Strut. Pose. Repeat.
The Brooklyn Public Library turned into a catwalk on Friday, May 5, as part of the fifth BKLYN Fashion Academy, an annual 16-week intensive program developed to accelerate designers' careers.
The fashion show at Grand Army Plaza's Central Library spotlighted 11 of Brooklyn’s best up-and-coming designers as they showcased clothing that explored the theme, "Ancient Egypt: Gods of the Runway."
BKLYN Fashion Academy is led by former Project Runway star Benjamin Mach and organized by the BPL’s Business and Career Center to support Brooklyn's innovative designers and the local fashion industry.
This year’s cohort of 11 designers gained crucial fashion world skills like sketching, stitching and managing a business.
“The library is a community, and without community, we cannot support this amazing talent,” said Tamiko White, fashion entrepreneur and host of the event. “There is no other borough where people are more confidently strutting in the streets like we do here in Brooklyn.”
BPL's grand lobby was transformed into a runway exploring the aesthetics and significance of Egyptian deities. Each designer picked a deity to interpret through clothing using their own styles and cultural influences.
"This collection is ready-to-wear for the everyday woman. It's very casual, but also, the clothes can be worn during the evening,” said Ghislaine Sabiti, a 2023 BKLYN Fashion Academy designer. “My roots are in Congo, so I went to Egypt and I also did a tour of each country in Africa. In Africa, they have a lot of fine clothing and fine fabric. I tried to incorporate all of these in my clothing line.”
The audience clapped and cheered for each collection that graced the platform. When crafting the pieces, each designer added their own signature touches and details to create a cohesive look.
Models strutted down the runway in captivating designs and struck a pose that personified their deity. For some of the designers, this was their first showcase.
But for others, like Andres Biel, this was another chance to home their skills and explore their passions. Biel chose the goddess Nut, the goddess of the sky and heavens, for his design study.
“When I took the time to read about her, it was strange, because my brand is called I Fly Universe," said Biel, "and it embodies everything she is to the universe. It represents inclusivity and longevity. I’m just spreading a message with my clothing."
Local budding high school fashion designers also participated in the fete, strutting down the catwalk in their own Egypt-themed designs, moving some audience members to tears.
Interested in learning the ins and outs of fashion design? You can find out more information about BKLYN Fashion Academy here.
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