Regina and Mildred Long embrace during “A Night to Remember Lung Cancer Awareness Show”

A sadly lesser-known-to-Tulanians element of New Orleans fashion is New Orleans Fashion Week, a collection of independent of runway shows, galas, and other events usually held each November. Our staff writer Sam Goldman had the chance to speak with Regina Long, organizer of 2022's leading show, the “A Night to Remember Lung Cancer Awareness Show" :

While fashion shows are an effective way to showcase new designs and entertain, they also have the power to serve a larger purpose and meaning. On November 19th, the “A Night to Remember Lung Cancer Awareness Show” took place at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted by Regina Long and her all-women team. This incredible event elevated independent, talented artists and raised money for an important cause. Nine designers’ collections were featured, many volunteer models walked, and several small businesses sold their unique goods and jewelry. Although November 19th’s display is exemplary of the work Long delivers, it is just one of the many fashion shows she puts together, driven by the mission to empower and spread awareness for significant issues.

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, and now residing in Houston, Texas, Long has always been family-oriented, and much of her inspiration toward enacting change can be connected to her loved ones. While she’s spearheaded many projects, such as a clothing line called “Girl, Please” in honor of her wonderful daughter with Down Syndrome, the “A Night to Remember” event was started in remembrance of her aunt. In 2016, Long’s aunt passed away from lung cancer, and in November of that same year, the annual fashion show was organized by Long's business, “Dark Orchid.” There are many designers within the show, some of whom travel with the team to each venue, and some who join in different states. Each event she does serves another cause depending on the month, so there are various speakers, performers, dance teams, and others based on the associated issue, making the event more than just a display of fashion. For example, in March, she hosted a fashion show in honor of Multiple sclerosis; for this event, two women came to speak about their hardships, symptoms, and experiences living with the condition.

Long's preparation is critical. She is a great leader, and it takes hard work to put on the show. To begin the process, they need to find and secure a venue; once the location is set, they can bring in the models, designers, vendors, speakers, and more and plan the order of the show based on that comprehensive list. When the order is decided, they can connect the models and designers so that the show is cohesive, with some models walking for multiple designers. In addition to those in the spotlight, many people aid behind the scenes, including Long’s family members, who assist in many ways. Long also highlights the importance of volunteers. While being a newcomer may seem intimidating, she says she values people just starting because everyone needs to start somewhere. She doesn’t want to skip people who don’t have experience because it’s about building up their self-esteem; no matter someone’s prior background, the most crucial part is that they want to get involved.

Her business is built around empowerment, and in doing so, she’s created a space where people can become educated on and raise money for important causes, all while using a creative outlet. If people want to participate, showcase their independent work, or wish to donate to a specific organization, her information can be found on Facebook as “Regina Long.” Currently, she’s working on “A Night of Passion and Fashion Show” in February of 2023 to support Heart Awareness and is preparing for her annual tour. During the tour, she hosts shows in four major cities, where she’ll be in Shreveport, Louisiana, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Brooklyn, New York, and a fashion show on a cruise, which her family will join. It’s impressive what Long is doing, and she’s someone we can all look toward as a true inspiration to drive change uniquely and memorably.

In 2022, JoshSway was among the up-and-coming designers that showcased their work at New Orleans Fashion Week. JoshSway's designs feature all styles, from urban wear to evening gowns. Our staff writer Ella Canavan had the opportunity to speak with JoshSway's founders, Victoria and Frederick, both at the show and over the phone for an interview.

Victoria (center) and Frederick (second from right) giving closing remarks

Victoria and Frederick started JoshSway on May 25th, 2022. Victoria had previous experience in the fashion business as the owner of a sleepwear line. Victoria told the story that she wanted her husband to have a brand, too, to be a part of the fashion business alongside her. After coming up with the idea to start another clothing brand together, Victoria recalled sitting down and making a logo for the brand that same day. The couple's last name is Joshua, which is where the “Josh” in the name came from. The couple then toyed around with a few ideas they thought sounded cool until they settled on JoshSway and asked for approval from family and friends. Additionally, the couple wanted to include Joshua in the company name because of the role of Joshua in the Bible. Victoria said that since Joshua is a leader in the Bible, they wanted to incorporate the name because one of their goals as a brand is to lead people through fashion and through life. Victoria spoke about one of their goals as a company to lead and encourage people through fashion; the couple wants to lead people through life and inspire them to be their best selves. JoshSway is now breaking into the industry with everything from urban wear to after-hours wear to evening gowns to casual wear.

JoshSway has big plans for the future. When asked about future goals, Victoria said she would love to see their brand in stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, or Saks Fifth Avenue. She also mentioned wanting to be like the next Tommy Hilfiger or Louis Vuitton. The couple wants to take their brand to a global level. JoshSway is currently working with New Orleans Fashion Week organizers to showcase their work in another upcoming February show(the aforementioned “A Night of Passion and Fashion Show”)!

Kay Gee (left) and Amreah Feazelle (right)

Keep updated on more fashion events in NOLA with TU Fashion!

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