To commemorate Juneteenth, a group of local designers is putting on a fashion show, with some of the proceeds going right back into the community.Hair is getting curled.Makeup is being applied.And the designs are reading to be taken for a spin down the runway.“Gapelii Brand was created to give back to the community,” said the label’s Andrew Akufo.The community that helped raise him. Akufo is a Del City High School and University of Central Oklahoma graduate. He has added fashion designer to his resume.“The G stands for growth, A for ambition, and influence,” he said.Gapelii, along with other local designers like Bell Ime, along with volunteers from the Paul Mitchell school in Norman, are getting ready for the “Blooming Into Juneteenth” show.”You look at George Floyd,” Akufo said, “it felt like the perfect timing to put this forward.”Special Juneteenth shirts will be available to buy, with some of the proceeds going back into the community.”We are donating 10%,” Akufo said, “to high school students here in Oklahoma.”The event is free and starts at 2 p.m. Saturday with music and blessings from local pastors at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage. The fashion show begins at 5 p.m.
To commemorate Juneteenth, a group of local designers is putting on a fashion show, with some of the proceeds going right back into the community.
Hair is getting curled.
Makeup is being applied.
And the designs are reading to be taken for a spin down the runway.
“Gapelii Brand was created to give back to the community,” said the label’s Andrew Akufo.
The community that helped raise him. Akufo is a Del City High School and University of Central Oklahoma graduate. He has added fashion designer to his resume.
“The G stands for growth, A for ambition, and influence,” he said.
Gapelii, along with other local designers like Bell Ime, along with volunteers from the Paul Mitchell school in Norman, are getting ready for the “Blooming Into Juneteenth” show.
“You look at George Floyd,” Akufo said, “it felt like the perfect timing to put this forward.”
Special Juneteenth shirts will be available to buy, with some of the proceeds going back into the community.
“We are donating 10%,” Akufo said, “to high school students here in Oklahoma.”
The event is free and starts at 2 p.m. Saturday with music and blessings from local pastors at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage. The fashion show begins at 5 p.m.
