The meticulous work and extraordinary vision that goes behind creating a fashion collection for Harlem's Fashion Row is rarely seen. From conceptualizing the garments to selecting the models that will present them to the world, designers are constantly making decisions that will affect their brands in significant ways.
Bevy Smith, well known for hosting her star spangled Dinner with Bevy parties and more recently her Dining with Bevy: Life with a Vision series, partnered with Harlem's Fashion Row last Tuesday to host a pre-fashion week dinner at the Marriott Renaissance New York Hotel's beautiful Opia Restaurant. I had the opportunity to take a behind the scenes look at this social connoisseur's event empire, and from television, radio, blogs and events, Bevy Smith does it all. In fact, I would call her a modern renaissance woman. "I do whatever strikes my fancy," Smith stated.
Conversation flourished and ultimately focused on the role of persons of color in the fashion industry. Brandice Henderson, CEO and Founder of Harlem's Fashion Row which seeks to generate a more diverse presence in fashion and design mentioned how "surreal" it was to be working with Bevy Smith during her opening remarks.