press release 002: vazi in paris
it was near the end. with only two days left in fashion week, and after going to a few shows and endless train rides, having survived the typical pfw frenzy, i had the pleasure of attending the inaugural 2025 vazi pop up in paris. i was extremely excited to have the opportunity to support a brand from my very own homefront. vazi was conceptualized on the west-side of atlanta with a dream and a story to tell. chalice’s first ever pop-up exhibition took place across the world in the global capital of fashion. what started as an atlanta dream miraculously manifested into a paris reality.
vazi’d out
the pop up, set to take place on 10.6.25 at 3pm, brought out people from all over. vibes galore!
the space felt amazing, in the center of many intimate shops where you could see the small but mighty teams working as you walked by. the location seemed to be part of the storytelling. stepping off the cobblestone streets and immediately upon entering the showroom on rue notre dame, you were immersed into something so authentic:
clothes hanging from the ceiling on clothes lines supported by only the strongest of safety pins.
a small table set up with branded “graf” books, vazi rolling stoner socks, and pink rolling papers.
a dj in the back corner with a few bottles of wine and paper cups from the local monoprix.
the best of vibes for every exhibition goer that came and walked through. it was a place, not only for young fashion lovers, but any curious mind captivated by the art of it all. we were all so immersed in the space, it was hard to decipher what was being sold from what was simply on display. it felt like a museum space where you thought “maybe i could touch these things.” it made me want to play.
i met people from poland, england, amsterdam, you name it. one of the most dear and genuine connections i have ever made at an event surrounding fashion, was forged in this room. what’s more? there were only two people from atlanta, from america, in the building: chalice and vc. when i asked people what brought them there, they expressed to me a plethora of reasons that i can rightfully and truthfully sum up to one fact: it was simply right.
UH-UH, YOU CAN’T TELL ME NOTHING!
as the day moved toward its peak and the space (indoor and outdoor by this point) kept filling with bodies, energy, and curiosity, something unexpected unfolded that only added to the magic. the vibes were immaculate, music booming. at one point, the police attempted to shut the entire event down, a moment of tension that could have easily broken the momentum, but they failed. instead, the crowd stayed, the lights dimmed a bit, and then, as if on cue, paris’ own ricky bishop, appeared near the dj booth for a surprise performance. phones came out with flashlights on, the doors closed, cups of wine in hand, and the whole room shifted into an intimate concert. it felt like a secret we had all been chosen to witness. the room not only survived the interruption, but it transformed, which i feel plays into the deeper moral of the story: nothing can stop whats destined.
the journey and the lesson
i had the honor of being able to follow chalice through the journey of making it happen. chalice had no idea what this thought of a paris showroom would turn into, travelling from america to france with a huge suitcase packed with artifacts—a collection worth more than gold, that would become the experience forever known as vazi paris 2025.
having multiple annual sold out fashion shows in the heart of atlanta, this young creative had never before participated in the many pop up shops that brand owners from atlanta wouldn’t dare miss. he waited on divine timing and was rewarded with his first ever pop up thousands of miles from home. it wasn’t easy by far.
moments like this are so important to remind us all that the time is now to chase our dreams and shoot from half court. if there’s something you want to achieve, it really is as simple and as cliche as putting your mind to it and staying out of your own way. leaving room for miracles is a must. we can be so rigid in the execution of our dreams out of fear of them not “coming out right” that we don't leave space for what could be. my experience at the vazi pop-up could not have been foreshadowed in my wildest dreams. it was beautiful in the way that a designer has their debut show as creative director for a brand no one thinks they can handle… and then everytone is left pleasantly surprised.
final thoughts
vault camari will never miss an opportunity to support a brand that also stands behind us so much. chalice was the artist featured in our first ever press release, our first ever pfw write up, a friend and frequent visitor of the world that is vault camari. i have learned so much through our endeavors, and met amazing people. i have witnessed greatness with my own eyes. this event wasn't just an experience curated by someone i admire. it was a movement and a testament to what happens when you bet on your dream, which is why this piece is timeless.
from chalice, vazi founder: "i was taught to move in full expectancy. in the same breath, i was taught to remain humble. with this showroom, i wanted to give paris the best i could offer. i was able to undoubtedly do something that my hometown has never seen before, and after countless hours of prayer, brainstorming, and team building, it became a wonderful experience foreshadowing the global impact of vazi."
we heart vazi!
