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CHRISTIAN “KING” COMBS DELIVERS SURPRISE NYFW PERFORMANCE AT DIVERSITY ROCKS

Diversity Rocks is a NYFW Celebrity Event Organized to Showcase Designers of Diverse Backgrounds Sponsored by Supermodels Unlimited Magazine Celebrating Fashion, Music & Inclusion!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04, 2021: Christian ‘King’ Combs performs at Supermodels Unlimited Presents: Diversity Rocks a NYFW Celebration of Fashion, Music & Inclusion at The Mezzanine in New York City.
(Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine)

This season as NYFW stomped out across New York City, socially distancing itself from Spring Studios to Battery Park, Supermodels Unlimited Magazine(SU) decided to take a stand to social injustice. The Diversity Rocks runway event was created to give emerging designers of diverse backgrounds a moment to shine, no matter their skin color or neighborhood.

The event proudly focused on helping to provide resources, media support, and new opportunities through the SU – Diversity in Design Scholarship being announced here on Fashion Week Online.

The winner of the $4,000 scholarship is Shenika Walker; she was chosen by the participating designers, who send their hearty congratulations to Ms.Walker.

THE WINNER OF THE $4,000 SCHOLARSHIP IS SHENIKA WALKER

Headlining the DIVERSITY ROCKS runway show was Google’s Lifestyle Icon of the Week, and USA Today’s Top 10 Entrepreneur, Justin Haynes. Haynes is the owner and designer of JUS10H, a fashion forward lifestyle brand known for its intricate patchwork details that flow effortlessly from street to chic. Joining Haynes were designers Kelly Dempsey from Project Runway, and Andrea Vasquez from Pinkapple Dresses. The show featured a live street art installation was painted live on the runway, by acclaimed graffiti street artist Lesn101.

The crowd went wild, when in a surprise move to the audience, Christian ‘King’ Combs emerged from a secret stairwell at the center of the Diversity Rocks Runway and took the stage in front of Lesn101’s artwork. He brought the crowd to their feet performing his hit songs live at the event, while showing off his serious new dance moves.

“My favorite part of the night is the energy in the room,” said Christian ‘King’ Combs. “We have all these beautiful ladies here, and a lot of dope clothes!”

The event was hosted by Jordan Kimball from The Bachelorette, & Bachelor in Paradise, along with beauty influencer Lisa Opie and the runway shows featured Kasey Cohen from Below Deck, and Laura Kirkpatrick from America’s Next Top Model.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Jordan Kimball and Lisa Opie attend Supermodels Unlimited Presents: Diversity Rocks a NYFW Celebration of Fashion, Music & Inclusion at the Mezzanine on September 04, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for Supermodels Unlimitedpermodels Unlimited Magazine)

“Diversity in fashion is a celebration of talents and design amongst a community of representation that allows every person to see someone like them have a big moment while showing strength in coming together, to display the beauty in all types of individuals. Diversity is key to true worldly influence and connection,” says Jordan Kimball from The Bachelorette, & Bachelor in Paradise. “The stage should always mirror the audience.”

SU curated a collective group of strong designer voices to inspire and motivate the industry, encouraging this generation to stand up to social injustice and make choices that matter. “In a world that’s rapidly changing, I think we need to stand together with love, respect and compassion. We hope to accomplish a show that signifies diversity and humanity while admiring the art, fashion and music that unite us as a community. I want our future generation to know that it’s okay to be different.

Being unique is cool. Let’s put aside our judgements and turn our differences into a celebration,” says Kimberly Clark, publisher and editor-in-chief of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. “Let’s spread this imperative message … diversity rocks!”

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOADABLE PDF – CLICK HERE

Business, Design, Fashion

WWD: Supermodels Unlimited Magazine Show and Trevor Project Benefit

IN REALITY: With suicide rates and bullying on the rise, Supermodels Unlimited Magazine is trying to help offset that trend with #YOLO: You Only Live Once runway show and benefit for The Trevor Project.

Knowing scores of teenagers across America face discrimination and bullying on a daily basis, Supermodels Unlimited has pulled together some TV-friendly faces for the Feb. 9 show at Union Park in Manhattan. Their aim is to motivate teenagers to stand up for themselves and get support if they need it. LGBTQ youth are nearly five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, according to the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth.

“No child or teen should ever feel their dreams are out of reach. They need our help now more than ever,” said Kimberly Clark, publisher and editor in chief of Supermodels Unlimited magazine.”

ABC “The Bachelorette” star Jordan Kimball will be on hand, as will DJ James Kennedy, who is better known for appearing on Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules.” “America’s Next Top Model” Laura Kirkpatrick and Jeana Turner, and Kasey Cohen of Bravo’s “Below Deck” will be among the models. Other influencers will walk the runway in honor of family members, friends and such designers as Kate Spade and L’Wren Scott.

Designers Michael Costello, Edmond Newton and Kelly Dempsey of Lifetime’s “Project Runway” are pitching in with designs for the show. Ariana Grande’s tattoo artist Mira Mariah will hit the runway for the first time. And military and fashion photographer Erika Barker, who has appeared on MTV’s “True Life” and Oxygen’s “Strut,” will hit the catwalk in support of trans military personnel facing political persecution in America. The show will wind down with a music tribute by Effie Passero from ABC’s “American Idol,” and then the formal presentation of a donation to The Trevor Project. The postshow Champagne reception is meant to be more informative than celebratory to spread the word that help is always within reach.