Photography by Nicolas Bruno

On May 30, Creative Growth welcomed over 700 supporters and community members to Ciel Creative Space in Berkeley for Beyond Trend 2026. Beyond Trend is not only our annual runway show but our biggest fundraiser of the year.

 This year's event was the largest in the program's history, featuring more than 100 original runway looks alongside artwork, performances, food, musical guests, and opportunities for visitors to connect directly with the artists behind the work.

Photography by Ando 

The evening began with a welcome reception featuring soundscapes by FELA KUTCHii as guests explored the venue and prepared for the runway presentation. At the center of the event were the artists themselves. 

Iman, the iconic Bay Area Deaf drag artist known for seamlessly blending American Sign Language (ASL) with fierce choreography opened the show with a rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Want To Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)". One by one, Creative Growth artists took the runway wearing and modeling their own creations, sharing a remarkable range of styles, materials, and perspectives. Each runway model dawned a unique look with custom makeup, nails, accessories, and clothing. From hand-painted textiles to sculptural accessories and imaginative character-driven looks, each piece reflected the individuality of its maker. Each artist had their own runway walk music, synched to the theme of their look. Artist Nick Pagan created a Thor inspired runway that had guests raising up reflective cardboard thunderbolts whenever he struck his hammer.

Beyond Trend has always challenged conventional ideas about who fashion is for and who gets to participate in creative industries. The runway included models from Creative Growth's Youth Program, artist family members and community partners like SFMOMA Curator, Nancy Lim. 

Oaklash performer Sally Limón emceed the evening's Raise the Paddle and fundraising portion with their humor and unmistakable flair. They brought the crowd together in donating to support of the artists and programs that make Creative Growth possible.

Photography Sean Santos and Eduardo Alba

This year's event was co-hosted by PAPER Magazine co-founder Kim Hastreiter and MAC Modern Appealing Clothing, whose long-standing support of Creative Growth has helped expand the reach of Beyond Trend and introduce new audiences to the work of Creative Growth artists. In addition, the event would not have been possible without the support of our lead sponsor Target. 

The 2026 event also recognized two influential advocates for contemporary art: Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and White Columns Director and Chief Curator Matthew Higgs. Both have played important roles in expanding conversations about who belongs in the art world and how artistic excellence is recognized and supported.

vip dinner with michelin chefs

A highlight of the evening was the now-legendary Kim Hastreiter Soup Party dinner, an ambitious culinary collaboration that brought together 20 Bay Area chefs serving 20 original soups to more than 265 dinner guests. Over the course of the night, 1,600 bowls of soup were served. Guests cast their votes for a favorite soup, with the top honor going to chef Gilbert Del Mundo of Zuni Café for his pistachio, citrus, and saffron soup. While a winner was crowned, the spirit of the evening was unmistakably collaborative. The Soup Party was Kim and MAC Modern Appealing Clothing's way of shaking up the typical gala dinner t into a creative event of its own.

Photography by Ando 

vip dinner with michelin chefs

As the evening drew to a close, Grammy Award-winning musician Fantastic Negrito took the stage for a custom set created especially for Beyond Trend 2026. VIP guests listened to perfect blues music as they also a joyful Cake Parade featuring 20 cakes decorated by Oakland School for the Arts students. Each cake has it's own design and crowned with sparklers that lit up the room. It was the perfect finale to the fun that make Beyond Trend unlike any other event.

Photography by Ando

2026 runway show recording

2026 Event Press Coverage