Indianapolis' Black Expo
Fashion show gives designers, models spotlight at Summer Celebration July 18, 2015
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Models look to family and future success for inspiration at Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration Fashion Show.
Dozens of models ages 3 to 53 strutted down the catwalk July 18, wearing clothing created by Indianapolis fashion designers. The show was 45 minutes long and was well attended, with crowds of people surrounding the stage to watch the show. One of the models, Tylicia Steele, is no stranger to the catwalk. The five-year fashion show veteran sashayed down the runway in garments designed by six different designers. “About five years ago I went and had head shots taken,” said Steele, “Once I got them back and saw myself all dolled up I said, ‘Who is this? Oooh! I gotta be on stage now!’” It took hours of work on the designers’ parts to prepare the models for the 15 seconds they were on stage. “They want to make sure we are perfectly flawless head to toe,” said Steele. Denise and Treyonna Majors, a mother-daughter duo who walked for Designs by Gwen Hodges, shared their experience behind the process. They have modeled together before, but this was their first time walking for the Summer Celebration Fashion Show. “It takes hours and hours to get ready, said Denise Majors. “We’ve been here since 9 o’clock this morning and we still aren’t ready -- and the show starts in an hour.” “We started with hair and makeup and then had to try on the different outfits,” Treyonna added, “but I really like what I get to wear in the show today.” Aliyah Velez, who walked for multiple designers, said this was her second show. She pointed to her dad, who is also a model, as her inspiration. “I would have to say my dad is who I look up to in this industry and it is really nice to be able to model in events like this,” Velez said. Even though modeling is a family affair, Velez said she’s not exempt from the anxious feelings associated with modeling in front of hundreds of people. “Although it is nerve wracking leading up to the show, it has been a lot of fun,” said Velez. Steele said she was looking forward to the fashion show because it was her biggest production so far. She said she was planning on pursuing modeling as a career. “This is something I would like to do with my life,” said Steele, “I would like to eventually be a part of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show -- I gotta get my wings.” |