‘Ladylike Sophistication’ At EMERGE! Fashion Show

Vogue Icon Andre Leon Talley Honored By Diane Von Furstenberg

By Nathan James

Fashion Week is once again upon us in New York City, and what better way to get things roling than with a show that highlights and encourages up-and-coming designers? That’s EMERGE!, a runway extravaganza held at the Broad Street Ballroom just down the block from the Stock Exchange. This Valentine’s Day event showcased the love of fashion, and punctuated that statement by honoring one of the industry’s most revered wordsmiths: Andre Leon Talley, the longtime Vogue Magazine Editor-At-Large.

Andre Leon Talley

Talley has influenced three decades of clothing design all over the world, working with famous designers like Rachel Roy and Kimora Lee Simmons.

Talley has also promoted and supported thousands of young designers such as Jason Wu. Wu designed First Lady Michelle Obama’s Inaugural gown, through Talley’s good offices.

Presenting Mr. Talley with the Fashion Innovator Award was another of fashiondom’s leading lights, Diane Von Furstenberg. Describing Talley as “the real deal”, Furstenberg called him “priceless”.

Among the notables present were Toccara Jones (America’s Next Top Model), Alex McCord (Real Housewives Of NYC), Love Yourself First author Delvon Johnson, producer Christian Ruart, Rev. Kevin Taylor, entertainment mogul Richard Pelzer, and Mikki Taylor of Essence Magazine. Speaking with GBMNews, Mikki described the EMERGE! program as one of “ladylike sophistication, and sweet elegance.”

Hostess Tracee Ellis Ross spoke glowingly about NYFW, saying, “Fashion Week is a magical time. I am delighted to co-host the EMERGE! show and share the stage with fashion innovators in celebration of emerging talent.”

“Innovation” was certainly the watchword of the evening, as collections by Terri Stevens (FunkinBeutiful), Omar Villalobos and Gordana Rasic (GOCA), Elie Kuame (Elie Kuame Couture), Barbara Bates, Michael Alan Stein, and Jahi Fitzgerald and Evoli Fac’cion (Evoli Fac’cion) graced the runway.

Their bold, new styles were greeted by a very engaged and enthusiastic audience. ”I’m so thrilled to be back here at EMERGE!,” Stevens said. ”It’s such am amazing experience.” EMERGE! was created three seasons ago by publicist Dionne Williams, who said “The EMERGE! fashion show and brand has grown faster than we ever anticipated.” EMERGE! will return in the fall.