Before the Death of a Childs Imagination
NYFW
Ontavia Roulette 2020 Collection
“Before The Death Of A Child’s Imagination”
This collection is an in-depth look at a child’s imagination before they are confronted with the realities of the world. This production takes place in the world of “PLAY”, located in the creative sector of a child’s brain. A physical world, full of friends manifested by a child’s innocents.
#WHATDIDYOURIMAGINARYFRIENDWEAR
ONTAVIA ROULETTE
The Universe has a creative way of showing us growth and I don’t mean that by height but depth within who we are. I remember Ontavia as the girl who presence was quite intemidating, you could have all the jokes in the world and she just would give you a laugh and then a pierce look. I also remember when she won President of the Vocal Major department at The Cleveland School of the Arts, which was totally a shocker for everyone including her. It was in that moment I believe would change her life forever. Becoming the leader of the top choir in Ohio was sort of like being Barack and Michelle Obama. She led, directed and trained us to perfection so that after she graduated and came back to perform at Antioch Baptist church with The Kentucky State University Concert Choir we cheered an screamed with joy seeing her and I’ll never forget the face she made when she announced herself as a freshman in college in front of half of Cleveland OH. It was rare form and a moment I don’t think she would ever forget. That was back in 2006/2007, fast forward to 2019 I’m here to witness the woman that is Ontavia Roulette a Fashion Designer.
I was ready to experience all of her greatness because she’s designed at Kentucky State University Fashion Shows for Homecoming during our college years. So I’m behind the scenes interviewing models and guest that are in attendance for this show and man were some of their responses remarkable. Her show was the first for a few models who dream of hitting the runway during fashion week and couldn’t because of the competitiveness, same faces seen every season and location. Ontavia brought models not only from NYC but from the DMV area to experience this ground breaking moment. She opened doors for Black women to be their authentic selves because in todays society we witness the Kardashians, Jenners, Gigi and Bella Hadid get handed these golden opportunities to grace Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Victoria Secret and many more because of their name but with Ontavia Roulette she’s changing the game as a powerful Black Woman breaking barriers and not going with what the world tells her she should do or be. Her collection tapped into what we experience as kids and how our imagination fades away with age but that inner child in us screams CREATIVITY. Her collection was fun, risky and wasn’t intense to watch so the room felt warm and welcoming and not so uptight and as if you had to be there making a statement when the statement is already within who you are.
As I close out the last moment I had with the beautiful Ontavia Roulette was abut Purpose. She said that after she left Kentucky State University that she felt like she had let everyone down. I paused for a minute because I feel like we’ve all been there in life where there’s a stamp on our forehead from Friends, Family and Society that says “WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR ME TO FOLLOW?” As a artist we follow the standards and this need to please everyone else but ourselves. I felt as a good friend of her’s for 16 years that the world is watching and that we’re proud even through the road blocks along the journey. It’s within those cracks, bumps and potholes we find a piece of ourselves that perfects who we will be as well as who we will inspire along the way. Like Ontavia mother said “Ontavia makes the world quake” So keep shaking us with your heart Ontavia Roulette. Do all the good you can, to as many people as you can, as often as you can. Work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching. We’re all watching and ready for what’s next with Ms. Ontavia Roulette. JOB WELL DONE
