Member Presents Fashion On The Square

FGI member and former Regional Director, Y’Anad Burrell brought the 7th Annual Fashion On The Square to San Francisco this past weekend. This time around the show took centerstage at the Westfield Centre Dome.


"Having the event in a 'mall' type atmosphere turned out to be a very good touch," said Burrell. "One main thing we did not do this year was feature a couture designer but rather remained ready-to-wear with some retail."

After co-host Charleston Pierce pulled audience members onto the stage to give their best catwalk, the show began with back to school looks from Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Crazy 8, Apple Bottom and Old navy. From graphic tees and rompers to playful plaids and multi-colored stripes paired with back packs, the little ones had the audience drooling. 

"Coupled with my passion for fashion, it's a beautiful thing to see children, men and women share their talent on the runway while being muses for a designer," said Burrell who prepared the event in less than four months.

Bre from America’s Next Top Model cycle 5 and Jay Nicolas Sario from Project Runway season 7 made special appearances.

The second part of the show co-hosted by Burrell featured a mixture of Summer and Fall looks for adults.

Prima Jiva

“One of the designers that really stood out to me was Prima Jiva. I really enjoyed her collection a lot,” said Dartanian, club promoter and stylist.

Aside from elegant resort wear from Prima Jiva, we saw a variety of flowing fabrics for plus sizes from designer Jill Alexander who was inspired by the Farmer’s Market. “My ideal woman is over size 12, got curves, lives life, has events, want to look and feel good, want fabrics that breath and she just wants to be elegant,” said Alexander. 

Throughout the show, we heard two musical performances including Jimmie Reign who sung a couple tunes from her album Pretty Girl. 

Suit By Randy Rowden 

The show closed with a men’s selection of suits by Randy Rowden. Other participating designers and stores included Bellezza, Daniel Sudar, Picky Studio, J. Jamison, R. Shay Miles and G82 Designs.

The concept of FOTS goes far beyond a runway show and we should expect much more from the annual event according to Burrell. "FOTS is about the 'business of fashion' so we will be expanding into what we have called FOTS institute (workshops, runway training, photo  sessions,etc)," she noted.  

Proceeds from the event will not only benefit FGI but other non-profit organizations including Until There’s A Cure and Inner City Youth Sports. 

Photo Credit: Mignon Gould