Reconstruction of Fashion

Host Laura O speaks with Natalia Urtubey, Director of Small Business at the City of Boston, about the resources her office offers to fashion entrepreneurs.

BCFW Creative Director Sparklle Thames and moderator speaks with Designer Prajje Oscar Jean-Baptise on how COVID-19 affected his business, shifting from business as usual to helping his community during this crisis and the pivot he did within his business.

Speakers Rosanna Ortiz, Founder of StyleWeek Northeast, Rick Davy, Founder of Fashion Week Brooklyn and moderator Althea Blackford, Founder of Boston Caribbean Fashion Week have an in depth conversation on how fashion has changed because of COVID. We discuss what is the new focus for designers for their business, the importance of fashion weeks or is there no longer a need for a traditional fashion week and the pivots for the guests and their fashion weeks.

Our host MC Laura O recaps on Day 2 presentations and share her gems of the day from the different presentations we saw.

Guest speaker Bill Hulsey, SCORE Boston, presents information on looking at type of business statuses and trademarking and copyrighting.

Guest speakers Toyin Omisore, Roam Loud and Bryan Alexis and Miguel Carlos, Bryan X Miguel will focus on the techniques you use to get magazines to mention or feature your brand. Also, giving advice to designers and stylists about what they can do, what they should have ready for consideration to be featured in any level size media outlet and other helpful tips.

Massachusetts boutiques - Owner Rochelle Wilson-Goggans, New Destiny Fashions and Owner Tessy St. Fleur, Demoiselle Accessories sharing their story of how they are doing during this COVID time. Also, giving advice on how designers can connect with owners, what they should have ready for consideration to be featured in a local shop and other helpful tips.

Host MC Laura recaps Day 3 presentations. She also shares her Gems of the Day.

In depth conversation with Michael Weston, Interim President for Indiana Fashion Foundation,  on how fashion has changed because of COVID, what is the new focus for designers for their business, the importance of fashion weeks or is there no longer a need for a traditional fashion week.

Photographer Michael Smith talks about the process of creating his latest photo book Culture, People, Places: Trinidad and Tobago 

We hit the international runway with 2 presentations.  BCFW Founder Althea Blackford intros the fashion show. She brings on guest Designer and Producer for the Runway Jamaica Show Mark McDermoth. Mark chats about the planning process and everyone involved.

 Runway Presentation -  

1 - St. Martin - UForik Mass   Uforik Mass is a new band to the carnival arena on the dual country of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Blessed not only to have one carnival but two carnivals celebrations yearly, French, and Dutch side, they are beyond ready to embrace and explore the culture of mas. They are a fun and dynamic group of young people who aims to bring a new experience and image to carnival in St. Martin. Uforik stem from the word Euphoric which stands for excitement, confidence, and happiness. These are the key elements in which we desire our revelers to experience. Their mission is to bring something innovative that has never been seen for carnival on the French Side of the island.  

Special Thanks to Rebel Mas for the connection.

2- Jamaica - Runway show - Shot on location at the Rose Hall Great House Featured Designers - Lee McLean, Earl's Fashion & Branding, Polka Dots, Khalil's Hatitude & Closet, Aurai Swim by Anna Lisa, Dermoth Williams Bridal by Uzuri International Special thanks to the Jamaica Tourism Board for the connection, Rose Hall for the usage for the runway show.