Fashion Week Turns Five

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The story below is from our March/April 2024 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you! 

Fashion Week weaves art into form and celebrates diversity in our community.

Roanoke Fashion Week, a collaborative effort to bring together the fashion community to highlight styles and trends while celebrating diversity and inclusion, has been turning heads ever since hitting the runway five years ago.

Erica Jenkins, CEO of Roanoke Fashion Week, fondly recalls dressing up Barbie and being inspired by the legacy of fashion in her maternal lineage.

“My passion for fashion was ingrained in me from birth, as my mother, a role model with a unique flair for style, passed down this love through generations. Her influence traces back to my grandmother, who inherited a keen sense of fashion from her own mother,” Jenkins relays.

At 14, Jenkins and her mom, Darcel Walters, begin modeling for local stores. After being turned down by a New York modeling agency because she had bags under her eyes, she didn’t expect to get another opportunity to sign with an agency. She was surprised when she went to Philadelphia with a friend who was auditioning as a model with John Casablancas Agency and the agency asked her to sign with them.

“As I embraced a career in the fashion industry as a model, my understanding and connection to the world of fashion deepened. Immersed in this dynamic field, I continuously learn and evolve, further fueling my passion for the ever-changing landscape of style.”

While at NuFocus (now NFX Group), a digital media company in Roanoke that produced publications and events, she realized there was a need for fashion to have its own space in Roanoke, so she created a digital fashion magazine. That led to putting on various fashion shows and ultimately to what is now Roanoke Fashion Week.

Jenkins credits Tom Page (owner, NFX Group) for pushing her to move forward with the idea.

“Truthfully, it’s been hard,” says Jenkins. “However, fortunately for me, I’ve had a small team who brought their much-needed expertise to the table.”

The team includes Sonia Gravely who serves as second in command as well as a model coach and Kim Tucker Preston who started as a model and is now a model coach. Boutique owners Pauline Wood of Shades of Color and Crystal McBroom of La De Da, Inc. contribute their time, sponsorships and fashions. They work with Kat Pascal, Tameka Pullen, Kathryn Keefer, Beth Bell and Stacey Howard Wright to produce a fashion experience.

Based on her experience as a model, Jenkins wanted to get rid of the cliché in modeling that excluded many. Roanoke Fashion Week offers an inclusive opportunity for people of all ages, sizes, shapes, abilities and colors who love fashion and want to model.

Models audition in February and receive coaching to prepare them to walk the runway. Tanya Alleyne won last year’s show and Javual Burnett was the first runner up. Both received cash prizes plus a clothing allowance and modeling opportunities with La De Da, Inc.

Alleyne has wanted to be a model since she was a little girl. Participating in Fashion Week over the years has helped her build confidence and friendships.

“I can say this experience has taught me to get rid of self-doubt, because honestly I did not expect to win,” Alleyne shares. “I was just there to do what I loved, so imagine getting the call that I had won! I look forward to seeing the growth of Roanoke Fashion Week and the talent discovered right here in the Star City.”

Burnett, who had no previous modeling experience, agrees that participating in Fashion Week was a confidence-booster.

“I didn’t think I was going to win and did not mind if I didn’t,” Burnett says. “I did it for me. For the enjoyment and the confidence.”

Roanoke Fashion Week: We Demand Diversity and Inclusion takes place April 18-21. Events include a fashion bus crawl which will take participants to various boutiques offering special discounts and includes lunch at Farmburguesa.

BudgetChic will feature consignment and thrift ideas with Paparazzi Accessories as well as a clothing swap. Proceeds will benefit the Roanoke Diversity Center, and leftover clothing will be donated to the women’s shelter.

Runway shows include Queen of the Runway and the Finale. Local models will compete wearing area boutique and designer fashions.

Jenkins enjoys giving boutiques and designers the opportunity to showcase their offers and talents. She encourages shopping at boutiques for their unique offerings and ability to interact and respond to customer desires.

“Boutiques stand out as prominent influences in the realm of fashion,” she says, noting that key influencers include Shades of Color, La De Da, Inc., Bittersweet Boutique, 310 Rosemont, Culture Ethnic Shop, She’s International, Her Perfect Day, Golden Shoestring and Punch Boutique.

“Each of these plays a pivotal role in shaping the fashion landscape, showcasing a diverse array of styles and committing themselves wholeheartedly to the world of fashion,” Jenkins says. “Their collective influence reflects a shared dedication to setting trends and contributing to the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion industry.”

Local designers bring their own flair and add their eclectic and unique styles to the area fashion scene. To celebrate individuality in fashion and contribute to the growth and recognition of local talent, La De Da owner McBroom is collaborating with local artists and designers to bring one-of-a-kind collections to life. A recent highlight involves the launch of a small collection of handmade pieces, crafted from antique quilts, in collaboration with Rosemary St. Jacques. She is also working with designers Batzapparel and Liberated State as well as local Roanoke artist and muralist Toobz Muir on collection ideas.

“These collaborations aim to fuse fashion and art, creating unique and distinctive collections that not only showcase the talents of these local artists but also contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the community,” shared McBroom.

Witnessing the growth of Fashion Week and the local fashion scene excites McBroom as it presents opportunities for collaboration, innovation and economic development. Her commitment to supporting and nurturing talent within the community is fueled by her vision of Roanoke as a sought-after destination for fashion enthusiasts, professionals and businesses.

“I’ve always believed in the importance of celebrating art in our city, and Fashion Week has emerged as a significant platform for designers, local boutiques and models to showcase their creative abilities,” says McBroom. “Personally, I’m invested in not just sustaining but amplifying its impact with the ultimate aim of positioning Roanoke as a true fashion hub in our region.”

Jenkins has the passion and vision to do just that and says Fashion Week will continue evolving with a focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusivity. They are exploring incorporating virtual reality experiences, allowing global audiences to virtually attend shows and interact with the designs and boutiques creating a more immersive and inclusive fashion event.

To find out how to volunteer or participate in Roanoke Fashion Week, contact Erica at theroanokefashionweek.com.

Eye on Fashion

Keep an eye out for fashion show pop ups from local boutiques by following their social media pages. Check with your favorite charitable organizations as they also host fashion show fundraising events. Here are a few events coming up soon.

La De Da Hosting Tattoo Fashion Event

La De Da regularly has art popups and consigns unique artisan pieces year-round and last year, they premiered The Tattoo Fashion Show. This innovative event featured local artists and tattoo studios decorating La De Da clothing, resulting in one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces. Creations were auctioned off at an after-party held at Txtur, with all proceeds donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Tattoo Fashion Show will take place again this year and be a special collaboration celebrating La De Da’s 30th anniversary and marking the 5th year of Crystal McBroom owning the store (tentatively scheduled for May).

West End Center Spring Bling

A fundraising event benefiting the West End Center for Youth, Spring Bling takes place May 5 at Hotel Roanoke and includes a fashion show, silent auction and champagne brunch. Models will include the students. Fashions will be featured from Patina, She’s International, Davidsons and Run About Sports. To volunteer or for more information, visit westendcenter.org or contact kpillis@westendcenter.org.

The story above is from our March/April 2024 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!