IN BETWEEN DREAMS

I’m sure everyone is familiar with the idea of a fashion show, but a fashion show I recently went to was specifically different in one certain way. It was a deaf fashion show. This fashion show was part of an event being held for Los Angeles’ 16th Annual DEAFestival that was held for the Deaf community two Saturdays ago. 

This fashion show was called “In Between Dreams” and it was hosted at Los Angeles’ City Hall. This event was organized by an amazing fashion designer named Natasha Ofili. The line up for the fashion show consisted of five different sets of outfits from five designers and brands. Two designers, Stef Victoria Velazquez and Marisol Piedra, were featured at the show as well as three other brands.

Designer Natasha Ofili

Everyone in City Hall was signing to each other and it was definitely a different scene to take in. Luckily for myself, I have taken and currently take sign language classes so I was not completely lost on communication.

The Master of Ceremonies was Ryan Lane, an actor who plays Travis on ABC’s Family hit show, Switched at Birth, who came out and introduced the show and the opening act, T.L.

TL is Hard of Hearing and is known for being in a popular movie in the Deaf community, known as See What I’m Saying. She performed and signed 3 of her recent songs, one of them called “Hey Now” along with her two backup dancers. It was a wonderful experience to see someone performing their songs through sign language with vibrancy and energy. 

The first set of outfits was designed by Stef Victoria Velazquez. The outfits were elegant, tight, and with a bit of skin showing. It ranged from colors of nude, to white, to black, and even a bright blue. 

Design by Stef Victoria Velazquez

The next was menswear outfits by 3rd & Army. The outfits were dressed up casual that any girl would dream to see a boy wearing and that any boy interested in fashion would want to own. 

Design by 3rd & Army

The third set were designed by Marisol Piedra who showed off fun outfits mixed with some bright, striking colors. 

Design by Marisol Piedra

The fourth set, which were from Byer of California, were classy dresses for a night out with mainly colors of indigo blue and black. 

Lastly, the fifth set, which was definitely my favorite, were designed by Byer of California which showed off vintage inspired clothing. The dresses were simple and chic, but absolutely beautiful.

Mod Cloth Design

It was absolutely amazing to see an event thrown by the Deaf community involving deaf designers and deaf models. Hopefully, there will be a 17th DEAFestival next year and that I once again get the opportunity to attend.

Written by: Kim Pena

Photos by: Kim Pena