Lorain fashion designer Jevon Terance is bridging the gap, again.
“I wanted to go back to the story of bridging the gap,” said Terance, owner of Jevon Terance Fashion Designer Boutique in downtown Lorain. “I didn’t want to move to a new concept.
“I’ve done the same venue back-to-back in the past, and I wanted to continue telling the story, but with new inspiration.”
The international designer will return to Lorain’s Charles Berry Bascule Bridge at 6 p.m. June 8 to debut his spring/summer resort collection in celebration of 18 years in fashion.
He said his 2024 show made history as the first fashion event on the bridge, drawing inspiration from jazz and the Harlem Renaissance.
This year, Terance is blending those same influences with his love for the Jordan 18 sneaker, a design rooted in Italian style and racing culture.
“It all comes back to the roots of the Jordan 18 sneaker design, which was inspired by Italian dress shoes and racing,” he said. “So then, we took the three aspects and mixed them together.
“I decided to take my mind elsewhere and think about what I would wear if I visited Italy — as a Black person. With what’s going on in the world, it’s even more important to tell the story of bridging the gap and standing against hate.
“I’m telling this story through the fashion and accessories, and I hope people will get it.”
A recurring theme in his anniversary collections draws inspiration from the iconic Nike Jordan sneakers that were popular during his own coming-of-age years.
“We might change gears after year 20 and not have a foundation of sneakers as inspiration,” Terance said. “As a designer, you have to be a chameleon and be able to evolve.”
“I have to decide what artsy pieces I’m going to show that will be used in editorials versus pieces that we know are going to sell. I try to keep that balance because I don’t want to stunt my own growth as an artist. I always try to create a full course meal of fashion, so it’s almost as if I’m designing two collections at the same time.”
— Jevon Terance
Terance’s pieces are pulled by stylists in New York and Miami, but he remains grounded in creating looks that resonate with his hometown audience.
“I’m really focusing on things that people can wear right off the runway,” he said. “I have to decide what artsy pieces I’m going to show that will be used in editorials versus pieces that we know are going to sell.
“I try to keep that balance because I don’t want to stunt my own growth as an artist. I always try to create a full course meal of fashion, so it’s almost as if I’m designing two collections at the same time.”
Tickets to the show are available for $60, or $100 with dinner at The Anchor Lorain, the new restaurant inside the Ariel Broadway Hotel.
“We’re collaborating with the Ariel Broadway Hotel, so there’s one ticket that includes the fashion show and dinner, or people can simply purchase the show ticket by itself,” Terance said. “I did see online that people question why they should pay to sit on the bridge, and my answer is that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I’ve only seen things like this in Paris and New York, and we’re trying to bring that level of artistry and industry to Lorain. This is truly the flavor of Jevon Terance.
“I want to give people opportunities to see art and fashion in a place that’s unique and different for a runway show.”
As an added layer of hometown pride, Terance revealed he has a special collaboration with Lorain High School, his alma mater.
“It’s always been a dream for me to work with Lorain High as a designer,” he said. “I’m an alumni of Admiral King, so I’m really committed to having this aspect work out because I believe the community — and especially the youth — need to see this collaboration.”
Sponsorship opportunities for the show will be announced soon.
“I’m looking forward to the show and doing another fireside chat this year that allows me to dive into the fact that we’re not just doing this for art or entertainment,” Terance said. “We want people to see themselves in these clothes — and purchase them.”
Visit jevonterance.com to purchase tickets.
