By Jacob Engels
Earlier this month, we had the chance to talk to the founder of Downtown Orlando Fashion Week about this years event. Our Q&A with Michael Ransom below.
Who is Michael Ransom?
Michael Ransom has worked with several fashion shows, such as Miami Fashion Week, Discover Your Beauty and private shows with Saks Fifth Ave. Interned for a major Orlando magazine. I always knew that I would be involved in fashion, but I didn’t know how to get involved. I went to fashion school here in Orlando and I worked my way up to the top.
Why Fashion?
Why not fashion? I am just drawn to the art of clothing and the history of how clothes were made and the style of how it changes from season to season. It tells a silent story that most people understand.
I love producing runway shows.
What is Downtown Orlando Fashion Week?
Downtown Orlando Fashion Week was founded by Michael Ransom in April 2011. The first ever DOFW took place from October 5-7, 2011.
Downtown Orlando Fashion Week is geared toward promoting and uniting the art community while providing a platform for aspiring and known designers to showcase their talents in an easy to access
setting. It’s also a way to give back to the community by raising awareness and donating funds to the charities DOFW is partnered with.
The DOFW brand reaches thousands of people from all demographics.
Our brand is not limited to one class of people. We cross all nationality/race, economic, and educational boundaries.
The target group for DOFW is men and women ages 18 and up. We are aware this is a big target group; however, we believe that passion for fashion and the arts cannot be limited to a certain age group.
How can the community get involved? Are there sponsorships available?
The community can come and support the designers, they can go to downtownorlandofashionweek.com to volunteer or get in contact with us. Tickets will also be sold from this web site and prospective sponsors can find information here as well.
People who want to volunteer or purchase tickets for the featured fashion show in advance can do at the website. We also looking for additional corporate sponsors.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other businesses and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Jasper, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com