Latest news with #AfaAhLoo
ABC News
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Prominent Pacific fashion designer killed at No Kings protest in US
On the program today Investigations continue into the detah of a prominent Pacific Islander fashion designer Afa Ah Loo, who was shot at a No Kings protest in Salt Lake City. Leaders make progress in Bougainville independence talks at the Burnham military camp. The Niuean-Kiwi owner of a support group for fathers of children with Autism hosts a fashion show of Maori and Pacific designer wear in Melbourne. Three young Solomon Islands workers train with State Emergency Services in Northern Victoria. A live-action remake of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch cracks one billion u-s dollars at the global box office. And Solomon Islands and Vanuatu team up to create a massive marine reserve covering six million square kilometres of ocean.
Vogue
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Fashion Mourns the Loss of Afa Ah Loo, the Samoan Designer Killed at a 'No Kings' March
On Saturday, Samoan fashion designer Afa Ah Loo—who was known for his distinctive and vibrant culture-based designs—was killed during what was supposed to be a peaceful 'No Kings' march in Salt Lake City, Utah. The designer was part of a crowd of over 10,000 people in Salt Lake City marching in solidarity with the 'No Kings' protest—a nation-wide movement that occurred in several major cities on Saturday, held in opposition the immigration policies put in place by President Donald J. Trump and his current administration. According to reports, Loo was the victim of a shooting, and was deemed an 'innocent bystander.' (An investigation from the Salt Lake City Police Department report that he was struck by an alleged peacekeeper, and was 'not the intended target.') Born and raised in Samoa, Loo learned how to sew from his mother, and went on to design unique fashions through his namesake label that highlighted Pacific Islander culture. In 2019, he was a contestant on season 17 of Project Runway, and recently focused on offering community sewing workshops in his home state of Utah. Notably, last year, Loo created a special red carpet look for Moana star Auliʻi Cravalho; It consisted of a cape made of white Dovetail shells that was reminiscent of a Hawaiian ʻahu ʻula, a feather cloak worn by ancient Hawaiian royalty. Cravalho is among many celebrities and fashion insiders who took to social media today to mourn the designer's loss. 'There are no words to hold the grief of losing @ she wrote. 'As a Samoan fashion designer, Afa's creations are and remain thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture. . . Your artistry will never be forgotten; and neither will your peaceful protest.' Top stylist Jessica Paster, who has styled Cravalho, commented, 'This is heartbreaking. Rest in power.' Deomcratic Utah Representatives Verona Mauga and Jacob Fitisemanu Jr., meanwhile, also shared a joint statement on his passing. 'Afa inspired us to stand up against injustice and to speak out for the voiceless, and his final steps in this life were taken in the service of others, as a call to action, as a gesture of love. ' In addition to his own design work, Loo also founded the Creative Pacific Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and fostering cultural exchange in fashion. Loo is survived by his wife, Laura, and two children. A GoFundMe has been started in their honor.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Project Runway Contestant Arthur Folasa ‘Afa' Ah Loo Shot and Killed at Utah No Kings Protest
Fashion designer Arthur Folasa 'Afa' Ah Loo, who competed in Season 17 of Project Runway, was shot and killed during a No Kings protest on Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah, local police confirm. He was 39 years old. Ah Loo was caught in the crossfire when armed security guards (dubbed 'peacekeepers' by police) opened fire on Arturo Gamboa, who was reportedly seen pulling an AR-15-style rifle from his backpack and running towards the crowd. One of the peacekeepers fired three bullets, with one hitting Gamboa and one hitting Ah Loo, who 'appears to have been an innocent bystander,' according to the Salt Lake City Police Department. Ah Loo was taken to a local hospital but died there. (The exact role of these 'peacekeepers' is still under investigation.) More from TVLine Ananda Lewis, TV Host and Former MTV VJ, Dead at 52 Harris Yulin, Frasier and 24 Actor, Dead at 87 Casting News: black-ish Star Joins Boston Blue, Carrie TV Series Adds 14 and More Born and raised in Samoa, Ah Loo was a self-taught designer whose bold designs served as an ode to his Samoan roots. He competed in Season 17 of Project Runway, which aired on Bravo in 2019, and was eliminated in the fourth episode. Ah Loo is survived by his wife Laura and their two children. 'Heartbroken by the tragic loss of Afa Ah Loo. My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him,' Utah State Rep. Doug Fiefia wrote on social media. 'He was a bright light in our Polynesian community and will be deeply missed. May his loved ones feel peace and comfort during this difficult time.' TV Stars We Lost in 2025 View Gallery38 Images Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More
RNZ News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Tributes flow in for Samoan fashion star tragically killed in Salt Lake City
Renowned Samoan fashion designer Afa Ah Loo was fatally shot at a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Photo: supplied A Samoan fashion stylist says Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was not only the best Samoan fashion designer she had come across but also "very authentic" on a personal level. Tributes continue to pour in for fashion designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo - known as Afa Ah Loo - who was shot at the 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Investigations are continuing. Nora Swann worked with Ah Loo for the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show in 2017 and 2019. She told Pacific Waves that Ah Loo, 39, was a champion for many up and coming Pacific fashion designers. "In a professional sense he opened so many doors for Pacific people who kind of were looking beyond traditional Pasifika wear," she said. "He allowed us to think outside of the boundary." Swann said on a personal level, one of the things she loved about him was his authenticity. "It didn't matter who you were - there was no such thing as statuses with Afa. "I loved how he was always genuinely himself and treated everyone the same way." She said she wasn't surprised that he was at the protest. "I know that it's a good crazy what's happening in America and other places in the in the world. And he felt called to be there. "He was never afraid to speak his mind." Tributes have been flowing for Ah Loo on social media. Fashion & lifestyle page Fiji Runway posted: "Afa's impact as a designer, cultural ambassador, and beloved community member will resonate for generations. "Afa Ah Loo was more than a fashion designer; he was a storyteller, weaving the vibrant threads of his Samoan heritage into every garment he created. "Beyond the glamour of the runway, Afa was a passionate advocate for his people. He co-founded fashion platforms providing a vital avenues for designers and models from the Pacific diaspora to share their work and tell their stories." Another designer Janae Petit shared a design studio with Ah Loo in Salt Lake City. "I just saw Afa at the studio on Friday last week. I almost didn't go in that day. I'm so glad I did so I could say hello and goodbye one more time," she wrote. "He was an incredible force for good, always encouraging and cheering for others to succeed, generous and loving, usually silly and rarely serious. "The world is a little bit darker without him here." His brother-in-law Ty Empey wrote on Facebook thanking those who have been reaching out. "Your love and support mean so much." A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Ah Loo's widow, Laura, and their two children, Vera and Isaac.
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- RNZ News
Celebrated Samoan designer tragically shot in protest
Renowned Samoan fashion designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, best known as Afa Ah Loo was fatally shot at a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday.
