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Little Rock Fashion Week shines at MLK Day ParadeBy: Dawon Johnson

January 19, 2010 - The 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Marade (march and parade) in Little Rock connected with the world of high fashion, as several of Little Rock Fashion Week's "top models" were featured in the event.Russell Honda, one of Arkansas's top car dealerships and a proud sponsor of Little Rock Fashion Week 2009, joined in the celebration of Dr. King by providing a brand new 2010 Honda Pilot to be used to escort models to the Marade. Each model wore black and white schemed clothes by NaJo - Little Rock Fashion Week 2009 Clothing Line of the Year."The inspiration for my collection for the MLK Marade is unity of all races. Also, the collection is a mix of vintage 60s and today," says Natasha Rawls, the owner of NaJo Creations, L.L.C. "Even though, we as Americans, that being all ethnicities, have come a long way, we still have a fight ahead of us against ignorance, bigotry and racism. My presentation shows progression."Models who participated were: Ryan Ackers, 21, of White Hall, AR, Jazmiin Brown, 22, of Russellville, AR, Nivea Ross, 27, of Little Rock, Alissa Singleton, 17, of Little Rock, Holly Smith, 25, of North Little Rock, and Tiffany Sumners, 17, of Perryville, AR.For 3 miles, the statuesque women modeled NaJo's fashions in front of thousands of spectators up Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to the Arkansas State Capitol building."This was the best and most memorable cultural and fashion experience I've ever participated in. It was mind blowing and on a whole other level" says Ross. "As a model, you want to perform and highlight the clothes on the biggest stage and in front as many people as possible. We did that today."The best moments came from the feedback we received from attendees. These were real people, which made their positive comments about the clothes and us more genuine. I enjoyed the interactions with them. It is inspiring to see people come together at the time of a world crisis to celebrate hope. You can't pay for that this type of experience," Ross explained.Along with Russell Honda, other significant Little Rock Fashion Week participants took part in the Marade. Models hair was styled by Just Wright Beauty & Barber Salon. Their make-up was designed by Phanie Wicks, of Beauty By Far, L.L.C. Photos were taken by LaMar "Dude" LaGrant Photography and Magna IV produced the banner, which was carried by 12-year old fashion designer and Rawls's son Jordan Long, LRFW dancer Juanita Lewis, 11, and her brother LRFW model Monterreo Lewis, 10."Little Rock Fashion Week represents the vision that my idol, the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for and died for, and that is unity, peace and positivity across the world for all mankind," says Brandon D. Campbell, the founder of Little Rock Fashion Week. "That is our theme in 2010. I aspire to live out Dr. King's dream as we prepare for another groundbreaking fashion week. I'm ecstatic and grateful to have Russell Honda, NaJo, Magna IV, the best hairstylists, the best make-up artist, a highly skilled photographer, and our talented and beautiful models unite to celebrate Dr. King."Arkansas celebrated its first fashion week in 2009. It featured 20 local and national designers and boutiques and brought out international celebrities such as Sway Calloway, of MTV News. Callaway hosted the Couture Fashion Show.Little Rock Fashion Week 2010 takes place July 12-17. For information on how you can get involved as a sponsor, designer, or volunteer, visit LittleRockFashionWeek.com.Media inquires contact Crystal Gridley 501.291.8462/ shawngridley29@yahoo.comPhoto CaptionLRFW_MLK pic5 (from left to right Ryan Acker, Jazmiin Brown, Tiffany Sumners, Natasha Rawls (NaJo owner), Alissa Singleton, Holly Smith, and Nivea Ross)