet stylish pieces.
The show incorporated a potent political message, with a surveillance drone hovering overhead throughout the event. Singer Cain Culto’s performance of “KFC SanterÃa,” with lyrics denouncing Trump and ICE, added to the night’s rebellious tone. Uribe explained that the collection evolved from a focus on beauty and comfort to a more armor-like aesthetic in response to current events like ICE raids and protests. The designs were reflective and versatile, embodying a sense of readiness for any situation.
Amidst the music and smoky atmosphere, LAPD helicopters circling downtown L.A. served as a reminder of the city’s reality. The juxtaposition of the drone at the show and the police presence highlighted the need for defiance in the face of surveillance and adversity. The message was clear: even under constant watch, one can still make a statement and put on a show.
As cumbia and ’90s música romántica filled the air, the resilience and creativity of the Latinx community shone through. The event at The Broad was not just a fashion show but a symbol of resistance and empowerment in the face of challenges. In a city marked by turmoil, art and expression continue to thrive, offering a beacon of hope and solidarity for all.
