Spectacular, Spectacular:The Moulin Rouge NYCFW Show at Dom Lounge
Some nights in New York feel like a transition—a bridge between who you are and who you are becoming. After the success of the “Garden of Muses” Swim Week 2024 show, I had a dream to create an immersive art experience for Art Basel. But as the concept grew, it demanded a bigger stage. It elevated into a full-scale New York Fashion Week takeover at Dom Lounge, turning a Park Avenue basement into a high-fashion, underground cabaret. This wasn't just a runway; it was a love letter. Inspired by the iconic movie line, "To be loved and loved in return," I wanted to create a world of Y2K nostalgia and Parisian romance that felt like an act of devotion.
The concept for the Moulin Rouge Lingerie Show was born from a place of heartbroken romance. At the time, my boyfriend was starting a new work contract abroad and I had nothing to do besides grow my new flower business - Honeydews Flowers. I knew he had never been to anything close to a NYCFW lingerie fashion show, so I wanted to really wow him as I digitally brought him along.
I wanted to create a space that felt like a love letter—romantic, a little moody, and dipped in sophistication and ruanchiness. It was about capturing that "spectacular, spectacular" energy of the Moulin Rouge but making it feel fresh for the NYC creative scene - complete with high rollers, strong drinks and even a singer!
When the lights dimmed on Park Avenue, I realized that creating out of love is the most powerful thing a producer can do. Everyone looked beautiful, the room was buzzing, and even with the person I loved miles away, I felt completely surrounded by the romance of the world I had built.
The dream came to life, and it was even sweeter than I imagined.
The experience began long before the first model hit the floor. We welcomed a packed house of 300 guests into a world of flickering shadows and crimson hues. A walkway lined with lanterns and scattered rose petals led the Manhattan elite toward the step-and-repeat, setting a tone that was more "secret society" than standard fashion show.
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with sophistication. Candles and lanterns glowed across the bar and the stage, casting a warm, cinematic light over an audience that brought an undeniably "it-girl" energy to the room.
To bring the Moulin Rouge spirit to life, we didn't just walk; we performed. Dancers entertained the crowd, weaving through the tables and elevating the energy to a fever pitch. We even had an MC dressed in full movie-inspired regalia, acting as our guide through this immersive dreamscape.
When the 30 models finally emerged, it didn't feel like a typical catwalk. It felt like a launchpad. There was a palpable sense that everyone in the room—from the production team to the talent—was stepping into the next phase of their journey. It was high-fashion, it was underground, and it was the moment we all truly took off.
Through the lens of all our lovely photographers, you can see the magic of that night. The photos don't just show a show; they show a turning point.
This event was a catalyst. Because of the energy we cultivated at Dom Lounge, careers were launched, and visions were validated. We proved that when you create out of love, the world shows up to watch. We didn’t just host an event on Park Avenue; we started a movement.