Bringing Fashion Fabulous to the Southern Tier With a Model Bootcamp, Fashion Show and New Podcast
By Catherine White
In September, Southern Tier Life’s ExPats featured fashion stylist, photographer and creative director Jordan Brooks, who was making a name for himself in Los Angeles while mentoring youth in the Southern Tier with his Fashion Club and Model Bootcamps, sponsored by Elmira's EOP.
Since January, Jordan has worked wardrobe on five or six projects - including two TV movies, “Father” and “You’re Not Alone,” featuring Marques Houston, former member of Immature/IMx, and Chris Stokes.
As a freelance wardrobe stylist, he’s also done corporate commercial work, and he’s expanded his portfolio to include extra and background work on “Father,” where he filled in as an EMT.
“Someone chose not to come, and I fit the clothes perfectly,” Jordan says, shrugging. “I want to get into acting, so I did background for that. And then, I was an extra behind the main actors on “You’re Not Alone.”
The movies have yet to be released so, stay tuned!
In addition, he also did worked as Assistant Wardrobe and Costume Design for “A House Divided” on the All Black Network on BET. Keep an eye out for his name in the credits!
One of Jordan's most recent gigs was working on a pilot called “Roomationship” starring Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother.
Photos provided. Jordan worked with Tony Rock on the pilot for "Roomationship" and filled in as an EMT on another movie where he worked in Wardrobe.
Jordan's been busy working with several different production companies on projects, as a freelance fashion stylist.
Now, he's taken a break and has returned to the Southern Tier to run his Model Bootcamp, being held July 11-12 at the Ernie Davis Community Center in Elmira; and prepare his Fashion Club for his fashion shows, one being held at Elmira's Juneteenth Celebration, and the other, his annual September show.
“I’ll be here until the end of July. So, I'm doing personal photo shoots when I’m not working on my Bootcamp or Fashion Club.”
In the past year, Jordan has also made another important connection, with fashion designer and fellow ExPat Margaret Lee, owner of Just BE. 72 fashion line. Lee is from Elmira and went to school with Jordan’s father, VenJara Brooks.
“We met online on Facebook … She went to school with my Dad. I reached out, we connected and I ended up doing photography behind-the-scenes at L.A. Fashion Week for her show,” he said.
“I did L.A. Fashion Week with Margaret and The Oscars the same day! I did fittings in the morning – I styled the Sweepstakes Winners – and then from there I went and did behind-the-scenes photography for Margaret’s show," he explains.
"It was an intense day!”
One of Jordan’s Fashion Club instructors, Emmi Saufley, who's the CEO of the local nonprofit Runway for a Cause, walked in L.A. Fashion Week and assisted Jordan at The Oscars with fittings.
Emmi and RFAC co-founder, Katrina Hardiman, both assist Jordan with his efforts to bring fashion savvy and skill to those in the Southern Tier interested in "The Biz".
Photos provided. Left to right: Jordan Brooks with Runway for a Cause CEO Emmi Saufley; relaxing with Teddy bears, striking a pose with fashion designers Andy and Tommy Hilfiger.
Jordan will be in the Southern Tier through July, working with those of all ages who aspire to get into the fashion industry, social media influencing, fashion design, or just to gain some self confidence and healthy lifestyle tips. Currently, there are limited spaces for both Jordan’s Model Bootcamp and his six-week Designer & Creation Fashion Club, which starts July 13. Jordan has also partnered with seamstress Jyleann Blake, who will lead a program for those interested in designing and creating their own outfit.
Jordan Brooks' Fashion Club and Model Bootcamp Schedule
Juneteenth Runway Showcase
Elmira/Corning Juneteenth: Honoring Our History -- Inspiring the Future, Saturday, June 18 at Ernie Davis Park in Elmira.
Model Bootcamp
Six-week Designer & Creation Club
Fall Fashion Club Fashion Show
Those who sign up for Jordan's Bootcamp or Fashion Club get more than expert instruction from local professionals. Participants from Jordan’s Model Bootcamp will walk in his fashion show AND could get the opportunity to walk in Margaret Lee’s show during New York Fashion Week.
As if that wasn’t enough to keep Jordan busy, beginning in July he is slated to host a podcast for Southern Tier Life.
“It’s called Southern Tier presents Fashion Kulture with lacedbylacroix,” he says.
Lacedbylacroix is Jordan's fashion media personality.
”The podcast will mainly be about fashion and my experiences in the fashion world,” he explains. “I’ll also be interviewing business owners in the Southern Tier and how fashion applies to them. And we’ll touch on some fashion things that are happening in pop culture domestically and internationally."
"So, stay tuned!”
About this Feature
If you know a subject for a future ExPats feature, please send the name and contact information to info.southerntierlife@gmail.com.