Local Christian Fashion Week offers a variety of events for inaugural year
MARTINSBURG — A week to celebrate fashion, faith, creativity and philanthropy has been reestablished in Martinsburg.
Originating in Tampa, Florida, Christian Fashion Week kicked off Monday and continues until Saturday’s main event — a fashion show at The Purple Iris beginning at 6 p.m.
The decision to revive the fashion-forward event came eight years after the last one was held in Florida. According to Mayra Gomez, former model and one of the founders of Christian Fashion Week, the event stalemated as a result of unforeseen circumstances, which rendered her unable to continue to put on the event.
The reviving of the event was sparked after Gomez met Miss Uganda 1997 Lilian (Acorn) McClung. Gomez had a fashion show ministry called Model4Jesus, and McClung served as a model through that ministry.
“I used to have a ministry called Model4Jesus, and I used to do fundraising fashion shows for organizations that help women,” Gomez said. “Lilian contacted me when I was doing that, and that’s how her and I got to know each other.”
After the two grew into friends, McClung asked to bring the Christian Fashion Week back to life in the Eastern Panhandle. She offered to take on the ownership role for the event but wanted to keep Gomez involved with the event. At first, Gomez was surprised her friend wanted to host the event in West Virginia, but after meeting members of the community, she agreed to help host the event in Martinsburg.
McClung and Gomez share a love and desire to change women’s lives through faith and fashion. They have created their mission to change the way individuals think about faith, fashion and wellness through events that empower, support and demonstrate a healthy self-esteem, self-expression, diversity and overall well-being, while giving back to the community.
This year, Christian Fashion Week will serve as a way to benefit the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center.
On Monday, organizers observed International Day of Prayer for Art and Fashion. The official kickoff event was held Tuesday at The Garage on King, which sponsored the event. Guests were invited to dress in their favorite fashion area and enjoy dinner, live music and a vast array of artworks by local artist Devin Bosley.
A fashion forum was held Wednesday at Airborne Church to have a candid discussion about the question, “What is Christian fashion?”
“We want to talk about contextual modesty and first impressions,” Gomez said about the event. “We might do a little fun thing of ‘dressing up’ versus ‘styling up.’ It will be a fun event.”
For those participants who are looking for fashions of their own, Gomez said they have arranged “an evening to sip, shop and network for the ladies.” From 6-8 p.m. today, organizers will host The Style Lab at Savannah Grace Boutique. Guests will enjoy a mini fashion show presentation at the 144 N. Queen St. location. Space is limited for this free event. To register, visit https://www.christianfw.com/registration.
There are two ticketed events for the final days of Christian Fashion Week, but one is strictly for those with VIP tickets.
On Friday, those with VIP tickets are invited to the VIP Soiree at the HUB, located at 126 E. Burke St. From 6-8 p.m., participants are invited to dress up for a special meet and greet with the models, designers, photographers and members of the media. Tickets are set at $60, which also includes front-row seating for the fashion show, a swag bag and refreshments.
General admission for the Christian Fashion Week Main Event Fashion Show on Saturday is set at $35. Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. at The Purple Iris, 1956 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg.
To learn more about Christian Fashion Week, or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.christianfw.com.
