A year ago, Avant Gardist took part in the "Into the Future of Fashion" event at the Smithsonian Museum. This event, held in May, marked the museum's 175th anniversary by focusing on the future of humanity rather than dwelling on the past.
The event drew over 2,700 attendees, highlighting the significant interest in the topic. Our Founder and CEO, Michelle Tsau, was among four discussants on the introductory panel, which explored the future of fashion and sustainability within the industry. Michelle was joined by celebrity stylist Marni Senofonte, menswear designer Andrew Nowell, and co-executive producer of HBO Max's Legendary, Jack Mizrahi. The panel was moderated by Dashaun Wesley.
Michelle emphasized the importance of democratizing fashion, stating, "Avant Gardist is committed to breaking down borders in the fashion industry by providing emerging designers from around the globe with a platform to connect directly with consumers." Sustainability and inclusivity were highlighted as core values driving Avant Gardist's mission. The discussion also delved into the influence of technology on fashion. Avant Gardist expressed excitement about AI, 3D printing, and the metaverse, believing that technology can address unmet needs in the industry.
During the runway show following the panel discussion, Avant Gardist showcased specially created looks from three Asian fashion brands: VINCENT LI and PHENOTYPSETTER from Hong Kong, and YASUYUKI ISHII from Japan. These brands represented a diverse array of talent and creativity, furthering Avant Gardist's commitment to inclusivity and global representation in fashion.
