by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
This weekend, Connecticut-based Diamond Fashion Week gets to shine with fashion shows in New York City on Friday night and a runway show in Connecticut on Saturday.
Victorian Griffin-Blackford, co-producer and founder of Diamond Fashion Week along with Karlene Worrell, said at a press conference on Sept. 16 in West Haven, Conn., “We’re very excited about having Diamond Fashion Week in Connecticut and branching the fashion week out into other cities… We have a lot of big big plans and ambitions for Diamond Fashion Week… So just get ready.”
“We created this fashion week to merge… everybody who is part of this industry,” said Griffin-Blackford.
Griffin-Blackford said the origins of Diamond Fashion Week are an extension of her own dreams. Ever since she saw her first fashion week she had it in mind to do a fashion week herself. “I just love fashion.
“We’re little now, we’re taking baby steps,” she said.
Besides spotlighting the designers, Griffin-Blackford said Diamond Fashion Week is intended to spotlight the models as well. “It’s way… where we can help the models, get the experience and make their mark in fashion.”
All in all, Griffin-Blackford said Diamond Fashion Week hopes “to build a community of positivity… to lift everybody up and grow.
Worrell said Diamond Fashion Week is not the stereotypical fashion show with a lot of yelling and shouting backstage. Instead, she said you’ll find laughing, talking, and people getting to know each other.
New Britain’s Anetra Brooks of Anetra Designs and Alterations is one of the designers participating this year. Fashion, she said, is “something I completely and passionately enjoy.”
“I love designing for someone and co-designing” with clients to bring their ideas alive, said Brooks.
“I’m so glad to be part of Diamond Fashion Week,” said Brooks.
Lakisha Malave from New Britain, who works at Friendly’s in Southington, is wearing a couple of hats at this year’s Diamond Fashion Week—interning and modeling. Malave has modeled before but originaly joined the Diamond Fashion Week team as an intern. But Brooks asked her to walk in her show and Malave said yes. “I can’t stay away from fashion and modeling.”
Diamond Fashion Week will hold a red carpet gala at Toshi’s Living Room Flatiron Hotel, 1141 Broadway, New York at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23. Tickets are $45 and are available at Chocolate Angel Boutique, 1055 Boston Post Rd., West Haven.
Dipped in Diamonds All White Fashion Affair presented by the Dynamic Diamond Divas will be held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Chocolate Angel Boutique. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $45 for VIP and are available at Chocolate Angel Boutique.
For tickets or more information, go to DiamondFW.com or call (203) 858-0680.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
