Graduates of the BKLYN Fashion Academy, a 16-week fashion education program at the Brooklyn Public Library, on Friday presented their designs at a fashion show.
Taking place in the grand lobby of the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza, the designers included both men and women, ranging in age from their 20s to 50s. They came from a wide range of backgrounds and careers, such as software engineering, urban planning and architecture.
Benjamin Mach, a designer and Project Runway All Star, served as the lead instructor for the program, which offered students with the education and resources to market their designs, produce their collections and sell their products.
Shaw Bernard, the president and chief executive of Strut Models, hosted the show.
Participants in the program, about 80% of whom are people of color, were selected through a competitive process open only to Brooklyn residents with prior sewing experience. They received instruction on sustainability, sourcing, accessories design, market research and more.
The runway show was held in partnership with Women.NYC and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
