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Reinventing the Runway

A A A Comments By Deirdra Funcheon Thursday, Jan 19 2006

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NiFlame, a 27-year-old designer, knows that fashion isn’t humanitarian relief or anything, but still, “I realize how clothes can change people’s lives. You see it on those makeover shows – people start crying, saying, ‘I never thought I could look this good.’ When people see you, they’re judging you right away, whether we like it or not.” Humbly, she says, “I’m not out to change the world,” then reconsiders: “But if I took it one outfit at a time, I could!” NiFlame, who goes by just one name (and signs her e-mails “Fashionably Yours, Your Hottness, Miss NiFlame”) was born in Jamaica and grew up watching her mother, Birdy, a dressmaker. As soon as she could reach the sewing machine, she started making clothes of her own, and it wasn’t long before she set out to dominate all fashion-related industries. A licensed cosmetologist, she gives manicures to CEOs. A personal shopper, she dresses elite clients, DJs, and celebrities. Lately, she’s emphasizing her talent for putting together entire ensembles -- a skill that has sparked the interest of MTV and other corporate clients, who hire her as a stylist for photo shoots and television commercials. When she hosts a fashion show called “Reinvention” Wednesday night, NiFlame will highlight clothes combinations, not individual pieces. “Usually,” she says, “a runway show is about a designer. But most people don’t dress that way. You might get really great pants at Caché, get a shirt at another store. That’s how normal people shop.” she says. Because life is boring when you stick with one designer, NiFlame will mix up pieces from various sources -- Caché, Lilly Rubin, New York designers Nico & Adrian, and more -- and then “bring it to life” with accessories, bags, and jewelry. The show will offer both men’s and women’s fashions in a classy but cool style that NiFlame says “fuses street chic with easy street.” With her hyper-friendly, take-charge attitude, she asserts, “Anybody who’s into fashion, this is the event they need to be at. I’ve invited everyone one I know, and everyone I don’t know but want to know!”
Wed., Jan. 25, 7-11 p.m.

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