Her love for fashion began as a kid, being fascinated by models in commercials and fashion shows. “My dad put me in a modeling and charm school,” said Iantha Nicole, CEO of The eLane Group. “Attending the auto show as a child I would see the models on the platforms talking about the vehicles really fascinated me.”
Iantha’s passion for modeling and fashion would lead to her joining the auto show circuit and being a part it for almost 20 years. It was a childhood dream that sparked other opportunities such as behind the scenes work at fashion shows and assisting in production.
“I just always in some form have always loved fashion, always loved modeling, and always wanted to be in the industry.”
The experience and desire to showcase her own entrepreneurial artistry lead Iantha and her partner Jemell Cotton to co-found, The Social Runway, a multifaceted and interactive social media fashion production designed to celebrate Detroit fashion.
“Each year the idea is always to highlight Detroit designers, the city, this new Detroit, our music, our art, our fashion, and just collaborating that all together and this year we wanted to celebrate Detroit’s fashion diversity.”
Nicole recounts being in the industry for years and watching the transition of how Detroiters dressed and how in anything they wore, Detroiters did so proudly and boldly.
“Detroit has been known for our own fashion, such as our Cartier’s, our fur coats, gators shoes. Each city is known for its own vibe, …and with people moving here from other cities in this new Detroit, I wanted to highlight the designers here, the creatives here, and for people to know we have great models here.”
The Social Runway launched initially on a rooftop, followed by an outdoor event in downtown’s Belt alley, and at Ford Field.
“This year I knew I needed a place that would take us even further, and the loft space of 360-degree spread of the Detroit River is amazing.”
The vision and process for executing the annual fashion show is definitely filled with weeks of planning. Nicole says the first mission is securing the venue, formulating the theme, and cultivating all the designers and their models for the cultivated experience.
This year, she aimed for an elevated ‘Runway’ showcase, where the event welcomed guests to a red carpet experience and top-notch designers.
As the producer for the night of The Social Runway, there are a lot of moving pieces, and even while the show is in production, guests seated, models changing outfits, and walking the runway, the mission is to make sure the show goes without a hitch, is a top priority.
“I think I take everything away from what’s happening in the moment. Seeing the excitement in the models, seeing the designers come backstage and knowing they are pleased, and hearing the reactions of the guests.”
Iantha can become very busy handling different areas of the production but believes this year she can proudly take more in more of the experience and see the vision she and her partner Cotton, all comes to life.
“I hope the future of The Social Runway gets bigger and better, that we eventually go on the road, but most importantly show that we are a staple showcasing the talent and the creativity here in Detroit.”
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