The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) will honor trailblazers in American fashion at Brooklyn’s People’s Ball, the city’s largest fashion night, on Sunday, May 3.
Hosted annually on the eve of the Met Gala, the free People’s Ball is co-curated by Harlem icon Souleo and celebrates fashion in everyday New Yorkers.
Hosted annually on the eve of the Met Gala, the free People’s Ball is co-curated by Harlem icon Souleo and celebrates fashion in everyday New Yorkers.
Now a Brooklyn Spring ritual, BPL said the People’s Ball brings together “hundreds of boldly dressed attendees — each one invited to take the runway in the middle of the library.”
Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, BPL said this year’s theme honors American trailblazers in fashion and will honor legendary model Bethann Hardison, June Ambrose – stylist known for dressing Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and others – and Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), an internationally celebrated Native American fashion and textile designer.
BPL said Hardison, with over 50 years championing diverse representation, is best known for walking in the legendary Battle of Versailles fashion show and for leading initiatives to increase racial diversity within fashion.
She led the Black Girls Coalition with Naomi Campbell, Iman, and Tyra Banks, and has advised the CFDA and served on Gucci’s Changemakers Council.
It said Hardison opened Bethann Management, one of the first Black-owned modeling agencies, which launched the careers of Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyson Beckford, and more.
It said Hardison opened Bethann Management, one of the first Black-owned modeling agencies, which launched the careers of Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyson Beckford, and more.
Through her work with Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and more, BPL said June Ambrose is celebrated for designing some of rap’s most unforgettable fashion moments, notably conceptualizing groundbreaking visuals in music videos and on red carpets.
BPL said she developed the look for Missy Elliott for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” music video, including the now-legendary black vinyl bubble suit.
Ambrose has served as Puma’s creative director, helping launch the brand’s women’s basketball division in 2021.
Ambrose has served as Puma’s creative director, helping launch the brand’s women’s basketball division in 2021.
It said Michaels broke new ground as the first Native American designer to compete on Project Runway, gaining recognition for both her artistic vision and her commitment to Indigenous representation in major fashion venues.
BPL said Michaels, known for “blending Indigenous artistry with contemporary couture, has been a longtime advocate for Native American visibility in fashion.
Tony-winning R&B singer Melba Moore will perform disco classics, and DJ Fritzo will play a set at the People’s Ball.
Tony-winning R&B singer Melba Moore will perform disco classics, and DJ Fritzo will play a set at the People’s Ball.
