Following the critical reception recevied from its brilliant inaugural show in 2023 it was hard to imagine what The Runway Ball could do for an encore in 2024. How about simply becoming the show that is defining Boston’s ascension as the hub of the fashion world?
THE debut of Boston’s Runway Ball was unparalleled on all fronts: fashion, creativity, food, music, innovation. Nothing previously had, or could have compared to what the city of Boston was treated to on December 3rd 2023.
That is, until the 2024 show came around.
The second annual Boston’s Runway Ball this past December 15th was truly iconic, a rival only to itself. From the cocktail reception to the production to the music to the designs, this year’s show spoke volumes to the ascending potential of Boston creatives.
Boston has amassed creative talent at an unmatched rate over the last few years; the community of creatives, artists, and designers was ripping at the seams, waiting for an event that allowed them to flourish in the way they were destined to.
“There is so much homegrown talent here -not just in Boston but throughout New England,” Runway Ball co-producer Matt Ribaudo said. “It’s only fitting we have a showcase event here everyone can be proud of.”
Boston’s Runway Ball was just that event the city had been waiting for.
The Runway Ball has given Boston the opportunity to make a name for itself in the fashion industry. An opportunity that is long overdue, especially in the midst of schools such as Massachusetts College of Art and Design or the School of Fashion Design. Challenging the boundaries of traditional fashion and shaping revolutionary designs, the next generation of Boston creatives have been patiently awaiting their moment to shine.
But we know that all good things come with time, and this masterful event was well worth the wait.
Co-producer Amanda Vargus, visionary and one of the masterminds behind the incredible production that still has people reeling spoke to the success of this years’ event.
“We set the bar high last year–this we know. But that only inspired us to make the event this year that much better. Expectations were high, but our incredible Boston-based team delivered, just like we always knew the city would.”
The Runway Ball not only puts the Boston fashion scene on par with cities like New York, Milan, and Paris–it has given the fashion world metropolitans something to take notice of.
Exceeding the limits of a traditional fashion show, Boston’s Runway Ball was a wholly immersive experience with something for everyone.
One look at the crowd–an impressive audience nearing 500 attendees–and the impact was obvious. The atmosphere was palpable from start to finish, and the spectators were nothing short of enthralled.
Upon entrance, guests were whisked away into a world of elegance and sophistication. From the shoes to the dresses to the jewelry to the originality of guests, the event’s innovation and ingenuity resonated throughout the crowd, fueled by their support of local Boston fashion.
Industry leaders, creatives, fashion-enthusiasts, influencers, and more demonstrated just how vibrant the fashion scene is in Boston. The collision of art, innovation, and fashion left an indelible mark on the fashion industry that Boston is proud to take credit for.
The Runway Ball’s beloved group of pioneers who made a dream they had for the Boston creative community into a reality: Matt Ribaudo, Amanda Vargus, and Jimmie Espo, are the heart and soul of this event.
“It was really a night to remember, from the seamless execution of the production to the power of a connected community to the incredible fusion of music, art, and fashion,” said Ribaudo, publisher and founder of BostonMan Magazine, who also released a special six-year anniversary edition of his publication at The Runway Ball. “It’s everything I’ve wanted for Boston and I just feel blessed to have played a role in making it happen.”
Even before the runway show began, the execution of the 2024 theme, A Winter’s Dream, was absolutely awe-inspiring. A winter’s dream might evoke a mystical or fairy-like winter wonderland connotation, but with Boston often facing preconceived notions of what our fashion landscape has to offer, the theme instead reflected a nuanced approach that emphasized a daring venture.
We have Amanda Vargus to thank for crafting that theme, one that was unique to Boston’s Runway Ball and to Boston’s Runway Ball only.
“Winter isn’t just snow and Christmas wishes coming true; It’s the coldest and darkest season of the year,” Vargus says frankly. While most folks habitually gravitate to ‘Winter Wonderland’ and holiday themes for December events, Vargus dared the fashion community to be bolder and different.
“To truly immerse yourself with A Winter’s Dream,” she explained. “It’s important to also think along the lines of The Night King (Game of Thrones) and The Snow Queen (Frozen).”
“Boston is building a reputation for innovative fashion designs,” she continued. “And the local Boston talent is not holding back. We are truly breaking boundaries. I wanted the theme to be more than just whimsical–I wanted it to be edgy and daring and bold.”
The balance between light and dark was managed perfectly, and the outstanding design elements like ten-foot tall white tree branches surrounding the stage underscored just how dedicated Boston is to making its mark.
Each carefully chosen detail not only positioned Boston as a fashion hub, but truly set the stage for a transformative experience that promised to redefine the industry and secure Boston’s well-deserved place on the map in the fashion industry.
The scene was captivating, and will live in the memories of guests for years to come.
“The only thing better than seeing your ideas come to life,” the Wave + Woven CEO beamed, “is sharing the experience with the people who have always supported you and have always believed in your ideas.”
The Grand Ballroom of the Park Plaza is one of the few places that could do the Boston Runway Ball justice. With its domed ceilings and crystal chandeliers, this room lives and breathes elegance and luxury. Like the runway shows of the fashion capitals of the world, The Runway Ball boasts a raised runway and secures its spot as one of the only raised runway shows that Boston has to offer all year long.
The decor and production quality of the show encapsulated the bold and innovative spirit of the event. Both participants and spectators alike took note of the caliber of the production. Second-time Boston Runway Ball model, Katie Pham, raved about the show.
“The organization of the show is incredible. I love the communication with the models and the designers. Everything always turns out so well because of it.”
Founder of the 617 Event Group and co-producer of The Runway Ball, Jimmie Espo brings 30+ years of event planning experience and was instrumental in bringing the show to life.
“It’s an honor to help produce and emcee this show and just being part of such an unforgettable show,” said Espo. “Seeing the energy, talent, and passion come to life on the runway was nothing short of inspirational. I’m beyond grateful to have played a role in bringing this vision to life and sharing the experience with such an incredible crowd.”
For Espo, The Runway Ball is also an opportunity to showcase his incredible team at The 617 Event Group.
“Obviously, the nature of our business (617 Event Group) includes a lot of wedding bookings,” he explains. “But The Runway Ball allows us to expand our imagination and really show what types of production and entertainment our group can produce. I am so proud of everyone from my team that helped bring this to life.”
Before the models graced the runway, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception filled with immersive experiences and specially curated menu options. Guests were met at the top of the Grand Ballroom’s magnificent staircase with a colorful and delicious activation from Sugar Factory Boston, because who doesn’t love to start the night with a sweet treat?
But the treats didn’t stop there. Specialty drinks were crafted just for the event, with creative names that encouraged conversation and sparked curiosity: the Catwalk Cosmo, a Winter’s Demon, the Runway Old Fashioned, and more. Chic Party Carts curated their own rendition of A Winter’s Dream, serving Italian ice for attendees to enjoy.
Guests got to feel like the star of the show while taking pictures on the Runway Ball Red Carpet, and took advantage of the different photo booth options courtesy of Taileen Love and The Magic Mirror of New England. Undoubtedly, guests captured the glamour of the evening with every smile and pose, and the pictures served as a great souvenir to remember the night.
Cameras and photo booths weren’t the only way that people were savoring the moments of The Runway Ball. The incredibly talented Giovanna Chaisson captured guests’ likeness on the spot and produced stunning portrayals of many of the attendees at the event. The watercolor paintings were works of art made in real time and served as the perfect preview to the show.
Soon models would walk the runway and breathe life into the clothes, bringing the designers’ visions to life and capturing their essence in a single moment before the audience’s eyes.
Featuring eight local Boston designers, the show was a gallery of living art. Each designer infused their unique background and experiences into their designs and the show yielded a perfect blend of innovation and timelessness, rooted in tradition and elite craftsmanship.
Collaboration was truly the cornerstone of the show, acting as the driving force behind every unforgettable moment. Designers Nina Pimenta and Ellie Jian manifested the spirit of collaboration in their creations, working together to create breathtaking looks that left the audience in awe.
“I had an amazing experience working with Nina–a truly gifted designer–and showcasing my headpieces alongside her stunning outfits,” Jian remarked. “Seeing my work come to life on the runway with supermodels like Meaghan Hamilton was such a rewarding moment.”
Hamilton could only agree. She had been one of the models selected for the first Boston’s Runway Ball back in 2023, but in the end she wasn’t able to walk in the show. As an active duty member of the military, she was called to serve our country and had to push off her modeling aspirations -and The Runway Ball- for a year.
“When I found out I was walking in A Winter’s Dream Runway Ball–I was beyond excited.” Hamilton’s excitement was palpable, at last able to be a part of the show.
“Walking as a model in the show made me feel so special and grateful to be a part of something so beautiful,” Hamilton smiled, remembering the momentous night. “Having been blessed to showcase Nina and Ellie’s designs, along with Zonya’s (Campbell) was a dream come true; they made the entire experience all the more enjoyable. Not to mention, their designs were so beautiful and flattering; it was hard not to feel special wearing them.”
The runway itself was aglow with various textures, colors, and shapes, drawing a well-earned applause from the audience members. With the delicate and refined details of Jian’s headwear and the bold shades of Pimenta’s latest collection, the crowd transcended into another realm only made possible through the synergy of the designers’ imaginations.
The collective effort not only showcased the individual brilliance of each designer but also celebrated the power of merging personal and unique creative visions into an extraordinary experience.
A key element of The Runway Ball experience differentiating its showcase from others- was the music.
Globally renowned Connecticut/New York based musician, John Randolph, aka ‘John Violinist’ blew the audience away with his intermission performance during the runway show.
Gracing the cover of the BostonMan Magazine publication released that evening, John Violinist more than lived up to the hype mesmerizing guests with not only his music, but also his showmanship -going into the crowd and interacting with guests as he played.
“This was such a beautiful show from top to bottom,” he said. “It’s actually much more than a show. It’s an entire elevated experience.”
Music indeed makes any experience feel more collective, but the effect of John’s classical instrument turned modern had the audience on their feet–dancing.
“The runway was very engaging and unique; the event was elegant and well-orchestrated. I would recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy a show that is truly spectacular.”
His violin compelled the audience to participate in the show, to truly immerse themselves with the evening even if they weren’t the ones on stage.
Because, after all, what is a community without its members? The Boston creative community really showed up to support its models, designers, and everyone else who was a part of this unforgettable night.
Jian reminisced, grateful for her first Boston’s Runway Ball appearance.
“The energy in the room, the enthusiasm from the audience, and the celebration of fashion, artistry, and philanthropy made it such a special night. It was an honor to be part of an event that not only highlights incredible talent in our city but also supports the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Hospital of New England.”
The designer’s thoughts were echoed in the crowd–in the support, in the energy, in the passion.
Next year’s Boston’s Runway Ball will be something you won’t want to miss. And that goes not just for Boston, but for an entire fashion world.
