Bloom Runway

When
Saturday, June 21, 2025
6 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Cost: $65 - $125
Where
615 SE Alder St
Portland, OR 97214

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

Bloom Runway returns triumphantly after a five-year hiatus with Dynasty IX: Crowned in Legacy, an immersive fashion experience showcasing visionary BIPOC designers. Held at The Melody Ballroom, this year’s show is more than a comeback—it’s a cultural statement closing out Juneteenth week with style, substance, and soul. Now in its ninth iteration, the event’s theme nods to the symbolism of the number nine: completion, mastery, and new beginnings. Dynasty IX blends high fashion, streetwear, and culture in a way that honors heritage while boldly shaping the future of fashion.

“Bloom has always been about making room—and not just making room, but celebrating and highlighting talent that’s too often overlooked,” says founder and executive producer Abibat Durosimi. “This isn’t just a runway show. It’s a renaissance. A reclaiming. And a reminder that art, especially from marginalized voices, is what pushes society forward.”

This year’s lineup includes Amen Amen Studio, whose work bridges Nigerian heritage and contemporary design through traditional textiles and global craftsmanship. Also featured are Black Earth United’s grounded outdoor wear rooted in functional storytelling, the cultural street edge of Mercury L3agu3’s reimagined urban-wear, and Trador’s tailored futurism—blended West African ceremonial elegance with sharp contemporary cuts. House of Rose by Thor joins the lineup with bespoke luxury garments that exude timeless sophistication and bold individuality. In addition, Portland Fashion Institute will showcase student-led collections, introducing a new wave of emerging design talent.

In addition to the runway, attendees can explore a curated marketplace of BIPOC-owned brands, enjoy a live spoken word performance from Mac Smiff along with dancer Ola Onipede, and connect with industry leaders at the post-show dance party mixer with DJ Solo. VIP guests will receive swag bags and exclusive perks, and all attendees will have direct access to shop designers’ collections via QR codes in the event program.

“As some folks want to challenge the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Bloom stands firmly in the belief that these principles are not optional—they’re essential,” says Durosimi. “We’re not just creating a show. We’re creating a space where people are seen, celebrated, and empowered.