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Charm City’s most important fashion gala happened Saturday, July 30th at the Baltimore Museum of Art.  The first gala of it’s kind was produced as a fundraiser to benefit Joy Baltimore, a drop-in center for youth in crisis, The sound of Mozart greeted the formally dressed attendees, performed by a classical trio ensemble, as they walked the carpeted steps into the museum, later greeted with African drums by the Djembe Trio. Sassy Shots Bar Services offered libations whilst another group of musicians filled the marble halls with jazz tunes. Art installations by shoe muralist, Akio Evans, Aaron Maybin and Devin Allen were previewed before the runway show. The gala featured independent designers that followed the evening’s theme “Your Vibe, Your Choice” and they delivered an immensely creative and avant garde fashion event.  Baltimore’s “Met” Gala was curated by The Finn Group with music by the Soulful Symphony, DJ Howard Hi-Def Dabney, nationally recognized celebrities, Baltimore’s best in the arts, along with the newly elected 2022 democratic nominee for governor, Wes Moore, with the anticipated future First Lady of Maryland, Dawn Moore as guests.

The event was created to benefit Joy Baltimore, a non-profit organization that recently opened a drop in center for at risk youth..  The center offers homeless, displaced children, ages 13-24, housing and medical assistance. The goal is to end youth homelessness with a safe haven, community support and education. On February 10, 2022, Joy Baltimore celebrated the grand opening of their Youth Drop In Center, where they received a personal certificate from Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott.  An awards ceremony followed the runway show, recognizing sponsors and individual leaders whom contributed to the opening of Just Our Youth Baltimore.  The gala overflowed with celebration, pride and gratitude for the givers and doers of the community.  Guests represented Baltimore in their finest with feather accents, crystal beading, sumptuous fabrics and one of a kind headpieces de rigueur for the evening.

The fashion show was beautifully produced by Lana Rae, with Domonique A. Graham as the “Runway” Manager. Ms. Lana Rae has over 17 years in the apparel industry as a celebrity stylist, designer and may be seen regularly on CBS WJZ and NBC WBAL hosting their fashion segments.   Models were supplied by Balcrenet, Baltimore’s Creatives Network. a hub and community for artists to showcase their work. Five designers presented their collections for the event starting with Earle Bannister, Jody Davis Designs, Different Regard, Evette Monique Couture and Syeko Design House..  They exemplified the best of Maryland and evoked emotion with every passing garment, eg. Syeko Design House’s  coat dedicated to “Squeegee boys needing love too” receiving a standing ovation.

 

To donate to Joy Baltimore visit www.joybaltimore.com.

 

The Finn Group @finngroup

Lana Rae @itslanarae

Joy Baltimore @joybaltimore

Balcrenet @balcrenet

Domonique Graham @dograhe_lovell

Lana Rae’s white dress @Iambrandonwarren

Earle Bannister @earlebannister

Jody Davis Designs @jodydavisdesigns

Different Regard @differentregard

Evette Monique Couture @evette_monique_couture

Syeko Design House @syekodesignhouse

Sassy Shots Bar Service @ _sassyshots

Soulful Symphony @soulfulsymphony

DJ @djhidefsounds

Photo Cred: @jovannareyesphotography