“Purpose By Design” Runway Show took place July 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Monroeville Convention Center. It was a very emotional but successful event.
“The initial idea to have a fashion show of my own came about while I was literally at a fashion show at my church and I turned to my mother and said, ‘Mom, I want to have a fashion show. I’m doing it. Next June or July.’ I wasn’t even sure if I actually believed myself or if I was just speaking it into the atmosphere,” Alia Grandison, event organizer, said.
The runway show was presented by, AI L’AMOUR by Alia. The show, which featured other designers, Sittoy by Yottis and The Bombman Shop by Sa’mon Bradley. It was hosted by Pittsburgh based model, Jasmine Santana, and included music provided by DJ Solo Dolo. Poet Nerdboy, and dance teams, Pittsburgh Dreamz Dance Team and Lady Diamonds also performed at the show.
Fashion Designer, creator and visionary of AI L’AMOUR, Alia Grandison, attended Kaplan Career Institute for Fashion Merchandising and later transferred to AIP for Fashion Design.
“I first discovered my passion for fashion as a little girl. I would cut things up and put them on my dolls. I loved playing in my mom’s closet, dressing up in all of her fancy clothes and shoes. I’d throw things together that no one else liked but I loved it,” Grandison said.
One hundred tickets were sold for the event.
“The most memorable was the moment I walked out onto the runway. I felt like I had crossed over from the person who people would often ask ‘When are you going to do something with your designs?’ To those, I finally did it! It was like a weight was lifted, I had said what I’d do and I actually did it,” she said. “I faced so much throughout the whole planning, I was turned down, turned away, had things going wrong left and right down to the day but it happened. It was successful. I was pleased.”
Runway Model London Mariya said, “Not only was the show so touching to watch, but I enjoyed modeling in the show just as much. Watching the show really touched my heart, because Alia’s my close friend and I’ve witnessed her designs grow and grow. She’s so talented and I’m so proud of her.”
“My mother is my rock, she just kept pushing me the whole time,” Grandison said. “My boyfriend also did everything he could to help, even dee jayed the event. My good friend Emmau, who helped coordinate everything, even got up to emcee alongside with my mom. My family, friends, coworkers, all of the makeup artists, hairdressers, photographers, performers, the DoubleTree Hotel, people who donated and the list goes on and on! I am truly thankful to you all for making this a great event!”
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