Not long after her return from a brief sojourn in England, Suzan Mutesi, the Sydney-based influencer, made a splash at Australian Fashion Week with a look that was nothing short of audacious. Emulating the Vetements 'towel' look recently donned by the illustrious Doja Cat, Mutesi draped herself in two towels as she graced the venue at Carriageworks. Her choice of attire, a nod to the high-profile Mat Gala ensemble, was both a homage and a bold fashion statement.
Photographs captured the influencer, who has faced scrutiny over her substantial Instagram following, navigating the terrain in her stilettos, all the while maintaining the integrity of her makeshift garment. The challenge of keeping the towels in place seemed to add an element of discomfort to her otherwise confident stride.
Upon the unexpected encounter with a photographer, Mutesi seized the moment for an impromptu photoshoot amidst the gravel and cars. The setting, far from the conventional backdrop for fashion photography, became an impromptu stage for Mutesi's display of confidence and flair for the dramatic.
The same grey Mazda that had been the source of a previous year's embarrassment at the event, now served as an unwitting prop in the influencer's spontaneous photo session. The incident of the car breaking down had been a moment of public humiliation for Mutesi, but it did not deter her from making a statement this year.
The previous year's automotive mishap, which saw Mutesi's vehicle falter before an audience at Carriageworks, was a stark contrast to her current display of boldness. The incident, which caused her to miss a coveted fashion show, was a humbling experience for the influencer. Yet, it seemed to have little effect on her determination to stand out at this year's event.
Just a day prior to the towel incident, Mutesi had made another unconventional choice by substituting a traditional handbag with a desiccated pumpkin. Her attire was a cacophony of colors and textures, featuring a green printed dress, vibrant yellow plastic boots, neon pink shades, and an African basket repurposed as headwear. While her ensemble may have bordered on the avant-garde, it certainly cemented her status as a fashion maverick.
The influencer's eclectic mix of garments and accessories underscored her penchant for the extraordinary, challenging the norms of fashion week's typically polished aesthetics.
Despite her striking presence, Mutesi's legitimacy as a fashion week attendee was called into question by insiders. Rumors swirled that her appearances were more for the spectacle than for the substance of the shows. Allegations suggested that she frequented the venue primarily for photo opportunities, rather than to partake in the array of designer showcases.
Insiders whispered that while Mutesi claimed to be a fixture at the shows, her actual attendance was sporadic at best. Her strategy seemed to revolve around capturing the limelight, even if it meant lingering at the periphery of the actual fashion events.