Former ‘Bloods’ member organizes Queens Fashion Week event
BY TAMMY SCILEPPI
When it comes to style,
the “World’s Borough” ain’t
chopped liver!
Just check out all the stylish
outfits and trendy urban street
wear that folks here are sporting
(albeit while donning face
masks, at times). There’s no denying
that the most diverse spot
on the planet rocks a very special
vibe … and local designers
would surely agree.
While others have tried,
an unlikely NYC duo is hoping
to make Queens Fashion
Week (QFW) an official yearly
happening, rivaling New York
Fashion Week.
Black Mogul, Inc. CEOs and
popular ‘Hustle & Love’ podcasters,
Esha Jay (Tyiesha Johnson)
and Stacey “S.O.U.L. B” Knight
(former ‘Bloods’ gang memberturned
businessman-and- author)
have been shaking things
up! The husband-and-wife team
organized a sizzling QFW gathering
that was held at Versatile
Art Gallery in Woodside on Feb.
29.
“We brought together an
elite fashion merged with hip
hop, showcase,” said Knight,
who spent more than 30 years
in prison (15 years in solitary
confinement) and is now speaking
out about prison reform. His
new book “The Poetic Hymns
of a Solitary Man” (Amazon),
chronicles his trials, tribulations
and triumphs during those
15 difficult years.
Black Mogul’s exciting QFW
event featured four urban/couture
designers, as well as four
entertainers. And while the
drinks flowed, Nicki Minaj &
Wendy Williams celebrity DJ
Boof, did his thing. Everyone
enjoyed an evening of fun and
glamour, but all eyes were on
the edgy runway collections.
“The purpose of our event
is to bring fashion awareness
to Queens. It was such a huge
success, we plan to make this a
yearly event with bigger sponsors,”
Johnson said. “Each borough
has a fashion week except
Queens!
Here are two designers
whose creations rocked the runway.
“Fashion is expression,”
says Queens-based creative Jae
Dylan, whose website describes
her eponymous custom-crafted
and Made in Italy, shoe line as
“a modern luxury brand inspired
by strength, uniqueness,
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and beauty of the Queen that
lies within each of us.”
She currently has two collections:
Safari – inspired by
nature and animals – features
a limited edition, sleek ankle
boot platform stiletto, in a
unique animal print “designed
for a fierce and unmistakable
look,” according to Dylan, who
added, “My Holiday collection is
inspired by the red carpet and
special events.”
Each design is meticulously
constructed by a skilled network
of selected Italian artisans.
“There are no finer hands in the
field. The handcrafting and the
materials are state-of-the-art,”
she said. “Once you buy a pair,
the custom shoes are manufactured
and shipped to you.”
Dylan attended the Fashion
Institute of Technology
and said she worked in the
fashion industry for Gianni
Versace and BCBGMAXAZRIA,
as well as other
menswear and womenswear
designers.
“Everything, and my logo,
has meaning to it – from the
colors and symbols – and was
well-thought-out,” she noted.
“The design of my logo ties in
to my birthstone (sapphire)
and happens to be one of
God’s chosen stones in heaven.
And, Dylan is my son’s
name, who passed away. I
launched my shoe line in his
birth month of October, to
honor him.”
Jessica Stevens’ custom
fashion offerings also wowed
the QFW audience that evening.
Her clothing brand, Marcella-
Jay (for women, men, kids), fits
right in with Queens’ eclectic
mix of authentic styles.
“Love and dedication is put
into every second, minute, and
hour that I put into my garments,”
Stevens said. “My showcased
creations are mostly urban
street wear – for the vibrant
people that love to stand out in
any occasion, season, event, etc.
– which makes people really feel
good about themselves and confident
wherever they go.”
When she isn’t designing,
the kind-hearted Brooklynite
helps children with disabilities.
Fashion Show, Catwalk Runway Show Event. Detail of lined up rear
view, fashion models. Photo via Getty Images
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