Our Story
It all started out with my experience in the fashion and arts world here and around the Baltimore area. I wanted fashion to be more accessable to the community; to all people, of any shape or size, income, or ethnic background. The first show was a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen, who had such great talents, ideas and presentations that always inspired me. He held fashion shows in all kinds of unsual places, like garages, ice rinks, and warehouses. I thought what better place then the beautiful and historic heart of Baltimore city, Mt Vernon. The parks in historic Mt. Vernon gave us a runway to that topped all runways. It was length of a large city block including multiple levels, stairs, and a fountain! Wooh, look out Tyra! I stewed over the idea for a while, as I tried to gather my confidence. I decided to post an open invite on facebook to see how many people were interested. It was kind of like getting Betty White on SNL! First there was 10 interested people, then 25, then 90, then over a hundred. I knew I had to make this happen. This would be my biggest challenge ever!! So what exactly was this great idea?!? "A Day of Fashion", is a day in which we invited the community to come out and show their support for the fashion industry. Models strut their stuff, designers show off their talents, photographers professional and amature capture great shots outdoors in the historic park. Also it was to be a chance for people wanting to network and meet others in the fashion & arts field. Finally, an event where other inspiring artist can take part. Offering open runway time gave a chance for the daring to take their first walk. I hoped this event would pass along the inspiration to others in the community to make things happen. "Free to the Fashionable & Open to the Public". The event was totally free (and will aways be) to all taking part. Even the Baltimore boutiques I invited to showcase their stores who sell local area fashions. Having a free public event was the biggest challenge! I had to find sponsors who shared in my vision and to help support my dream and its costs. It happen!! I, We and the Community came together and made the dream a reality when the crowds said it couldn't. My next goal is it to be bigger and better! Now to the up & coming... at the end of the summer, beginning of fall we will hold our 2nd Annual "A Day of Fashion ~Orchestrated Elegance". The theme this year will be inspired by Music,. Like fashion: with tedious work and conducting, it creates a beautiful harmony. We are within the second stages of planning and are currently looking for: sponsor to share and fund the vision, designers & boutiques to show their clothing, models, photographers, hair and make-up artists in order to make this a sucess. If that is not enough I am still in need of a strong support staff. Oh yeah, and music... looking for musicians, from classical - contemporary to accompany our runway shows as they happen. The booming bass we will save for the after-party. This year, in the park, it will be refined, elegant, with some Bmore charm.
The Impact
We need everyones support! Last year was a great start to our Annual Free Fashion Event for the community. If we don't get the support we will not be able to make it happen again. Last year gave alot of people the chance to show their work, take their first walk on the runways and challenge themselves in many ways. We NEED your help to make this happen again. Bigger and better this year!!
What We Need & What You Get
Ok, here is the scoop. It costs us $2000 dollar to rent the parks in Mt Vernon. Last year, there is no discount or difference for non-profit events. I personally rasied and funded all costs myself last year and got together everything together in a matter of 3 months. This year was an unpleasant suprise to find out the rental fees have doubled to $4000 and even the application fee has gone up to $150 dollars. So the money we are trying to raise will go to the rental and anything over that will help pay for ads and equipment. No one taking part in this event is paid. Everyone is donating their time and energy to make it work because they believe in the dream.
Other Ways You Can Help
This is for the community and supported by the community. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, that friend you think should be a model and those who need to come out of their shell. A Day of Fashion is the event to be fashionable, be noticed and be Kantankerous! www.adayoffashion.com
