"Runway on the Runway" at JFK Airport sets new fashion show standards

On February 6th, the world’s most innovative fashion show producer transformed the runway of John F. Kennedy international airport into the first ever catwalk that highlighted the globally sustainable supply chain. With a visually impressive backdrop featuring DHL Express’ international fleet of aircraft, helicopter, electric vans, and trucks, Jessica Minh Anh’s Winter Fashion Show 2020 redefined runway standards while delivering a powerful message that resonates with a highly-engaged young generation of creators. More than a modern fashion statement, the unique production engendered a global conversation about shipping and logistics as part of the sustainable fashion movement.

The extraordinary catwalk, which brought New York’s elites to JFK Airport, showcased eight exquisite haute couture, ready-to-wear, and jewelry collections from four continents.

DHL hosts “Sustainable Catwalk” at the JFK International Airport in New York

A perfect portrait of a modern beauty, Jessica Minh Anh opened the highly anticipated catwalk at the entrance of a Boeing 767-400 before dropping down onto the runway. The supermodel appeared as a goddess in a brilliantly crafted royal red dress by Peruvian artist Ani Alvarez Calderon, complimented with an impressive hair up-do with colorful birds by Edward Tricomi, which completed her unique look. Jessica was followed by a gorgeous model lineup in Ani’s wearable arts made of gold, nude, silver, and black color pallet. An expert at fabric manipulation, three-dimensional embellishments, and technological cuts, the haute couture designer put the traditional crafts into a new context. Through the practice of repurposing, Alvarez Calderon gave each piece a second life using the alteration of shape and form, the union of craft through color, and additional embellished hand work.

Lebanese haute couturier Dany Atrache joined Jessica Minh Anh’s iconic runway with a powerful collection of nude, white, pink, gold, and black gowns made of fluid fabrics. A master at stand-out waistline and elongated silhouette, Dany successfully inserted mystery and seduction onto the epic catwalk. His "East meets West" lavish designs alongside his passion for great versatility effectively reflected a woman’s personality.

The ultra-charismatic and bold jewelry collection by Blossom Box was a harmonious fusion of the East and the West. Designed in New York City and handcrafted by the finest artisans in India, the creative pieces brought together ambience of luxury and tradition, giving out a dramatic appeal. The collection was accompanied by couture dresses from Australian fashion house Portia & Scarlett, a modern touch to Hollywood “once upon a time” intriguing glamour.

Returning to Jessica Minh Anh’s grand production, Japanese famous power house Yumi Katsura celebrated femininity with an extravagant bridal collection. Inspired by the sultry allure of the legendary sirens of myth, folklore and film juxtaposed with the sweetness and unfiltered wonderment of Sakura cherry blossom, the collection is a celebration of the diversity and complexity of a woman.  Modern silhouettes combined with traditional Japanese styles added classically romantic yet and sensual feel onto the catwalk.

Vietnamese ready-to-wear brand RAP introduced a youthful and elegant collection in the shade of pink pastel. Focusing on simplicity, each piece infused freshness with strategically placed flowers, and lightness from soft fabrics and color.

Vietnamese pret-a-couture brand VUNGOC&SON showcased a unique winter collection bursting with colors and texture. Using advanced hand-sewing techniques, the duo created new age cool and current pieces filled with oversized coats, woolen floral designs, and color blocks. Saving the best for last, Jessica Minh Anh appeared as a vision in a structured red dress made of hundreds of flowers. The impressive masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship accentuated Jessica’s a classic silhouette. Captivating and inspiring, the exotic beauty led a stunning model lineup up onto the plane in the finale.

“I want to bring an innovative mindset to sustainability initiatives,” said Jessica Minh Anh. “Since shipping and logistics are such a critical part of the fashion industry, it is important to highlight the option of green logistics solutions, which help minimize environmental damages and reduce transport related emissions. I’m proud to partner with companies who prioritize the health of our planet, and DHL is certainly on top of that list”. Other sustainable companies who supported the show include Sofitel New York, Arch&Hook, IWG’s brand Spaces, Warren Tricomi, Glammfire, AOFM, Yukie Natori, Dermalogica, Veestro, scheimpflüg, Cream Ridgewood, Gotham New York, DJ REACHOUT, Jiffy Steamer, Radisson JFK Airport, and ECHOD.

J Winter Fashion Show 2020 marked Jessica Minh Anh’s 25th highly successful productions since her history-making catwalk on England’s famous London’s Tower Bridge. The catwalk queen has already setting her site on a bigger location: space. We cannot wait to see what Jessica Minh Anh will do next!