Three years ago, singer-songwriter Aloha Mischeaux wanted to more formally foster arts and creativity. She found that opportunity in Revival School, an afterschool program that caters to refugee students in St. Louis that allows them to fuse their culture with art.
Among other events, students participated in talent shows that encompassed song and dance. But fashion also seemed to pique their interest. So she worked with Revival School’s director, Mike Ramsey, to create a new program solely dedicated to promoting fashion skills.
Mischeaux joined Thursday’s St. Louis on the Air to share more details about Revival Runway, the new collaborative group where local models, photographers and designers mentor refugee students interested in the fashion industry. Baby Lock Sewing are providing sewing machines for the design classes to encourage students to learn the art of sewing.
A fashion show held last Saturday marked the launch of the initiative. It coincided with artist William Berry’s exhibit, “Beauty, Strength, and Courage,” at Intersect Arts Center.
The fashion show also featured music from African songwriters. Immigrant and refugee women modeled designs from Sisters’ Collection, a Nepali-owned dress shop.
St. Louis designer Brandin Vaughn is one of the mentors for Revival Runway. He teaches the students the ins and outs of fashion design, from cutting patterns to sewing. Vaughn’s designs were featured in the fashion showcase.
Mischeaux added that Revival Runway does not limit its support to refugees.
“If you have something that you want to share, and you just don't really know how to go about it, or have the resources to do it or the mentorship, we're there for it,” she said.
“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is hosted by Sarah Fenske and produced by Alex Heuer, Emily Woodbury, Evie Hemphill and Lara Hamdan. The audio engineer is Aaron Doerr.
