VALLEY 29: The Path Less Traveled is finally here. On Monday, April 11, 2022, VALLEY staff and supporters came together downtown in State College’s newest music venue, Stage West, to celebrate the magazine’s newest issue. Between the catered food from URBN Flavorhaus, a photo booth, a plethora of Instagrammable moments and a soundtrack curated by VALLEY’s very own staff members, last week’s launch party was one for the books.
VALLEY 29 Fashion Show
To nobody’s surprise, the URBN Flavorhaus food was gone in a matter of minutes, but the night that followed was a huge success.
The launch party started off with a bang with the semi-annual VALLEY fashion show, organized by Addie Sassani, Maya Sauder, Lauren Bretl and the other staff members in VALLEY’s Creative division.
After a rigorous casting process this semester, Sassani narrowed down the models she saw as a muse for VALLEY29. A model for New Version Models, she taught the models everything they needed to know to execute the perfect model walk for the fashion show.
The fashion show featured all the looks seen in VALLEY29, along with a few other original looks styled by VALLEY’s fashion team.
After hearing that one of the models was unable to attend last minute and the fashion show needed to be extended, Bretl proved the show must go on.
A friend who had come to support her at launch was asked to fill in and model one of the looks styled by Bretl. “Maybe ten minutes before the show, Maya pointed her out and was like ‘get her up here let’s have her walk,'” says Bretl.
Stepping Out in Style
It comes to no surprise that VALLEY staff knows how to show out to an event. Attendees’ looks were definitely leaning on the side of edgy chic, though some were high fashion/haute couture-inspired. Though there were pops of bright colors, it’s safe to say black was the color of the night.
If you’re in need of some fashion inspiration, click the link in VALLEY’s Instagram to view every photo taken at the photo booth.
Cover Star Reveal
At the end of the night, Editor-in-Chief MJ Bergin, Business Director Ava Silverman, and Creative Director Annie Princivalle debuted the cover of VALLEY29 along with its cover star. The moment the cover was shown, adoring sounds of praise filled the entirety of Stage West.
Penn State senior Ritul Katoch was chosen to grace the cover of VALLEY’s 29th issue.
Katoch, born in Himachal Pradesh, India, is pursuing a career in acting, despite his family’s wishes. In the latest issue, Katoch shares with VALLEY readers his story of breaking boundaries, making himself the representation he wishes to see more of, and following a unique path that has no guarantees.
Goodie Bags
A VALLEY launch party wouldn’t be complete without to-die-for goodie bags.
As attendees left to return home on Monday night to avoid sleeping in for their Tuesday morning classes, they snagged a white VALLEY bag with some amazing goodies. There were so many great things for attendees to take home: A SnackPass visor, coupons for Orgain Protein powder, stickers, makeup bags, VALLEY water bottles, and much more.
VALLEY is incredibly grateful for all the support shown by all our staff members and readers. This launch would not be possible without everyone involved.
Did you enjoy reading our 29th issue? Tweet us @VALLEYmag!
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