by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
COVID-19 has put a halt on many aspects of life across the globe. But for Connecticut’s Joseph Wade, the pandemic never put a damper on his drive to make fashion.
Wade, who is responsible for the Society 21 brand, explained in an email, “As a designer, I have not stopped creating. I have been working around the clock. I am passionate, driven and focused.”
Wade will be showing his work at Atlantic City Fashion Week. The organization is planning a COVID safe presentation with a live runway and ticketed guests from Feb. 18-20 at the Showboat Hotel Atlantic City.
Wade is a veteran designer at ACFW having shown there previously.
“ACFW is a great platform,” said Wade. “Thousands of fashionistas come from all over to enjoy ACFW. I have met models and fellow artists from all over and the models take pride in representing the brands they walk for.”
“I am honored to show my brand on such a large stage,” said Wade.
The designer is especially happy to be able to show his latest creations born of the pandemic on the catwalk at ACFW.
“Live runway shows are electrifying,” said Wade. “I enjoy showcasing my hard work and receiving feedback. I love the enthusiasm for the brand and its quality from the models and the patrons alike.” “There is definitely an adrenaline rush (at a live runway show),” said Wade. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
As for the collection he has prepared for the ACFW show, Wade said it is “a bit eclectic.”
“It has some urban street wear, athletic wear, lounge wear and casual wear,” said Wade. “I will also showcase custom sneaker wear along with a few surprises.”
The garments, he said, are appropriate for his target audience. He sees the Society 21 customer as “anyone at any age who has an urban street wear flair, even if just a hint.”
“Society 21 aims to be a smart street style (with a) sexy sophisticated look,” said Wade.
Society 21’s designer, however, doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed into his current aesthetic.
“I am hoping to expand into business casual in the near future,” said Wade.
Society 21 originally was intended to serve as a promotional tool for Wade’s other business ventures. “It wasn’t my intent to start a clothing brand.”
But the brand evolved.
“It became a beast of its own,” said Wade.
No matter its form, Wade said there is one consistent thread that pulls it together.
“The brand is run the way life should be lived — with integrity, unity, courage and strength,” said Wade.
For information about Society 21, visit society21.kincustom.com.
For information about Atlantic City Fashion Week, visit AtlanticCityFashionWeek.com.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
Model Yashy Dejesus wears some items created by Joseph Wade’s Society 21.
