Me? A Chopova Lowena Runway Star?
SSENSE Lead Editor Alex Kessler made his runway debut at Chopova Lowena’s SS25 show—here’s a peek behind the scenes…
Ever wondered what it’s like to step into a model’s shoes? After nearly a decade hustling my way up in the industry, from bumbling intern to fashion editor, I’ve often felt the pull of the spotlight, even if my comfort zone is behind the lens. Like many editors these days, I’ve turned to social media to scratch that itch, peppering in silly memes and TikTok videos along the way.
Purists might scoff, and sure, it’s likely a hot topic at a fancy dinner party (fashion folks do unashamedly love their gossip and a free meal). But in today’s multi hyphenate age, why not give it a shot when the opportunity rises? Chopova Lowena reached out, and I jumped at it. How did it all unfold, though?
Late last year, while still fashion news editor at , I joined my now-friend Daniel Rodgers for an episode of The Run-Through With Vogue podcast with Chopova Lowena's designers, Bulgarian American Emma Chopova and Brit Laura Lowena-Irons. Rodgers cheekily suggested I should walk in their next show, and it wasn’t a wild idea; the brand often features industry personalities on the runway.Though I was a bit flustered—maybe even embarrassed—I couldn’t help but feel flattered. At last, my long-awaited Kendall Jenner runway moment was within reach (many—as in, myself—have noted the uncanny resemblance). Months passed, and as I transitioned into my new role as lead editor at SSENSE, the whole thing went radio silent. I started to think it would never happen. Then, an email landed in my inbox from casting director Sarah Small (who, coincidentally, had been in my class back at Central Saint Martins), inviting me for a fitting at the Chopova Lowena studio in Deptford, London, for the SS25 show. Gasp. It’s happening.
At my first fitting, I was handed two looks: a forest-green tracksuit set featuring the brand’s signature carabiner skirt, and a pair of denim shorts paired with a slouchy cardigan. I loved both. But a few days later, I was summoned back to the studio to try on three more looks—some with tights, others showcasing their must-have skirts in varying lengths. Stripping down in front of the designers was a bit awkward at first, but since they were people I adored and I had a new role to play, I leaned into it: model mode activated. Take a pic! Why not?Between outfit changes, I quizzed the designers about the collection. “For the folkloric side of our inspiration, we dove into Victorian-era America—drawing from female Wild West icons like Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane, as well as showgirls, gothic Halloween costumes, and the ads of that time,” explained Chopova. “On the more athletic side, we explored gymnastics costumes from the ’80s and ’90s, from rhythmic routines to vaulting and floor displays—that’s where all the rhinestones come in,” Lowena-Irons added.
Curious about how I made the cut, I had to ask: What exactly was the casting brief they gave to Small? “We hand over all our research to Sarah, and she runs with it, coming back with this incredible mix of weird and wonderful people—she always nails it,” Lowena-Irons explained.To dig deeper, I caught time with Small. “It’s surprisingly laid-back; we scout all summer and kick off the physical castings a month before the show—it’s a slow but really lovely process,” she told me. When I asked what catches her eye in a model, she said, “It’s all about someone’s confidence in their own essence. We’re drawn to people who are unapologetically themselves. We’ve gotten pretty intuitive about it.” But why me? I practically blurted out. “Because you’re so cute!” she exclaimed. For a split second, I thought, maybe it’s time to consider another career pivot.As show day drew closer, my nerves began to bubble up, so I reached out to freelance writer Mahoro Seward, who had walked in Chopova Lowena’s SS23 runway—their first-ever live spectacle. “While I never actually saw myself walking a show, it is, embarrassingly, a moment I’ve been preparing for all my adolescent and adult life,” they admitted. (I mean, same.) Their advice? “Horribly cliché, but be yourself and have fun with it. Chopova Lowena is rare in that, while they certainly offer a distinct, borderline esoteric aesthetic, what truly animates the clothes are the characters they summon from within the wearer. So just go with whatever you feel once you’re in your look. And learn to stomp-walk. Fast.”
The day finally arrived. First order of business? A clean shave. To my horror. But models don’t get to say no to requests that define a show’s aesthetic. Arriving at the east London venue, I quickly realized I wasn’t the only It Girl in the lineup. Award-winning gymnast Becky Downie was there, looking glorious in a bejeweled red and black leotard with extravagant ribbons woven through her hair. Film director Luna Carmoon was draped in a stunning black velvet dress with capped sleeves and intricate braids cascading from her crown. My boss Steff Yotka’s 75-year-old dad, Walt, looked ravishing in a white shirt and black velvet pants dripping with silver embellishments. “Kind of heavy, and I’m worried I might trip on the runway, but I love it,” he joked as we took our places. SSENSE menswear buying manager Calvin Holmes and Dover Street Market Paris’s head of buying and merchandising Nick Tran made an entrance in swinging skirts. And, of course, Chopova Lowena regulars Molly Hunloke, Ami Evelyn Hughes, and the Wilson brothers, Joel and Cameron, were there, serving looks in full force.
As for mine? A billowing white bibbed shirt embroidered with a butterfly, black satin lace-up shorts, white floral tights, hardware-adorned Asics, and an oversized black bag with a green doll chain. My hair was spiked, cheeks blushed, brows brushed. I l slipped right into character, somewhere between a choir boy and a dashing prince. Having my makeup done by my friend and star artist Lauren Reynolds was a bonus. “We’re giving you all the blush in the world!” she said, referencing a deep-cut IG photo where I’d used a hilariously over-the-top blush filter. Everyone had done their research.Then came rehearsals. Cue mild panic—I missed an entire room during my practice run. But the music—a thumping mix of death metal, ASMR whispers, and country-techno, spliced by Chopova herself—got me pumped. The producer shouted the brief: “Chin down, walk fast, like you’ve got somewhere to be!” After hours of practicing my semi-mew on my phone camera, I was ready.
Guests filed in, including my boyfriend, Will Brown, and the adrenaline was high. I hit the runway with intention: no tripping, sharp turns, and zero eye contact with industry besties and frenemies alike. As we all took our final walk, a wave of joy washed over me—I was living the dream, and proud of it. Backstage, euphoric, I didn’t even mind the smell of my own BO lingering in the air. “I’m gagged at how easily you pulled this off,” Yotka said afterward. “You looked incredible and professional,” added Brown. Even my crew chimed in on the group chat—Alice Cary said, “Alex, it was excellent,” while Rodgers, who loves to drag me at any opportunity, surprised me with, “It was beyond.”
As I sit here now, toying with the idea of sending a portfolio to IMG, Elite, or Ford, I realize how lucky I am to do what I love. I get to wear amazing clothes, witness life-changing extravaganzas, and work with incredibly gifted people—all while chowing down delicious, overpriced food, my other passion. Having my runway cherry popped by Chopova Lowena feels perfect—they’re truly among today’s most extraordinary design talents. I know fashion-obsessed baby Alex would also be gagged, but not surprised, at how easily he pulled this off. It was always in me (and Kendall).
