The House of Khisential is a group of models and designers that work to produce seasonal fashion shows that display local designers from the DMV area. The group put on its second-ever seasonal fashion show, The Winter Wonderland, before the snow buried much of Baltimore.
A party venue in West Baltimore was transformed into a runway, with a lively crowd packing the seats, and multiple fashion designers draping models in their clothing and sending them to the runway with music pumping through the speakers around them. Off the runway, food and drinks were served.
Known as ‘house father’, Mekhi’ ‘Khisential’ Nathan is the founder and creative mind behind the organization. Nathan creates clothes while also teaching models how to walk and perform.
Mythical creatures and comic book archetypes sit at the center of Nathan’s inspiration. Storm from ‘X-Men’ is known for her long white hair, glowing white eyes, and black latex body suit as she manipulates the wind, water, and Earth around her. Nathan credits Storm as a major creative influence describing her as powerful and godly.
The group decorated the warehouse with two large icy blue bulbs on the floor, multiple inflatable snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, large white letters spelling out ‘Winter Wonderland’, and an elevated runway placed in the middle of the room. White cloth also contributed to the look, draped over each wall in a heavenly manner.
“We do not just have models. We have designers, artists, and dancers. We always come together and everything you see is intentional,” Nathan said.
Board-member Damia Coles had been dancing since age three before taking a break from dance while in college. Coles says that the group’s commitment to performing, entertaining, and designing is what creates the space for Baltimore’s urban fashion scene to thrive.
“[Nathan] hit me up and asked me about House of Khisential, and I said, ‘you know what, why not? I’m going to try this out again’ and ever since then I’ve never stopped,” said Coles.
Since joining, Coles’ dedication to the growth of the group has earned her the stage name ‘Storm,’ given directly to her from Nathan. Their strong partnership has also earned her a board-member position within the group, but she also acts as a mentor to aspiring models. Coles says she fell in love with the uplifting, appreciative, and collaborating spirit of the team.
“It’s so much more than just walking on the runway. We help the models change their clothes, we get hair, make-up, nails for all the girls you know, we help each other, you know everything needs to stay in place when we dance,” said Coles.
The Winter Wonderland show included more than just members of Khisential. Baltimore-based designer and stylist, Aylisa Alford, is not apart of house of Khisential, but her clothing brand, 40 La’Mode, was in the show. 40 La’Mode was born to revamp 80’s and 90’s styles for Gen-z. As a local designer, Alford has been taking her craft seriously since 2011.
“When my kids were young, they got into modeling, and then I decided to form our own group: ‘Ice Cream & Cake Entertainment’ and eventually, that led to me styling other people. From that, I ended up making a brand [40 La’Mode] where I have pieces that people can buy and get into the fashion themselves.” said Alford.
In the Winter Wonderland show, 40 La’Mode was the final set of the show. Models took the stage in all black, styled with chains, leather, and uniquely shaped pieces. Alford says her inclusion in the show has opened her up to a younger generation of models, fashion, and audience.
“I was feeling honored that other designers reached out to me to be a part of the show; to see my work transcend generations and to reinvent myself. These young designers are confident, no divisiveness like when I was coming up” says Alford.
The group also invited children from another local fashion group to walk in the show. The children walked the runway as the crowd screamed for every one of them.
Beyond the entertainment, collaborative efforts take place off the stage. At one pop-up table a local business called ‘Jazzy’s Juices’ had alcoholic beverages for sale, while at another table, a family-run business, had menu items including shrimp alfredo and chicken marsala.
Nathan says their goal is to put emphasis on the importance of collaboration, community, and the inclusion of all people when it comes to supporting art at a lower level. If you would like to get involved with House of Khisenital, check out their instagram @HouseofKhisential for events!