Bed-Stuy's Own 'Fashion Week' Could Launch Next Year

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Move over, Manhattan.

A longtime nonprofit in Bed-Stuy is hoping to start the neighborhood's very own "Fashion Week," which will be held next August.

The fashion fest — organized by performing arts organizing Non-Stop Production Youth — kicked off a search this week for venues, designers and other contributors for the four-day event.

"The Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn has always had its own unique style of fashion," organizers said. "From the church, to the malls, from jazz to hip hop, Bed-Stuy has had a history of artists, entrepreneurs, and venues change the face of fashion in Brooklyn."

The event is the latest initiative for NSP Youth, which has run since 1983 and offers opportunities for "inner-city youth" in acting, art and design, music, fashion-modeling, dance and leadership.

For the fashion week, NSP hopes to put together a series of fashion shows Aug. 3 through 6 throughout multiple venues that will culminate in a finale show and award ceremony.

So far, the organization plans to specifically honor two fashion entrepreneurs: Eunika Simmons of Young Gods Fashions, and 11-year-old Yaa-lee Mensah, of Yaa-lee’s Closet, according to the organization.

Here's how designers, venues, models, stores, businesses, and entrepreneurs interested in participating can find out more:

Designer Registration: Email bio with minimum of 5 designs to bedstuyfashionweek@nonstopproduction.com; Preference that designers must reside in Bed-Stuy.

Model Registration: Google Link will be posted on website on January 1, 2022: http://nonstopproduction.com; 50% Models will be cast from Bed-Stuy area first, additional casting at later date; Separate adult show and children show will hold separate casting dates.

Businesses and Vendors interested in participating or hosting an event, must call 718-415-3474 by April 1.

Sponsors and Donations: Certified Bank Check or M.O. made to NSP Youth, Donations via cashapp: $nspyouth, Donations via PayPal: paypal.me/nspyouthsupport