LS Gala Ushers In New Culture Wave

Los Santos, San Andreas – The stage was set, and dozens of Los Santos’ finest lined the corridors as excitement mounted at the Kortz Center one Saturday night in September. As they entered the main courtyard of the esteemed cultural landmark, guests were treated to an unforgettable sight. A floating red carpet runway graced the central pool running half the length, gracefully giving way to a beautiful raised platform only outdone by the even more incredible stage that wrapped around and onto the iconic Kortz fountain. The LS Gala was finally here!

Weazel News had the incredible opportunity to be on scene for this night of high fashion, music, and celebration of San Andreas culture. We encountered many of our most beloved celebrities on the red carpet itself, from famed musician Bando to two-time State Representative Ryyan “RyRy” Avery. As our team wandered among the crowd taking in the festivities, we encountered past and current government employees such as Surgeon General Maggie Martindale, since-confirmed SASS Director Frederick Montgomery, former State Representative Becks Lawson (accompanied by a dashing gentleman, Mason Alexander), and outgoing Secretary of State Wyatt McKenzie.

Among the political elite and celebrities were many other beloved denizens of Los Santos. Our reporters had the pleasure of speaking with a wide-ranging who’s who of this fair state, including Niko McReary, Leon Fraser, Joey McKenzie, Tobias Euckland (owner of Hardcore Comic Store), and more! All had been invited by the wonderful hosts of the evening, Original Clothing, who created an atmosphere unlike any the city had seen before. We even spotted the winner of the LS Gala contest, Jamie Harris, who earned a free ticket to the event with their passionate submission. The bright lights, incredible fashion, and unbelievable decorations combined for a mesmerizing experience throughout the evening.

In typical red carpet fashion, the esteemed guests were greeted by professional photographer Vinh Arnold-McKenzie, who captured each statement piece worn to the Gala. Many of the invitees had worked closely with designers from Original Clothing to create one-of-a-kind outfits to wear for one night only. As they walked down the red carpet, these gorgeous pieces with immortalized along with the beautiful people wearing them, adding glitz and glamour to the evening’s events.

As the night progressed, guests gathered around the fountain stage to be entertained by some of the city’s best. Billyboe Stone took the stage first, injecting his country twang into the electric party atmosphere as he was also joined briefly by Jason Tanners for a song. He was followed by Los Santos’ best known music act, Konrad Knives, who impressed with his guitar prowess and soaring vocal renditions. The evening’s performances were closed by a slew of appearances from KOKORO artists, including headliner Lulu Moon and an incredible closer from the label’s CEO, Aiko Arakawa.

The Gala’s atmosphere would not be complete without refreshments to accompany the entertainment and fashion. Pop’s Diner catered the event, bringing their beloved menu down to the city for the night. They were joined by Pipe Down, who provided complimentary cigars for the guests to partake in. Merryweather Security Services were also on scene, ensuring the evening progressed swimmingly without major disruptions. Weazel News thanks everyone who came together to work the event and ensure its success!

We had the opportunity to close the evening by speaking with Original Clothing co-owner Larry Tate, wearing a bespoke, layered piece that told the story of his past and future clothing lines under the Schmuck brand, in collaboration with fellow designer Thomas Grayson. Mr. Grayson had worked with around forty clients designing outfits for the Gala, a particular favorite being one worn by McKenzie Enterprises CEO Pippi DuPons. Ms. DuPons wore a voluminous dress blending purple, pink, and red hues into a white at the bottom. Her hairstyle, created by Mitch Doyle, was inspired by Marilyn Monroe and complimented the dress perfectly. A delicate tiara completed the Cinderella-like princess effect, creating one of the biggest statement pieces of the event.

While the evening’s clothing featured exclusive looks that won’t be seen in this city again, the Original Clothing team is excited to continue bringing streetwear and other fashion lines to the city at large. They’ve proven over the course of this year that their designers can breathe fresh new life into Los Santos fashion, and now we’ve seen the glorious extent of their capabilities. The LS Gala is but the first event of many, as elite fashion is sure to make its mark on San Andreas moving forward. Weazel News will be there to bring you close-up reporting on the latest developments in high society Los Santos!

All red carpet photography courtesy of Vinh Arnold-McKenzie and Original Clothing. Additional photography from Niko McReary, as well as Erin Murphy and Mickey Rivers of Weazel Corp.