TOXIC Fashion Show
Artists Collective Inc.
Hartford
June 19, 2026
“So how do you draw out the description for clothing when you write?” asked Rob, one of the photographers on hand to cover the TOXIC Fashion Show at the Artists Collective last Friday. We were talking as we waited for the show to begin.
“That’s a good question,” I replied. I’ve written about clothing before, but this was my first time covering a fashion show
The show, organized by Tyree Hughey, was themed around the toxic relationships that form in our lives and how we navigate them. Five different designers took this theme and put it to fashion, using fabric and color to express themselves.
“Fashion is art, and art is meant to make us feel,” the MC for the event, Brittany Smith, declared as the bright lights snapped on, the doors swung open and the DJ started spinning the tunes for the first models to walk out.
The first designer, Jmar, kicked off the first weekend of summer with an appropriately chosen swimwear presentation. His style is characterized by solid, metallic colors that shimmer and gave the models an otherworldly quality, even as they were preparing to hit the beach.
Designer Grace by Grace took a more flighty approach to design, quite literally. Their work featured sweeping designs that took up space and drew the eye with their bright colors and hugeness. Models were adorned with feathers and wings, strutting across the catwalk like proud peacocks.
Fashion was only one element of the event, as live music kept the crowd moving while the models changed their wardrobes. There was a wide range of performers, from hip-hop to R&B to spoken word, but they were all talented local artists.
My favorite performer of the night was Sweetiie Belle, who channeled old-school R&B vocals, combined with modern production styles on her original track “Too Comfortable.” She brought the audience into the most classic of toxic relationships, where we try to prove over and over that we’re worthy of our partner’s love and attention.
Another great performer from the evening was Artemis, who brought a strong pop performance to the show in addition to walking the catwalk as well. I didn’t get a video of her performing, but she’s a very impressive young woman with a unique sound to keep an eye out for.
Fashion really does speak many languages, going from the practical to the eclectic to the historical. Designer Roots Wear presented a catalog inspired by more traditional fashions from the African diaspora. Their clothing was flowing and loose, with colorful designs and accessories that popped with color.
Writing about fashion is hard, so thank goodness for cameras. (Shout-out to Rob and Mike for teaching me how to shoot a fashion show.) This way you can see the creativity and style for yourselves. Whether you’re going to the beach or hoping to look stylish for a night out, these local creators have you covered.
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Jamil goes to check out a music festival in downtown Hartford.
