FTM Fashion Week returns to Jacksonville with community focus

Couture clothing and creative styles will take over the runway in Jacksonville this weekend as FTM Fashion Week kicks off.

The event begins Friday night with a networking event at the Onslow County Chamber of Commerce, followed by the fashion show at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Jacksonville Country Club.

This marks the 12th year of FTM Fashion Week, and founder Latoya Scott emphasized the event’s focus on community. “We have built a family – and we all just enjoy each other’s company, and it’s a really awesome experience. You see the different designers coming down the runway,” Scott said. Scott is a former Camp Lejeune Military Spouse of the Year. Designers at this year’s show include military spouses, active duty military, veterans, and others. A highlight of the event is celebrity designer Carol Maraj, mother of rapper Nicki Minaj.

Celebrity stylist and designer Michelle Collins Windle noted, “Yes, Nicki Minaj’s mom, Carol Maraj, she is a friend of mine. ‘Cause she’s always having to go to events, so she wanted to branch out and do gowns, and so she’s coming to do her line on gowns, and she’s also gonna model for me.”

General admission tickets are still available at www.ftmfashionweek.com.