June is a month filled with euphoric meaning and the opportunities to share the light-heartedness of strength, laughter, joy, and excitement with families and friends. It is also a time to unite in celebration and demonstration of one’s unique creative abilities. ITIAH Angels for Learning (IAFL) in the month of June 2021 hosted a renowned virtual fashion show and a historical celebration of Haiti’s rich, beautiful culture exemplified by twelve jovially, confident models, many of whom were of Haitian descent on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 7:00 pm. The evening’s theme, “A Flair of the Caribbean,” and the fashion show’s color scheme focused on Haiti’s beautiful flag colors: red, blue, and gold.
A variety of fashions were displayed on the runway. They included the traditional Haitian style dress, commonly known as the Karabela Dress. Other fashions shown included Afro-centric wear, designer casual to formal wear, and casual apparel. The show would not have been complete without the swag of the male modelers, who wowed the audience with their native and European fashions. The highlight and special treat of the evening were noted Haitian singer, poet, and actress, Jocelyne Dorisme, who performed songs of hope, liberty, and freedom for her homeland. Ms. Dorisme mesmerized the viewing audience with several selections, including Haiti’s native anthem, before engaging the entire cast of models to join her on the runway as backup singers for two of her selections.
IAFL is thankful for the love and support of all the models, the owner and management staff at Triple T Caribbean Restaurant in Robbinsville, N.J. for opening their door and hosting the fashion show, Ms. Geneva Smith, owner of Geneva’s Boutique in Neptune, N.J., Rose Boutique LLC in Lawrenceville, N.J., our patrons who believed and supported the show, and individual and corporate sponsors for your monetary donations and ads. Special thanks are extended to the gracious donors who provided the four prizes for the evening’s raffle. Beth Whiteman won the NaturAll Club products for curly hair gift box; Mary Lynn Harland won the Burt’s Bees Products Basket; Swetha Ramachandran was gifted with the SherChic Boutique Products Basket; and Melanie and Benson Michaud won the evening’s grand prize, a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada.
It was an honor to share a portion of the evening with our viewers. All proceeds from the fashion show benefit the children of EML School in Haiti. IAFL’s goal is to transform the lives of underrepresented children. Your generosity helped to make our goal a reality.
Written by Magnolia Mc Glothen-Brown