Floored. Honored. Humbled.
The exact three words to describe my experience on being part of dapperQ x Target x NYC Pride‘s 2nd Youth Pride Fashion show. Alongside Anita Dolce Vita of dapperQ (Executive Producer) and Kim Geronimo a.k.a The Street Sensei (Photographer & Videographer), we helped 10 LGBTQ+ youth live their best lives for NYC Pride 2018 by way of a fashion show last June 23. Much like last year’s inaugural event, all of the youth were given $100 GCs each from Target to shop a head-to-toe outfit to their heart’s desire. I, on the other hand, was given the task of styling the youth by helping them elevate their already amazing style. A no-brainer really, as all of them had their own unique take on their personal style, all I did was give my honest opinion on what would compliment best with their chosen looks.
In all honesty, this was more of a learning experience for me rather than a styling gig. Not a lot of people realize that being part of the community does summon a lot of challenges – whether it be personal, physical, societal, emotional, or maybe even spiritual. What I admire about this particular group is that even with their own personal battles, they strive through it with finesse. This is something I struggled with when I was in my teens and it’s simply awe-inspiring to see how these kids are able to pull through in every way possible. Catch a glimpse of their full Target looks below:
Youth models in focus: Kala, Cris, Chelsea, Jasper, Aswini, Allesha, Orlando, Ben, Mia, & Jimmy
It would be an understatement if I said it was fun, no, it was amazing. Having to work with creatives within the community has only made me eager to work harder. Staying true to myself has always been my number one priority when I first came to NYC 2 years ago. Fast forward to today, it’s been a happy whirlwind of ups and downs but definitely a multitude of learning curves I wouldn’t want any other way.
My biggest thanks to dapperQ and Target for trusting me to be a part of their 2nd pride fashion show, it means the world to me to be included in something so monumental.
To the 10 youths we worked with: you are all glorious in your own right. Please continue living out your truth and be the best possible versions of yourselves. It was such a pleasure to work with such strong, enigmatic individuals.
And to Kim, who has pushed me out of my limits and has given me so much opportunity to create out of my means — you are a treasure. I don’t think I could run out of words saying how much I appreciate you for believing in me, and no, I never will.
Extending my thanks to the rest of the #dapperQrew as well: Senka Filipovic, Sara Geffrard, and Angel Zheng.
As an added bonus, watch the dope video that Kim made of the whole experience:
All video & photos by The Street Sensei.