In the yellow glow of the room, models, makeup artists and stylists buzz around Bin 77 Bistro and Sidebar during Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week’s “Media, Industry & VIP Kickoff Mixer Fundraiser.” The live guitarist’s croons on the ground floor could be heard from the second story terrace, where this year’s leading event took place.
The fourth annual OBRFW returned to the Red Stick from Feb. 13-18. But, this time, with a bit of an update.
“The theme throughout the week is ‘fresh,’ Oneofakind Talent, Inc. Founder and OBRFW Executive Producer Brandon Campbell says. “We got a fresh venue, fresh faced models, fresh fashion labels. We have a new cause as well. We’re going to be benefitting alumni of Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week who were impacted by the flood back in August.”
At the mixer, the OBRFW team buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming week which included the OBRFW “Goes to School” service event and three fashion shows: “For Kids By Kids,” “BARE” and “The Big Night.”
The venue change comes for “The Big Night” show which, this year, was held at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel. 
Key Makeup Artist and Production Team Member John Dugan says working on “The Big Night” gives him an adrenaline rush, as the atmosphere is energetic and exciting. He describes the fashion show finale as an explosion and attributes its thrill to the fashion, music, high heels, glitter and sparkles.
First-time model Eleazar Lopez expected a fruitful learning experience from working with OBRFW this year. As an inexperienced model, he looks forward to learning tips for his runway walk and improving his posture from the more seasoned models. Lopez says he anticipated his debut in “BARE” and “The Big Night” as a way to break through to the fashion world and present himself as a member of the modeling profession.
Cekeisha Williams, lead hair and makeup stylist, associates OBRFW’s successfulness with its ability to help the city grow and attract others. Because of Baton Rouge’s position of growth, this season may draw in even larger crowds, she says.
To Williams, it’s necessary for the city to have something like OBRFW to call its own. She says the showcase may be able to help exhibit the talent that resides in Baton Rouge.
There’s more to OBRFW than “lights, camera, action,” Dugan notes. At the end of the night, the showcase serves a bigger purpose.
“Of course we all love fashion…but as a community, we need to be able to pull together and help one another when we’re down,” Dugan says. “I think that is the biggest highlight I really enjoy about fashion week, that we’re giving back to the families that are having to start back over from nothing.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Chunfeng Lu

A model poses in designs from Richie Clark Clothing at Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week's The Big Night on Feb. 18, 2017.