“One of the most gorgeous sights I’ve ever seen is the underwater coral reefs and sea-life when I visited Australia’s Gold Coast,” said Anna Sui in her show notes for her Spring 2024 collection titled Octopus’s Garden.  “My vision of underwater has always been this fantasy world of exotic fish, coral, and mermaids.”

Sui created a fantasy world full of flutter and shimmer – and fabulous fashion. Her models walked across the stage at the Crosby Street hotel’s private theater in iridescent hues reminiscent of mother of pearl, shells, and glittery or arcadia blossom prints. The overall effect was magical and cool, down to the Erickson Beamon jewelry and the designer’s eyewear.

The audience, which included Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola, and Carlyne Cerf, was enchanted.

The excursion came with a serious message. “The reality of… all the coral reefs around the world disappearing has shocked me into realizing the fragility of everything,” said Sui, urging those as passionate about the underwater world to learn more at Missionblue.org.