At Fashion Rev NB, local fashions on display for a good cause

At Fashion Rev NB, local fashions on display for a good cause

Editor’s note: Anj Kepinski, the photographer behind The Light’s Street Style series, attended Fashion Rev NB at Gallery X in May to check out a home-grown fashion show. The event, involving local makers, designers and vintage resellers, took aim at what its organizers described as the exploitive ills of fast fashion — the business model of copying trendy styles, mass-manufacturing clothing quickly and selling it at low cost. Here’s what Kepinski saw and learned: 

As a photographer shooting this event, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but what I found was something really cool and unique. New Bedford has deep roots in the textile world, and while most of that industry has faded, there’s still this raw creative energy in the air. While taking photos throughout the day, what really hit me was the atmosphere and vibe. People from all walks of life — young, old, different backgrounds — came together, not just to show off their fits, but to connect. There was a real sense of community and purpose behind the designs. You could see it in the details: upcycled fabrics, thoughtful choices, and personal touches that told stories.

Scenes from the Fashion Rev NB show in May at Gallery X. Credit: Andrew Kepinski / The New Bedford Light

Claudia De Sousa-Baptista, owner of Brushwood Tailors Opportunity Shop in downtown New Bedford, and one of the fashion show directors, gave a little insight into the background of how the event came to be:

Scenes from the Fashion Rev NB show in May at Gallery X. Credit: Andrew Kepinski / The New Bedford Light

“Fashion Revolution is a worldwide movement that raises awareness about the ills of the fashion industry. It was founded after the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013 where 1,134 garment workers died,” said De Sousa-Baptista. “I hope to build people’s understanding that trends are garbage created by the industry to sell, sell, sell and that loving yourself and trusting your own sense of style is one of the best weapons against the hyper fast fashion machine.”

Everyone brought their own flavor, but there was a shared purpose — fashion that cares about the planet and the people on it. It wasn’t just style for style’s sake. It was intentional, expressive, and super refreshing to witness. Shooting this felt like catching a glimpse of where fashion is heading. Rhonda M. Fazio, owner of Interwoven Art Studio downtown New Bedford, and also one of the fashion show directors, spoke on the importance of personal creativity in fashion.

“We think similarly but produce designs differently with care and consideration to our environment. Personal creativity over sameness is the designing factor over industrial made clothing that lacks personality,” said Fazio. “I believe people walk away from the experience of Fashion Rev knowing more about themselves and each other through the art of making through individual creativity.”

The Fashion Rev NB show at Gallery X in May. Credit: Andrew Kepinski / The New Bedford Light

With New Bedford having the textile history that it does, it seems fitting that we hold an event like this. This is a story of revival and resilience. It’s an echo of the industrial past, but reimagined into something more mindful. Chaska England, one of the three founders of Fashion Rev NB, had close ties to New Bedford’s fashion history.

“It’s been three decades since the textile industry in New Bedford dissolved. I see its ghost in old worn signs and in the massive mill buildings it left behind,” said England. “My grandmother and godmother both worked in the textile mills. Yet our connection to the whaling industry ended 100 years ago and it seems to be splashed vibrantly across our city. There’s room to honor both sides of our past.”

New Bedford has always and will forever remain a city rich with culture and creativity. I left this event feeling not only inspired, but proud to be surrounded by so many people with passionate intentions on creating a new, more thoughtful path forward. My hope is that movements like this can bring awareness to ways we can be more progressive in the fashion industry for the sake of our future.


Hartman Deetz

“Most of the art I produce nowadays draws heavily on my traditional cultural arts, but in this fashion show I got to return to my contemporary hip hop aesthetics that have been ever present in my personal expression.”

Claudia De Sousa-Baptista

“This particular collection of designs (garments made of vintage silk scarves) plays into my desire for unusual, high quality garments for when I have to get dressed up.”

Korie Ellis

“As a natural dyer in my mid-30s, my style starts with one simple question: what is this made of, and where did it come from? That’s the foundation, full stop. Please miss me with the freshly purchased polyester and spandex; I’ll take thrifted linen. These days, comfort leads, function follows, and color brings it all to life. That’s the recipe for both my work and the way I show up in the world through fashion.”

Chaska England

“My work is a fusion of upcycling, patchwork, and painting. I love working with my sewing machine and the sudoku-like challenge of patchwork.”

Rhonda M. Fazio

“Dyer Maker Studio designs fit every body type and are heavy in environmental mindfulness in the way they are made with minimal materials using natural color and fibers that date back several thousand years. Claudia calls me the original gangsta which I had no idea what it meant, except I have been pretty steadfast in my use of sustainable materials in the years I have created them. Keep it real, keep it simple, keep it wearable for everyone.”

Aidil Timas Grogan

“My designs are created like it was for myself. I always imagine myself wearing it or carrying it.”

Aleta May Deyo

“I have been upcycling for decades, I even upcycled my own wedding dress. Upcycling a garment is akin to solving a puzzle, identifying the unique elements and textures the old pieces hold and bringing them together to create a new and unique garment.”

Emily Moniz

“My designs fit into my personal style with their playfulness and balance of eccentricity and elegance. I love to create garments that celebrate femininity and add whimsy to everyday life. I’ve always been drawn to historical fashion, and now I have the chance to blend that admiration with the richness of my own history, culture, and memories, crafting garments that are both timeless and personal.”

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