Haus of EK isn’t just a fashion show — it’s a movement proving that the next generation of young designers can stitch together their own futures.
NEW ORLEANS — Fashion isn’t just fabric and flair — it’s patience, resilience, and reinvention. And this year, Edna Karr’s Haus of EK fashion show proved just that. Now in its second year, the student-led runway event returned bigger and bolder, showcasing the creativity and determination of four young designers who spent nearly nine months crafting collections from the ground up.
From after-school sewing sessions to long nights spent thrifting and designing, every stitch told a story of dedication. Each outfit a transformation of secondhand finds into high-fashion statements was proof of their commitment. And on Thursday, March 27, their hard work finally took center stage.
A packed crowd of students, family, friends, and faculty filled the auditorium, buzzing with excitement as more than 40 models strutted the runway.
Local host Look at Warren kept the energy high with his signature humor, while New Orleans rap artist Top Notch had the audience on their feet with a live performance. Fashion brands like Ze Muse and Ragz to Stitches served as judges, adding a touch of validation to the student-led show.
For Joey Miles, Jaila Lee, Britain Davis, and Kennadi Roby, this was more than a showcase — it was the moment they had worked toward for months. Each designer debuted 10 original looks, proving that style isn’t just about what you wear, but the journey behind creating it.
Sewing Beyond the Seams
The program, founded by Jamari Juluke, a physical science teacher at Karr, with instructor Jaelan Ricard of JaerRi Studios, goes far beyond the basics of sewing.
Both are alumni of Edna Karr and teamed up for the creation of the program.
“My goal for this program is not just creativity, it’s perseverance,” Juluke said. “This is hard work. It’s not easy. We stay at school late,” she added. “You’re sacrificing a lot of your high schoolhood to devote to this, to expose to the world what you’re capable of.”
Every garment was thrifted and repurposed.
“You would never think that,” Juluke added. “You would have thought we bought all that fabric”.
Juluke and Ricard said providing students with opportunities outside of sports and music is important and shows other avenues in life that can be obtained.
“Each designer created 10 outfits, and to do that within several months, despite never having sewn before, was amazing to watch unfold,” Ricard said. “The most important thing was letting the kids fully be themselves and get their vision out.”
The Designers’ Vision
Kennadi Roby, a 9th grader, explored delicate floral designs, intricate petal placements, and a bold leather jacket adorned with bottle-cap detailing. But beyond the details, she learned something deeper.
“Throughout the process, I was really doubting myself,” Roby admitted. “You just have to see it through, but at the end, it’s always going to be a good outcome.”
For Britain Davis, another 9th grader, fashion was about storytelling and tradition. She pulled inspiration from New Orleans streetwear culture and the Mardi Gras Indians’ beadwork she did before she joined the program. She designed diamond-encrusted camouflage shorts and hoodies adorned with rockstar patches.
Davis even made two shirts from bed sheets that were transformed with eyelets and different appliques.
“I finished all my outfits. I’m proud of myself,” Davis said.
Juluke expressed her happiness for the children’s creativity to be shown. “That was my biggest goal, to give them a way to express themselves like they haven’t been able to in any setting.”
Jaila Lee, an 11th grader and returning designer, turned fashion into a business. After winning an LLC for her collection last year, she doubled down on her signature structured style, crafting plaid-on-plaid sophistication with denim and ruffle accents.
All off the plaid ensembles were repurposed from thrifted plaid collared shirts. A big moment in the show was one of Lee’s models, voguing down the runway, which set the crowd on fire!
“I really learned that when you go through stuff, do not let it bother you,” Lee said. “Keep going and focus on you and your business.”
Finally, Joey Miles closed the show with his winning collection, “Let Me Talk.”
“It’s been a lot of resilience and perseverance,” Miles said. “I wanted to go into more conceptual pieces,” he said. “I wanted to show that I have creativity.”
He described his work as part of a bigger movement. Miles broke down his collection into three categories: Classy, which included suits and ties, Streetwear, all-jean ensembles, and Rockstar, where he repurposed a yellow raincoat into a two-piece set.
Miles even had one of his friends perform as his models hit the runway.
“I’m pushing the narrative of what New Orleans fashion should be,” Miles said. “My brand is called Interstellar Love, because love is everywhere.”
Beyond Fashion: Life Skills That Last
Instructor Jaelan Ricard emphasized that sewing was just one part of the journey.
“People think it’s just sewing, but it requires so much patience, so much of your energy and time,” Ricard explained.
More than just a creative outlet, Haus of EK gave students lessons in discipline, patience, and problem-solving.
“And these kids are coming from a full day of school and staying until 8 p.m. just to create,” Ricard added. “It’s a different type of dedication and accountability.”
The fashion show wrapped up in true New Orleans style with a second line featuring Zulu Tramps decked out in collegiate-inspired suits.
Haus of EK isn’t just a fashion show, it’s a movement, proving that with creativity, determination, and a little thread and needle, the next generation of designers can stitch together their own futures.
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