Lights, Cameras, Clothes, and Models are all of the ingredients you need in order to have a “Fashionable” fashion show. Many of you know that I am very picky about fashion shows so when I tell you that the one I am writing about is good then you know it was…
Jo’ni Modelz, Inc. “Rip-the-Runway Competition” High School Edition did it again. They had all the ingredients of a “Fashionable” runway affair. Last year the show was good (Sayre’s Next Top Model) and this one was even better! I am already looking forward to next year!
Not only was this year an all high school edition, but there were also a chance for males too. Most of the High Schools in Philadelphia were in attendance representing their high school.
When I first arrived, I went backstage all I seen was weave, clothes, shoes, and accessories; it made me think of all the rushing around you have to do when you are doing runway. Now keep in mind that this is more of a show of talent and entertainment then it is a show that is about the designs of an up and coming designer.
Most of the models are in their costumes and make-up. They smiled, and one said, “Aren’t you one of the judges?”
That was so weird to me because I’m so use to being in the modeling position, and having to smile and wonder what the judges were thinking when they saw me... but today I am a judge (whoop, whoop!).
After I took my seat, in the judging seat, that is (lol), I looked around and saw that the room was now full to its capacity and people were eager and ready to check out the show. People were standing everywhere.
After about ten minutes, the curtains opened which meant that the show was starting! The first scene was called “Masquerade”. The models were all wearing black and colorful mask. They music that was playing was “Fashionista” by Jimmy James and it was fierce! “The show is about to start!” blasted from the speakers. Just from the intro I already knew that this was going to be one heck of a show.
Well, it is hard to comment on every piece of the show, but I will tell you about some of my favorite scenes:
Scene 2: Rich Girls- When the girls worked it (the rich way of course). One of my modeling buddies, Sayidah Bey, served it up as the "Queen Bee”.
Scene 5: Jumanji- The girls (and guys) took a walk on the wild side. The fashions were leopard and zebra prints that gave it a jungle feel.
Scene 6: Glitz vs. Glam- Glitz and Glam battled it out in a walk off.
Scene 9: Thriller (Prelude) – The fashion nightmares came to life.
To entertain us between scenes, there were the Blue Diamond Steppers, which I thought were ok, the Point Breeze Performing Arts Dance Company which surprisingly to me were very good. Because I am not much for praise dancing I give them two thumbs up. UX’s own Franky J was a great host for the audience competitions. You had to see these two guys serve it up on the stage.
After an evening of entertainment, finally, THE COMPETITION!!! I could tell that everyone was excited to see what was going to happen when the lights got low, the stage started to fog and the curtains opened! There were 16 lovely contestants that walked it out to win. I had to watch everything from creativity to professionalism and overall look. It was really hard for me. If it was up to me everyone would have won, but since there had to be a first female and male, second place winner, and third I knew I had better snap out of it. Check out my two favorite walkers on the youtube!
After everyone walked, it was time for “us” judges to deliberate. It was so hard! Some judges had one person as the winner then others had another, “I liked contestant 9 and 16!” said one judge.
“Well, I like contestant 13 and 2!” said another.
It was complete chaos! Finally, after about 15 min of disagreements, we ended up having to do a “count the hand’ vote. When we were done picking our winners, it was time for the judges to go on stage and announce the diva and don of the evening.
The winners were Shaquetta Carter (2nd place), Khaleem Brown (2nd Place male), and Ebony Townsend and Kevin Kelly were the 1st place winners! It truly was a hard decision to make!
Again, I loved the show and hope that Jo’ni Modelz Inc will continue to do what they do for the community because they are really making a difference in Philadelphia and I really want to get that across to everyone. This show was not just about fashion and beauty it had a deeper meaning to it, the true meaning was to inspire others to become agents of change and to also bring back the loving memory of the Townsend’s dearly beloved son, brother, and friend Derrick A. Townsend.
The Good!!!
Jovanna & Lisa Townsend are the best!!! They put off an event that was awesome. I was proud to be one of the judges. These ladies are great at hosting and really know how to treat their VIP’s!!! A nice dinner and a gift. Mad props, ladies!!!
There were two girls that I thought deserved my recognition and they are Tiara Willis- she was #1, and Tiffany Braddock- she was #9. Congratz ladies you made my top list.
The Bad & What???
The show went on a little too long. It was almost 12:00 am when we left. I would suggest that the scenes be cut just a little so that the show is 2 hours only.
Another bad thing was the host Mr. Jeffrey Brown! He could not get the names of anything right to save his life! First he called the founder Jovanna everything but her name, and he had the same problem with the company, Jo’ni. Worse of all, he pronounced my name wrong! He called me, “Tweet Elitour”, what the heck!
My advice to Jo’ni is to never ever, ever get this man to host their event again!
Too many awards were given out making the night longer. I think that some of the awards could have been given at an awards ceremony for the models and family. That would have been nice.
Although Eboni Townsend did a great job as, I think that because she is the sister of Jovanna Townsend, she should not have been able to participate in the competition because as she became the winner, it may have made some people think that it was rigged in her favor when it actually wasn’t— I know because I was one other judges. But for the sake of no drama, that would be best.
Overall, if you missed this event, you better not miss the next because not only is it the hottest thing for the teens to be a part of, it is for a very good cause and it is always good to see that people care.
I can’t wait until next year!!! Share your thoughts…
Fashionably Out,
Tweety Elitou
1 comment:
Good Afternoon Tweety and the Infinite Team,
First, thank you so much for taking the time to not only be a part of JO'NI's events, but to also serve as judges, photographers, editorial writers...you know, the whole gamut!
Tweety, you are not only growing by leaps and bounds in person, but you are also maturing in your writing as well. Thank you for expressing your enthusiasm about JO’NI MODELZ, INC. I am so honored that you see our events as a positive change for Philadelphia's youth --- that is certainly our prayer. We hope to exemplify an organization of not only integrity, but an organization of hope. Thank you for bringing that focus to light in your article.
I do have a few statements that I so graciously would like to render clarity on.
#1. PRIZE PACKAGE:
The prize package for 2nd and 3rd place was for a male or female. It was only a 1st-place male and 1st-place female.
*Shaquetta Carter won (2nd-Place)
*Khaleem Brown won (3rd-place)
#2. OVER THE TIME LIMIT:
Yes, I must admit, we did go wayyyy over our anticipated time...but in all fairness it was not "totally" our fault. We had a 2-hour show planned to the T, but we had school politics, technical difficulties with power and other impromptu items that arose. No matter how much we pre-planned things occurred.
The suggestion for a separate awards ceremony was a wonderful idea for the audience, but if you ever go through 32-weeks of JO'NI training, you'll understand why we did it that evening. Our models deserved to be recognized for their hard work at the show in front of their families and peers even in the face of time. Just awarding the Place Winners would have been great for the audience, but we, as a group, knew the personal need for them to be recognized publicly. I understand your point completely about the time frame, but that's one we won’t make apologies for. I could have cut back on a few other closing remarks, but we only do this once a year and I felt it was just worth it to close out as planned.
#3. THE HOST:
I agree that his inability to pronounce names was not proper etiquette for a host; he continued to ask for the pronunciation of many names, but overlooked quite a few…even our own. He did make attempts to improvise but to no avail and I know it was offensive to the Elitou family. On behalf of JO'NI MODELZ, INC. we apologize for his oversight. His attempt to appear informed failed on that respect. I must say, however, overall he did a great job keeping the audience entertained and avoided us having major lulls in the program. No one knew the technical problems we were having because he did what he needed to do to cover them up...so I say, "Hatz-Off" to Mr. Jeff Brown.
#4. EBONY TOWNSEND AS WINNER:
I am so glad you were a judge and could attest to the fact that Ebony's win was based on her own merit. I do have some other input to render regarding this subject since you’ve chosen to mention it.
First, Ebony received no preferential treatment because she is the coach’s sister. Ebony had the odds stacked against her to begin with because she is a full-figured model against a plethora of slender models. No matter how much coaching her sister “could have” done with her, the odds were still stacked against her, but she has the natural-knack to model and nobody could deny that. Ebony's win was based on her internal-level of confidence and ability; I’m sure that was evident by all, even if a few of the judges had their favorites.
Secondly, it was very rare, outside of organized rehearsals, that Ebony rec'd tutelage from Jovonna. Ebony practiced morning, noon and night on ways to be creative on the runway alone. If the truth were told, Jovonna recognized Ebony's creativity as a personal gift from God because she never taught her to do what she does on the runway. Jovonna knows she couldn't have helped Ebony, if it wasn't already there. That is one of the things Jovonna looks for in a student-model is potential and Ebony had it, sister or not.
Third, if we have an organization that is designed for High School students and she fits the criteria, why should we exclude her from it while we attempt to empower someone else’s daughter or son? That is similar to your parents starting an online publication, mentoring student writers and overlooking the mentoring possibilities of you. Should we overlook our own to encourage others or should we encompass both? Ebony was held to the same standards as all the other models, as a matter of fact, she and many of the other models felt that she was treated harshly at times because we worked "too" hard to prove that she rec'd no preferential treatment. Ebony came to each rehearsal on her own merit. She went to school, work, caught buses and then had to rehearse for 4+ hours in heels like everyone else. JO'NI models are very aware of how hard Ebony worked. This is why they rejoiced for her when she won…Authentically.
In closing, all of JO'NI models rec'd EXTRA special attention from the coach. We worked hard to assure that everyone had equal opportunities to win. We hosted sleepover rehearsals, had models drop by the house for one-on-one tutelage and half of the time we couldn't get most of them out of our house...but we didn't mind --- smile! Ebony rocked our first show at Sayre High and she lost the competition...she was still the coaches sister then too, but the judges made their choice and she as well as all others were excited for our winner.
I do understand your thoughts on avoiding controversy, but our choice to have her compete was no different than allowing anyone else to compete. She auditioned, she had the grades, and she had the willingness to learn so she became a part of JO'NI…not necessarily by default but by virtue of what she represented. Now, Ebony won't, however, be competing next year because she wants to focus on her last year in high school...'09 woo-hoo, but she will be a judge. She knows what it takes to truly represent the essence of what JO'NI MODELZ, INC. is really all about!
Tweety, I appreciate the time you've taken to write such a glowing and candid article. It is a great outlet for you to exercise your creative energy. Hats-off to your parents for opening up doors of opportunity for your gifts to stir-up the inside of you.
Please know that rendering input was based on the nature of how your article was written. I believe input was needed as your perceptions of our show “Good and Bad” may have a level of influence that we as an organization would like to comment on.
Professionally yours,
Ms. Lisa Townsend, Co-Founder JO’NI MODELZ, INC.
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