All the Fly Questions with... W. Vaughn Glover

Waki Wear Productions W.Vaughn Glover

When we talk about those who put on for the city, you simply can't go too long before mentioning fashion show producer and self taught menswear designer W. Vaughn Glover- now in his 26th consecutive year of producing fashion shows through his Waki (pronounced Walkie, look at the logo!) Wear Productions in Cleveland, Ohio.

​"Born a Steeler, raised a Brown!" Vaughn started out as a runway model and his love for the designer's original creations is what initially drew him into the actual production of the show and the rest is history. Read ahead to find out more about the man who has had Cleveland fashion shows on lock for close to three decades: 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR?  
My biggest accomplishment thus far has been relying on my faith to get me thru the past 26 years producing these events, even without my own residual income. I don't nor have I ever set out to produce these events just to make money. It is my purpose on earth to provide a venue for designers to showcase their gifts to the Fashion World. I don't pursue my passion for the income, I pursue it for the outcome. WWP is one of very few competitions held in the Midwest that has garnered the support of one of the industry's leading sewing machine manufacturers (Baby Lock) whom has donated over a 1/4 million dollars worth of machines to the winning designers.

WHO, IF ANYBODY, HAS REALLY HELPED YOU ALONG THE WAY? 
The support of my staff, particularly those who volunteer their time to allow the show to transition, from the greeters/registration to the host/hostesses that seat the guests, these events could/would never take place without them. More importantly, without the support of the fashion community, friends and family who purchase the tickets that covers the show budget, we could not continue on. To them I humbly say "THANK YOU!"

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? 
Sewing/designing has become my new hobby/passion. I created a line of primarily men's sweaters and wearable accessories, that are creative in style, yet practical to wear; The Xalter Zaughn Collection.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OFF IN YOUR INDUSTRY? 
Stay true to who you are, as a producer of shows or a designer of clothing. Establish your vison and remain focused on it. Be consistent and persistent. Yet never be afraid of change that is needed for growth and or longevity.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? 
My personal style is jeans/shirt or sweater, shoes or boots. I love wearable, comfortable clothing. Not a suit and tie type of guy by no means, lol!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE OUTFIT GROWING UP? 
Growing up I had a strong liking for sweat suits, yet particularly those that had style, detail and substance. Sweat suits are what started my fire for designing.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNER? 
My favorite Designer is the local yet internationally known, Michael Wilson. (I) always liked his ability to create garments that were conservative yet daring. And let's not forget, well made with a high standard of quality fabrics.

WHERE DO YOU SHOP? 
I don't shop a lot, yet when I do- I shop for sales ANYWHERE where quality jeans, sweaters, shirts are ON SALE, lol!

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? 
Next up is starting my 2017 Xalter Zaughn Collection. I have found a new passion outside of producing shows, and that is showing my collection as a designer in other shows. I began sewing just to be able to understand and have a greater respect for the craft of the designers I featured in my events. I can now say, after entering 2 designer's competitions and showcasing several times, I now know what it is truly like to stand in the shoes of a designer. This alone has given me a totally new and well rounded respect for those  whom  place their gifts in the eyes of the critique with no fear.
  
WHERE CAN WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WORK?
Facebook: W Vaughn Glover 
Website : www.fashiontko.com
Email: fashiontko@yahoo.com
Instagram: @wakiwear

You can catch me blogging at the "Fashion Under the Big Top: the Greatest Sew On Earth" on Sunday, August 17, 2016 at 6pm at the Embassy Suites by Hilton.  Time is running out, but you can still purchase tickets here to see this extravagant production featuring a "Queen of the Needle" crochet/knit competition and the first annual "People's Choice" runway model competition, not to mention designer presentations and a hair presentation too! I mean I'm super excited about it lol! Make sure you like The House of Fly by Lady Silk on Facebook and follow @alltheflythings on Instagram for live updates, behind the scenes action and sneak peaks of the show!