Local art, beauty and fashion event set Sept. 2 in Milford

Local clothing designer Crystal Megginson will bring together a variety of artists for Delaware Presents: Art, Beauty and Fashion at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, at Milford Senior Center.

The event will open with a red carpet and an on-site photographer to take pictures. When the fashion show begins, it will feature the work of three designers. Royalty Candies is by Ashley Mills who designs for children, crafting tutus, skirts and other specialty outfits. Netoure's Creations, by Shernilla Cox, are all hand-sewn, custom designs for women. Bo:16 Statement is Megginson's brand, and she promises a new design she's excited to unveil.

It will be a show chock-full of entertainment. "When I say we are putting on a show, I mean a show!" Megginson said. "Spoken word. Singing, a step team is coming - we are going to be all-out entertainment. Come out, and just have a good time with us that evening."

Tickets to support homegrown art and fashion in southern Delaware are $10 each; doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m. The show will run about two hours. This is an all-ages event, and the atmosphere will be lively. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.bo16.bigcartel.com or call 302-265-5722.

For Megginson, founder of clothing brand Bo:16 (Bold) Statement, being creative and artistic is something she's always wanted to pursue. "Back in school, people made it seem as though pursuing the arts wasn't going to bring me any financial structure or fulfillment, and that I needed a back-up plan," she said. While she worked on the back-up plan, the dream of fashion design was still in the forefront of her mind.

After a few years, Megginson began to act on her long-held desire to live her most authentic and artistic life when she founded Bo:16 (Bold) Statement. The name comes from a biblical passage that speaks to Megginson, and reminds her that being courageous and speaking up for what is right is paramount.

When it comes to her clothing, it is as much apparel as it is activism. As a strong, black woman, Megginson says recent events have inspired her to boldly stand up for her beliefs through fashion. The brand addresses the here and now, and this is where Megginson gets activated. One of her T-shirts reads "My Life Matters," superimposed over the "Black Lives Matter" slogan.

Megginson said, "The outlook here is 'my life matters.' I want you to know that I am here, and that I matter. Don't mistake it for one type of group - I'm one individual, one person; I matter and this is how I feel." While she speaks and designs from her own experiences, she has found that her message resonates and transcends racial boundaries.

Part of this is simply Megginson herself. She is positive, upbeat and full of humor - the type of person who draws people in with her own sense of style and easy personality. The ability to cross boundaries has brought her to her latest project.