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Fashion Talks Foundation

Fashion Talks Foundation is dedicated to elevating the creative economy of Cleveland by empowering diverse and emerging talent as well as students in the fashion and creative industries. 

Welcome to The Runway &ndash; 6th Anniversary! ✨ Join us as we celebrate six incredible years of fashion, creativity, and community with our&nbsp;first-ever outdoor runway&nbsp;experience in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Set beneath the iconic chandelier at Playhouse Square, this year&rsquo;s Runway transforms the city streets into a bold, immersive fashion spectacle. Expect an unforgettable evening where fashion, art, and culture collide. 🌟 Event Details:Fashion Talks Foundation presents The Runway &mdash; an elevated celebration of diversity, creativity, and innovation in fashion. This year&rsquo;s outdoor experience brings together local, national, and international designers alongside a stunning ballet performance by &nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.cleveballet.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15715370810&gbraid=0AAAAABL3AqeMqFAUmovf0Vux63mNiV4Xg&gclid=CjwKCAjwnZfPBhAGEiwAzg-VzAvcWo8y7JjJkt02CZNQnPb6Ig4RHwM2PhirlRstzZDinU1LJ4GB7BoCGaEQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Cleveland Ballet</a>. The evening will culminate in our signature Ladies of Influence segment, spotlighting inspiring women shaping our community. When: Sunday, June 7, 2026Where: Under the chandelier at Playhouse Square&nbsp;Dress Code: Dress to impress &mdash; this is your moment ✨Time: 5:00 PM: Vendor market, networking, street activations, photo moments, VIP Lounge at Encore.7 PM: Outdoor runway show featuring designer collections, ballet performance by &nbsp;Cleveland Ballet, and the Ladies of Influence segment7:30 PM &ndash; 9:30 PM: Shopping, networking, fashion exhibition, and post-show experiences 🎟️ Ticket Levels:🌟 VIP Experience: Front-row seating, exclusive VIP lounge access, Fashion Talks gift bag , Fashion Talks magazine, premium photo opportunities, and elevated event experiences💼 Premium Seating: Priority seating, Fashion Talks magazine, shopping access, and curated photo moments🎟️ General Admission: Access to the runway show, vendor market, networking, and public activations About us:Fashion Talks Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering diverse fashion and creative entrepreneurs through education, exposure, and community. Through signature experiences like The Runway, The Forum, and our internship program, we create platforms that connect emerging talent with industry leaders while driving economic impact, supporting job creation, and building a thriving creative community in Cleveland as an inclusive hub for creativity and innovation. Designers &amp; Vendors:Announcing soon! Thank You to Our Partners &amp; Sponsors:Playhouse SquareCuyahoga Arts &amp; CultureThe Cleveland BalletMr.Ken RobinsonModel Casting Sponsor: COhatch Ohio City 🌟 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email fashiontalksfoundation@gmail.comSponsor / Photographer / Media / Vendor Inquiries: <a fr-original-style="" href="http://fashiontalksfoundation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">fashiontalksfoundation.org</a>&nbsp; Event Notes:This is an outdoor event. Additional details regarding weather accommodations will be shared closer to the date. Stay Connected:Follow Fashion Talks for behind-the-scenes previews, designer reveals, and exclusive updatesInstagram<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_fashiontalks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">&nbsp;@the_fashiontalks</a> <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/aimon.ali/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">@aimon.ali&nbsp;</a>.

The Runway 2026

Enter Raffle: The Runway 2026 ✨ Secure your spot for a chance to win curated fashion experiences and style-focused prizes that celebrate ambitious women in business and the creative world. Your entry helps Fashion Talks Foundation host more talks, connections, and resources for women building their brands and careers. 🎤 Complete the form below to join the raffle and keep the conversation going&mdash;on and off the runway. Raffle Baskets: Dine in CLE BasketSauces, marinades and a baking mix from Eat Beitut$50 gift card to EncoreGift card and a bottle of sparkling wine from Verbena&nbsp; Fashion Talks BasketFloral arrangement gift certificate from Bloom Box Design Studios2025 &amp; 2026 Fashion Talks MagazineFashion Talks Tote BagFashion Talks T-shirtTickets to Runway 2027Fashion Talks charm from Love Violet XOFashion Talks fragrance from Body Notes Lab&nbsp; Experience CLE Basket2 tickets to the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame + merchAutographed baseball from the Cleveland Guardians, merch &amp; tickets to an upcoming game2 tickets to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens2 tickets to Holden Arboretum&nbsp;$100 Legacy Village Shopping Spree&nbsp; Dillard&rsquo;s BasketCoach bag and $500 shopping spree Arts in Cle Basket4 tickets to Death Becomes Her at Playhouse Square4 tickets to The Nutcracker, a tote bag, &amp; signed pointe shoes from the Cleveland Ballet&nbsp;

Raffle: The Runway 2026

The Runway &ndash; Digital Model Casting 2026 is your chance to step forward as part of Fashion Talks Foundation&rsquo;s next season of events. ✨ Once you have registered, upon checkout, you will see the digital casting form to submit. THE BASICS Once you have registered, upon checkout, you will see the digital casting form to submit. This is a self-submission. Your chance to walk for Cleveland&#39;s annual elevated multi-designer fashion show The Runway, as we celebrate our 6th year anniversary.&nbsp;Male and female models needed. Freelance and agency accepted.&nbsp; All sizes welcome. Models must register on here on Zeffy. Once you have registered, upon checkout, you will see the digital casting form to submit. We look forward to receiving your audition! NOTE: There are no minimum height requirements. All models are welcome to audition agency and freelance. Models must be 18+ Website: <a fr-original-style="" href="//fashiontalksfoundation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">fashiontalksfoundation.org</a> Instagram:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_fashiontalks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">@the_fashiontalks</a> The registration fee is to ensure the reliability/credibility of those who are genuinely interested in participating. If you are an agent or agency who would like to inquire about partnerships, please email us fashiontalks.runway@gmail.com or dm us on instagram

The Runway - Digital Model Casting 2026

OverviewThe Runway Open auditions for Cleveland&#39;s annual high fashion runway as well as other Fashion Talks opportunities throughout the year!&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_fashiontalks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a fr-original-style="" href="https://fashiontalksfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Website&nbsp;</a> If you are an Alumni model, reach out via Instagram or email to audition for free or fill this&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://forms.gle/ghSUxC7BaUQfhbzP7" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">form</a>&nbsp;and we will reach out. All models auditioning must fill out this&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://forms.gle/ghSUxC7BaUQfhbzP7" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">form</a>&nbsp; THE BASICSCasting Dates: You only need to attend one time slot.March 22nd: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmMarch 23rd: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: COHatch, Ohio City - 2814 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 2026 Models must register here on Zeffy. Information for the show will be provided if selected. NOTE: There are no minimum height requirements. All models are welcome to audition, agency, and freelance, as well as those who have never modeled before. Models must be 18+ DETAILS&nbsp;Your chance to walk for the 6th year of Cleveland&#39;s annual elevated multi-designer fashion show. Local, national, and International Designers. Male and female models needed. Freelance and agency accepted. Models must register on Zeffy and pick a date and time slot . Ladies, please bring heels, preferably black, and at least 4 inches high (no wedges or platforms). Come dressed nicely, all black (for ladies, please come with hair and makeup neatly/naturally done). We will be taking headshots of everyone who auditions. Once you enter, our team will be there to assist you. If you are a model who is in a different city or state or cannot make it for this date and would like to audition, please apply via our digital auditions. If you are an agent or agency who would like to inquire about partnerships, please email us fashiontalks.runway@gmail.com *We will be following all social distancing rules. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell. Email us regarding a digital option. The registration fee is to avoid &#39;no-shows&#39; and to ensure the reliability/credibility of those who are genuinely interested in participating.

The Runway: Model Casting 2026

<h3 data-end="497" data-start="400" fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">High Tea Meets High Impact: Speakers, Conversations, and Community for Ambitious Women.</h3>🗓&nbsp;Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM &ndash; 2:30 PM 📍 Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland Join us for The Forum, presented by Fashion Talks Foundation in partnership with Key4Women, an empowering afternoon designed for women in business and the creative industries.<hr data-start="1019" data-end="1022" fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><h3 data-end="1056" data-start="1024" fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">Here&rsquo;s what to expect:</h3>🤝 Networking &amp; Interactive Booths Connect with inspiring women and exploring engaging vendor booths, photo opportunities and more.🍰 High Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Savor a luxurious high tea experience surrounded by elegance, conversation, and connection.🎤 Inspiring TED-Style Talks &amp; Demos Four powerful and interactive sessions designed to elevate your business and mindset:<ul data-end="2237" data-start="1451" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1623" data-start="1451" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Color, Shape &amp; Personality &mdash; with Kate Madden Discover how color and style align with personal branding and confidence through an engaging live analysis demo.</li><li data-end="1804" data-start="1625" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Future Proof Yourself in the Age of AI &mdash; with Rachel Clingman Explore how to embrace innovation and use technology to stay ahead in the next era of entrepreneurship.</li><li data-end="2076" data-start="1806" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">&nbsp;Beyond the Algorithm: Building a Brand That Converts &mdash; with Aimon Ali Learn actionable social media strategies to grow your brand, attract opportunities, and convert visibility into impact.</li><li data-end="2237" data-start="2078" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Money Mindset &mdash; presented by Key4Women Redefine your relationship with success and financial growth through empowering insights and conversation.</li></ul>Enjoy stunning d&eacute;cor by BloomBox Design Studio, photo-worthy moments, and a beautiful setting that embodies inspiration and elegance.<hr data-start="2413" data-end="2416" fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><h3 data-end="2443" data-start="2418" fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">About Key4Women</h3>For over 50 years, KeyBank has been helping women entrepreneurs and leaders thrive. Through the Key4Women program, launched in 2005, the bank continues its mission to advocate for, connect, and empower female entrepreneurs through access to resources, relationships, and opportunities.Key4Women aims to:<ul data-end="3036" data-start="2766" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="2843" data-start="2766" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Advocate: Certified advisors guide women on their financial journeys.</li><li data-end="2938" data-start="2844" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Connect: Networking events and educational opportunities provide real-world knowledge.</li><li data-end="3036" data-start="2939" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Empower: Offer access to resources and confidence to achieve financial goals and success.</li></ul><hr data-start="3038" data-end="3041" fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">✨&nbsp;Presented by: @the_fashiontalks 🤝 In Partnership With: Key4Women 📍 Location Partner: @ritzcarltoncleveland

The Forum: High Tea, Talks & Connections for Ambitious Women

The Fashion Talks Foundation is dedicated to uplifting creative entrepreneurs by providing education, mentorship, resources, and platforms to grow their businesses. From producing our annual runway show and publishing community-focused media to hosting workshops and summits, we are building opportunities for current and aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.Your contribution directly supports our mission and helps us continue:<ul data-end="1095" data-start="822" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="886" data-start="822" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Offering resources and education for creative entrepreneurs.</li><li data-end="964" data-start="887" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Creating platforms that highlight diverse voices in fashion and the arts.</li><li data-end="1038" data-start="965" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Providing hands-on opportunities for interns and young professionals.</li><li data-end="1095" data-start="1039" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Producing events that connect, inspire, and empower.</li></ul>Every donation, big or small, helps us build a stronger, more inclusive creative community. 💫 How you can help power our mission:<ol fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.</li></ol>Thank you for supporting the Fashion Talks Foundation!

The Fashion Talks Foundation is dedicated to uplifting creative entrepreneurs by providing education, mentorship, resources, and platforms to grow their businesses. From producing our annual runway show and publishing community-focused media to hosting workshops and summits, we are building opportunities for current and aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.Your contribution directly supports our mission and helps us continue:Offering resources and education for creative entrepreneurs.Creating platforms that highlight diverse voices in fashion and the arts.Providing hands-on opportunities for interns and young professionals.Producing events that connect, inspire, and empower.Every donation, big or small, helps us build a stronger, more inclusive creative community. 💫How you can help power our mission:Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.Thank you for supporting the Fashion Talks Foundation!

Help Us Get to New York Fashion Week ✨ This September, a small group of Fashion Talks Foundation interns will travel from Cleveland to New York Fashion Week for an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the fashion industry from behind the scenes. For our interns, this is about so much more than attending fashion shows. They&rsquo;ll have the opportunity to experience the work that happens behind the scenes&mdash;from production and styling to media, marketing, events, networking, and the many moving pieces that bring Fashion Week to life. As a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of fashion and creative leaders, we believe that access and exposure can change the trajectory of a young creative&#39;s career. Why We&#39;re Raising FundsWhile our interns have worked hard throughout the year supporting Fashion Talks Foundation, traveling to New York comes with additional costs. We&#39;re raising funds to help make this experience more accessible for the interns participating in this September&#39;s NYFW experience.Your support can help contribute toward:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">✈️ Travel to and from New York</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🏨 Accommodations</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🚇 Local transportation</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🍎 Meals and daily expenses</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🎟️ Industry experiences and opportunities</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">📸 Behind-the-scenes learning and professional development</li></ul>Why It MattersFor some of our interns, an opportunity like this may not otherwise be possible.Your contribution isn&#39;t simply helping someone get to New York&mdash;it is helping provide access, exposure, mentorship, and real-world experience that they can carry into their future careers.And the impact doesn&#39;t stop in New York.Our interns will bring what they learn back to the Fashion Talks Foundation community and Cleveland, helping us continue to create opportunities for other emerging creatives. Support Their Journey 🤍Every contribution, big or small, helps us bring this experience to life.If you&#39;re a family member, friend, mentor, colleague, or simply someone who believes in creating more access for the next generation of fashion and creative professionals, we&#39;d be incredibly grateful for your support. Help us take Fashion Talks from Cleveland to New York Fashion Week&mdash;and give our interns the opportunity to learn, experience, connect, and dream bigger. Thank you for believing in our interns and investing in their journey. 🤍

Help Us Get to New York Fashion Week ✨This September, a small group of Fashion Talks Foundation interns will travel from Cleveland to New York Fashion Week for an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the fashion industry from behind the scenes.For our interns, this is about so much more than attending fashion shows. They’ll have the opportunity to experience the work that happens behind the scenes—from production and styling to media, marketing, events, networking, and the many moving pieces that bring Fashion Week to life.As a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of fashion and creative leaders, we believe that access and exposure can change the trajectory of a young creative's career.Why We're Raising FundsWhile our interns have worked hard throughout the year supporting Fashion Talks Foundation, traveling to New York comes with additional costs. We're raising funds to help make this experience more accessible for the interns participating in this September's NYFW experience.Your support can help contribute toward:✈️ Travel to and from New York🏨 Accommodations🚇 Local transportation🍎 Meals and daily expenses🎟️ Industry experiences and opportunities📸 Behind-the-scenes learning and professional developmentWhy It MattersFor some of our interns, an opportunity like this may not otherwise be possible.Your contribution isn't simply helping someone get to New York—it is helping provide access, exposure, mentorship, and real-world experience that they can carry into their future careers.And the impact doesn't stop in New York.Our interns will bring what they learn back to the Fashion Talks Foundation community and Cleveland, helping us continue to create opportunities for other emerging creatives.Support Their Journey 🤍Every contribution, big or small, helps us bring this experience to life.If you're a family member, friend, mentor, colleague, or simply someone who believes in creating more access for the next generation of fashion and creative professionals, we'd be incredibly grateful for your support.Help us take Fashion Talks from Cleveland to New York Fashion Week—and give our interns the opportunity to learn, experience, connect, and dream bigger.Thank you for believing in our interns and investing in their journey. 🤍

From Cleveland to NYFW: Supporting the Next Generation

<h3 data-end="497" data-start="400" fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">Afternoon Tea Meets High Impact: Speakers, Conversations, and Community for Ambitious Women.</h3>🗓&nbsp;Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026 ⏰&nbsp;Time: 11:00 AM &ndash; 3:30 PM 📍 Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland Join us for The Forum, presented by Fashion Talks Foundation in partnership with Key4Women, an empowering half day conference designed for women in business and the creative industries.<hr data-start="1019" data-end="1022" fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><h3 data-end="1056" data-start="1024" fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">Here&rsquo;s what to expect:</h3>🤝 Networking, Interactive Booths &amp; Shopping Connect with inspiring women and exploring engaging vendor booths, photo opportunities and shop from local female owned brands + more.🍰&nbsp;Afternoon&nbsp;Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Savor a luxurious afternoon tea experience surrounded by elegance, conversation, and connection.🎤 Inspiring TED-Style Talks &amp; Demos Four powerful and interactive sessions designed to elevate your business and mindset:<ul data-end="2237" data-start="1451" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1623" data-start="1451" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Speakers: Coming Soon</li><li data-end="1623" data-start="1451" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Vendors: Coming Soon</li></ul>Enjoy stunning d&eacute;cor by BloomBox Design Studio, photo-worthy moments, and a beautiful setting that embodies inspiration and elegance.<hr data-start="2413" data-end="2416" fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><h3 data-end="2443" data-start="2418" fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">About Key4Women</h3>For over 50 years, KeyBank has been helping women entrepreneurs and leaders thrive. Through the Key4Women program, launched in 2005, the bank continues its mission to advocate for, connect, and empower female entrepreneurs through access to resources, relationships, and opportunities.Key4Women aims to:<ul data-end="3036" data-start="2766" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="2843" data-start="2766" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Advocate: Certified advisors guide women on their financial journeys.</li><li data-end="2938" data-start="2844" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Connect: Networking events and educational opportunities provide real-world knowledge.</li><li data-end="3036" data-start="2939" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Empower: Offer access to resources and confidence to achieve financial goals and success.</li></ul><hr data-start="3038" data-end="3041" fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">✨&nbsp;Presented by: @the_fashiontalks 🤝&nbsp;In Partnership With: Key4Women 📍 Location Partner: @ritzcarltoncleveland

Fashion Talks Foundation

Fashion Talks Foundation

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The Forum: Half Day Conference for Ambitious Women

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From Cleveland to NYFW: Supporting the Next Generation

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