The most stylish celebrity kids took over New York Fashion Week last night for theRookie USA Fashion Show. Presented by Haddad Brands, the show featured the latest Spring 2017 styles for kids from top international brands such as Levi’s®, Converse, Jordan, Nike, and Hurley.
THE SHOW: Hosted by NBA great Ray Allen and his wife Shannon, scores of celebrity kid models rocked the runway, including Wynn, Walker, Wynstan and Walter Allen; Brooklyn Barber; Jasmine and Jack Barker; Kiara and Ivana Beltran; Jessie and D’Lila Combs; Jagger, Jurzie and Jordynn Cromartie; Kennedy Cruz; Milania and Audriana Giudice; Antonia, Gino and Joey Gorga; Jalen Jeter-Martin; Theo Mallis; Sophia Pippen; Aryam Polanco; Liv Reiner; Demi Smith; Leah Still; Harper and Saint Tillman; Ace, Carney and Rara Weatherford; Elias Washington; and Instagram star, Hails World.
Bobbi MacKenzie of Broadway’s School of Rock gave an amazing pre-show performance, while the Street Justice Crewwowed the crowd with an energy-filled mid-show appearance. The show also featured a Levi’s® first – the brand live-streamed its runway segment on Levi.com allowing viewers to “Buy Now” and instantly purchase the looks they liked.
THE CROWD: Excited celebs were everywhere, watching their kids kill it on the catwalk. Top celebrities in the audience includedThe Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Teresa Giudice and Melissa and Joe Gorga, and actors Dascha Polanco and Alysia Reiner from Orange is the New Black. Also in the audience were top athletes like Cleveland Cavaliers player JR Smith, New York Giants player Victor Cruz and former New York Giant Tiki Barber, former Chicago Bull Scottie Pippen, and Miami Heat playerRashad Lewis; Derek Jeter’s sister Sharlee Jeter; actors Alyssa Cheatham, Clare Foley, and David Alan Basche; DJ Envy of Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club and rappers Fat Joe and Tony Sunshine; TV personality Jenny “Jwoww” Farley; fashion photographer Nigel Barker; and fashion icon Fern Mallis.
THE CHARITIES: Rookie USA is known for its support of charities that help children in need, and this year was no exception. The show benefitted the DRIF (Diabetes Research Institute Foundation), as well as Ray Allen’s own Ray of Hope Foundation – an organization dedicated to helping children in need, from providing kids in low-income areas with safe and productive activities to helping young students build greater self-esteem.
ABOUT HADDAD BRANDS: Haddad is a privately held family business with over 60 years’ experience in the children’s apparel & accessories industry. A leader in the children’s wear industry, Haddad Brands is focused on the most iconic global brands, which include: Nike, Nike SB, Jordan, Converse, Hurley, and Levi’s. Supported by a team of professionals skilled in the design, sourcing, sales & distribution of premium quality children’s wear Haddad distributes globally to over 60 countries and maintains sales and sourcing offices in 22 cities globally, including New York, Shanghai, Bangkok, London and Montreal.
ABOUT THE RAY OF HOPE FOUNDATION: The Ray of Hope Foundation (ROHF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established by NBA All-Star Ray Allen in 1997.The Foundation assists with sports-related and community-based programs, providing avenues of opportunity through which our youth can “hope” to realize their full potential. Focused on continuing its positive work and becoming a constructive force throughout the country, ROFH has helped charitable organizations in several parts of the U.S. to fulfill their mission of assisting children in need.
ABOUT THE DRIF: The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission – to provide the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now – is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.
