Ladies of MMW & Founder Ashley Graham "Midsummers Night Dream, The Fashion Experience"
Lead by founder Ashley Graham Sunday in Baltimore at a beautiful waterfront venue, was a night Summers are made of. Sunday night was the Ladies of MMW (Models Most Wanted) Fashion Experience "Midsummers Night Dream". From floral concepts to fantasy grit the runway was Haute couture meets wearability. When we say the designers and models came through its an understatement!
Ashley Graham- Founder of “Ladies of MMW Models”
Many times it is hard for any fashion show to pull off items you marvel at yet can wear at the same time. So imagine our surprise when the entire audience starts begging to know the name of the designer before the set is finished. Paired with her partner who matches her peaceful yet ambitious vibe Demira Hamilton founder of Nulanguage Fashion line & 2019 Baltimore's Best Designer.
Ladies of MMW Models
A lot of you probably remember the pair from Issue 3 "Creatives in Business" which detailed about Ashley's career, relationship & balance of being an entrepreneur with a heart to provide the community what it deserves in quality experiences.
Ashley also revealed while taking our breath away that this 7th annual show will be the last for small hiatus. Among her many other entrepreneurial and professional hats she has consistently given the city of Baltimore a Fashion experience year after year. Not to mention a documentary release, calendar, & double fashion shows last year. There is no doubt we will be in great anticipation of what she cooks up for the return.
If you thought the Fashion show was it for the night, completely wrong. Hosted by Nova Gray & BubblyTV the night felt like a family reunion with people you may have just met. The vibes were a forever mood, to say the least. Vendors like Vintage Thrivals, NoirJai & more!
Towards the end of the show, the weather took a turn of high winds, lighting & heavy clouds. Did we leave? When I say the show grabbed our attention the crowd remained & in the heat the wind felt like a gift and the lighting seemed apart of an amazing show. I can honestly say this has been the best event of the summer! Keep an eye on Ashley and how the Ladies of MMW continue to provide more than events but experiences.
Entertainer Nova Gray & Bubbly TV Baltimore
A Night Well Done! Founder Ashley Graham
Each year Ashley Graham & Ladies of MMW bring a new element to the table with the MMW Fashion show experience. Find out from the founder how such an inspiring organization & event is brought to life
How long in advance do you plan each Fashion show?
”This year I began in January, only because I did 2 Shows last year that included a calendar release of our Models which took an immense amount of planning.When choosing a venue do you pick the venue first or have the idea in your mind of how you want it to go and then pick the venue?
It can differ depending on how the opportunity presents itself. For example in a previous year I used a venue that used to be a huge staple in the Baltimore community “HammerJacks”. This year the event was held at a place I had been to 3 years ago. When I came back to view it along with the concept of “Midsummer’s Night Dream”, I put together the visuals in my head and felt we had the space for this year!
I noticed with each show you bring on collaborators be it the host, designers, etc. What do you look for when considering a collaboration?
My goal is to provide opportunities to others as it has been done for me. For example this year we began the vendor process offering a couple of free spaces for businesses that needed it and give support.
I also prefer to reach out to those that have been along the journey with us and where I can see their passion and organization. We have had the same DJ (DJ Dnyce)all 7 years. Previous years we had the same host until his unfortunate passing last year.
Do all of your models walk in the Fashion show that you have signed up or a select group?
The opening of the show had all of our MMW models, to give them the chance to walk the runway with their MMW brothers and sisters. As the show progresses the designers also pick their models as well as those we have that are seasoned models when presenting the fashion pieces of other designers.
Now, we know when it comes to women we ALL have an opinion. Lol
How do you manage so many women, schedules and knowing when to practice and who is committed?
We have about 33 models that range from 20-41, so it is no easy task. However we operate as a family, we don’t always all agree but have one mission in mind and that keeps things aligned. Of course being a family people can forget the business side of things. That a model is to professionally represent as well the client. So when I pull the reins in some may not like it in the moment but the commitment is always there and we continue to grow together.
What is next for Ladies of MMW Models
This 7th show will be the last show for a bit of time. I have been consistent in our Fashion Shows to not only provide fashion and opportunities but an event experience. I love it and thrive from it. I also recognize that it is time to focus the balance on building my family, my relationship with my partner and me the woman Ashley.
By all means Ladies of MMW will be still in full force with its moving parts and I look forward to the next amazing show when our fashion experiences return!
Be sure to follow Ashley Graham & the “Ladies of MMW” for opportunities to support, see new designers & stay in the know for the next “Experience” from such a beautiful organization @LadiesofMMWModels
MMW 7th annual Fashion Show being runway #beautifulnightmare styled by @runwaydiva623 #mmwmodels @caitlan.co @autumnheart14 @thesunflowergoddesss #photographer @roygphotography
Glam Team & MUA @hairweavekilla_kei @tlynnprofessional@fashiontofigure @doubleroyaltyhair
