Valentine's Day Fashion Show at Local Salon

Slinky  curves, bright lights and smooth fashion were on display Valentine’s Day at Jolie Toi Salon & Spa on Lemoine Ave. for a V-Day fashion show.  The show was a fundraiser for a film project of the fashion show’s producer Greg Brown.

Jolie Toi's owner Charbel "Charlie" Moussallem opened the show with a humble thank you speech to everyone who had turned out. He spoke a little about his past, telling the story of how he was a hairdresser in Lebanon and came to this country four years ago, with a desire to create beautiful hair. In the spirit of the holiday he also pulled his girlfriend, Sylwia – though he calls her “Bella” – up on stage and thanked her for her support.

“Hopefully we can keep going in the future,” Moussallem said.

The hairstyles being showcased were courtesy of Moussallem and the salon’s many talented assistants.  Mousallem has more than 15 years of experience in the world of hair across the globe. His work has been featured on television shows such as America’s Next Top Model. He has worked with a number of celebrities. 

Brown  organized the entire event. Brown, who is also a professional model agent and photographer, provided the models for this fashion show. He and “his girls” -- as he calls them -- have done a variety of fundraiser events in the area. The February 14 show will be the first fundraiser he has done at Jolie Toi.

All proceeds from the show are going to supporting his film project. Brown is working on a contemporary drama film entitled “A Match Made in Harlem” starring up and coming actress/models Jessica Perez and Assia Amine (two of his models). Brown wanted to find a way to support his project while helping out affiliates.

“I want to raise awareness for these wonderful designers,” said Brown.

The designers at the event were  Leonard Wise (swimwear), Michael E. Porter (ready-to-wear),  Jul Star Fashion (ready-to-wear, lingerie), and Steven Daniel (ready-to-wear, swimwear). Though  all of the designs were fantastic, they each had a unique style specific to the designers.

None of the designers were Fort Lee based; many of them were doing their first NJ based show tonight.

“I think this is great,” said Steven Daniels, “it’s going really well.”

An intern of Jul Star Fashions, Tammie Haynes delightedly reported that this was her first fashion show here in Fort Lee as well. Though there were a few time delays, she was cool as a cucumber.

“It’s not too hectic, and we’re getting everything the way it’s supposed to be,” Haynes said.

The girls were fantastic and having a great time, despite the insanity of the backstage rush. Model Gemini Rivera, the smallest – but one of the fiercest! – models in the fashion show excitedly told Patch how she felt being a model in the area.

“I love it. It’s my first runway show,” she said.

Gemini is new to New Jersey, though she has modeled for two years already. She’s originally from Massachusettes.

“I’ve never ever been to New Jersey before, it’s my first time,” she said.

Michael E. Porter is a New Jersey based designer from Cranford, New Jersey.  He was happy with the crowd and way Brown was handling everything smoothly, despite certain delays.

“It’s going good. It’s going like every fashion show should go, which is never-on-time, or right-on-time,” he said.

Toronto native model Iona Capricorn was there as a guest.

The show was hosted by Brittany Levi, fitness guru.

Jarret Ammer of 5 Starz Entertainmentset up all the decor, runway and did the laser lighting.

The show was DJ’d by Charbel himself.