“Newark Fashion Forward” is a TV series in which two Newark School of Fashion & Design students host the show and present a design challenge to three teams of high school student designers who are ultimately competing for a prize worth more than $10,000. Once the students start working, they draw, plan, cut, stitch, glue, laugh, sweat, and overcome adversity to meet their deadlines.
Release Schedule
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Episode 1
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Episode 2
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Episode 3
Meet the Cast
Sakina Pitts
Principal
Principal Pitts is a fearless, thoughtful, and bold leader who learned these very principles growing up in Newark, NJ and being educated by the Newark Public Schools. She has been the proud appointed Principal of Chancellor Avenue School located in the South Ward for five years prior to becoming the Principal of Newark School of Fashion & Design in 2021. She is an active member of the Educational Coalition “Off School Grounds” (OSG) since its inception and collaborates weekly with like-minded School Leaders around the country who are dedicated to closing equity gaps and creating real change in their school-wide communities. Principal Pitts is also an engaging public speaker who is passionate about infusing Hip Hop culture into education. She uses rap as an art form to connect learning to the students’ sensibilities. She can be seen around her school building, in her educational leadership forums, leading administrative meetings and connecting with her community dropping lines. Any chance she gets, she is quick to “spit barrrrzzzz,” especially in the name of education... “ergo” Principal Barrrrzzzz.”
Omneya Elsoufani
Educator
Mrs. Elsoufani is a fashion educator at Newark School of Fashion & Design, where she leverages her diverse expertise in archaeology, authentication, and draping. With seven years of experience studying ancient Egyptian cultures and textiles, and two years dedicated to authenticating historical garments and artifacts, she brings a rich historical perspective to her teaching. Mrs. Elsoufani’s instructional approach inspires students to explore the intersections of past and contemporary fashion, highlighting the significance of craftsmanship, history, and innovation in garment creation.
Hosts
Maia Phoenix Shepherd
Grade 12
Maia is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design with a passion for alternate fashion, styling, and creative entrepreneurship. As a Dirty Soles Scholar and a participant in the Parsons School of Design Summer Intensive Program, she has developed her design skills and presented at the Hispanic Heritage Month showcase. Maia is also the founder of Syep-One Stop, a business she launched to explore her entrepreneurial interests. In her free time, she enjoys makeup, cooking, writing, and film photography.
Kareemah Christine Taylor
Grade 11
Kareemah is a Grade 11 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design, where she blends her interests in sneaker culture, art, and styling with her academic focus in math. She has participated in the Boss Up teen entrepreneurship Pop Up Exhibit and the Look Good Feel Good Program (LGFG) in partnership with LVMH and Christian Dior. She has gained valuable experience through the Parsons School of Design Summer Intensive Program. Kareemah has expanded her expertise in sneaker customization and design creation with the Dirty Soles Footwear Group Art of Shoemaking Course as well as Sneaker Design creation in conjunction with the Jaclar Athletics Program. As a makeup artist for senior photos and an aspiring entrepreneur developing her business, Shoe Fly, Kareemah is committed to making her mark in the fashion industry.
Team Red
Aden Castillo
Grade 12
Aden Castillo is Grade 12 student, creative entrepreneur and small film producer with a passion for visual media and storytelling. Having honed his skills through the Parsons Summer Institute, Aden specializes in dynamic visual content, social media communication, and sneaker customization, which led him to direct his own small films. His work reflects a strong focus on creative expression and innovation in fashion and media. Aden enjoys combining his love for fashion with his filmmaking and design expertise.
Amani Za’Nyah Crosby
Grade 11
Amani Za’Nyah Crosby is a Grade 11 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design with a strong passion for sewing, makeup, painting, and styling. As an entrepreneur, she runs her own couture construction company, Kapture Kulture, and has had her designs featured at Atlantic City Fashion Week. A Dirty Soles Scholar, Amani collaborated on custom cleats for New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson and participated in the Look Good Feel Good Program (LGFG) with LVMH and Christian Dior. She has also been a makeup artist for Newark School of Fashion & Design senior photos and contributed to sneaker design through the Jaclar Athletics Program.
Khaye Robertson
Grade 12
Khaye Robertson is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design with a passion for art, painting, sewing, and exploring anime. Her designs have been showcased at Atlantic City Fashion Week and Newark Fashion Week, and she earned third place at the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference Fashion Show. A Dirty Soles Scholar, Khaye also participated in the Look Good Feel Good Program (LGFG) in partnership with LVMH and Christian Dior and collaborated on custom cleats for New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson. She further honed her skills at the Parsons School of Design Summer Intensive Program.
Team White
Hennessy Mia Castro
Grade 12
Hennessy Mia Castro is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design, where she nurtures her passion for beauty, fashion, and creative expression through sewing and drawing. Her love for fashion inspired her to become a sales associate at Foot Locker, and she is also an entrepreneur, operating her beauty business, Lashedxhenry, as a Lash Technician. Hennessy has interned at City Hall and served as a model for the Hispanic Heritage Showcase, where her dedication to both her craft and community was on display. She enjoys exploring new places and trying diverse cuisines, continually seeking experiences that inspire her artistic journey.
Maria Clara Colodetti
Grade 12
Maria Clara Colodetti is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design, where her creativity shines through her passion for singing, music writing, and design sketching. As one of the lead designers on the Rutgers Collegiate Apparel project, she combines her artistic vision with practical experience. A committed participant in the Look Good Feel Good Program (LGFG) with LVMH and Christian Dior for three years, Maria has also showcased her work at the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference Fashion Show, where she earned two Silver medals, including one for evening wear. Her diverse experience includes volunteering backstage at fashion shows, supporting the Shirts for Haiti initiative, completing an internship at City Hall, and presenting her designs at Newark Kids Fashion Week.
Ryan Kundan
Grade 12
Ryan Kundan is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design, where he channels his passion for photography, music, and tattoo artistry into his creative endeavors. His designs have been showcased at Atlantic City’s Fashion Week and the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference Fashion Show, highlighting his talent and versatility. Additionally, Ryan has participated in the Look Good Feel Good Program (LGFG) in partnership with LVMH and Christian Dior, and has created sneaker designs for the Jaclar Athletics Program. With a strong commitment to the arts, he continually seeks opportunities to innovate and express his unique style.
Team Black
Tiphanie Yvette Feliciano
Grade 12
Tiphanie Yvette Feliciano is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design, and is driven by fashion, art, and creative expression through dynamic mediums like dance and design. Her work has been showcased at Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference Fashion Show, NJ Kids Fashion Week, and Atlantic City Fashion Week, where she was a Best Couture Designer nominee. A skilled makeup artist for Newark Fashion Week and a costume designer for various projects, Tiphanie also participated as a dancer in the Essence Studioz Competition and the Newark HipHop Festival. She has been involved with the Shirts for Haiti initiative, blending her talents with a commitment to community impact.
Ayesha Jawneh
Grade 12
Ayesha Jawneh is a Grade 12 student at Newark School of Fashion & Design who is passionate about creating innovative, fashion-forward designs. With her work showcased at Atlantic City Fashion Week and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference Fashion Show, Ayesha has collaborated on notable projects, including designing custom cleats for New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson. She refined her craft at Parsons School of Design Summer Intensive Program and participated in the Look Good Feel Good Program (LGFG) in partnership with LVMH and Christian Dior. Ayesha identifies as an Afro Futurism designer, blending her cultural heritage with modern aesthetics.
Aleia D. Simmons
Grade 12
Aleia D. Simmons is a dedicated 12th grade student at Newark School of Fashion & Design with a strong interest in fashion, art, and creative industries. She has actively contributed to the field by volunteering at the Newark Museum of Art fashion shows, modeling in the Hispanic Heritage fashion show, and supporting youth creativity as a volunteer for the Creative Arts after-school program. Aleia is also a proud member of the Dirty Soles Scholars and has honed her design skills through the Parsons School of Design Summer Intensive Program. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, cooking, listening to music, and playing video games.
Special Thanks to all of our Judges
- Marco Hall, fashion designer, IG @marcohall
- Willie Esco, sportswear designer, IG @willie_esco
- Misa Hylton, fashion designer and stylist to R&B and Hip-Hop artists, IG @misahylton
- Mitch Gambert, Director of Business Development, Mel Gambert Shirt Makers company
- Martel Francois, founder of the Look Good, Feel Good program, IG @martelfrancoisenyc
- Christopher Musci, Associate Professor, Parsons School of Design