Susan Alexandra rules a glittering empire. The self-made brand spans the color wheel, requires meticulous beading, and exudes uplifting energy. Set in the intimate atmosphere of PUBLIC Arts in downtown Manhattan this past Saturday, the creative handbags and accessories designer presented her Fall/Winter 2020 collection in the form of musical theater. Veterans of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2020 Bat Mitzvah returned, including Hunter Abrams, Benito Skinner, Lauren Servideo, Jessica Joffe, Sasha Spielberg, and Larry Owens. Captured by a cast of personified emotions, a disagreeable landlord, and her pet Pigeon, the 20-minute performance delves into the rite-of-passage narrative of a young artist’s dream of making it in New York City.

Without omitting triumph and inspiration, the musical taps into the ups and downs of being a creative in New York, working to convey the physical and emotional complexities of designing a brand. Featuring new handbag designs, crafty and intricate hair bands, and campy monochrome costumes, Susan Alexandra presented a joyous medium of a fashion narrative that was engaging and unconventional. Document created a video to preserve the people and experiences that contributed to the brand’s success today: Meet the characters in Susan Alexandra’s world.

Hair Naeemah LaFond for Amika Hair Care. Make Up Rachel Krutchkoff. Manicure Holly Falcone for ORLY. Music and Lyrics MUR. Choreography and Direction Hannah Cullen. Costume Design CJ Aslan, Jamie McCarty, Anthony Garcia Garcia, Katie Kimmel, Jessica Cambronero, Maggie McKenna, and Megan Mussari.