A fashion show featuring the designs of Thom Browne captivated a stylish audience at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor on February 10, 2024, just before the Super Bowl LX festivities in nearby Santa Clara. The event attracted a mix of fashion influencers, athletes, and notable figures, including outgoing GQ editor Will Welch, creating an atmosphere that was as much about high fashion as it was about the city’s ongoing football celebrations.
As attendees arrived at the museum, the typical pre-game frenzy of the Super Bowl felt distant. San Francisco has been alive with parties leading up to the game, with many locals claiming to have crossed paths with stars like Jason and Travis Kelce or heard the music of Bad Bunny echoing throughout the city. Yet, the fashion show at the museum presented a different scene, evoking memories of elite prep school gatherings, reminiscent of the storied halls of Gossip Girl’s Constance Billard.
Prominent figures began arriving early, including Will Welch, who recently announced his departure from GQ to work with musician and Louis Vuitton creative director Pharrell Williams. Surrounded by eager admirers, Welch navigated the crowd with a keen eye for his nephew, who was attending his first fashion show.
The runway was adorned with the latest from Browne, showcasing his signature pleated skirts and tailored suits. As the sun set, the temperature dropped, prompting a wave of fashionable layers to emerge among the guests, many of whom hailed from warmer climates. A local attendee humorously referenced a misattributed Mark Twain quote about the cold in San Francisco, capturing the evening’s whimsical spirit.
Among the last to walk the grey carpet was Queen Latifah, who has been a long-time supporter of Browne’s designs. When asked about her favorite part of San Francisco, she playfully responded, “Oakland,” drawing laughter from those nearby.
As guests moved to the cocktail area, the atmosphere buzzed with conversation. Kim Dempster, a local high-end shopper, shared her thoughts while adjusting her hat that proclaimed “Newsom was right about everything,” expressing her discontent with current events. The camaraderie among attendees underscored the sense of community that the evening fostered.
As the show was set to begin, excitement filled the room. Teyana Taylor took her place in the front row alongside her children and Queen Latifah, adding to the star-studded ambiance. The runway, transformed from a gallery space, featured a striking backdrop of a Rodin sculpture, setting the stage for Browne’s theatrical presentation.
The show culminated with a special reveal of Browne’s collaboration with sneaker brand Asics. The limited edition sneakers, specifically the Gel-Kayano 14, are expected to launch on March 2, 2026, generating much anticipation among fashion enthusiasts.
After the show, the afterparty provided a relaxed environment, with Browne and his models, some still adorned with metallic hairpieces from the runway, mingling with attendees. DJ mixes of Queen Latifah’s hits filled the space, although she did not join the festivities.
Among the guests, influencer Wisdom Kaye was spotted enjoying the party atmosphere. As the night progressed, the models gathered around Kaye, creating an impromptu dance floor when the 1994 hit “100% Pure Love” by Crystal Waters began to play, drawing smiles and laughter from the crowd.
As the evening wound down, the vibrant energy of the event lingered, showcasing the intersection of fashion and culture that defines San Francisco. With the city buzzing with Super Bowl excitement, this fashion show served as a reminder of the diverse experiences and celebrations that coexist within its vibrant landscape.
