BTS: Concrete Jungle Charity Fashion Show

I appreciate a company who goes the extra mile to give back to the communities they serve. Not for the sake of meeting charity goals, but because they truly care about the betterment of their local communities. Yesterday, Dawson College Campus Life & Leadership, in collaboration with The Legacy MTL, hosted a charity fashion show sponsored primarily by local Montreal brands. The goal was to raise proceeds for Dans la Rue Foundation- a foundation whose aim is to aid at risk and homeless youths. To learn more about this foundation and their initiative, please visit their website at https://danslarue.org/en/.

I had the amazing opportunity to see the fashion show and get a glimpse of the backstage activities before the show began.

Model wearing Salinasoul Designs

Before the music and lights electrified the stage and the models did their strutting down the catwalk, a lot took place behind the scenes. The show was a great success but that couldn’t be possible without everyone who donated their time and efforts to making it all happen. All the brands who donated their amazing garments, and makeup artist and stylists who donated their services to the cause are all to be recognized.

I arrived at the location at 2pm sharp and immediately felt a high energy in the building. There were no empty hands nor idle bodies around; everyone was busy doing something, anything. In the event room, there were technicians organizing lights and sounds systems and coordinators running back and forth to make sure everything was in place. Backstage, the makeup artists, barbers, hairstylists and designers started getting their models organized. Everyone in good spirit despite the chaos, while giving their time freely to the cause.

At one point I found myself toggling the role of photographer, to being assistant to the makeup artists. The models practiced their walks in the hallways while they await their turn with the stylists.

Let’s talk about fashion baby!

THE MAKEUP

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The makeup gods were definitely served at this fashion show. The artists went for a soft healthy and fresh look. They stuck to the basics; a natural looking foundation with neutral shadows and blush and ~~some~~, ok maybe.. a lot of highlight for the glow (someone say highlight on fleek!)

ONE OF MUA EMILY'S CREATIONS on Model Veronica (Insagram:@veronica_tobon_)

MUA MOKITA WORKING ON A DEWY LOOK

MORE MUAS TAYAIBA (LEFT) AND BRIANNA (RIGHT)

THE HAIR STYLES

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Contrary to the makeup looks, nothing was subtle or simple about the hairstyles the model’s received. We saw bold looks; everything from braids, big beach waves, to funky up-dos. The male models received clean haircuts in all styles from the four barbers on the scene.

CORNROWS BY MARLAINIA (514BRAIDS)

FREELANCER MELANIE AKA HAIR JUNKEE WORKING ON A CLASSY DO

REGGIE (DAMPS) CUTTING A MODEL

SHANE (DAMPS) CUTTING WHILE HAVING A DEEP CONVERSATION

BARBER ROB HARD AT WORK

THE DESIGNERS

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There was an array of designs present to please various fashion appetites at this show. From casual street wear to cultural garments, the stylistic abundance was plentiful. The clothes were a donation by Montreal based brands and boutiques. One of the things I can appreciate is the delicacy and intricacy that went into making some of the garments. Salinasoul Designs, for example, had carefully sown kimonos made from a delicate satin. Every detail on their garments came together to tell a story which translated on the runway.

Here's a glimpse of some of the fashions from the runway.

A KIMONO FROM SALINASOUL DESIGNS

DESIGNS FROM RED FACTORY

ENRIO EVENGELISTA DESIGNS

DESIGNER ENRIO EVENGELISTA POSING WITH ONE OF HIS PROUD DESIGNS. HE WAS ALSO THE YOUNGEST DESIGNER AT THE SHOW.

DESIGNS FROM NECK BREAKERS

SWEATER BY BLUNTS AND KICKS

DESIGNS FROM BLUNTS AND KICKS (LEFT) ONZE (RIGHT)

THE SPONSORS AND THEIR CONTACTS

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I mentioned earlier that it's of great benefit to align with brands who make contributions back to our community, but these small businesses need our support too. Below are a list of the individuals and brands who donated their time to help raise funds to aid our at risk and homeless youths. The next time you buy your next outfit, or need a hairstylist or MUA, make them a consideration. We all have a role to play in the cycle of change. Please visit the Dan la Rue foundation page to learn how you too can contribute their efforts.

*DANS LA RUE FOUNDATION: www.danslarue.com

** MUA

EMILY: @makeupbyemilyriv

MOKITA: @glambymokita

TAYAIBA: @donttalktomexo

BRIANNA: @empty.elle

****BARBERS AND HAIR STYLISTS

MELANIE (HAIR JUNKEE): @officialhairjunkee

Rob: @rob_rylc

MARLAINA: @514braids

DAMPS BARBERSHOP - www.dampscompany.com

REGGIE: @reggiecutshair