ROOTS OF FATIMA PRESENTS: EMBRACING THE ELEMENTS

A NIGHT OF FASHION, SOUL, AND PURE COUTURE

Let me take you back to Saturday, June 28th, where something magical unfolded at Culture House in Washington, D.C. I had the absolute pleasure, and honor, of hosting the red carpet for an event that wasn’t just a fashion show, but a full-on spiritual and artistic experience. Roots of Fatima Presents: Embracing the Elements, created by the incredibly talented Aqila Mimi Benjamin, was nothing short of breathtaking.

From the moment you stepped into the space, you could feel it, this wasn’t your typical runway event. This was something deeper. Something richer. It gave pure Couture, the kind of fashion that moves you. We’ve been missing this level of intentional creativity in the industry, and that night, it was back in full force.

The theme, Embracing The Elements, wasn’t just a cute concept. It was the heartbeat of the entire show. Earth, fire, water, air, and the unseen energies that connect them all were brought to life by models of all sizes, ages, and identities. Representation wasn’t an afterthought, it was the soul of the experience. The runway felt like a celebration of humanity in all its beauty.

Here’s how the journey unfolded:

SHADOW opened the night with moody elegance. Everything was black, different shades, textures, and shapes that played with light and darkness in the most powerful way. It reminded us that Black is Beautiful in every form, every finish, every detail.

Then came EARTH, grounding us with warm neutrals and strong, structured silhouettes. The models radiated strength and calm, like walking odes to our ancestry and roots.

FORCE brought the energy all the way up. Upcycled pieces, streetwear with bold colors and big attitude. It felt like protest and celebration at the same time. Youthful, vibrant, unapologetic.

THUNDER stormed in next, shaking the room with chains, metallics, and jagged details. Each step hit like a drumbeat. It was edgy and loud in the best way.

WIND changed the pace with soft, flowing fabrics and dreamy layers. It felt like a delicate breath, poetic, and oh-so-pretty. A much-needed moment of calm in the storm.

MOON took us into a cosmic dream. Foils, LED lights, futuristic cuts; it felt like stepping into another dimension. Bold, quiet, mysterious.

FLOWER was pure romance. Florals, flowing shapes, and live vocals from the talented Teóna made this scene feel like a love letter to femininity. It was sweet, strong, and full of heart.

WATER & ICE brought a cool fluid and serene contrast, but with a sharp edge. The mix of crystals, resin, and sculptural designs made every look feel like a work of art. Calm on the outside, powerful underneath.

LIGHT gave us light fabrics with pops of vibrant colors. Just what comes to might mind when I envision LIGHT.

And then... FIRE. Whew. One of my personal favorites. The red, the structure, the intensity was impossible to ignore. This scene lit up the room, embodying transformation, desire, strength, and heat. It was everything.

TIME closed the show, and it truly hit me in the heart. Soft, reflective, powerful in its stillness. The performance by Black Assets added such depth it was a moment of honoring where we’ve been, and where we’re going. Another favorite of mine, and the perfect way to end the night.

What stood out across the entire show were the details, the crowns, the avant-garde silhouettes, the way each look told a story. You could feel the care and intention behind every stitch. Aqila Mimi Benjamin didn’t just put on a fashion show; she created a world. One that invited us to see ourselves in the elements. To celebrate our power, our beauty, and our presence.

Embracing the Elements was more than a runway, it was a reset. A reminder that fashion can be art, community, healing, and expression all in one. And for Queen Size Magazine to be there, front and center, was an honor I’ll never forget.

To those who were there, you know. To those who weren’t, you missed something truly special. But don’t worry… we’ve got our eyes on everything coming next. Photos and footage from the show are circulating online, so follow @rootsoffatima and @queensizemagazine for more magic.

I would be remised if I dodn’t mention the host for the event, Mr. Rich Rocket. The energy was everything and more.

Photographer for all images in this feature - Philip Drew @photosbypdrew