Hip Hop 50, presented by Friends of Waterfront Park, Coolout Network, 206 Zulu, Akia Ronai, The Residency celebrated the five elements of Hip Hop and shined light on Seattle’s contributions to the culture, including fashion.. The "LABELS" Fashion Show was a unique celebration marking the monumental impact of creative design and style of both pop culture and the fashion industry. This fashion show installation, envisioned by Marie T, Kidhe and curated by Creative Director & Lead Stylist Akia Ronai, recontextualized the intersection of designer fashion and hip-hop culture. The runway show showcased local, national, and global designers and brands, alongside a “Shop the Look” marketplace where attendees could purchase garments from the show.

Marie T. Kidhe, as the Director of Community Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Friends of Waterfront Park, played a pivotal role in the success of the Hip Hop 50 "LABELS" Fashion Show. She served as the executive producer of the event, responsible for staff recruitment, including the Creative Director and Choreographic Director, securing funding, and managing the execution of the project. Additionally, Marie was a key member of the overarching HIP HOP 50 event planning team, collaborating with multiple community partners to ensure a seamless and impactful experience.

In her role as producer, Marie managed a wide range of responsibilities, including fundraising, casting, production oversight, advertising, marketing & communications, resource procurement, and contractual negotiations. Her leadership was instrumental in the fashion show drawing the largest crowd of the day, contributing significantly to the overall event's success. The Hip Hop 50 "LABELS" Fashion Show not only enhanced the visibility of the participating designers,models, and fashion show team…but also solidified Friends of Waterfront Park’s reputation for hosting large-scale, culturally-impactful events.

The fashion highlighted hip-hop's profound influence on fashion, particularly how it has shaped and defined urban and streetwear styles. By focusing on the evolution of hip-hop fashion—from its origins of innovative, resourceful, and bold statements to its current integration with luxury designer labels—this event celebrated 50 years of hip-hop culture. It also provided a platform for undersourced designers and brands- particularly those that are Black/Brown-owned, Women-owned, LGBTQIAP, local, made in the U.S., Fairtrade, and ethically sourced.

Outcomes:

• Cultural Recognition: The event supported deepening the understanding of hip-hop's role in shaping modern fashion, providing a rich historical context and celebrating its ongoing influence.

• Economic Empowerment: Local and minority-owned designers and businesses will gain exposure and direct sales opportunities through the “Shop the Look” marketplace, contributing to their economic growth.

• Community Engagement: The show will engage a diverse audience, connecting different communities through a shared appreciation of hip-hop culture and fashion. As the anchor portion of HIP HOP 50, the overall event itself garnered an attendance of 5000+ people.

Creative Inspiration: By showcasing innovative fashion rooted in hip-hop culture, the event will inspire both current and future designers, encouraging originality and boldness in fashion design