The Gift of Fashion | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

The Gift of Fashion

photo

Lauren Nicole Taylor will showcase her designs during "THEshow" Nov. 21 at the Arts Center of Mississippi.

On Saturday, Michelle Obama will meet Beyonce at the KenFolk Family Foundation's fashion show, "THEshow," to raise money for the Community Outreach for Social Awareness, an organization that provides free health screenings and education to the citizens of Madison, Hinds and Rankin Counties.

Or at least they will in fashions by stylist and designer J. Bolin when he shows his older line, NikiNikol, which he describes as "Michelle Obama meets Beyonce." Bolin will show his new line, CHIC, which uses only the color black, for the first time Saturday. He will be opening his boutique, J. Bolin Celebrity Fashion Stylist/Designer in the coming months.

Lauren Nicole Taylor, 24, of LaureNicole will showcase her love of the designing process by displaying five of her pieces, including one that has never been seen. "A piece of clothing starts out lying flat with no body or shape—it is lifeless. Then, it comes alive," she says.

Gail Ambeau, 45, worked as a music teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, and Greenwood and Lexington, Miss., before hearing the Lord's call for her to design clothing, she says. She now designs a variety of clothing for all sizes. "I am an artist, so every time I make something, it is like creating art for me," she says. Ambeau will show an array of designs at "THEshow," which will also feature Kenneth Lloyd's designs.

KenFolk Family Foundation President Kenneth Smith, a native of Cleveland, Miss., says that the foundation is dedicated to aiding families in need and working for youth empowerment. Ken Lucas, a member of the Seattle Seahawks and a friend of Smith's, started the organization in 2006.

Smith says that KenFolk chose to raise money through a fashion show because it is a different form of entertainment. Rather than settling for a party, a fashion show will be entertaining while encouraging people to donate.

"THEshow" is Nov. 21 at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available on THEshow Web site or at Bebop Records locations. For addition information, contact Honey Marie at 601-559-7517.

Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.