Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week announces 2016 Model and Fashion Line of the Year

Written by: Marquia Whitehead

Winning an award during a fashion week illustrates and exemplifies something different from the normal. It exemplifies some of the best individuals in their particular fashion avenues. Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week definitely showcases talent that is different, unique and “one of a kind.” Whether that talent consists of a runway model or a designer, OBRFW showcases a variety of individuality in the fashion world, and ensure individuals receive the reverence they deserve.

One of those recipients include a model possessing particular qualities that standout from the others. With the physique of a runway model and standing at 5 foot 9, Rachel Key, 17, has earned the award of OBRFW 2016 Model of the Year. With two years of modeling experience, Key was extremely excited to win this prestigious award.

“It was a surprise to me because there were so many girls that were really good,” said Key.

When asked how she felt about OBRFW, Key stated, “I think Brandon Campbell is a wonderful producer. All of the designers were fantastic. The atmosphere is great.”

Key wants to further her career as a model and go as far as possible in that career. “I believe it [OBRFW] gave me a lot of exposure,” said Key. “I just can’t wait to represent the Baton Rouge community fashion week itself and Oneofakind Talent.”

She also loves the atmosphere and the fun environment. Additionally, she loves the level of professionalism presented, which is why she will absolutely participate in OBRFW as much as possible.

However, Key, a resident of Little Rock, Ark, has even bigger dreams beyond modeling. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas and major in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. “I just want to be the best that I can be and represent myself well for all those who support me.”

Voted by media, special VIP guests, fashion experts and OBRFW sponsors, Key receives a modeling contract by Oneofakind Talent Inc., her own webpage on BatonRougeFashionWeek.com, a cash prize, iME clothing, OBRFW merchandise and she'll be the face of OBRFW.

Model of the Year is not the only award recently present. Another award recipient, Johnathan Darden, was equally excited to hear about his label’s award as OBRFW 2016 Clothing Line of the Year.

Darden, Baloonatic Fashions designer and resident of Shreveport, LA, has a very unique story of his own. As a new designer, Darden has masterminded the art of balloon fashion, which he never envisioned himself being a fashion designer.

A few years ago, Darden was presented a picture of a balloon dress and asked to recreate that image. Accepting the challenge, Darden created the dress as requested and soon discovered that he actually enjoyed this realm of fashion.

“After discovering there were no tutorials online, I started a Facebook page entitled ‘The Art of Balloon Dress’ in order to teach others how to create this style. It received a lot of negative feedback because of the market. But, I thank everyone should be able to afford one, everyone should be able to obtain a balloon dress.”

Tapping into other areas, such as creating wedding dresses, Darden has definitely used his style of fashion to allow others to obtain balloon dresses regardless of the occasion.

When asked how his fashion line differs from others, his answer was simple. It makes “memories.” This type of fashion can only be worn once, maybe twice, and then it’s gone.

In preparation for OBRFW, Darden also does something much different from others – not predetermining his designs in advance. “[I] get a lot of joy out of not preparing [my collection]. [I] don’t think of designs, just create as I go.” The flow of his creative juices allow unplanned events to occur, and also a fun atmosphere. The designs created are completely freestyled and depends on his current mood.

Darden proves that he deserves his award of Clothing Line of the Year. He sees it as a great honor and would have never guessed that he would even be a fashion designer, or a recipient of an award about his fashion line, for that matter.

Being involved since 2015, Darden plans to continue to participate in OBRFW. “I learned all of my fashion sense from participating in the fashion week. Brandon helped a lot. The first year, I didn’t know anything.”

Continuous participating in OBRFW has helped him in learning more about his art. Now, he has created the balloon pants, which he believes he is the first to do so. He also challenges anyone who may have tried this before. But, to his knowledge, he is the first.

Overall, Darden is excited to be a part of the OBRFW and being the recipient of his award. A very excited Darden stated in his closing remarks, “It’s an honor. It’s amazing. I’m super excited about it. I am AIR-mazed.”

For winning OBRFW 2016 Clothing Line of the Year, Balloonatic Fashions receives fee waivers to showcase at 8th annual Little Rock Fashion Week in July 18-23, 2016and headline the 4th annual OBRFW 2017. It also receives up to a year of promotion/advertisement on OBRFW’s website, social media and marketing campaigns, also a webpage at BatonRougeFashionWeek.com, among other prizes and opportunities.

“I’m extremely proud of Rachel and Johnathan,” said Campbell, OBRFW founder and executive producer. “For them to be recognized for their talents at this early stage of their careers, just goes to show that [Oneofakind] Baton Rouge Fashion Week is the best vehicle for new and emerging fashion models and designers for maximizing their exposure and extending their brands’ reach.”

OBRFW 2016 sponsorship partners were Oneofakind Talent Inc., Capitol Park Museum, iME Clothing, LSU Museum of Art, Beading by Treva B, 12 KolleCtions Jewelry, Fleur De Lis Donuts, LEGACY Magazine, FashionUnited, Foster the Fashion, Carpooling in Stilettos, Belle Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Visit Baton Rouge.

PHOTOS: Model Rachel Key at BIG Night, modeling iME clothing on February 27th at Capitol Park Museum. Johnathan Darden, owner of Balloonatic Fashions, at BIG Night, during Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week. Photos Courtesy Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week/The Optimist Dreamer Photography