Kids Fashion Week takes DMV

Kids Fashion Week DMV launched its inaugural week of events April 12th- 14th 2019. As everyone settles down, photos madly circulate and the reviews roll in, the team now convenes to discuss what’s next. The question is whether their captivated audience can wait a whole year before the next event or should this organization extend into a year-round program. After combing through all of what went right, what needs attention, and the opportunities left on the table, the team is confident that the success of Kids Fashion Week DMV (KFWMDV) is contributed to the void of top tier opportunities for youth interested in fashion and entertainment.

KFWDMV was based on a platform to cultivate young professionals including but not limited to aspiring models, designers, media journalists, actors and entrepreneurs. The overarching theme was: For Kids By Kids. The organization is operated by a team of motivated adults, however, many don’t know about the junior board of directors. Sophia Worthy, Mecca Muhammad, and Afuw Muhammad are the young brains behind the the brand who make decisions on everything from venue preferences, menus, special effects, and all around cool factors.

Kids Fashion Week DMV was co-founded by Akilah Clark, Crystal Davis and Auntea Marie. The partnership was formed by the three who previous built their professional relationship as media powerhouses. Akilah and Crystal are co-owners of Nura Magazine, a lifestyle magazine set to inspire and uplift minority women. Auntea is co-owner of Media International LLC, a public relations and marketing firm who represents clients in District of Columbia, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago and more. Media International originally took on Nura Magazine as a client which evolved to Nura Magazine serving as an editorial base for other Media International clients. The two companies then merged to independent ventures i.e. Kids Fashion Week DMV.

The conversation began on a hot day in Los Angeles during the weekend of BET Awards at a California bistro named Lemonade. The trio identified an opportunity or void rather in the cultivation of entertainment enthused children in Washington DC. Nearly 3 years and a trial project of kid journalists later, Kids Fashion Week was born. The mission of the 501c3 company is to nurture, support, and mentor successful careers for District’s most talented entertainment professionals under the age of 18.

On Friday, April 12th, Kids Fashion week kicked off with an over the top Ice Cream Social at U street hot spot, Jeni’s Ice Cream, in Washington, DC. With bubbly ‘blue carpet’ kid correspondent Kaliyah.Fashion, the evening was filled with high energy, music and unlimited sweet treats. Saturday, April 13th, amped the momentum during the Inaugural PlayShop, Workshops at the Patrick Henry Rec Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The Playshops included workshops on sewing, arts and crafts, media training, acting/improv, yoga and more. There were talent agencies and entertainment professional engaging with kids all afternoon. There even contests and prizes to include Dave and Busters Power Cards and crowd favorite goldfish. The host of the afternoon was Katie So of ‘So What’s Happening’ accompanied by 7 year old Elisabeth Trinh, MIss Earth 2018.

The most anticipated sold out ‘Fierce and Fancy Runway Show’ took place Sunday, April 14th, at the Silver Spring Civic Center. The evening was hosted by expecting mother, Ashley Darby of The Real Housewives of Potomac. The red carpet was hosted by the fashionista Ashleigh Demi of WPGC 95.5 and our lead journalist was 10 year old Brianne James of Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots. In total there were 40 models,10 designers, 10 vendors and a room packed full of spectators. Student designers of Gabby’s World showcased garments by 2 designers under the age of 10. Burke’s Closet also premiered a youth line from its 7 year old designer out of Philadelphia. Other designers included Udize by Maryland, MG Frocks from NYC, The Love Collection by Greezie, Dream Big DC, Alexia Franchesca, D’Lora, Men’s Wearhouse, and Mali Rose. The collections extended from ready-to-wear street fashion to high fashion couture.

The vendors were also a big hit. Winter Noel engaged patrons to decorate squares that would be woven together to create prayer blankets to combat bullying. Sweek Kam brought the much needed flavor. This 13 year old Kid-prenuer sold carnival style treats along with her custom waffle dessert “the Kreffle.” The show wouldn’t have been complete without Myles, the 6-year old photographer who stole the show with his camouflage wrapped camera and precise kid angle.

The team agrees that the vision of Kids Fashion Week DMV is much too large to be limited to an annual event. More events, more activities and continuous programs is the way to go. “We are mom’s”, explained Akilah Clark. “we want opportunities for our children and all the other talented children in this area”. “Our children shouldn’t have to travel and ultimately we want to have all our participants paid for their hard work,” continued Auntea Marie.