WHIN 3 By Any Means provided a unique experience last Thursday as the highly anticipated event took centerstage in Negro Claro Lounge in front of a full house. Though the main attractions of the night were all the performers, designers from all over the Washington Heights and Inwood made their presence felt as they accompanied a night of music with a taste of fashion.
Performers explain their story through lyrics while designers channel their thoughts and creativity through fashion. While walking around, these designers attracted visitors with simple, but relatable words placed on t-shirts, like the one donned by Magu, the mastermind behind Magu Clothing.
The shirt he wore, which is on sale on his online shop, read "Always on my Grind." Magu, who's been in and out of the fashion business since 2007, explained the motivation behind the t-shirt, "No matter what industry you're in, everybody has to put in the grind to try to be successful."
Just from Magu's words, it was easy to pick up the theme behind this movement. While providing a stage for creative people in Uptown Manhattan, WHIN's movement is also providing communal unity.
Joan, who's half of the duo behind the Delicate Anarchist jewelry collection, also brought up the importance of sharing the experience with fellow designers and a multitude of performers. "I'm glad that it's a lot of artists and not just Delicate Anarchist. It's bigger than just Delicate Anarchist. It's about the people and how we can grow together."
Emily, of Parker and Blake, combines Magu's idea of everyday grind and Joan' importance of community. Born and raised in Iowa, Emily moved to the Uptown Manhattan area by accident. However, she quickly fell in love with the people, the culture, music and, more importantly as a business woman, everybody's hustle. "I feel at home here," Emily said after explaining her love for vintage products and how she uses these for inspiration.
For Madeline Veriguete and the guys of Nicholas Velez, their inspirations stems directly from family.
In her section, Veriguete had t-shirts with a roaring lion and scarfs strategically surrounding these shirts. However, Veriguete spoke about her next project and explained the familial roots embedded in her concept. Her grandmother had been recently hospitalized, so Veriguete wants to create a line of clothing that is comfortable and warm for hospital patients.
For the guys of Nicholas Velez, inspiration arose from a loss. Nicholas Velez was Albert's cousin and Felix's friend. He was killed a couple of summers ago right when the three were developing ideas about starting a brand.
Despite the pain, instead of mourning, the guys at Nicholas Velez symbolize a celebration of life in their main collection, which has yet hit stores as it's currently being developed. This is the Medusa sweater they were selling at the WHIN 3 event. Felix, who is an artist, painted Medusa by freehand.
As WHIN continues to set up events like these on a regular basis, the public will begin to notice that there is an artistic movement led by people from within their community. Uptown Manhattan is entering a period where they are now on the nation's microscope thanks to MTV's reality television show, "Washington Heights."
Frankie Reese, who's part of the Washington Heights casts, admires the WHIN Committee's efforts and vision in organizing events like these. "I love doing this," she answered when asked about her feelings on performing back at home. "I like doing this. People appreciate what I'm doing. They appreciate the struggle."
Frankie also made a great point about those people trying to discourage artists from practicing and perfecting their craft, but for her, having the opportunity to work with other artists from her area gives her a great sense of pride.
All in all, these performers, artists and designers are giving the young adults of the community a chance to feel proud of their neighborhoods. They don't have to travel downtown to watch a hip hop concert or go to Brooklyn to see an urban exhibit of art. The WHIN Committee, composed of Tellie Floyd, Juan Miranda, Mike DP Jones, Euridicis Bonilla, Sasha Iona, LED Black and Iran Ortiz, is giving all of these creative minds a chance to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
Take a look at the all of those who participated in the event and get in touch with them:
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Monkey Money- Follow on Instagram @monkeymoney30 for all info on gear and shopping
Luz Ortiz
Nueva York
Empire Fashion Boutique hosted the first two WHIN events, but after noticing the popularity of the events, the WHIN Committee had no choice but to move the events to a different local. Empire Fashion Boutique was present at WHIN 3 showing their support.