Art, Fashion, and Identity Converge at Arte Vallarta Museo’s La Pasarela

May 23, 2025

Felix d'Eon is flanked by his models from the fashion show. Photo by Rande Lee

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The Arte Vallarta Museo hosted “La Pasarela,” an art and fashion show on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, that blended the stunning artistry of designers like Armando Mafud and Felix d’Eon with a vibrant celebration of queer identity, concluding with d’Eon’s “Queer Loteria.”

There are fashion shows, and there are fashion shows, but this one, a vibrant celebration of creativity and dynamism, took the cake. An array of models from across the gender spectrum regaled the audience with the stunning artistry of fashion designers; Felix d’Eon, Larisa Katz, Armando Mafud, and sunshine summer dresses from My Favorite Dress by Alicia.

Armando Mafud, Internationally renowned Mexican Designer, Mexican Artist, and owner of Galeria Fabrica de Suenos, Javier Nino and Anna Gurayevskaya Model for Armando Mafud. Photo by Rande Lee

The soul of each designer was on vivid display in a beautiful kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, and movement. As the models, many from Russian speaking countries, moved gracefully through the second floor gallery, the large audience, seated, and standing looked on in mesmerized admiration.

The event was brilliantly hosted by the effervescent Kevin Anthony, who I was able to chat with prior to the beginning of the show. Regarding the evening ahead, Kevin humbly emphasized, “it’s not about me, it’s about the designer’s, and the clothes,” then, smiling slyly, he added “I don’t have to be seen, but I’ll make sure that I am.”

Felix d'Eon with his incredible art. — Felix d’Eon with his incredible art. Photo by Rande Lee

Richard Di Via, a member of Arte Vallarta’s executive board and curatorial team was standing nearby, and cordially provided me introductions to the many notables in attendance. Richard shared, with pride, “almost everyone involved in the production is from the LGBT+ community.”

One of the highlights of the evening was being able to meet and speak with some of the amazing designers on hand, whose art and talents are celebrated here in Mexico, and indeed, throughout the world.

Armando Mafud is an internationally renowned Mexican designer, Puerto Vallarta resident, and owner of the stunningly eclectic Armando Mafud Galerias, which is located at Venustiano Carranza 263, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Zona Romantica, here in Puerto Vallarta. This was his first time participating in an Arte Vallarta event, and though he was conferring on last minute details of the show, he generously gave of his time.

Regarding his art and fashion vision, he shared, “my art is totally related to the Mexican culture, and even though it has changed throughout the years, I have tried to maintain the Mexican traditions, and passions.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Mexican-American artist Felix d’Eon, who is also known as Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli. He is not only a fashion designer for the La Pasarela Art and Fashion show which I attended tonight, but he is also one of the two artist’s whose incredible exhibition is currently on display at the Arte Vallarta Museo in the third floor gallery.

I asked Felix, what was your hope that the audience would take away from tonight’s fashion show? Smiling, Felix answered thoughtfully, “I wanted there to be jewels, regalia, and bare asses,” he said laughing, continuing he shared, “the bare asses is important, because I want people to experience my clothing, I want people to see those wearing it and feel like they’re not living their usual life.”

Larisa Katz is an international designer whose artistry was showcased prominently at the fashion show. She was not able to attend due to a prior commitment at the Cannes Film Festival. She is however, an aficionado of Puerto Vallarta, and visits as often as her very busy schedule will allow.

Following the fashion show, guests enjoyed a Taco Bar and drinks, and then a “Queer Loteria” envisioned and created by the aforementioned and celebrated Mexican-American artist Felix d’Eon.

Lydia Damato in modeling mode, later she entertained as the caller for the Queer Loteria. Photo by Rande Lee

The lovely Lydia Damato called out the Loteria cards, all the while providing colorful commentary on the captivating images of queer love depicted on the cards in its most intimate expression. Speaking with Lydia prior to the festivities, she commented “this evening is a transcending opportunity, for those willing to transcend.” While standing in the Taco Bar line, chatting with Marcia Blondin, owner and editor of the Vallarta Mirror, I met Candace Shaw’s lovely daughter, Savannah Villaseñor.

Queer Loteria in the courtyard of Arte Vallarta.

Moments earlier, she was upstairs showcasing the amazing talents of Felix d’Eon. Now, still bedecked in all her finery, I asked her what the fashion show had meant to her. Savannah’s answer provided a testament to the theme of the moving event, she shared, “it was very powerful to be wearing something that as women, we don’t dare to wear anymore,” pausing, she continued, “having the disguise was mystic, and even though I’m covered up, it’s revealing.”