Polynesian designer mourned after fatal incident at "No Kings" demonstration in Salt Lake City
Fashion Visionary and Beloved Community Leader, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, Tragically Taken at Utah Protests
Meet Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, the 39-year-old Pacific Islander fashion guru who was snatched away from us in a senseless tragedy at the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City last Saturday. Known as "Afa" to friends, family, and the fashion world, this remarkable man graced the wardrobes of Auli'i Cravalho from "Moana" and the fabulous ladies of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City." But he wore many hats, most notably as a father, a cultural icon, and a fervent advocate for his roots.
Unfortunately, Afa was not the intended target of the gunfire, according to police. Despite valiant efforts by first responders, Afa succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Auli'i Cravalho took to social media to express her heartache, stating there were "no words to contain the sorrow of losing" Afa. She continued, "Your artistry will never be forgotten, and neither will your peaceful protest. My deepest condolences, sympathies, and aloha to his family and all who felt his impact."
Born in Samoa, this self-taught designer has made a name for himself in Utah's fashion scene. He rose to fame with his appearance on Project Runway, showcasing his design skills and distinctive cultural flair[2][3][4]. His work celebrated his heritage, propelled equality, and bolstered community support[3].
This unspeakable loss has shaken the community to its core, igniting an outpouring of support. A GoFundMe page set up for Afa's family has amassed over $100,000 in less than two days[3].
In the face of this loss, Afa's legacy lives on. He was a community leader who stood for kindness, creativity, and social justice[2][3][4]. Let his memory inspire us all to continue uplifting one another and championing the causes that matter most to us.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo's contribution to the fashion-and-beauty industry extended beyond designing wardrobes for celebrities like Auli'i Cravalho; his work, rooted in entertainment and reflecting his Samoan heritage, served as a platform for crime-and-justice advocacy and bolstered general-news regarding equality and community support. Afa's tragic death at the "No Kings" protest has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from the fashion world and beyond, with many looking to celebrate his lifestyle of kindness, creativity, and social justice.
