Fashionado

It was August 2003 and I was starting my second year as an art teacher at Grady High School in Atlanta, Ga. My schedule called for four art classes and two fashion design. Since the 8th Street wing was under construction, we were using interim art rooms, dingy old rooms with no windows, in the basement of the stadium. (Yuck!)

We had no materials, supplies or budget.

The Council of Intown Neighborhoods & Schools awarded me a $500 grant in October 2003. I squirreled that money away as I knew production costs later in the year were inevitable.  A couple months later, my students and I were surprised with twenty sewing machines from  the office of High Schools That Work.

We operated that first year with fabric donations and a whole lot of  prayers.

Our first ever fashion show was taking place on April 16, 2004 and we needed a name, something “cool” to call ourselves. After months of dialog and brainstorming, we came up with UrbanCouture. Spelled as one word with the U and C capitalized.

Everything changed that night. April 16, 2004.

I can write a short story just on the energy and emotion that reverberated through the audience. I’d never experienced anything like it before. My emotions were overwhelmed and I could not say much more than “thank you” to all the congratulatory well wishers, or I would lose it.

I think it was at that moment that I fell in love with teaching.

I was inspired and motivated.

I still am.

The next few years were good. The last two, great!

The Atlanta community reached out and embraced us with an outpouring of generosity. For that, we were and still are, extremely grateful.

In the beginning, Kevin Knaus, a fashion mover & shaker and Marilyn Johnson, former fashion editor at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, were influential with their assistance. I owe them a great debt of gratitude because it was their belief in my vision and their love of fashion and young emerging talent, that helped UrbanCouture tremendously. Kevin and Marilyn continue to support us!

A little later, the fabulous Carey Carter of Carter Barnes, entered my life. Partnering with the remarkable Carter Barnes Hair Artisans took my program to an even higher level. Carter Barnes has provided services to UrbanCouture since 2007. They also do Doggies on the Catwalk. In fact, it was because of Carey, that I was able to get Monica Pearson to do that show for us. She was the first model booked in Doggies and I credit the great professional and philanthropic respect Atlanta holds for Monica in all the other celebs agreeing to do the show.

Ken Taber, owner of Scenario Custom Scenery, another angel in my life, and parent of a homeroom student, has furbished the most amazing sets for 3 years. Our runway got bigger and better. Ken granted us the professional look we needed. (And a 60ft runway!!)

If I listed every amazing parent, teacher and friend who’s had a hand in our success, the list would go on forever.

At the end, really, all the matters are the kids. And its for the kids and their future, that keeps our dedication pure and fueled.

Great UrbanCouture moments:

photo by Richard Dawson- Shaped Light Photography

photo by Richard Dawson, Shaped Light Photography

photo by Richard Dawson, Shaped Light Photography

photo by Richard Dawson, Shaped Light Photography

Join us on MAY 15 at 8pm for the UrbanCouture Senior Collections.

Twelve wonderful collections.

One thrilling opening performance by Dance 101.

For TICKETS Click Here

Thank you Ellen Harden for this beautiful design! AND a big thanks to all of you in advance for the love and support you give to me, UrbanCouture, and it’s young designers.

You’re support provides them with a great sense of confidence and self-esteem.

fashionado

Tags: Bubba Carr, Dance 101, Doggies on the Catwalk, E. Vincent Martinez, Ellen Harden, fashion, Kevin Knaus, Marilyn Johnson, monica pearson, Richard Dawson, Shaped Light Photography, UrbanCouture

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