Young models dazzled the first-floor hall of Gracie Mansion on June 17 with glamour and confidence at the J-Love Fashion School of Etiquette Kids Fashion Weekend, on Art of Fashion Day observed by the United Nations.
The adorable fashionistas were dressed to impress, making history at the very first fashion event to be held in Mayor Eric Adam’s residence in New York City.
Toddlers, “teens,” and “tweens” got into the fun, moving their hips from side to side, in creative outfits from emerging designers. The pieces were etched with ruffles, ribbons, and lace. A showstopping metallic firm fitting dress that garnered 40,000 likes on Instagram, completed the AQ Wear Qumara Boutique collection, created by 11-year-old Amirah Holmes, who kicked off the show.
The Grace Golden collection by Pam Golden, were created with long zippers and Velcro closures, to help woman facing health challenges, and wants to look good and feel great. The pieces were simple, yet elegant. while Willie Hall, a graduate of the Art Institute of NY a renowned designer on the Fashion scene for 42 years showcased comfortable trousers, dresses, and blouses.
Designer Dom Pierre’s Highly Humble creations of glitz and glamour showed nine flirtatious colorful ensembles. Denim, girly pink, boy blue, and camouflage. My Spoiled Bratz Boutique creator Natasha Edwards, in turn, unleashed a pretty collection of dresses, accessorized with spring bloom head bands.
Creating vibrant outfits in texture, and shapes to enhance her personal style, designer Sheila Black, owner of Mobile Boutique LIHA, Harlem, lit up the catwalk with classy urban clothing and accessories for a stunning presentation. The four pieces included a floor-length vintage dress in lace, a loose-fitting pant suit, and a classic overcoat, paired with an embellished handbag.
Clothesversity wowed with polka-dot dresses, and boys’ suits, ending the show with a bravo! and applause for the Kids fashion weekend, emceed by Athena Dent-Alleyne, and entertained by singer Alicia Foreman, and young female rapper Slay baby Nay.
The models certainly lived up to J-Love’s mission to provide an enriching experience for cultivating a spirit of excellence.
Mayor Eric Adams who was seen applauding from the front row, later praised the young models for their boldness on the runway.
He welcomed the organization, and thanked Jacqueline Love Callaway, CEO of J-Love Fashion School of Etiquette, for bringing the show to the ‘people’s house’, noting that it was amazing, and the first fashion event to be held at Gracie Mansion.
He said “this is your space, its available to everyone, and that Gracie Mansion is available to the community. It’s your house, you pay the electricity, you pay for the upkeep. Hosting the fashion show here changes the spirit.”
“Wearing clothing on our bodies at the beginning of the day as we move about, defines how you feel. If I’m standing in front of a hostile media, if I am wearing my sharp suit and my nice custom-made shoes, bring it on, I feel good,” quipped Mayor Adams.
“I am really pleased with this event this is a testament of how we come together at the people’s house.”
The politician, on behalf of J-Love Fashion School of Etiquette, then presented a Proclamation to Director of Educational Opportunity Programs, Fashion Institute of Technology, Taur D. Orange, for celebrating the work of aspiring young fashion designers and her commitment to fostering diversity in the dynamic industry and empowering the next generation of leaders.
“I have a form of disability, so I know how challenging it can be to navigate the world. They are special and if they want to model or be a writer or artist, it’s a way of saying, yes you can. We need to lift-up what’s being done here, to allow other parents to know of the possibilities of their children and what they are,”said Adams. He told Ms. Orange he liked what she was doing for the kids with disabilities and the exposure to arts that “allows you to tap into their abilities.”
Ms. Orange, who has worked for more than 35 years in the field of youth and student development, and served as a consultant to various organizations, agencies, and churches regarding rites of passage initiatives and youth empowerment models for high-achieving youth, as well as for high-potential underperforming young adults said. “If we want our community to reflect the very best of our children, we must raise them. We all play a role in raising children.”
Eleven-year-old Amirah Holmes, creator of AQ/wear Qumara Boutique received a citation from Mayor Adams for her youth community empowerment and inspiring her peers for a prosperous future.
In turn, Callaway, presented Mayor Adams with a plaque for his leadership and support of NY Kids Fashion weekend 2023.
She thanked those who have helped to make the school a success, including her mother, who was in the audience, and Ms. Orange whose educational programs at FIT, help students to progress in their pursuit of excellence in fashion.
Callaway, director of Models USA, and president of Fashion Art Exchange, and who has graced the pages of magazines, and received many accolades for her incredible work with children with some form of disability, gives back wholeheartedly to her community. She crusades to protect inner city children from gang and gun violence, while planning programs to keep them safe.
Callaway continues to bridge the gap between her students and the movers and shakers in the fashion industry, after founding the school 25 years ago, that plan educational programs, while keeping the kids engaged in entertainment and fashion events.
