Rick Davy, Creator of The Brooklyn Fashion Week
When Rick Davy was the Fashion Stylist for BET’s 106 & Park, the popular hip hop and R&B music video show, he got the vision to create a platform for emerging brands that were not able to participate in the New York Fashion Week. He knew things would eventually change for the diverse group of talented artist and fashion designers living in Brooklyn. Rick said, “I wanted to be one of the change makers, so I started the Brooklyn Fashion Week as a 501c-3 non-profit organization to support my community.” In spite of everyone telling him that no one would come to Brooklyn, things did change and many of those same folk are now living in and coming to Brooklyn.
Fashion Week in Brooklyn is an all inclusive week of innovative people friendly style. Coming down the runway are men and women who are short, tall, thin, plus size, young and old. It’s a beautiful blend of what the real world looks like today. Rick wants the Brooklyn Fashion week to be life-changing and known for supporting a diverse group of fashion designers, models, hairstylist, and make-up artist. The creative talent is selected based on their story, work ethics, and creative aesthetics. Even though designers pay a fee to present their designs in the show, many times Rick allows designers to present without charge. He has a very limited sponsorship; however, there are sponsors who donate space, lighting, sound, and other important elements to help make the show a huge success. Rick has developed a unique BK Style family who like what they do and feel proud to be a part of the Brooklyn Fashion Week. His volunteers just enjoy helping others and know that everything is not always about money.
Educating the community is important to Rick as well, and he strives to bring understanding about the whole concept of custom design and supporting the businesses within the community. He says,“I grew up in the Caribbean where community support was a daily practice, especially in design. If you saw a style that you liked, you would buy the fabric and bring the style and fabric to a tailor in your community to make the design.”
Rick uses his platform to mentor and educate students. He is providing opportunities for those who want to be involved in the fashion world to work along with experienced fashion designer and other creative artisans who are promoting sustainability.
Rick says, “Talent and creativity come in many different colors and cultures. Brooklyn Fashion week is just a colorless event that supports all people”. He is proud that he has been able to sustain the non-profit organization and fashion show event even during this year of the Covid Virus crisis. Rick says his biggest challenge right now is getting sponsorship and funding from corporations and organizations.
For more about the Brooklyn Fashion Week and to review the fashion shows, visit Brooklyn Fashion Week.
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