Fashionistas will have the opportunity to support local designers and beyond at NEPA Fashion Week, which will take place from to 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Friedman JCC in Kingston.
Hosted by Brieana Ofosu, a model, journalist and influencer from the Poconos, the event will feature a red carpet, runway showcase, awards ceremony and live performances.
There will also be a mix of local and out-of-state vendors, selling everything from crafts and jewelry to food.
General admission tickets cost $15 and VIP tickets cost $40. VIP tickets include front and second row seating, a red carpet interview, swag bag and automatic raffle entry.
Doors will open at 3 p.m. for the red carpet and the show itself will begin at 4 p.m.
NEPA Fashion Week founder Alahji Robinson, an award-winning model who has walked in Los Angles and New York Fashion Week, said he wanted to bring that world of creativity, artistry and innovation to the local area.
“I just want people in this area to know that there’s now a fashion outlet,” he said. “So anybody who’s an inspiring model, clothing designer or anything within the fashion and beauty industry, I want them to have an outlet going forward.”
As a plus-size model, Alahji said he also wants to create an inclusive space where all body types, ages and skin tones are represented and valued.
“When you come to this show, you’re gonna see models that are over the age of 50. You’re gonna see models that are plus-size. You’re gonna see petite models, short models, you’re gonna see white, you’re gonna see Black, you’re gonna see Hispanic, you’re gonna see what the everyday person looks like,” he explained.
The goal is to give aspiring models and fashion designers the confidence to follow their dreams.
“It’s important to see somebody that looks like them in a positive light. I want them to come to the show and see that those people who are walking the runway and feel like, ‘If they can do it, so can I,’” Alahji said.
In addition to crowning Mr. and Mrs. NEPA Fashion Week, and several other awards, NEPA Fashion Week will hand out a Lifetime Achievement award to Gwen DeVoe, the pioneer behind Full Figured Fashion Week.
For information and tickets, visit nepa2025.eventbrite.com.
