Fashion Week Comes To Queens
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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week will kick off on Thursday, but this year, Manhattan is not the only borough showcasing talented designers. NY1’s Michelle Park filed the following report on an initiative in Queens designed to give its fashion scene a makeover.When most New Yorkers think of New York City Fashion Week, their first thoughts are normally of Bryant Park. But in Queens, designers like DeLali Haligah want to label their borough as a fashion mecca, too.
As a result, Haligah is launching Queen's Fashion Week, which also kicks off this Thursday.
“We're instituting a program where when you come to New York to do Fashion Week, and do all the things in Manhattan, say, ‘you know what, let's take the train over to Queens. It's only one stop to Long Island City, and let’s see what Queens has to offer,’” Haligah said.
The event is open to the public, and along with formal runway shows, Queens Fashion Week will help consumers meet local designers, like former Project Runway contestant, and Queens resident, Qristyal Frazier.
Unlike Manhattan Fashion Week, those who see something them like on the runway don't need to wait until the next season to hang it in their closet. After the shows, designers will meet with local fashionistas who can buy or order looks hot off the runway.
“I want people to not just be excited about the show, but know that they will be able to get this clothing directly after the show,” said Frazier. “We're women, we want to be able to get it when we can.”
The designers won't be the only stars at Queens Fashion Week; business owners will also have the opportunity to model their merchandise during a fashion expo.
Adriana Rom owns Ethereal Boutique in Long Island City, which exclusively sells items made in Queens. She says this event is a perfect fit for new designers trying to make a name for themselves.
“There hasn't been an opportunity to showcase how much talent there is here,” she said. “You have great designers that come out of Queens and I'm hoping that this show will create more awareness.”
The shows will go on with the help of several sponsors and organization, including the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and the borough president’s office. Tickets for the shows are between $10 and $20; Saturday's business expo is free.
For more information, go to QueensFashionWeek.com.