The 2nd Annual Rockland Fashion Week

Written By: LaKisa Renee

The 2nd Annual Rockland Fashion Week made it’s fabulous return to the Palisades Center in West Nyack, NY. Presented by Hope Wade Designs and the Palisades Center, the fashion week made its debut in 2019 but was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. I had the honor of serving as host for the evening through my company LaKisa Renee Entertainment. The stage and runway was set near Macy’s surrounded by a sold out audience of guests, balconies full of shoppers watching from above and the media. I was in awe of the view as I stood on stage and looked out into the audience. The energy in the room was like something out of a movie. After the welcome and introduction of sponsors, everyone stood for the National Anthem and a night full of entertainment was ready to begin!

LaKisa Renee at Rockland Fashion Week 2021 — Presenter LaKisa Renee

Male and female models from kids to adults hit the runway, wearing the latest fashions from local/national designers and boutiques. The fashion show featured fabulous collections from Designers Glow Art Photography, Amira Qumara Designs by AQ, Hustle Simmons Designs, LLC. by Travis Williamson, Kurvacious, La Painture, Time To Clothes, Elite Repeat Consignment Boutique, Customly Yours, The Things I Love, V. Hanley and Riddim Driven. Everyone's collection was so different and unique. The styles ranged from glow in the dark art to urban wear, gowns, glamour, coats, consignment clothing and more. The show featured some very special moments as well. An autistic model and a visually impaired model walked the runway during the event modeling for Jamaican inspired Riddim Driven, the Kurvacious line catering to women with curves and Hustle Simmons Designs inspired by music, entertainment and the daily hustle. They both received a loud applause from the audience and proved that disabilities will not get in the way of accomplishing their dreams. Another amazing moment was when 10 year old Amira Qumara and her models dazzled the audience in her collection of gowns. She was the youngest featured designer in the show. She was presented by Jacqueline Love of the J. Love School of Fashion Etiquette.

Not only did the night feature fashion, it also featured DJs and live music. The audience was treated to 3 amazing performances. First up was R&B singer Mark Wade, his voice was powerful and soulful. Next was a performance by Dancehall Pastor Stephen Blake that combined church and dancehall music that had the audience dancing and inspired. Johnny Osbourne, the Legendary Jamaican music veteran with over 30 years in the industry, closed out of the performances with his dancehall hits. During intermission guests could purchase raffles containing baskets and packages donated by sponsors. They could also shop with a variety of wonderful vendors in attendance.

The highly anticipated finale designer of the night was Hope Wade Designs. The models strutted down the runway in breathtaking fashions from her collection ranging from day wear to couture. I also graced the runway with the models, as I was styled in a stunning head to toe look from her collection. The audience loved the looks and her versatility as a designer who catered to women of various sizes and ages. Hope Wade is the Executive Director and Producer of Rockland Fashion Week. She is also an award-winning designer whose work has graced the runaways of NY Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and Caribbean Fashion Week. She was a finalist for a critique by Tim Gunn of Lifetime’s Project Runway and owns the Hope Wade Designs Boutique located at 23 N. Broadway in Nyack, NY. During the event, Hope was given two proclamations by Rockland County’s Assemblyman Mike Lawler and Legislator Toney Earl for her amazing contributions to the community.

Rockland Fashion Week was a success! A Special Thank You to Wayne Winston and the Faces of Beauty Modeling Team, the designers, models, sponsors, vendors, hair & makeup teams, volunteers and everyone involved in Rockland Fashion Week.

Thank you to Hope Wade for the opportunity to host the show. I enjoyed every moment of the experience, entertaining the audience and interacting with the guests. I'm looking forward to next year and seeing the growth of the event.

LOCATION:

-Palisades Center - West Nyack, NY

www.palisadescenter.com IG: @palisadescntr

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

-Frank Rivers Photography

www.frankriversphotography.com IG: @frankphoto30

-Wayne Winston IG: @waynewinston

DESIGNERS:

-Hope Wade Designs

www.hopewadedesigns IG: @hopewadedesigns

-Glow Art

www.glow-Art.com IG: @glowartphotography