A fashion show featuring the designs of Thom Browne attracted a vibrant crowd at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco on February 10, 2024. This event unfolded as the city buzzed with energy from the upcoming Super Bowl LX taking place in nearby Santa Clara. While the football festivities dominated much of the Bay Area’s social scene, the fashion show provided a distinct and elegant escape from the gridiron excitement.
As guests arrived at the museum, they were greeted by an atmosphere reminiscent of a prestigious gathering, with many dressed in Browne’s signature styles, characterized by pleated skirts, tailored suits, and grosgrain stripes. With the Pacific Ocean just blocks away, the venue offered an exquisite backdrop that contrasted sharply with the nearby football frenzy.
Among the attendees was outgoing GQ editor Will Welch, who recently announced his departure from the magazine for a position with musician and Louis Vuitton creative director Pharrell Williams. Dressed impeccably, Welch mingled with a mix of fashion influencers and athletes, all eager to catch a glimpse of the latest trends. The gathering felt less like a sports event and more like a celebration of high fashion, with a vibe akin to a scene from the television series “Gossip Girl.”
As the evening progressed, the fog rolled in, bringing a chill to the air that contrasted with the glamour of the event. Attendees, including actress Queen Latifah, shared lighthearted moments, with Latifah playfully responding to a question about her favorite part of San Francisco by saying, “Oakland.”
Inside the museum, guests enjoyed pre-show cocktails while engaging in conversations about fashion and current events. Local resident Kim Dempster expressed her thoughts on the political climate, wearing a hat that read, “Newsom was right about everything.” She described the event as a small yet meaningful way to express her views amid ongoing societal challenges.
The atmosphere shifted as guests entered the main gallery, transformed into a runway space. The energy heightened when Teyana Taylor took her seat at the edge of the runway, accompanied by her children and Queen Latifah. As the show commenced, it showcased Browne’s theatrical designs, culminating in a collaboration with sneaker brand Asics. The eagerly anticipated shoes, the Gel-Kayano 14, are set to launch on March 2, 2026.
Following the presentation, excitement lingered at the afterparty, where Browne and his models celebrated in an inviting atmosphere. As a DJ attempted to engage the crowd with hits from Latifah, the attendees, including influencer and judge Wisdom Kaye, reveled in the moment.
Throughout the evening, interactions illuminated the blend of fashion and celebrity culture. Sunisa Lee, a gold medal-winning gymnast, expressed her admiration for the designs, stating, “I loved it, I want it,” while analyzing the show’s finale.
As the night progressed, the vibrant energy continued, with models and attendees mingling and creating an impromptu dance floor as classic tracks like Crystal Waters’s “100% Pure Love” played. The allure of the gathering, set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s iconic landscape, highlighted the city’s unique ability to celebrate both fashion and sports simultaneously.
The event concluded as attendees ventured outside, where local food trucks awaited. The combination of fashion, celebrity, and culinary delights created a memorable evening that transcended the usual Super Bowl festivities, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of San Francisco.
