In the vibrant heart of Soho lies a culinary haven that effortlessly blends exquisite dining with an air of sophistication. Recently, this extraordinary venue hosted an exclusive fashion event, showcasing not just haute couture but also the artistry of its cuisine and atmosphere. The fusion of fine food and high fashion created an unforgettable evening, where guests indulged in flavors as bold and captivating as the runway designs.
This restaurant’s dedication to creating extraordinary experiences places it at the intersection of style and gastronomy, solidifying its status as a Soho standout.
The event began just before midday
Kei Hanna is a fashion model and the visionary founder of OPULUME, a skincare brand renowned for its unique formulations enriched with natural herbal ingredients. Born in the Bahamas, Kei drew early inspiration from the island’s deep-rooted culture of natural remedies. Her grandfather, a farmer with extensive knowledge of bush medicine, profoundly influenced her understanding of the healing properties found in nature.
Building on this heritage, Kei Hanna has collaborated extensively with dermatologists and other industry professionals to develop OPULUME’s innovative skincare line. Each product is thoughtfully crafted to promote healthy, radiant skin, blending science with the wisdom of nature. The OPULUME brand embodies Kei’s passion for creating products that not only enhance beauty but also nurture the skin’s well-being.
Her efforts culminated in the OPULUME event, a celebration of natural skincare, where guests were introduced to her vision and the brand’s transformative products. Kei’s commitment to excellence and her unique approach to skincare continue to set her apart as a trailblazer in the beauty industry.
Guests:
Joshua Pasquale
The evening featured a dazzling array of personalities, including the extraordinary Canadian designer, stylist, and model Joshua Pasquale Gradilone. Hailing from Calgary, Canada, Pasquale’s journey into the world of fashion is as captivating as his designs. Having lived in Vancouver and Toronto, he nurtured a fascination with fashion from a young age but faced doubts due to Canada’s limited fashion industry presence at the time. For years, Pasquale pursued a career in marketing, yet his creative spirit remained restless.
His journey took a transformative turn when he began styling for film sets in Vancouver, honing a sharp eye for narrative-driven style. Soon, his talent led him to international acclaim, with his work gracing the runways of New York, Paris, and London Fashion Week. Within a year, Pasquale had styled Grammy winners, directed campaigns featured in Vogue, and led runway shows across three fashion capitals. It was in October 2024 that he made a bold move to London, arriving with just three suitcases and an ambitious dream: to immerse himself in the city that had shaped his love for fashion and to redefine menswear by blurring the lines between elegance, rebellion, and identity.
Adorned in intricate threads and sustainable textiles showcasing vibrant colours inspired by Met Gala themes, Pasquale captivated attendees at the event with his magnetic presence and avant-garde style. His aura radiated through the room, leaving an indelible impression on all who encountered him.
During the evening, Pasquale shared his inspiring story of perseverance. His narrative, marked by bold individuality and a relentless pursuit of his dreams, resonated deeply with attendees. More than a designer, Pasquale is a storyteller, using fashion as his medium to celebrate identity and challenge conventions. His optimistic outlook and captivating energy serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and resilience can carve a path to greatness.
Silvia Acien
Acien is a regenerative knitwear brand creating biodegradable, organically certified garments that blend circularity with craftsmanship. Designed for women who value both aesthetics and ethics, our pieces combine plant-based fibres, natural dyes, and heritage techniques, offering a unique fusion of luxury and environmental responsibility.
Founded by Silvia Acien, a Central Saint Martins graduate and LVMH Green Trail Prize recipient, Acien has been recognised at London Fashion Week, Berlin Design Week, India Fashion Week, Hong Kong Fashion Week, and Dutch Design Week, with features in the Wall Street Journal and Vogue.
YuanYuan Du
The suave fashion designer and founder of Wood Earth Couture, YuanYuan Du, graced the event with her presence. Many attendees turned heads wearing her stunning creations, paying homage to her enduring influence in the fashion world. Kei Hanna, a former runway model for YuanYuan’s shows, attended as well, further underscoring the designer’s profound impact on the industry.
YuanYuan Du’s ensemble for the evening was nothing short of breathtaking—an outfit that left many yearning to add her designs to their own wardrobes. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, YuanYuan is celebrated for blending bold innovation with timeless sophistication. Speaking to us during the event, she shared the remarkable journey of her brand, which began in 2010 in the bustling heart of downtown Shanghai. Inspired by her passion for empowering women, YuanYuan’s designs artfully balance elegance and strength, creating pieces that resonate deeply with her clients.
YuanYuan’s creative vision is complemented by her deep understanding of artistry., a legacy influenced by her formative years spent immersed in the art of tailoring alongside her family in Shanghai. With more than 15 years of experience, she now operates a thriving branch on Portobello Road in West London. There, her sharp eye for quality ensures every creation is crafted to perfection, with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals supporting her vision.
Her collections have graced the runways of London Fashion Week, earning widespread acclaim for their fusion of traditional artistry and modern aesthetics. YuanYuan remains steadfast in her pursuit of greatness, consistently redefining the boundaries of fashion. She continues to inspire the industry with her timeless artistry and dedication to empowering women through her designs.
Joy Jewett
Fashion model Joy Jewett was a vision at the event, effortlessly dressed to impress. She expressed deep admiration for Joshua Pasquale, praising his presentation during the event, which she described as both wholesome and inspiring. Jewett recounted their initial meeting in New York Fashion Week at the event and reflected on the creative brilliance Pasquale brought to the runway.
A signed professional model with a storied career, Jewett began modeling at the age of 16. Her journey into the fashion world started serendipitously when, as a college student visiting Germany, she was discovered by a scout in a café. Within two weeks, she was standing in front of the camera, launching her career, and by the third week, she was walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week.
Jewett modeled with grace and acclaim from ages 16 to 27, retiring at a time when the industry viewed 27 as the upper limit for a modeling career. Transitioning seamlessly, she embarked on a career in banking, which she enjoyed immensely. However, her journey took an unexpected turn nine years ago when she sadly lost her dear husband. Feeling adrift, Jewett visited a friend in Rome in 2023—a friend with whom she had once walked in a Vivienne Westwood show in 1975. This reunion reignited her passion for modeling. After working alongside her friend in Rome for six weeks, she returned to New York, signed with a modeling agency, and made a triumphant return to the runway, walking at New York Fashion Week in 2023.
During the evening, Jewett spoke eloquently about how the modeling industry has evolved, embracing a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty. She celebrated the doors now open to models of varying heights, body types, and backgrounds, remarking on the profound transformation that has reshaped the industry for the better.
Conclusion
Following the final catwalk show, the evening transitioned seamlessly into a stylish celebration, with DJ Marta curating an impeccable musical backdrop that perfectly complemented the vibrant atmosphere. The night featured a stunning performance by Shivone Dominguez Blascikova, accompanied by the incredibly talented saxophonist Anna Adetiba, adding a mesmerizing touch to the event. Guests immersed themselves in the lively ambiance of the renowned Bantoff restaurant, savoring its signature cocktails and artfully prepared meal platters, which elevated the night’s festivities to new heights.
The event was masterfully orchestrated by Kei Hanna, whose vision transformed the gathering into a truly immersive experience. From the captivating catwalks to the electrifying musical performances, every detail was meticulously designed to leave a lasting impression on all who attended. Her well-connected social circle underscored her strong ties within the fashion industry, further cementing her influence and dedication.
Models:
Mo – @mohashemei
Joao – @sunbalanci
Jijo – @ jijo_jo_model
Simon – @simonchrisbrown
Johnny – @jh0_on
Kwame – @kwame_Koranteng (Designer)
Ozni- @sallysailingsoul
Akine- @akinemenzo
Louis – @louisvaughan_actor
Romeo – @romeo_luciano11
Sibu – @sibumuse
Vwegba – @vwegbaaa
Photographer (s) :
Adam Ibrahim (pix3l_perfect) & Mazvita Arts Studio