The long drive, the tiresome walk, the small room overflowing with people, the bright lights, the loud music and the rude people were all worth it to see Richard Hallmarq’s fashion show on May 18. After his elimination on Season 11 of Project Runway, Hallmarq booked a show at The Park Ultra Lounge, a small cafeteria and bar, on the corner of L Street and 15th Street in Sacramento.

People filed into a small room in the back and squeezed into every niche they could – some weren’t even able to enter the room. A short, white runway attached to a bar hid behind a white curtain was the focus of the red lighted room. Noisy people pushed at each other to get a good spot and photographers stood on benches, getting ready for the show.

Out emerges Hallmarq who welcomes and thanks the audience for coming to his show. He gives a brief yet inspiring speech about following your dreams and how Project Runway affected his view on life. Then he welcomed singer Jill Jones on stage and introduced her as the one who would be performing as the models walked the runway.

Dressed in black and white, the models strut and posed and even interacted with Jones as she sang. Hallmarq had a fascinating design of a low skirt in the front and high skirt in the back. Different patterns on the loose, comfortable-looking clothing made the outfits more appealing.  The models wore long necklaces and large bright sunglasses, which stood out even more since the models wore their hair in topknots, drawing attention to the accessories.

The show itself only lasted about 10 minutes, but it was worth it. These outfits seemed like those people would actually wear on a daily basis. They weren’t crazy and strange, but instead interesting and beautiful.

Once the show had finished, Hallmarq gave thanks to all that have helped him in his life including his parents, friends and partners. The entire experience was touching, exciting and fun and Hallmarq will certainly be remembered by his hometown.

by SARAH HENSCHEL