LYNN–The brick walkway of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park transformed into a full-fledged runway for a fashion show hosted by the Lynn Museum and Arts Center Friday.
The show featured collections from local designers and brands including, MakeShift Studios, Ellen Yeung, Ebbee, Khammany, and Vlush. Designs were showcased by local models.
The event was part of the museum’s Final Fridays series, where on the last Friday of each month they host a themed showcase.
The series originated in 2021 to bring the community together to celebrate the arts and culture along with Lynn’s small business during the pandemic, Doneeca Thurston-Chavez, executive director for the Lynn Museum and Arts Center, said.
“With this season we really want to support young people in the community. Let them know that there are spaces here in Lynn, especially downtown, for them to celebrate their tal
ent, their creativity, and you know, just have fun,” she said.
“This is our first time organizing a fashion show as an organization. It has been a lot of fun to work with brands that have ties to the community,” Thurston-Chavez said.
She added Jah’Nyah Spencer, Youth & Community Engagement Coordinator, for the museum has taken on the Final Fridays program and has “really put her own stamp on it” this season.
First up, models walked out in pieces from Ellen Yeung’s “Painted Fairy World” collection, which included six designs popping with floral and majestic colors. Soon after, the audience saw four gothic designs from Ethan Donaldsen/Eebee’s collection “Coming of Age.”
After a short intermission, 19 models took the stage with designs from Makeshift Studios followed by a six piece colorful collection by Khammany, titled “Groovilicious.”
Finally, the audience saw 15 casual looks from the shop, Vlush.
LaMar Harris, a local entertainer who goes by the name “Mr. PSA,” emceed the show and it was DJ’ed by DJ Rayvino.
“I’d like to see more things like this happen and maybe get bigger and better year after year,” Harris said.
He said he hosts a lot of events and serves as a mentor in and outside of Lynn and recognizes the importance of community events that encourage youth to get involved with the arts.
“They really don’t see too much. They’re always in tune with video games or watching TV, so it’s good to bring them into the art side of things, the fashion side of things, and really get the creative juices flowing,” he added.
Anne-nerylo Gedeus, a volunteer for the fashion show, said there is an amazing ambience and “great vibes” at Final Fridays.
“It’s amazing with everything that happens in Lynn to see how we can come together and bring something amazing to the people,” she said.
