Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

VIDEO: Fashion Week Brooklyn Kicks Off in Sunset Park

By Janet Upadhye | October 4, 2013 10:11am
Fashion Week Brooklyn Spring 2014
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Janet Upadhye

SUNSET PARK — Fashion doesn't begin and end in Lincoln Center.

Fashion Week Brooklyn kicked off in the warehouses of Sunset Park Thursday night with a new name, new look, and promises of greatness.

"I welcome you all to Fashion Week Brooklyn. We are all grown up and one of the hottest places for fashion," said state Sen. Eric Adams, who hosted the first night's events. "And a special thanks to Marty Markowitz for having the vision of what Brooklyn could become."

Organizers recently announced the rebranding of BK Fashion Week and the addition of new sponsors including MoCADA Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts. They also changed the event's name to Fashion Week Brooklyn.

"[Brooklyn Style Foundation] is proud to announce the rebranding of Brooklyn’s premier fashion and cultural event and the addition of three new partners," host Brooklyn Style Foundation, located in Fort Greene, wrote in a statement. "The mission of the foundation will remain the same and will continue to incorporate all of the artistic elements that added to the success of BK Fashion Weekend."

BK Fashion Week made its debut at the Tobacco Warehouse in May 2006 as a way to showcase Brooklyn's emerging designers while also raising money to "fund self-esteem programs for Brooklyn's at-risk youth."

The event still has an eye toward Brooklyn's youth, providing young designers with sewing machines and classes and showcasing the talents of local high school students. But it has also became one of the country's most diverse international runway shows, hosting designers from Poland, Germany, Scotland, Canada, Philippines, Norway, Africa and Spain. It was also one of the first platforms for plus-sized models.

This year organizers continue their cutting edge approach to fashion with eco-friendly wear, doggy couture, and hip maternity styles.

Fashion Week organizers expect over 500 guests nightly to check out spring 2014 collections from American designers Angel Rodriguez, Bradley Douglas Jordan, and Nick Evers plus international designers  John Guarnes from the Philippines, Rosbinna by Rosemary from Africa, Isabella Milan from Spain and more.

For a full schedule of events visit Fashion Week Brooklyn.