Beyond the Runway: The New Age of Fashion

If you are like many Black women, you may have grown up watching Ebony Fair Fashion shows.  It was a time to get together with your friends for a fabulous night out.  Although Ebony Fashion Fairs are a thing of the past, no worries, “Beyond the Runway,” a fashion show developed by designer Dorothea Muhammad and her children, gave us all a glimpse of classy, modest, and elegant fashion. Beyond the Runway, is a non-profit organization, which designs programs that strengthen girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences. The mayor of the city of Atlanta gave Beyond the Runway a Proclamation for all of the great work they have been doing in Atlanta, inspiring young ladies of all ages.

  The first Beyond the Runway Fashion show, held in Atlanta on May 18, 2024, did not disappoint.  All hands were on deck for the sold-out show. Dorothea Muhammad’s children and grandchildren did an excellent job helping out with the show.  The wide array of fashions included everything from evening wear to swimwear and sportswear.  Thai Leonard, the wonderful commentator for the evening, kept the audience engaged and excited during the show. 

            The event, which featured designers from Texas, DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles, opened with Belle ‘D’ Kouture’s beautiful and exquisite garments by designer, Dorothea Muhammad.  Her fashions allow you to look sophisticated at a wedding, in the courtroom, at church or at work. Belle ‘D’ Kouture is known for her signature buttons and sleek style that flatters many shapes and sizes.   The amazing fashions were in a variety of colors and fabric including top quality fabrics such as poly poplin, wool, and Chinese brocade. According to her website, “Belle ‘D' Kouture’s upscale online ready-to-wear modest women's clothing boutique was featured in several fashion shows including Paris Fashion Week.” (Take a sneak peek at her designs by clicking here: https://www.belledkouture.com/all-products). 

            Next, the audience was transported back to the Motherland with Queen Aminah’s clothing, a LA designer, which also featured business wear, evening wear and garments for men.  But if you want to go to the park during the day?  If you want to spend a day at the beach or a park, Orchid Allure, a modest active wear line, has you covered.  The beautiful models sported beach hats and wraps to demonstrate how cool and comfortable you can be at the beach. Designer, Dr. Nisa Muhammad, says on her website that “the designs are for the woman who wants to look fabulous whether she's swimming, bike riding, playing volleyball, or just sitting poolside.” Orchid Allure has wonderful choices if a woman wants to be modest, active, and beautiful.

            In between fashion displays, Beyond the Runway featured talented singers and dancers.  and poets. The talented Journee Hadley, one of the first mentees of Beyond the Runway, was able to display her talent and was well received by the standing room only crowd. Dr. Audrey Muhammad, editor of Virtue Today Magazine, recited a marvelous poem entitled, “Mothers of Civilization.”  By the end of the recitation, audience members were given the opportunity to share the date of Mothers of Civilization Day and receive a free calendar gift in honor of the upcoming day. 

            Other designers included Sanriq Stylz, a designer from the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, Khalifah Apparel (Chicago), Kameelah’s Closet (Houston), Beloved Boutique (Atlanta) and the 10,000 Fearless (Atlanta).  Khalifah Apparel showcased a classy and hip style while Sanriq Stylz’s designs graced the audience with feminine flair. Kameelah’s Closet featured their high-quality custom-made designs and Beloved Boutique showcased a lovely selection of evening wear.  Beyond the Runway seamlessly united designers from different parts of the country and gave designers a platform to show their designs.  It also allowed women from various communities to join forces and be inspired by one another.

There were several cute highlights from the show including the mother/daughter scene that shows mothers and daughters walking the runway in similar designs.  However, the scene that had everyone in awe in their seats was from 10,000 Fearless.

            The 10,000 Fearless is not only helping to build strong and safe communities, but a sporty well-dressed community as well.  The event ended with the dynamic display of active wear by 10,000 Fearless, a community-based organization lead by the Regional Student Minister, Abdul Sharrieff Muhammad.  The sportswear line helped close the show with an amazing display of Black love that you will not see in mass media.  The showstopper came when male model, Brother Iquan, made a cool, smooth move to pull out a red rose from his 10,000 Fearless jacket.  And then with calm confidence stepped down from the stage to give his wife of 25 years, Dr. Vanessa Muhammad, the rose. The audience admired his cool move with an, “Awwww” (smile).

The night ended with brothers and sisters networking and buying products from the wonderful businesses in the vending area. Philadelphia model, Monique “The WrapStar” Muhammad, quoted on Facebook that the fashion show in Atlanta “was nothing short of amazing!” Tara Muhammad, who traveled from North Carolina to see the show, said “The Fashion show offered more stylish and innovative opportunities to be modest, while looking beautiful!" Congratulations to Belle ‘D’ Kouture for organizing an amazing show that had a mini “Saviours’ Day” energy and gave sisters and brothers a chance to see amazing fashions, while having fun socializing and doing business with one another.  Prepare now to attend the next Beyond the Runway event and look forward to being warmly received by the beautiful believers in Atlanta.

(For more information about Belle ‘D’ Kouture, visit her website at https://www.belledkouture.com).  To find out how your business can get a featured article in Virtue Today Magazine online, text “Feature” to (336)901-0122.  Check out our Special PR packages for June!)