On July 6th, fashion enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike will gather at the San Diego Air and Space Museum for an unforgettable event: Runway 40, curated by the visionary designer Ugochi Iwuaba. With a keen eye for blending technology, cultural influences, and sustainable practices, Ugochi promises a runway experience that transcends traditional fashion shows.

Intersections of Technology and Fashion

For Ugochi Iwuaba, fashion isn’t just about fabric and style; it’s a canvas where technology meets creativity. Speaking about her approach to Runway 40, she emphasizes, “Fashion design and technology hinge on design and creativity. I’m using structural and innovative designs that rely heavily on technological concepts to bring my vision to life.” At the San Diego Air and Space Museum, expect to witness avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of conventional fashion.

Soundscapes and Cultural Narratives

The runway experience isn’t complete without music and sound design, which Ugochi views as integral to storytelling. “We’ll simulate the journey from airport to takeoff, blending Afrobeats with contemporary sounds from Nigeria and America,” she explains. This auditory landscape will harmonize seamlessly with her collections, enhancing the immersive experience and adding depth to the cultural narratives woven into each piece.

Collaborative Creativity

Collaboration fuels Ugochi’s creative process, evident in her preparation for Runway 40. “I’ve partnered with skilled artisans globally,” she shares. “From India, where we crafted a new jewelry line, to local weavers in Nigeria producing authentic Ashoka fabric, each collaboration enriches my designs.” These partnerships underscore her commitment to celebrating diversity and heritage through fashion, creating pieces that resonate with authenticity and craftsmanship.

Inclusivity On and Off the Runway

Ugochi’s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond her designs to her runway presentations. “Fashion speaks a universal language,” she affirms. “My runway celebrates diversity, welcoming everyone who appreciates cultural stories told through fashion.” Her inclusive approach ensures that her collections transcend borders, inviting a global audience to connect with her creations on a personal and profound level.

Sustainability and Ethical Fashion

Addressing sustainability in luxury fashion, Ugochi challenges misconceptions. “Luxury fashion can be sustainable,” she asserts. “Materials like cotton, wool, and real leather are durable and can be repurposed. I prioritize ethical practices, using existing fabrics and supporting artisans who uphold ethical standards.” Her commitment to environmental consciousness sets a precedent for integrating sustainability into high-end fashion without compromising quality or innovation.

Looking Forward: Immersive Experiences

As fashion evolves, Ugochi envisions integrating immersive technologies like virtual reality into future projects. “Virtual reality enhances storytelling,” she predicts. “It allows us to create holistic experiences, transporting audiences to different cultures and landscapes without leaving the runway.” At Runway 40, guests will already experience a taste of this future with interactive exhibits, setting the stage for more immersive innovations in the seasons to come.

Ugochi Iwuaba’s journey from self-taught designer to global runway curator is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Through Runway 40, she not only celebrates her personal milestones but invites attendees to embark on a cultural journey through fashion. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for an evening where technology, culture, and creativity converge in spectacular fashion.

Join Ugochi Iwuaba at Runway 40 and witness the future of fashion unfold before your eyes. Experience the vibrancy of global influences, the innovation of technology, and the timeless elegance of sustainable luxury, all brought to life through Ugochi’s visionary designs. This isn’t just a fashion show; it’s a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the limitless possibilities of haute couture.

The life of an international fashion model is all about jet-setting and catwalking. It can be all-encompassing and allow someone to explore the world, which was the experience Lisa Phillips had as a model working with the best photographers, designers, and big-name fashion houses. 

From just 16 years old, Phillips lived the life of a top fashion model, walking catwalks from London to New York. She saw a lot — but not all of what she saw was positive or empowering

Today, Phillips is a model scout in Los Angeles, mentoring others and helping them achieve their dreams in the spotlight However, she is taking her work in the industry even further by advocating for those just entering the industry and calling much-needed attention to the abuse many models face, which has been swept under the rug for far too long.

Modeling to Mentoring 

As a modeling scout, Phillips works with many young women who remind her of herself at their age — excited for their future, impressionable, but somewhat naive to what the industry can really be. “I entered the business at a time when models had to fit a standard — tall and lean,” Phillips explains. “Today, models can create their own reality through their own unique brand on social media. There is more acceptance for different body types. Almost anything is possible.” 

This changing landscape within the industry has led Phillips to adjust how she approaches scouting. “I’m no longer on the lookout for the leggy 16-year-old at the mall,” she says. “Instead, I’m interested in a person’s interests and passions.”

Phillips’ mindset marks a shift toward a more human-centered industry that comes after years of what many viewed as manipulative tactics toward young women who dreamed of becoming models. 

The industry’s dark underbelly 

As a young model in the early 2000s, Phillips was on a photoshoot in St. Thomas. Next thing she knew, the model had invited her to an island to meet a friend, and Philips found herself on the private island of Jeffrey Epstein, who is today infamous for having trafficked and abused girls as young as 14. Upon arriving at Epstein’s island at the behest of a friend and fellow model, Phillips found herself in a situation where she was “groomed” and “abused” by Epstein under the guise of giving a massage. 

Phillips saw first-hand how easy it can be to fall victim to the abusive tactics of people in power. Now, 20 years removed from her harrowing experience, with the world aware of the horrors that occurred on “Pedophile Island,” Phillips is bound and determined that abuses like what happened to her will not happen to others entering the industry.

A different approach for a new era of modeling

While many modeling scouts are still embroiled in the cut-throat nature of the industry, Phillips knows she can help create a kinder, gentler modern scouting enterprise, using her past traumas as a way of helping others. After running her own management agency in New York City, Phillips moved to LA and became a scout with Select Models. Today, she is thrilled to send models she finds at local malls to assignments all over the world to the agencies she once worked with herself.

“The industry can be safer and it must be a more positive experience for everyone,” Phillips says. “I want to be a part of creating that more sheltered industry.”

Phillips’ approach is distinctively modern. She looks for more than just a pretty face; she seeks smart, innovative, and passionate prospects. The industry’s increasing focus on diversity, gender fluidity, and body positivity is promising for Phillips, who has faith that her different approach to model scouting will help usher in a new era of creator modeling. 

Phillips has been working hard to establish herself in both the scouting and advocacy world. She has created a comprehensive coaching program for new models seeking to get signed, an e-course entitled #GetSigned Model Mastery, in which Phillips helps to guide their career to the greatest success with a knowing that someone is looking out for you. 

As an advocate, Phillips is getting more comfortable telling her story, knowing how much it can help other young women get their feet wet in the industry. “I suppressed it for over 15 years,” she explains, “but I’m done hiding.”

With a renewed energy to bring about a better industry and support those who have faced abuse, Phillips is redefining scouting and what it means to be a model. “A model’s career is a special one, with unlimited potential,” she says. “People look to them as examples of how they can achieve success beyond just how they look or beyond the superficial.” 

Next up for Phillips is an advocacy-focused podcast, the reveal of her new website, and continued efforts to make dreams come true. “It’s a tough business, but it’s been extremely rewarding,” Phillips shares. With an eye on helping to craft a kinder industry overall, Phillips is hopeful for the future. 

Renowned philanthropist and businesswoman Sudha Reddy, hailing from Hyderabad, made a captivating appearance at the prestigious 2024 Met Gala, hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6th. Embracing the theme ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, her red-carpet ensemble was a true reflection of her profound understanding of the theme and the ‘Garden Of Time’ dress code, following her remarkable debut in 2021.

Clad in a custom creation from the esteemed couturier Tarun Tahiliani’s atelier, complemented by exquisite jewellery from Farah Khan Ali, Sudha Reddy presented a red-carpet moment that seamlessly blended timelessness with avant-garde flair. Capturing the fleeting essence of time, the monochromatic ensemble wasn’t just couture; it was a masterclass in storytelling and symbolism through fashion. It served as a metaphor for India’s artistic revival, mirroring the nation’s current creative and cultural boom and showcasing the beauty and depth of Indian craftsmanship and design.

Handcrafted by over 80 artisans over a period of 4500-man hours, the ivory silk gown was a true testament to collaboration. The hand-corseted bodice featured a miniature self-portrait of Sudha holding a delicate rose, symbolizing the promise of hope and peace. The bodice itself was a marvel of meticulous craftsmanship, painstakingly rendered with thousands of French knots, intricate Indian couching embroidery, and shimmering silk threads. Adorning the bodice were hand-carved mother-of-pearl flowers, symbolizing luminosity and permanence, while 3D butterflies symbolized the cycle of life. The flowing drapery of the gown cascaded like unfolding flower petals, embodying the yearning for self-expression. Symbolizing themes of regeneration and transformation, a voluminous cape made of panels of embroidered tulle added a textural element to the hand-crafted mother-of-pearl flowers and crystal shoulder accessory designed by Miodrag Guberinić, known for creating accessories for Lady Gaga and Madonna.

The centerpiece of Sudha Reddy’s ensemble was undoubtedly the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace, a stunning masterpiece from her personal collection. This exquisite piece was adorned with 25 exceptional solitaires, totalling over 180 carats, embodying the enduring legacy of the present and future generations of the Reddy family. At the core of the necklace lay a symbolic family tree crafted from four large, heart-shaped diamonds. The largest diamond, a 25-carat King of Hearts, honoring Krishna Reddy, while the Queen of Hearts, a 20-carat heart, symbolizing Sudha Reddy. Two additional 20-carat hearts, known as the Prince of Knowledge and Prince of Treasures, represented their sons, Pranav and Manas. Completing this masterpiece were twenty-one luminescent round diamonds, symbolizing the shared experiences and cherished moments of Sudha-Krishna’s love story. Other jewels included a 20-carat heart shaped diamond ring and a 23-carat yellow diamond ring.

Sudha Reddy’s elegance extended beyond her outfit with the off-white vintage Chanel clutch from ‘Falling For Camellias’ collection and custom-made pearl-adorned stilettos. Stylist Gautam Kalra assembled a dream team: celebrity makeup artist Nina Ubhi accentuated her natural beauty with fresh dewy make-up and a clean messy bun accentuated with bejewelled hairpins from Amrapali nail artist Fleury Rose transformed her fingertips into miniature works of art with a cascading white flowers and Swarovski crystals manicure that took 100 hours to create.

Sudha Reddy – “It was an incredible evening at the Met Gala 2024! I’m grateful to have received the opportunity to celebrate culture, community and creativity on such a grand scale, once again. Collaborations are what make fashion so exciting! Thank you to everyone who made this possible, from the visionary designers to my management and my glam team.”

Tarun Tahiliani – “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Sudha Reddy on the custom-make MET outfit and translate the multi-layered theme into a work of art. Sudha’s self-portrait on the corset, combined with our signature draping technique and handcrafted embroideries and embellishments, conjures imagery of a blossoming garden, inviting the viewer to embrace authenticity in an ever-changing world. A metaphor for India as a sleeping beauty that is reawakening, the outfit celebrates the timelessness of heritage workmanship, transcendence of temporal boundaries and the eternal cycle of renewal and regeneration.”

Farah Khan Ali – “Crafting the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace wasn’t just about finding rare diamonds; it was about capturing the essence of love and time. I meticulously searched various corners of the world for these natural diamonds which took months of meticulous planning, designing, high-precision laser cutting and polishing to create the final result. Boasting 180 carats of natural diamonds, Sudha’s ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace mirrors life’s cyclical dance, where the past, the present and the future converge.”

Sudha Reddy, a prominent figure in both the business and philanthropic worlds, is not only known for her captivating presence at events such as the Met Gala, but also for her role as Director of Megha Engineering And Infrastructure Limited. Her commitment to making a difference goes beyond the confines of the boardroom, as she is deeply involved in various charitable endeavours. Through the Sudha Reddy Foundation and her collaborations with esteemed organizations like UNICEF, the Global Gift Foundation, the Cancer Research Foundation, Fight Hunger Foundation, and Action Against Hunger, Reddy actively works to empower women and children, and promote healthcare and education on a global scale. Her efforts have made a significant impact in these areas, showcasing her dedication to creating positive change in the world. In addition to her philanthropic work, Sudha Reddy has made notable appearances at prestigious events such as Paris Haute Couture Week, Fashion 4 Development Awards, Cannes Film Festival, Global Gift Gala, UN General Assembly and the White House Correspondents Dinner, amongst others. Her presence at these events further solidifies her reputation as a respected leader and advocate for important causes.

Sudha Reddy Publicity Office – Jashoda Madhavji, Dream N Hustle Media