FUSION FIX: One might have been forgiven for mistaking Amiri’s front row for the VIP zone at a summer festival, with talent from around the world mingling and sharing notes on potential collaborations, but with decidedly more dapper outfits.
J Balvin, clad in a turquoise sequin tuxedo suit, was introducing guests to compatriot Colombian reggaeton star Ryan Castro, who wore a double-breasted burgundy velvet number with a floral motif for the occasion. The pair already worked together back in 2022 and word has it a new collaboration could be in the works.
“I’m happy to keep representing the Latino gang,” said Balvin, whose collaboration on sunglasses with Revo, called Nrgy, was to be fêted later in the day at Sugaar. “We’re having this really great dinner, sharing with our peers and people,” said Balvin, who joined guests including Anuel AA, Michael Cooper Jr. and French Montana at the show.
Lucky Blue Smith, best known in fashion circles for his modeling work but also an accomplished musician, chose a wine-red brocade number, and praised Mike Amiri for offering designs suited to his six-foot-three frame. “It’s got great long pants, which I really love,” he said.
He will be making his first major movie role later this year, he said, but was keeping mum on the details. According to IMDb, he will appear in McG’s “Uglies,” due out in the fall.
“I’m in a very optimistic phase right now, which is really nice,” Smith said. Asked for tips for those with the blues, he suggested, “It always starts with a good mindset and a good attitude. If you don’t have a good attitude, you’re out of luck.”
For Mexican American musicians Alberto Acosta and Adelaido Solis 3rd, of Grupo Frontera, taking in their first Paris Fashion Week, partnership was the name of the game, with three musical tie-ups on their latest EP, out earlier this month. In particular, they chose to highlight their collaboration with Manuel Turizo. “It’s a fusion song, half our style, half his style, and it’s really amazing to see how these two styles fit together,” Acosta said.
They warmly greeted Latino pop sensation Danny Ocean, another Paris Fashion Week first-timer who hails from Venezuela and is currently working on a new album with what he described as a “tropical beach” style, due out next year.
Hailing from warmer climes than Paris, the heat inside the venue did not have them fazed. That was also the case for actor, singer and model Uppoompat, who has a TV series coming out next year, and said that was what he was appreciating most about the week so far. “I come from Thailand, I love the heat,” he said. Asked for tips for those less accustomed to such humidity in Paris, he said, “Stay hydrated, drink a lot of water…or maybe not water.”
