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Jamaica Rolling Out Red Carpet for Local Designers at Fashion Show

 The third “Jamaica Collections” is scheduled for June 7.
Jamaica to Roll Out Red Carpet for Local Designers
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QUEENS — Strike a pose!

A fashion show organized by the Jamaica Center BID is set to return to the neighborhood next month, in an effort to highlight local designers and showcase Jamaica as a fashion district, organizers said.

Several fashionistas will present their designs and local clothing stores from Jamaica Avenue will feature their latest styles as well.

“We are excited for the third year,” said Felicia Tunnah, executive director of the BID. The event, she said, “really combines a lot of the things that we are trying to do in the district,” including “highlighting one of the largest urban fashion districts in New York City and providing positive nightlife entertainment in downtown Jamaica.”

The annual event has been gaining popularity. The first fashion show organized two years ago attracted more than 200 attendees. Last year, the number nearly doubled, the organizers said.

Among the designers who are expected to present their work this year, will be Michele Walden Mcphee, 56, of Jamaica.

Walden Mcphee, who founded a company called Michi Knitwear, which specializes in designing and making knitwear, mostly for women, will present her skirts, tops and dresses.

Walden Mcphee, who calls herself “a couture knitwear designer,” said that her designs have little to do with "your grandmother's knitwear." Her style, she said, is funky and chic.

“Originally knitting by hand for my daughters and myself, my work received recognition from my family and friends, who began requesting me to make pieces for them,” she said about her start as a designer.

Jamaica Avenue retailers, including Old Navy, Nine West and Claire’s, will be presenting the upcoming trends and outfit styles that will be sold at their stores this season, the organizers said.

Vera Moore Cosmetics will provide the makeup crew for the show.

The show will also rely on social media to spread the word and the BID has been posting updates about the event on its Facebook page.

The organizers said they will also be live tweeting during the show and posting photos on Instagram.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. Tickets are $10. For more information and to buy tickets, go here.