Long Beach showcases fashion and voodoo

By Stacy Fong
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer

On Thursday, Oct. 29, downtown restaurant Nagas on the Water was transformed into a fashion show with a nightclub atmosphere. Innovative designer and CSULB student May Salem, 22, conducted the show "Voo Dou: The Art of Living" to introduce the fall and spring collection of Astamaya, her clothing line.

In regards to the name of the show, Salem said, "My partner thought of the name of the show. Voodoo has a negative connotation in society, so we wanted to really bring to light that there is a positive culture behind it."

This was the third show Salem has participated in, but this was her first solo show as a designer. She is an international business and fashion design major who was inspired to be a designer when she made her prom dress in high school.

Before the show, the models were frantically getting their makeup and hair done and getting their picture taken by photographers for Salem's portfolio. A "backstage" was created by using black curtains as partitions. There the models changed their outfits before making their way to the runway again. A film crew set up a camera in front of the runway while the bartenders prepared their stations for the incoming crowd.

At the restaurant's entrance to the left was the restaurant portion, which was occupied by the photographers. The smell of incense and reggae music filled the room. Other vendors had tables set up with their merchandise and the music was provided by DJ "What?!" and Jace One. The greeter was seated at a table, charging five dollars before 10:30 p.m. and $10 after. To the right the bar was set up, which was cornered by two dance floors, one of which had a 20-foot runway in it. Both dance floors were decorated with a sheer white fabric and flowers, giving the rooms a sweet atmosphere that was effectively contrasted with backdrop lights, black lights and spotlights. All visual effects were done by Tyrone Ward, Salem's partner. The left of the runway had tables and barstools for people to watch the show, and the right of the runway had an area for people to stand and watch. The runway was decorated with palm trees and plants.

The doors opened at 9 p.m., where the slowly growing crowd mingled at the bar and waited for the show to start at 11:30 p.m.. Apryl Kadijah hosted the 30-minute fashion segment of the show where seventeen models, also students at CSULB, showcased thirty-six earthy yet colorful outfits, all completely designed by Salem (with the exception of two pairs of jeans).

According to Salem, she has no mainstream designer influences: "My inspiration is based on unity of the cultures and a universal love."

Following the show was entertainment from Afiya, a CSULB-based dance group consisting of Salem and five of her models. The dancers performed two energetic cultural dances to the fast-paced beat of three drummers. After Afiya's performance, the DJ played hip-hop while the crowd made their way to the dance floor and danced until 2 a.m.

Although Salem and all of her models were CSULB students, much of the crowd consisted of people who were not affiliated with school at all. Fashion enthusiasts and supporters of Salem's work crowded the right side of the runway as the show began. They cheered and applauded every model as they broke away from typical runway shows and came out with glowing personalities.

Astamaya clothing is available through mail order only, but Salem hopes to increase availability soon. For additional information, contact May Salem at P.O. Box 15915, Long Beach CA 90815.