A New Canaan nonprofit organization is celebrating diversity in fashion this week with a special event at Waveny House.
S.T.A.R., or Stand Together Against Racism, is putting on “Runway-Connecting Threads, The Fabric of Us” at 6 p.m. on Oct. 10 (tickets here).
We put some questions to the organization’s founder and CEO, Fatou Niang, ahead of Friday night.
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: For those who are not familiar with the organization, tell us about S.T.A.R.
Fatou Niang: S.T.A.R. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of New Canaan. It is first and foremost an educational organization. Through workshops, events, and other resources, we aim to advance awareness and understanding of the complex ecosystem that is systemic racism and to equip our community members, both adults and youth, with the information and tools they need to take action against it.
We believe that change starts at home. By forging strong connections with members of our community in New Canaan, we believe we can amplify our voice as we advocate for cross-cultural understanding, bias awareness and inclusion. S.T.A.R. has formed ties with numerous local organizations that share our interest in racial equity and inclusion and work with us to effect change.
How does this fashion show help fulfill your mission?
All of our programs are designed to foster inclusion, education, and community engagement and what better way to depict this is with fashion, a part of all our lives.
Programs such as “Runway by S.T.A.R” can help to promote understanding and unity among different groups. When people from different backgrounds are able to work together, listen and learn from one another, it can help to break down barriers and foster greater empathy and respect. It is also important because it can help to create a more accurate and complete picture of the world. When the experiences and viewpoints of all people are considered and valued, it can lead to a more nuanced and balanced understanding of issues and challenges.
Talk to us about what attendees can expect on Friday.
The event is this Friday, Oct. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Waveny House and it will will bring together trailblazing designers and community leaders for an immersive experience that celebrates multicultural influence, body positivity, and ethical fashion, underscoring a growing movement in fashion, one where every size, background, and voice has a place and where inclusion and social impact are as essential as design.
Featured designers whose work exemplifies diversity and innovation include: Eukari, Rondyce, Nancy Yan, Cardici Couture, Sense-Ational You, Fashion Flips by Janet, Karelene Lindsay, and talented students from RED Fashion School in Norwalk. From sensory-friendly adaptive clothing to sustainable, size affirming and upcycled designs, these designers are bound to inspire the future of inclusive fashion. The volunteer models on the runway are all locally sourced. Attendees can mingle during the cocktail reception starting at 6pm, followed by a panel discussion and live runway show.
In addition to S.T.A.R board members and volunteers, what other local people are helping with Runway?
The community has been incredibly supportive from Rosie’s delicious nibbles to Walter Stewarts Market/Wines for libations, the amazing staff at Waveny House, the Carriage Barn Arts Center who let us do casting calls in their space, Bankwell New Canaan and the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce for social media support. The program is also supported, in part, by a generous New Canaan Community Foundation grant for a speaker series program.
We’re so thankful to our local Fairfield County models who will be walking on the runway, many from New Canaan (perhaps your readers will see some familiar faces named!): Roy Adams, Rachel Lampen, Monica Capella, Maya Carruthers, Siska de Vrees, Afsaneh Jabbari, Yanfer Martinez, Kalif Mason, Amanda Mintz, Chinedum Nnodum, William Ntiri, Dariel Ortiz, Julia Salvatore, Shiva Sharam, Julia Stewart, Ralph Taylor, Anne Tseng, Emma Turner, Jeff Vincent and Bo Zhang.
What else, if anything, would you like to tell our readers about S.T.A.R. or Runway?
We are honored to showcase these visionary designers who are redefining fashion’s boundaries and championing inclusivity both on and off the runway. Attendees will walk away with a new understanding of fashion’s role in community and culture. Representation and inclusion matter. Tickets are available on our website, https://www.star-ct.org/, noting that ticket costs go toward the event costs—this is not a fundraiser.