Queens First Fashion Week 2010!

Queens Fashion Week just wrapped it's first ever, to be twice a year event. It was a fabulous event showcasing local designers and boutiques found in the boro and proving doubters wrong that Queens has some serious fashion. A series of events through out the course of the week, I attended the last event to show support for Ethereal Boutique who carries Fennimas and had featured some of my jewelry designs at their table and in the runway show. It was a fabulous time where I went with no expectations and left thoroughly impressed with all the talent at the event. It was one of the first fashion events I've been outside of the Plus Size world where there was such a natural curvy representation from everything from the designers to the models. I was excited to find plus icon and model Mia Amber Davis hosting the event. I was not able to attend the runway show due to cost of ticket but had a great time at the free expo. If you missed it you must come to the next one!
http://www.queensfashionweek.com/
The host and in my opinion the headliner Mia Amber Davis, who I’ve had the great pleasure to work with on many occasions while modeling for Monif C. Plus Sizes! It is truly humbling to work with her…she’s amazingly talented and so down to earth at the same time. A real role model for woman and young girls everywhere, representing being healthy, beautiful and successful at a plus size! She’s changing the ideals of what’s been considered beautiful in our “skinny” society and a leader in the Plus Size Revolution that is taking place in the fashion industry today. She's been in front lines positively representing the size 14+ as a plus size model in print, television, radio, movies and runway with the list of successes continuing to grow on to titles like spokeswoman, editor, producer, host. You've got to follow her blog, it's update to date on all things fashionable and curvy http://miaamber.wordpress.com
You've seen her recently on CNN
Other recent news: she appeared in a feature role in the 2000 comedy movie Road Trip as 'Rhonda'. Since her film appearance, Davis has been working as a model in New York and appearing on TV to speak on the issues of being plus-sized, and on self-esteem. Amber recently appeared on the Tyra Banks Show talk show dealing with the media's response to photographs of Banks in a swimsuit.
Mia Amber, above and below in Monif C. convertible dresses and Fennimas jewelry. [www.monifc.com]

Queens fashion week was started by local designer, Delali Haligah.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2010/02/11/2010-02-11_queens_couture_long_island_city_to_host_boroughs_firstever_fashion_week_.html

Queens Fashion Week is the brainchild of a long-time fashion designer based in Laurelton who has traveled the world to show her garments.
"I thought, 'If I don't create it, it's not going to happen,'" said Delali Haligah.
She will show her line, which she describes as "African art to wear," at the finale runway show on Saturday night alongside the event's headline designer, Qristyl Frazier.
Frazier, a former contestant in Lifetime's television series "Project Runway," creates bold-colored dresses and jumpsuits for what she calls "plus-sexy" women.
"I'm doing clothes for women of all sizes, shapes and shades," said the Jamaica resident. Haligah hopes that this will be the first of many fashion weeks in Queens.
She aims to produce two events a year so that local designers can show fall and spring collections in their home borough.
"You have to find the gems in your own neighborhood," she said. "Queens is full of them but nobody knows."
[expert from NY Daily New www.nydailynews.com Article by, Leigh Remizowski]

Below are her 11 year old son's fabulous jewelry, what a young talent!

Earrings and Clothing designed by, Delali Haligah...founder of Queens Fashion Week

Fennimas Spring/Summer 2010, as sold at Ethereal Boutique www.etherealnyc.com

Ethereal Boutique, is a well known boutique located in the heart of Long Island City Queens. Owner Adriana Ron adds Bohemian vibe in L.I.C. with her distinct boutique. She mixes fashion forward pieces with vintage, where you can find coveted designer one of a kind items. Ethereal also features many local designers and has been known as a Queens hot spot for trunk, runway, and art shows. You can always find updated Fennimas pieces at this fabulous boutique, some even discounted only for Ethereal shoppers. So if you haven't been yet, you're missing out! Check out Ethereal Boutique today, easy to get to it's the first stop of the 7 subway train with a 1 minute walk past hip new restaurants and shops. Hope to see you at the next event!

Check out all these great hand picked Ethereal finds!!! Can't get this stuff anywhere else!

Me sporting an infinity scarf handknitted sold exclusively at Stella Gialla Boutique in Queens. http://www.stellagialla.com/

This is the fabulous knit designer Vanessa Reyes, who's line is carried at Stella Gialla.

Suzan, boutique owner wearing one the shops fabulous scarfs!

Below is the designer Joy of the funky, fresh and feminine line, Eminent Fash http://www.eminentfash.com/ who's clothes were featured in the designer showcase runway show.

This is New Bein, The Standard in Natural Hair Care since 1922 had a table of beautiful hair fashions http://www.newbein.com/ and accessories, hand crafted wire wrapped findings and unique ponytail holders. Made me want to lock my hair just so I could wear some! Thanks Nekhena for all the great info, I love your designs!

These gorgeous hats, necklaces and silk flowers are designed and hand crafted by the talented Olga Cave of O's Clothes LLC contact her for these unique hats, scarves, home fashions. ooocaveg@aol.com

Me wearing an Olga designed necklace paired with Fennimas earrings...they look good together!

These were just some of the lovely faces of the curvy women who greeted you at the door to the event. I had no idea before attending, thinking it would be the typical size tiny fashion chicks you usually see at these types of events....but the plus size industry was def taking center stage! Kaleena on the right is an upcoming stylist, check her out at http://www.stylesbykalyee.webs.com/

These two fashionable hotties were spotted while I was waiting for the train after the event...I couldn't resist myself to snap their photo and they were so gracious to pose. I love a well dressed man and these guys were flossing!