FORT PIERCE — Fashion, music and creativity filled the runway at the Mystique Fashion Show on Oct. 3, as designer Sabre Mochachino celebrated 31 years in the fashion industry and the first anniversary of a day named in his honor.
The event at 500 Orange Event Venue in Fort Pierce brought together Mochachino’s career accomplishments and his work mentoring the next generation of designers, including local students who had the opportunity to showcase their own creations in the fashion show
A year earlier, Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson proclaimed Oct. 3 as Sabre Mochachino Day in recognition of his achievements as a designer, entrepreneur, mentor and community partner.
Mochachino launched his fashion brand in Brooklyn, New York, in 1995. Since then, his career has taken him from New York to Los Angeles, Europe and Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Along the way, he has worked in design for Andrew Marc Outerwear and on projects associated with Nautica Jeans, CK Jeans and FUBU. His designs have also attracted interest from celebrities, including Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott.
“Mystique is about much more than clothing,” said Stacy Annone, Mochachino’s publicist. “It represents 31 years of perseverance, creativity and entrepreneurship, but more importantly, it represents the legacy Sabre is building by investing in the next generation.”
That commitment to young designers is reflected in Futures in Fashion, a youth education program Mochachino created in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County.
The program introduces students to fashion illustration, textiles, sewing, garment construction, presentation, teamwork, problem-solving and entrepreneurship.
For the second consecutive year, young designers participating in Futures in Fashion watched their designs come to life on a professional runway, giving them a chance to see their work modeled as part of the Mystique show.
“Success is wonderful, but legacy is what happens when your success creates opportunity for someone else,” Annone said. “These students are learning that something beginning as an idea on paper can become something real.”
The show combined fashion, music, movement and storytelling, celebrating Mochachino’s accomplishments while recognizing his role as a teacher and mentor.
After 31 years in fashion, Mochachino’s influence extends beyond the clothing he creates to the opportunities he is helping provide for young designers on the Treasure Coast.