London fashion week showcase
Donation protected
I've recently been accepted to showcase my 2019 resort wear collection In london England September 2018! Receiving this news has been the absolutely most humbling yet awakening news ever!
All my life I've wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I've always felt potential in me to be someone of purpose. To inspire people in a way like never before. Come to find out, that person in need of inspiration was me!
Fashion has been a huge part of me since I was a little girl. I've also always wanted to change the world through fashion. Creating has always given me a nostalgic feeling, and even at times a reason to not give up.
Growing up, self confidence was hard and at times even impossible to attain. Growing up in a chaotic and violent household I often lived in fear and resorted to drawing as my way of escape. I became very socially awkward, very reserved and antisocial in school. Of course this made me an easy target for being picked on, and after a while became the norm for me. Over the next decade I began placing my identity in other people's hands.... which inevitably lead to long term mental slavery.
Needing constant affirmation or people to keep me propped up became a necessity for me to function. I remember days being petrified in anxiety because a friend was displeased with something I did, or ignored my phone calls! Silly right?!... yep that was me! When I realized that it was impossible to please everyone the worst thing happened... I fell into victim mentality. Negatively thinking of myself to the point where it was affecting my other relationships and even causing people to resent me. Instead of feeling loved and appreciated they felt used and manipulated because Of that "obligation" to keep me feeling good about myself. Regardless of all this going on internally, designing remained a passion for me. It became a form of theraphy when I was struggling emotionally.
Well 2017 I hit an all time low.... took a leave of absence from my job Due to personal issues. A lot hit me all at once.... but My passion for fashion remained strong. I even gained the courage to audition for project runway.... however after not making the cut I fell back into a depression. I started even doubting the very gift that was giving me confidence. At this time I had lost a serious relationship due to me pursuing a career fashion. Then the finances took a severe downward spiral....
....it's at that point I felt like giving up .... I had no desire to live honestly. Suicidal thoughts became a norm day to day... I never would dare reveal this to anyone because I was always viewed as happy. I couldn't possibly taint that mirage of an image I've maintained.
Soon after I became depleted of any ambition to create and even to live ... .... those dark daily thoughts that were once out of focus became magnified. It seemed like my only option..... but God!...
....even in the midst of feeling like nothing, there was a slight tugging to keep pressing on. At that moment I cried out to god everything I was feeling and felt a burden lifted. It was in that moment I realized I was loved and had a purpose!
Through that awakening I began diving into self improvement and I believe it was possible Only through the grace of God! Coincidently the better I felt about myself the more creative And bold I became! I no longer felt the chains and bondage to needing constant affirmation from other people. I was free, and decided by any means necessary I'd use my gift to help other women feel freedom too!
Our mission with Xstravagance designs is to not only reassure woman of their external beauty but their internal beauty as well. Its through your inner self can we truly feel and experience confidence. Through god all hurts and pain be removed; and I know my brand is a platform to help spread that message! All pieces are substantially designed for all types and sizes of women. Derived from a retro aesthetic and incorporating colorful prints and concepts gives the everyday woman the adrenaline rush to conquer any possible fear!
I showcased in New York fashion week 2016, and pitch black fashion week in atlanta 2017. I've met so many inspirational people and have grown even a stronger love for fashion design. So I've decided to offer something the world has been missing!:)
Help me spread this message internationally! I know this next chapter of my life is going to be an exciting one; but also in many aspects it may be scary. However regardless of what feelings I experience I know I can't solidify my worth in that. Tons of other women and men deal with self acceptance issues day to day. Even to the extent of suicide. I was almost there. That could of been me, but I decided to use my tragedy and use it as a vehicle to transport encouragement to other women like me! You do matter! :)
The money I'm raising will go toward Oxford studio london fashion week showcase. A lot of shows pay their models, MUA, and photographers. I've decided to showcase 10 looks in front of a huge international audience of people; including buyers and public figures.
I've never in my life imagined this opportunity would be attainable because I was always told what I couldn't do. But once I shook off that dirt and dropped that baggage I was able to grab my potential by the horns! Now I'm just ready to enjoy the ride!:)
I appreciate everyone who's helped me in ANY way! Physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I will never forget people who encouraged me even when I appeared to be hopeless. Loyalty is a trait that is very rare these days, and I'm glad I have found people with that trait!i appreciate the support! Help keep my story going! Off to the U.K. For the next chapter....:)
All my life I've wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I've always felt potential in me to be someone of purpose. To inspire people in a way like never before. Come to find out, that person in need of inspiration was me!
Fashion has been a huge part of me since I was a little girl. I've also always wanted to change the world through fashion. Creating has always given me a nostalgic feeling, and even at times a reason to not give up.
Growing up, self confidence was hard and at times even impossible to attain. Growing up in a chaotic and violent household I often lived in fear and resorted to drawing as my way of escape. I became very socially awkward, very reserved and antisocial in school. Of course this made me an easy target for being picked on, and after a while became the norm for me. Over the next decade I began placing my identity in other people's hands.... which inevitably lead to long term mental slavery.
Needing constant affirmation or people to keep me propped up became a necessity for me to function. I remember days being petrified in anxiety because a friend was displeased with something I did, or ignored my phone calls! Silly right?!... yep that was me! When I realized that it was impossible to please everyone the worst thing happened... I fell into victim mentality. Negatively thinking of myself to the point where it was affecting my other relationships and even causing people to resent me. Instead of feeling loved and appreciated they felt used and manipulated because Of that "obligation" to keep me feeling good about myself. Regardless of all this going on internally, designing remained a passion for me. It became a form of theraphy when I was struggling emotionally.
Well 2017 I hit an all time low.... took a leave of absence from my job Due to personal issues. A lot hit me all at once.... but My passion for fashion remained strong. I even gained the courage to audition for project runway.... however after not making the cut I fell back into a depression. I started even doubting the very gift that was giving me confidence. At this time I had lost a serious relationship due to me pursuing a career fashion. Then the finances took a severe downward spiral....
....it's at that point I felt like giving up .... I had no desire to live honestly. Suicidal thoughts became a norm day to day... I never would dare reveal this to anyone because I was always viewed as happy. I couldn't possibly taint that mirage of an image I've maintained.
Soon after I became depleted of any ambition to create and even to live ... .... those dark daily thoughts that were once out of focus became magnified. It seemed like my only option..... but God!...
....even in the midst of feeling like nothing, there was a slight tugging to keep pressing on. At that moment I cried out to god everything I was feeling and felt a burden lifted. It was in that moment I realized I was loved and had a purpose!
Through that awakening I began diving into self improvement and I believe it was possible Only through the grace of God! Coincidently the better I felt about myself the more creative And bold I became! I no longer felt the chains and bondage to needing constant affirmation from other people. I was free, and decided by any means necessary I'd use my gift to help other women feel freedom too!
Our mission with Xstravagance designs is to not only reassure woman of their external beauty but their internal beauty as well. Its through your inner self can we truly feel and experience confidence. Through god all hurts and pain be removed; and I know my brand is a platform to help spread that message! All pieces are substantially designed for all types and sizes of women. Derived from a retro aesthetic and incorporating colorful prints and concepts gives the everyday woman the adrenaline rush to conquer any possible fear!
I showcased in New York fashion week 2016, and pitch black fashion week in atlanta 2017. I've met so many inspirational people and have grown even a stronger love for fashion design. So I've decided to offer something the world has been missing!:)
Help me spread this message internationally! I know this next chapter of my life is going to be an exciting one; but also in many aspects it may be scary. However regardless of what feelings I experience I know I can't solidify my worth in that. Tons of other women and men deal with self acceptance issues day to day. Even to the extent of suicide. I was almost there. That could of been me, but I decided to use my tragedy and use it as a vehicle to transport encouragement to other women like me! You do matter! :)
The money I'm raising will go toward Oxford studio london fashion week showcase. A lot of shows pay their models, MUA, and photographers. I've decided to showcase 10 looks in front of a huge international audience of people; including buyers and public figures.
I've never in my life imagined this opportunity would be attainable because I was always told what I couldn't do. But once I shook off that dirt and dropped that baggage I was able to grab my potential by the horns! Now I'm just ready to enjoy the ride!:)
I appreciate everyone who's helped me in ANY way! Physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I will never forget people who encouraged me even when I appeared to be hopeless. Loyalty is a trait that is very rare these days, and I'm glad I have found people with that trait!i appreciate the support! Help keep my story going! Off to the U.K. For the next chapter....:)
Organizer
Naomi Smith
Organizer
Scottsville, NY
