Fashion Week is always a blend of beauty, style and fantastical energy. Attending such an event inevitably inspires you. Bronxanka.com will tell you more about Bronx Fashion Week and its history.
Founding history
Bronx Fashion Week was established in 2014 by Flora Montes. She aimed to provide local designers, both young and experienced, with the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.
The creation of this fashion event was driven by Montes’s personal tragedy. She lost her daughter and then returned to her hometown in the South Bronx, searching for meaning in life. During this time, she decided to establish Bronx Fashion Week. Notably, she grew up in this area but later moved to Connecticut. The tragic story compelled her to return to her childhood and youth.
The founder believes that fashion is more than just clothes. It is a way to boost self-esteem, strengthen confidence and provide a platform for realizing dreams. Models of various ages and sizes, ethnic backgrounds and gender identities can participate in this event.
This fashion event inspires a new generation of designers and models, contributing to the development of local businesses. For instance, designer Larry Franco, a participant in Bronx Fashion Week, noted an increase in sales, social media activity and interest in his brand’s items after each event. This only proves that the event has become a powerful platform for self-expression and inclusivity.
During the pandemic, the fashion event in the Bronx was suspended. After a two-year hiatus, it made a long-awaited return. It was held at the Mall at Bay Plaza.
About the founder
The woman, a native of the Bronx, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity and resilience. Her story proves how one can endure tragedy without breaking, transforming their experiences into a driving force for change.
After experiencing the pain of loss, Flora Montes found meaning in helping others. She initially began collaborating with various organizations in the Bronx before creating Fashion Week.
In addition to her work in the fashion industry, she has experience in cooking, writing and philanthropy, which only highlights her rich inner world and desire for self-realization.
As mentioned, Montes was born in the Bronx, so she is well aware of the negative stereotypes associated with this New York borough. These include high crime rates, poverty and economic inequality, a poor education system and a lack of opportunities for youth and ambitious individuals. Moreover, the Bronx is often portrayed as a place without culture, art and history, which is far from the truth.
Thus, she set a goal to reveal the beauty and talents of the Bronx and change outdated perceptions of the area. It is quite clear why her story inspires others.
What is the secret of success?
- Bronx Fashion Week is about inclusivity and diversity, which attracts fans and new supporters of the event.
- Hosting a fashion event helps support the local community through collaboration with local businesses, designers and models. Everyone gets a chance for self-expression, and this is not just words. The founder, who describes herself as a “fashion mother,” provided an opportunity for a young man who was just released from prison but always dreamed of becoming a model. Thanks to Flora Montes, his dream came true.
- Another key aspect of success is the accessibility of the event to people of different income levels.
- Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the fashion industry.
An example of Kiara Carrion vividly shows how Fashion Week gave a chance to a young talent. When she created her first corset with her mother, she was 15 years old. They were raising funds for a friend’s fashion show. Since then, Carrion has constantly faced obstacles. It was at Fashion Week in the Bronx that she had the chance to showcase her work and connect more closely with the Bronx community.
This is an example of successful and persistent work, as from her first attempt until the age of 21, she managed to become the CEO of KITARA Designs, which offers an impressive assortment of designer bras and corsets. Kiara is also a dancer, singer and actress displaying numerous talents.
Social impact
It is safe to say that Bronx Fashion Week has a significant social impact, as it participates in many community initiatives. For example, founder Montes helped more than 5,000 children in the Bronx by organizing a school supply promotion.
In its third year of operation, the organization collaborated with the Bronx District Attorney’s office and gained community support. At that time, they distributed over 2,000 graduation outfits.
The organization continues to support families in shelters, and its representatives inspire the youth and families of the Bronx. This influence extends the fashion world; it is something much greater.
In the fall of 2022, Bronx Fashion Week launched a fashion program in a couple of high schools in the South Bronx. This is yet another example of contributing to community development. Fashion Week is a full-fledged movement that provides opportunities for talented designers and models, positively impacts local businesses and motivates a new generation.
