Click to enlarge
We talk to models, do you know what we mean? And they did their little twists on the catwalk. Yes, on the catwalk.
Photos by Mike Martinez. Interviews by Leah Stacy.
BILLIE CARROLL, 28
IRONDEQUOIT, JUSTIN LEBLANC DRESS
Do you feel like a “Star Wars” princess?
“This is an original piece by Justin LeBlanc, who was a finalist on ‘Project Runway.’ Handmade, it is absolutely to die for. My ear cuffs are also part of his design. She has cochlear implants, so she rocks these cuffs and incorporates them into outfits.”
EDWARD MEDINA-TORRES, 53
BRIGHTON, IN A PERSONALIZED OUTFIT
This is a very unique look.
“My outfit is inspired by Victorian steampunk in general: very gothic, but with edgy mechanical elements.”
TEDDY WILLIAMS, 46
ROCHESTER, LIBERAN COUNTRY CLOTH DRESS
What is the meaning of your outfit tonight?
“I just became a US citizen and I want people to know that you can be an American and be from anywhere in the world – Africa, Asia, Europe. That’s the good thing about this country. This show is not about a group of people, it is about everyone. So I’m representing Africa here tonight.”
FELICIA CASA, 31
PALMYRA, WEARING SPIRIT & CROCHET THREAD
What brings you here from Palmyra?
“I’m an alternative plus size model and representation is really important, especially in runway shows.”
CLINT SUGNET, 36
ROCHESTER, IN A PERSONALIZED OUTFITS
That lapel pin is a great touch.
“I went traditional tonight, just a black suit from H&M. But I thought it was appropriate to wear my pride pin for LGBTQ+ awareness tonight, as part of the proceeds go to the Arnett House Youth Center.”
FRIDA WANG, 23
RIT STUDENT WEARING APRONS AND PEARLS VINTAGE BOUTIQUE
Is it something you would wear during a winter in Rochester?
“I wouldn’t wear a fur coat to class. I’m a fourth-year business statistics and analysis major, but I’m here tonight because I wanted to boost my confidence.”
ELY RIVERA, 20
GREECE, DRESS BY VON MAUR and PROPER GRAMMER
Shirtless tonight?
“When I went to the fitting, they gave me a shirt and it was my style, but this looks better without the shirt. So I said, ‘I’m going to go shirtless.’”
JENNA CONSIGLIO, 28
ROCHESTER, WEARING SPIRIT & THREAD CROCHET
It’s rare to see curly hair on the runway. Was this your choice?
“My mom and dad blessed me with natural curls, I called Fashion Week and they made it even more beautiful and luscious for tonight. Natural hair is very important for rock, because for years it was (and continues to be) discriminated against, so I wear it with pride.
TODD THIEU, 32
ROCHESTER, IN A PERSONALIZED OUTFITS
It’s a fancy green jacket you’re wearing.
“I avoided green at all costs because people told me that it contrasted with my skin tone. Then a few years ago I realized that dark green, forest green, complements my tan skin tone very well. I’ll use it any chance I get now.”
YAXUAN “OLIVIA” WANG, 24
RIT STUDENT, WITH A DESIGN BY RIT STUDENT YAOXUAN LIU
How does wearing this piece make you feel?
“It’s really inspiring to know that it’s designed to be a creature or angel coming down during COVID. We all had different stories about COVID. This makes me feel empowered.”
KARIN FRANZ, 50
FAIRPORT, WEARING MANSAWEAR
Tell me about this beautiful dress you’re wearing.
“I saw this dress at MansaWear on Park Avenue and it was love at first sight. I didn’t know where I was going to put it, but I had to buy it.”
KEITH MORTIMER, 53
BRIGHTON, IN A PERSONALIZED OUTFIT
Tell me about this steampunk look you’re sporting.
“I’m a big fan of The Borg (from ‘Star Trek’), which is really futuristic steampunk. I realized my affinity for steampunk when I started collecting old vintage metal fans from the 1940s and 1950s.”
KORRY O’BRIEN, 27
WEBSTER, IN A CUSTOMIZED OUTFIT
Why are you walking tonight?
“It is important to me for two reasons. I am an LGBTQ+ specialist at the Center for Youth, and I am also a model. I want to be that face that represents the LGBTQ+ community on the runway and off it, however I can.”
LUCY ANGRISANO, 20
BUFFALO, WITH OWN DESIGN
Is this a statement piece?
“I carry a sculpture that I made with recycled materials, things that I found in the garbage and cut. Mugs, CDs, aluminum foil – I spent a long, long time on that. Our message for this project was ‘memory’, so I’m blurring the line between dream and reality, which is constantly changing, just like your mind and memory.
SAM MOSKOWITZ, 30
ROCHESTER, IN A PERSONALIZED OUTFITS
What inspired your fancy outfit tonight?
“I wanted to look like I just buried my fifteenth husband.”
Rochester Fashion Week celebrates Rochester fashion while raising money to support services at the Youth Center.
Do you want CITY to visit you or a place you like to go?
Please let us know at [email protected].
Click on the image
Source: news.google.com