On Friday, June 3, Jefferson Market Library hosted its first 12 Hour Fashion Show competition. Out of dozens of applicants, eight up-and-coming New York designers were chosen to create looks inspired by Greenwich Village and compete for a $1,000 grand prize. The designers, Ahra Gho, Baylie Erickson, Dasol Hong, Joseph Li, Katiuscia Gregoire, Nicole Bisono, Simone Sullivan, and Tann Parker, arrived at 9 AM to get to work.

Before they arrived, they didn't know what materials we would have for them to work with, or who their models would be. The models, by the way, were all NYPL librarians and staff! Once the designers got their models' measurements, they went into our workroom, picked their fabrics, and got down to business, using sewing machines we provided for the challenge. Lesley Ware, a fashion educator and author was on site all day, acting as a mentor, and giving technical help when needed. 

By the time the models arrived at 4 PM, things were swinging!

We had a runway, lighting, and a sound system installed in our second floor reading room for the show, which started at 8 PM.

 

The designers joining their models on the runway at last night's 12 Hour Fashion Show! It was a long, wonderful, and exciting day. Congratulations to Ahra Gho for taking home the $1,000 grand prize! Truly, all of the designers were wonderful, and the models worked it on the runway! #12hourfashionshow #design #fashion #greenwichvillage

A video posted by Jefferson Market Library (@jefferson_market_library) on Jun 4, 2016 at 6:17am PDT

Three judges generously volunteered their time for the show: Jonathan Kyle Farmer from FIT, Nicole LaMoreaux from LIM College, and Asta Skocir from FIT.

Together, they chose the winner of the night, Ahra Gho, whose look was inspired by the basketball courts by West 4th Street.

Congratulations Ahra, and to all the designers! 

Thanks to Materials for the Arts, Benefit Brows-A-Go-Go at 434 Avenue of the Americas, and photographer Darleen Rubin. 

This program is funded through The New York Public Library's Innovation Project, which is made possible by a generous grant from the Charles H. Revson Foundation.