Moderator: Leslie Bedolla
Panelists: Shaun Ross, Stephen Galloway, Alexis Borges and Gilles Assor

What is the role of fashion in the process of questioning one's identity? Personal experiences and storytelling will lead the warm-up to the discussion, before moving into more of an anthropological understanding of fashion as a tool to finding and expressing identity, and the ways we build community around fashion.

Screening of films “God save the youth” directed by Daveion Thompson and “Jilian” directed by Danilo Lauria

Couldnt make it? We bring the roundtable to you:

Shaun Ross

Shaun Ross is a fashion model, actor and dancer who has graced the pages of magazines on a global scale: British GQ, Italian Vogue, I-D Magazine, Paper Magazine and more. As the world’s first Albino model, Shaun’s goal is to break down barriers within fashion and entertainment by proving that you can look different, have an opinion and be yourself. Shaun has appeared in campaigns for Alexander McQueen and Givenchy, and most recently H&M’s first pride campaign, in honor of cohesive capsule collection dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Shaun has appeared on the runway during NYFW for designers such as: Laurence & Chico, Pyer Moss, and Michael Costello and can be caught sitting front row at shows like Jeremy Scott, Public School, and many more. The albino model collaborated with Munich based fashion designer, Nina Athanasiou on “In My Skin I Win” clothing collection. The collection symbolizes the culmination of strength and self-empowerment of a young male model who has risen to the top of the fashion world against society’s norms. Following the release of his first single “Symmetry”, Ross recently released his latest single “Chrysalis “ along with visual. He has been featured in music videos of Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey; also, was the face of Ford Motor Company with the slogan “Be Unique”. As an African-American, albino and gay model, he is completely comfortable in his own skin and marching to the beat of his own drum.

Alexis Borges

Alexis Borges is the President of NEXT Management Los Angeles and has been with the Global Management company for 22 years. With over three decades of experience as an agent working in the fashion industry’s mecca, New York City, Alexis saw an opportunity in LA that most couldn’t envision at the time. With his expertise in the industry and eye for talent, Alexis played an integral part in the successful careers of Binx, Jaime King, Lucky Blue Smith, and many more in the beauty and fashion space.
 
Alexis currently manages a team of talented agents and managers in Beverly Hills. With his leadership, NEXT LA continues to be innovative and reinvent the wheel while remaining at the forefront of an ever-changing industry. His passion for interior design and the arts is what keeps his perspective inimitable and refreshing.

Stephen Galloway

Stephen Galloway is the go-to creative movement director and creative consultant for the world’s most progressive image-makers and brands. While best known for his stellar 25-year career in ballet and dance theatre, he has worked across many related fields, from costume design and musical performance to fashion photography, magazine publishing and brand consultancy. @mr_stephengalloway

Leslie Bedolla

A creator of memorable experiences for some of the most demanding and discerning client cultures in the world, Leslie’s expansive business experience spans the hospitality, apparel and retail sectors, in addition to establishing a luxe yoga retreat management company.  Her passion and expertise lies in spotting collaborative opportunities, matching talent with trends, and delivering synergistic brand partnerships. Her keen eye for aesthetics and insatiable appetite for soulful exchanges are just a few unique qualities she brings to the table.  Leslie splits her time between Los Angeles and Berlin via Blackbook Experience.

Gilles Assor

Gilles Assor, current CEO of Repetto, heritage luxury fashion and dance brand established in 1947. Specializing in repositioning and developing businesses in America and worldwide, Gilles Assor has previously worked at esteemed houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela, and Marc Jacobs ... Based in NYC, Gilles dedicates his time between his passion for iconic brands and his appetite for Street Art, which he shares with his daughter Romy. Originally from Marseille, France, where he graduated from law school, he has been working in fashion for 20 years, driven by several of his mottos such as his favorite : “Always expect the unexpected.”
Repetto’s instagram: @repettostudio & @repettoparis

Panels begin with a fashion film screening and end with a 10 minutes Q&A session.