FASHION TWIST 2019

FASHION TWIST 2019

Supermodels Standing Against Suicide, Supermodels Unlimited Hosts NYFW Show Benefiting Suicide Prevention Organization for LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project

FASHION TWIST 2019
    Barbara Graustark, Arts & Culture Editor of The New York Times, Front Row at The Yolo Show
        Jeana Turner working the runway in a custom design by Kelly Dempsey of Project Runway. Her design features yellow ribbons, used to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
        NEW YORK, N.Y. February 9th, 2019 – Supermodels Unlimited Magazine (SU) hosted a #NYFW runway show that was designed to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention. Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst all young people. Every life is precious, whether you identify as straight and cisgender, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ). Sadly, LGBTQ youth are nearly five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

        To raise awareness of suicide prevention resources and programs, SU invited the media to share this journey during their annual runway show; benefiting The Trevor Project – the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. This season’s benefit was titled #YOLO: You Only Live Once.

        As countless teens across America are facing discrimination and bullying – SU curated a collective of strong voices to inspire and motivate teens to stand up to societal pressure; encouraging young adults to reach out for support. “If somebody like Kate Spade can’t talk about what she’s going through, then how can we teach these kids to talk about it?” said Kimberly Clark, publisher and editor-in-chief of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. 

        Saturday’s show was hosted by Jordan Kimball from ABC’s The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise, with celebrity DJ James Kennedy from Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. Walking the SU runway were models from diverse backgrounds including: Laura Kirkpatrick and Jeana Turner from America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), and Kasey Cohen from Bravo’s Below Deck. Joining them were other noted influencers, who walked honoring family members, friends and designers such as Kate Spade and L’Wren Scott.

        Fashion designers Michael Costello, Edmond Newton, and Kelly Dempsey from Project Runway showed their support to the cause by presenting custom designs at the show, with powerful and lasting messages for the audience. Making her runway debut was Mira Mariah, a social media maven and the personal tattoo artist for Ariana Grande. Joining her, was military and fashion photographer Erika Barker, who has appeared on MTV’s True Life and Oxygen’s STRUT. Erika walked in support of trans military personnel facing political persecution in America.  

        The show’s finale was a moving music tribute by Effie Passero from American Idol, who led the models out onto the runway, singing live as they traversed the catwalk. As she sang, the models presented photos of teens, designers and celebrity icons lost to suicide. When the song concluded, the photos were reversed to reveal a message to the entire audience, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”

        Following the finale, was a check presentation from SU to The Trevor Project for $8,000.00. “This money from Supermodels Unlimited will contribute to the important work still needed to end this crisis,” said Jordan Kimball. SU wants every individual who may need support to know that help is always available; individuals who do not identify as LGBTQ are able to access services, thanks to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or through the Crisis Text Line – text TALK to 741-741.

        FACTS YOU CAN’T IGNORE

        More than half (51 percent) of trans male teenagers have attempted suicide between 2017 and 2018, according to research published last year.

        Researchers at the University of Arizona found that more than four in 10 (42 percent) of non-binary adolescents and 30 percent of trans female teens had attempted suicide.

        Now let’s talk fun facts – I asked some of the stylish people at the #YOLO show what time they woke up this morning ???? Thank you SU Magazine, The Trevor Project, #NYFW, Richard Lowe III and Jordan Kimball for the fashion show party with the charitable twist.

          Dustin Singer 7am + Alex Pecorella has not gone to sleep yet + Kay Brown 7:15 am,
          Influencers attend The #Yolo Show
            Versace Campaign Model Drew Hanley speaks with Celebrity Actor & Director Gerald McCullouch
              Harlem Globe Trotter Crissa Jackson (left), SU publisher and editor-in-chief Kimberly Clark, with Rio Hamilton
                Jordan Kimball (left), from the Bachelorette, with Richard Lowe, III
                  Jordan Kimball, Celebrity Host of The #Yolo Show
                    Jeana Turner & Laura Kirkpatrick of America’s Next Top Model
                      Celebrity DJ and Reality Star James Kennedy from Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules
                        Laura Kirkpatrick of ANTM Slays the SU Runway
                          Jeana Turner showcasing a custom design for The #Yolo Show by Kelly Dempsey of Project Runway
                            Effie Passero, from American Idol performed at The #Yolo Show hosted by Supermodels Unlimited Magazine
                              Adam Bell awoke at 9 am
                                Carlton Spence woke up at 4 am + Lisette Scott awoke at 5 am
                                  A check presentation from SU to The Trevor Project for $8,000.00.
                                    Publisher and editor-in-chief Kimberly Clark surrounded by Beauty Queens
                                      Models presented photos of teens, designers and celebrity icons lost to suicide
                                        Sheldon Burton awoke at 6 am + Emily Marlow awoke at 11:34 am
                                          Adam Fischer woke up at 10 am + James Bunn awoke at 8 am + Rebecca Rooney rose at 7 am
                                            Alma + Alicsia + Caitlyn + Chris

                                              Rio Hamilton

                                              Rio Hamilton is a business development professional with vast marketing and sales experience.He specializes in brand promotion for the luxury interior design and lifestyle industries. Rio works with companies, individuals and groups on concentrated brand identity and elevation. He has a popular website that chronicles "the who's who" at design and fashion events throughout greater New York.

                                              RELATED ARTICLES

                                              SASHA BIKOFF x RUG ART resplendent rug collection launch
                                              HALSTON WINS EMMY

                                              HALSTON WINS EMMY

                                              Ewan McGregor has won the Emmy

                                              READ MORE
                                              Diversity Rocks – NYFW Surprise Performance by Christian ‘King’ Combs
                                              AFGHAN RUG POP-UP SHOP NYC

                                              AFGHAN RUG POP-UP SHOP NYC

                                              I enjoyed my ZOOM interview

                                              READ MORE