Three talented New York fashion designers: CARLTON JONES, ADOLOPHINE, and TY SCOTT, showed their latest collections at the 29th Annual Friends of Mustard Seed Awards Benefit Luncheon & Fashion Show recently. The annual event serves as the main fundraising benefit for the Mustard Seed Organization for underprivileged children in Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. This year, the charity attracted some 400 guests who converged in the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel in mid-Manhattan, for the festivities.

“Refresh and Renew – Project Wardrobe” was the theme for the fashion show which was produced and coordinated by yours truly. The runway was lit from start to finish, ablaze with colorful, wearable and modern clothing. Opening with the resort collection from New York designer Carlton Jones who presented the most elegant, easy dresses in soft jersey. From easy tunics to wide palazzo pants Carlton showcased a barrage of colors in various shapes and sizes, specially crafted for today’s stylish men and women of distinction. Model Ruth Orevba made her Mustard Seed debut in Carlton’s slate-colored jersey dress with an undulating hemline. Pi Smith modeled the orange `sliding off-the-shoulder’ mini tunic, while model Veronika Collins appeared the orange and pink asymmetric mini dress. Carlton’s collection was anchored by his signature, unisex “wrapped pants.”    

Next up was the African celebratory collection from designer Adolophine. Her “Passport to Africa” collection was awash in bold, abstract prints from the Motherland. During an on-stage interview, the designer told me that all of her clothes are made in Africa and sold globally. A blue cotton kaftan with colorful trimmings was modeled by Taylor Grant. The black tunic featuring a stunning African motif was worn by the male model Alo. The slick black mermaid gown, featuring a traditional African print panel down the front, came alive on new model Carrie Chinese. Adolophine complimented her garments with traditional African jewelry, handy handbags, and backpacks.

Closing out the misc-en-scene was leading American Indigenous designer Ty Scott, who is known for weaving his culture into his creations. Bright colors, Indigenous symbols, and nuances came down the runway on male and female models. A suede, cinnamon-colored pant ensemble with fringed accents came out on model/actor Hector Lincoln. Libra Lalena modeled Ty’s beautiful black, orange, white and blue java print dress complimented by a dramatic black chiffon shawl. India Lopez stormed down the runway in a sheer, textured gown in steel gray with intricate cut-outs.

Models outfits were complemented by exotic jewelry from `Intricate Elements.’ Hair was facilitated by Claudette Gyles, proprietor of Essence of Beauty Salon, Mt. Vernon, New York, and make-up was facilitated by Klavdia.