From left: Veronica Swanson Beard, Kalynn Holmes-Butler, Payton Morris and Veronica Miele Beard at our Spring 2023 show, photographed by Taylor Jewell
Spring 2023
Front Row: Meet Kalynn Holmes-Butler & Payton Morris
Among the constellation of front-row stars at our Spring 2023 runway, we were most proud to welcome Payton Morris and Kalynn Holmes-Butler. The two have long dreamt of going to New York Fashion Week and we were thrilled to team up with our friends at Nordstrom and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to #MAKEITHAPPEN. Holmes-Butler, 19, was born with sickle cell anemia and Morris, 18, has leukemia, but that didn't stop the duo from owning the front row like veteran editors, soaking up all the pulse-pounding energy under the klieg lights. Get to know them here as we chat about the show, all things fashion and their NYC faves.
Q&A
Favorite part of the VB show?
PM: Definitely meeting the Veronicas and going backstage.
KHB: Getting to go backstage before the show and seeing how all of the production and behind-the-scenes stuff worked. Watching all of the models get their hair, makeup and nails done was so exciting and fun to watch, especially seeing all of their final looks on the runway afterwards!
PM: Definitely meeting the Veronicas and going backstage.
KHB: Getting to go backstage before the show and seeing how all of the production and behind-the-scenes stuff worked. Watching all of the models get their hair, makeup and nails done was so exciting and fun to watch, especially seeing all of their final looks on the runway afterwards!
Which was your favorite look?
KHB: The yellow and white tweed short set—look #22 on the look board!
PM: The green short sleeve suit. :)
KHB: The yellow and white tweed short set—look #22 on the look board!
PM: The green short sleeve suit. :)
How would you describe your personal style?
PM: Streetwear mixed with brightly color statement pieces in a minimal and subtle way.
KHB: My wardrobe is a fun and unique time capsule. I like holding onto certain pieces I love, even if they go out of style or become worn. To me, what's "in" doesn't matter because as long as you like it you shouldn't care what anyone else has to say.
PM: Streetwear mixed with brightly color statement pieces in a minimal and subtle way.
KHB: My wardrobe is a fun and unique time capsule. I like holding onto certain pieces I love, even if they go out of style or become worn. To me, what's "in" doesn't matter because as long as you like it you shouldn't care what anyone else has to say.
What do you love about fashion?
KHB: The versatility of the clothes and how you can make them your own. Fashion, to me, is the ability to express yourself and your style through your outward appearance and I just love that. I think everyone should be able to dress how they want, if it's not hurting anyone.
PM: Fashion is a way of expressing one's self without having to vocalize it. It's an art form that isn’t spoken but shown.
KHB: The versatility of the clothes and how you can make them your own. Fashion, to me, is the ability to express yourself and your style through your outward appearance and I just love that. I think everyone should be able to dress how they want, if it's not hurting anyone.
PM: Fashion is a way of expressing one's self without having to vocalize it. It's an art form that isn’t spoken but shown.
Which piece in your closet makes you feel your best?
PM: This black silk blazer that matches with many different pieces and elevates any outfit.
KHB: My favorite pair of jeans aren't really very trendy right now, but I love them anyway because I feel confident and like myself in them!
PM: This black silk blazer that matches with many different pieces and elevates any outfit.
KHB: My favorite pair of jeans aren't really very trendy right now, but I love them anyway because I feel confident and like myself in them!
Who’s your style icon?
KHB: Zendaya—I just love how she wears what she wants and isn't afraid to take risks with her looks. She always has the best looks and gets really creative with them, like her 2019 Met Gala look, which was so different but looked beautiful on her.
PM: I have a few, but my top one would be Kendall Jenner. She wears everything from bold streetwear to elegant, more feminine pieces beautifully.
KHB: Zendaya—I just love how she wears what she wants and isn't afraid to take risks with her looks. She always has the best looks and gets really creative with them, like her 2019 Met Gala look, which was so different but looked beautiful on her.
PM: I have a few, but my top one would be Kendall Jenner. She wears everything from bold streetwear to elegant, more feminine pieces beautifully.
Favorite things to do when you have free time?
PM: Reading, coloring, shopping and organizing.
KHB: Thrifting and upcycling, drawing designs or watching TV shows and movies on Netflix.
PM: Reading, coloring, shopping and organizing.
KHB: Thrifting and upcycling, drawing designs or watching TV shows and movies on Netflix.
What else are you most excited to see/do in New York?
KHB: Well, besides fashion week, I'm probably most excited to see all the sights, like the Statue of Liberty, shop on 5th Avenue—and eat some famous New York pizza!
PM: To visit the Summit One Vanderbilt—it's the newest Manhattan observation deck and they have this one floor that is covered with silver balloons and overlooks Manhattan. Also, the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the Upper East Side and another observation deck called Edge NYC. I'd like to explore and look around at some murals, too!
KHB: Well, besides fashion week, I'm probably most excited to see all the sights, like the Statue of Liberty, shop on 5th Avenue—and eat some famous New York pizza!
PM: To visit the Summit One Vanderbilt—it's the newest Manhattan observation deck and they have this one floor that is covered with silver balloons and overlooks Manhattan. Also, the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the Upper East Side and another observation deck called Edge NYC. I'd like to explore and look around at some murals, too!
