Virtue & Gratitude
from NYFW to CFW
I did it.
Not only did I go to NY, produce 3 calendar fashion shows (Sergio Hudson, Prabal Gurung, and Elena Velez), but I left a strong, positive impression on the lead producers and creative directors. Everything was mutual and welcomed with open arms.
Maybe that was the whole point of going to NY—a reminder from God that I am doing a good job and that I’m exactly where I need to be. Or maybe it wasn’t about me at all. I’m coming to believe that my true purpose in life is to shine light on the people around me. Reassuring them, no matter who it is, that they are worthy and capable. It’s never just about being some creative producer and doing the cool thing, it’s about the people.
Everyone should be reminded that their efforts mean something. This serves far more than gratification. More than anything, it serves as a dose of love that pushes us forward.
That experience was definitely life changing. Being poured into and appreciated gave me the strength I needed to see my own light again.
So boom, I came back home to Chicago from NY—that same week, I was given the opportunity to produce an event for Chicago Fashion Week through the Chicago Fashion Coalition. Things moved pretty fast with only so much time to make shit shake, but we made it shake! What’s even crazier is, I was telling EP shortly before that I wanted to contribute to my city in some way for fashion week. All of that energy? All of that fuel? All of what was poured into me, was used to make something special.
Thank you CFC for trusting me and giving me permission to show up exactly as who I am. From the conceptualization to managing the event, I have to give myself my own flowers. Very, very proud of myself.
To the models: Salimat, Wealth, Akiro, and Bólú — all 4 of y’all are incredibly talented. I’m looking forward to seeing the evolution. There’s seriously no doubt that great things are on the way. The seeds have already been planted!
To the glam team: AJ & Syd — 10/10 execution. The synergy between you two is magical. Thank you for being apart of this project and showing up in good spirits.
To the media/volunteer team: Jordy, Lexi, Parker, Ambily, Fred, Savion, Tytus, and Bennu — the way that everyone worked together so seamlessly and graciously, man, thank you. I really appreciate the time you all carved out to put in this team effort.
Click here to see more content from the Denim After Dark event.
Talk soon friends.
—𝖇𝖊𝖊𝖙𝖑𝖊𝖏𝖚𝖚𝖘