Buffalo Fashion Week’s “Fashion in Wunderland” Honors Three Exceptional Talents
On February 22, Buffalo Fashion Week hosted its yearly Gala event. This year the theme of the event was “Fashion in Wunderland.” It celebrated the arts, with live music performances, Raffles, photo installations, and live art. Guests mingled, sipped exclusive cocktails, and enjoyed delicious food while supporting a worthy cause. Buffalo Fashion Week showcased some of the city’s best in the field by awarding Model of the Year, Designer of the Year, and Photographer of the Year.
Here’s what our winners said about their honors!
Model of the Year: Queen
In a triumphant moment, Queen’s recent "Model of the Year" win resonated far beyond a personal accolade, serving as a powerful affirmation for the plus-size community. "Humbled and honored," she expressed, acknowledging the significance of being recognized amidst a diverse field, especially as a representative of fuller figures. This milestone, paired with the creative haven found at Buffalo Fashion Week, signals a palpable shift in the local scene. “I feel as though Buffalo Fashion Week has brought the Buffalo fashion scene to a whole new level of expectation,” She said. Queen anticipates a surge of "daring" new designs in the near future. This confluence of achievements highlights not only individual success but also the burgeoning evolution of a more inclusive and creatively liberated fashion landscape.
Designer of the Year: Carlissia
The recent "Designer of the Year" award brought a profound sense of fulfillment to our featured artist, Carlissia, and it was a testament to her enduring passion for the craft. “I absolutely love crocheting and designing so, for me to take almost a year off and still have so much love and support from everyone just brings tears to my eyes!” she said. She voiced that the award was a validation of her dedication to crocheting and design. For Carlissia, Buffalo Fashion Week, is more than just a platform for showcasing her work; it provides a crucial space for collaboration and connection with a community of exceptionally talented creatives. “I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has worked with me so far in my journey, and a huge thank you to BFW for always pushing me to be the best,” she said. Looking ahead, the designer envisions the Buffalo fashion scene reaching new heights, driven by a spirit of innovation and inspiration. Her hope is that her creations will ignite a spark of creativity in others, encouraging experimentation with new hobbies and a fearless embrace of personal style.
Photographer of the Year: Jean
For this photographer, the recent recognition wasn't about competitive victory, but a celebration of collective contribution. He emphasized the value of acknowledging the dedication poured into his craft, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels Buffalo's burgeoning creative landscape. “The greatest reward is simply being in the same space as photographers who have been doing this far longer than I have, learning from them, exchanging perspectives, and growing together—that’s what truly matters,” he said. Buffalo Fashion Week has been instrumental in providing a platform to capture narrative-driven fashion photography, transcending mere documentation of clothing to encapsulate the energy and emotion inherent in each moment. “I see Buffalo evolving into a space where fashion is not just about style, but about storytelling, culture, and identity,” said Jean. He sees Buffalo's fashion scene poised for significant growth, envisioning it as a hub for storytelling and cultural expression, where art and fashion serve as bridges between communities. Jean also remarked on the Gala's electric atmosphere, “The energy in the room, being surrounded by creatives who are just as passionate, just as driven, and just as in love with their craft as I am—that’s something special.”
Buffalo Fashion Week is already putting plans together for next year’s Gala where we hope to honor more incredible works of 2025’s exceptional models, photographers, and designers.