FlyGirlChronicles! The 1st Annual Squad Up Models Fashion Show

                                                                                        Quick Facts:

• Squad Up Models First Annual Fashion Show produced and hosted by runway and print model Donnella Swanson
• Held  June 12, 2016, at 5:30 pm  inside the ultra chic Loft 65 located  at 6603 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland, Ohio
• The House of Fly by Lady Silk LLC styled three scenes inspired by TlC's Crazy, Sexy, Cool concept- specifically their fun, perfect for the  summer cookout in the park flirtin' jam, 'Diggin on You'. Models were styled using their own wardrobe with extra pieces and accessories thrown in by me. There were trendy ripped jeans, clean all white outfits, vibrant bright patterns and colors including print mixing, casual day looks and dresses made for summer nights on the town!
• Models walked to the sexy upbeat 'Long Heels' by Trina , the laid back swagger rap 'Fashion Killa' by ASAP Rocky and closed our scenes with the high energy braggadocios 'Grammy' by Drake and Future.

                                                                                  
                                                               Backstage Shenanigans: 
Fashion shows always start off so calm and promising: models and designers start to trickle in one after the other several hours before  the show, makeup and/or hair is getting done (this time by talented face czar Dmeechi) clothes are being fitted, there are quick practice  runs and a nervous buzz of anticipation starts to build up the closer it gets to the show. Models dress for their first scenes, careful not to disturb their meticulously applied makeup, lineups and last minute changes are being hollered out as models put their game faces on. Then it's showtime...

Models hit the runway walking for the GAWDS and giving the audience everything they need! As soon as they hit the curtains to the backstage area they are literally ripping off clothes and accessories, T&A is everywhere as models frantically fumble around with one impossibly high heel on while trying to remove an earring and step out of or into a skirt or dress all while  trying to avoid collision as everybody looks for their misplaced necklace, shirt, or shoe before lining back up just in time for the beat to drop for the next scene. 

It's crazy but fun. Adrenaline and tensions are high, people get cursed out, models get mad, personal items become misplaced but it's all confined to backstage and hopefully never spills out into the runway for the audience to see. Which is what happens behind the scenes of any production whether it's put on by a church group or a small collection of strippers lol.

The show was great and showcased some of Cleveland's hottest designers and boutiques including Vaughn Glover, He Loves Curves, Stylez by Toy and Darla Foxx. A big thanks to Donnella and all the models for letting me participate!

https://youtu.be/2DoATl9DuBQ