EVENT COVERAGE: “5.18.19” Runway Show by Ilan Pozeilov, Jersey Bond, and Jonah Abraham

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5.18.19 runway show - photo by Lucas Dahlke
Photo: Lucas Dahlke

On Saturday, May 18, 2019, three teenagers held their first runway show, “05.18.19,” in the DTLA Arts District. The fashion show showcased avant-garde clothing lines by two young designers. Ilan Pozeilov has an established streetwear line, “Ilan A.P.,” while Jersey Bond used the runway show as an opportunity to create a brand new line of experimental clothing. The third curator of the show, Jonah Abraham, helped the designers piece together certain concepts and looks, and was responsible for the event layout. He was also in charge of the music played during the event and throughout the show. “I remade the playlist over and over again, and after three months I finally got it right,” Abraham explains.

The creative process for the runway show began three months ago. They began the process by location scouting, eventually finding a warehouse space in the Arts District that could hold hundreds of people. They sourced runway models by posting a flyer on Instagram and were greatly encouraged and motivated by the wide variety of people who attended the open casting.

5.18.19 runway show

A representative from Nike heard about the show and offered to provide shoes for the models. The show was promoted through Instagram and Snapchat and the teens asked their friends to help spread the word. They received over 300 RSVPs.

As an alternative to conventional seating, the space was filled with apple crates, lending the show a youthful, makeshift edge. The runway show opened with a performance by teen cello player Omeed Almassi. Attired in a suit designed by Ilan Pozeilov, Almassi sat in the middle of the space and began to play a classical piece. Halfway through the performance, his cello was interrupted by visual and musical distortion, and it was at this point that the show truly began.

The first fashion concept down the runway was Ilan Pozeilov’s experimental high-end men’s streetwear, accompanied by bass-driven rap music. The second half showcased Jersey Bond’s line of clothes for men, women, and children. The music that accompanied her clothing was as abstract as her singular designs. Musical director Jonah Abraham explains, “I wanted the music for her line to be noticeably different than that which played during Ilan’s. I wanted it to be off-putting and abstract.”

Overall, the show was authentic, professional, and every element perfectly executed. The three teens hope this show will be the first of many collaborations and solo events. Over the next few months the designers, Ilan and Jersey, plan on expanding their lines and producing solo shows. Meanwhile, Jonah will carry on contributing music for their shows in addition to creating his own musical events.

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