CLEVELAND — Fashion designers from around the world gathered in Cleveland on Sunday to showcase unique designs focused on diversity and inclusion.
what you need to know
“The Runway” fashion show featured a variety of clothing and accessories from local and international designers.
The event was held at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
“The Runway” is already its second year
The parade was organized by Fashion Talks
Catwalk organizers described it as Cleveland’s first couture show aimed at expanding the fashion scene in Northeast Ohio. It was held at the Cleveland Museum of Art on Sunday, June 19.
The second annual fashion show was organized by Fashion Talks. The group produces events focused on creating opportunities in the fashion industry for small businesses and those who want to learn more about fashion.
“When I moved to Cleveland, I wanted to see if there was a fashion industry and see if I could find what was in Toronto and New York and I didn’t see the same qualities,” said Aimon Ali, founder of Fashion Talks.
Ali said the Sunday night event was purposely held on June 16 to celebrate diversity. Ali said she gave designers with a wide variety of backgrounds the opportunity to showcase their designs, with models of all shapes and sizes on the runway.
“We have all kinds of body shapes on the catwalk. We should have inclusion and diversity, especially within the fashion industry. There is no excuse for it,” Ali said.
The Runway also gave area fashion designers like Angelique Wong a chance to network.
“A big part of my branding is making sure it includes size,” Wong said. “I want to create an experience where every woman and every man feels celebrated and appreciated. All of my clothes currently range from a small to a 5XL.”
Wong, a Kent State University graduate, said she caught the fashion bug in high school, thanks to her sister.
“Actually, I didn’t really like fashion until my freshman year of high school,” Wong said. “I was a music student all my life. I played the viola, the violin, the clarinet.”
Wong said she went on to sew all her prom and prom dresses and said the rest is history.
One of many colorful and diverse pieces featured in the show.
“The concept of this show is one of the most inclusive I have ever felt,” Wong said of the opportunity to participate in The Runway show.
In addition to the fashion show, the Sunday night event also provided attendees with the opportunity to shop the runway and purchase unique clothing and accessories from area designers.
Source: spectrumnews1.com