Oneofakind BR Fashion Week: Prepping Off the Runway

Fashion week in Baton Rouge, LA is quickly approaching. While individuals anticipate this epic event, designers, models and staff are constantly preparing to showcase their different talents.

Brandon D. Campbell, founder and executive producer of Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week, says he has been “tidying up for the business and creative aspects of fashion week and making sure the team is strong and prepared.”

On average Campbell works closely with 200 individuals and vendors during his process of producing OBRFW. While ensuring the success of this year’s OBRFW by bringing all the intricate pieces together that makes the experience a success, Campbell has also been producing and finalizing the vision of his own line, iME, which will be displayed at OBRFW’s BIG Night on Feb. 27th at Capitol Park Museum.

Campbell “came up with the iME platform to express [himself] and to remind people that life doesn’t have to be that serious. That owning yourself and being proud of it and your fashion should speak that,” he said.

Campbell says that his most exciting periods, as the executive producer, come as OBRFW’s premiere gets nearer, because during this time he is in his creative mode.

OBRFW 3 will feature the work and debut spring/fall collections by 17 emerging professional and student designers. When asked about what guests can expect on the runway this year from iME and other designers’ fashion lines, Campbell replies “a lot of different shades with same color; a little more edgy and bolder statements than past productions.”

Samjah Iman Saulsberry, co-designer of Chokolat Creme, has been busy picking out fabrics for t-shirts with Chokolat Creme co-designer and best friend April Alexander. Saulsberry, of Baton Rouge, adds that fashion is about “wearing what you are feeling.”

“Inspiration comes from being awake and aware of your surroundings,” says Saulsberry. “With Chokolat Crème’s latest collection the public should expect conversation starters and phrases that will have [individuals] thinking. Also, colors and funky vibes, that’s definitely something different from the norm.”

The designers are not the only ones who are preparing, so are OBRFW 2016 models. Being a model in OBRFW takes more than a pretty face. Believe it or not, models have a lot of responsibilities and play a role in the overall success of a fashion show. Models have to mentally and physically prepare for the festivities.

“I’ve been working on my body,” says model Jennifer Marts before leaving to go to the gym to workout. Marts has been consistently working out to ensure that she maintains the look and sizes that she had at the auditions last month.

Over 300 models attended OBRFW’s annual model search. Marts was one of the 60 models from the region that were selected. Marts aspires to brand herself as one of southern Louisiana’s best models. She believes that OBRFW will be an aid in making her dreams come true.

“I’m very excited to be a part of Fashion Week, and can’t wait for it to get here,” she said.

However, these are not the only individuals anticipating the event. News anchor for NBC 33, Danielle Grossman, will serve as this year’s host for the Big Night show on Feb. 27th at Capitol Park Museum.

“I’m very excited to host, because I love fashion and hosting events,” says Grossman. “I’m able to combine both my passion and work. Being able to host the Big Night Show is an honor. I’m excited to show off the talent in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and show that we are just as good as New York City!”

In between breaking news for the NBC and FOX affiliates, Grossman prepares for the upcoming OBRFW by studying OBRFW’s history, its featured fashion labels and deciding on the perfect dress to wear for the evening. Guests are requested to wear formal attire with pink and light blue in celebration of Pantome’s colors of the year – rose quartz and serenity.

The third annual OBRFW kicks off February 25 and goes through February 27. It is highly anticipated by many in the Capitol City and the region. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience for guests and all involved. If 2015 is any indication on this year’s success, you’d want to get your tickets soon, before they are gone. Tickets are available to BIG Night and other OBRFW’s events at www.batonrougefashionweek.com. A portion of the proceeds raised are donated to the Louisiana Museum Foundation for state funded art galleries, exhibitions and educational programs.

OBRFW 2016 sponsorship partners are Oneofakind Talent Inc., Capitol Park Museum, iME Clothing, LSU Museum of Art, Beading by Treva B, 12 KolleCtions Jewelry, LEGACY Magazine, FashionUnited, Foster the Fashion, Carpooling in Stilettos, Belle Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Visit Baton Rouge. To see the full schedule visit BatonRougeFashionWeek.com