Lorain Fashion Designer Jevon Terance marks history with fashion show at lighthouse

Lorain’s own fashion designer Jevon Terance made history July 1 in his hometown with the first fashion show held at the Lorain West Breakwater Lighthouse.

It is also the lighthouse’s 101st year as a part of Lorain.

The lake effect breeze fought the sun as it cooled down guests who all sat around the outside of the lighthouse.

Lake Erie action also thrived as boats and jet-skis passed by during the designer’s 16th show of his career.

During the show, Terance showcased 40 pieces worn by 20 models who walked with confidence at the significant destination.

Models wore the new line that continues to not only represent Lorain, but the Lorain Lighthouse with a mix of a 70s look.

Popular music from the 70s also helped set the mood of the theme.

Terance began working on the line in October, but because of prom and wedding seasons, 90 percent of the line was made in five days.

“I think this is the most marketable line,” he said.

Terance wanted to market his brand differently with a new touch as he approached his 11th year, he said.

“After 11 years, some people can get comfortable seeing similar looks,” he said, adding he wants to continue to give something different in order to grow as a designer.

He expressed that it took much work to plan to have a fashion show at the lighthouse, but he had great help from the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation, Lorain Port Authority and the Lorain Historical Society.

Terance added his show is the first fashion show to make it to the lighthouse.

“I’m excited that this is the first fashion show at the light house,” he said. “It took a full force of people to pull this off.”

Frank Sipkovsky, chairman of the board of the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation, has been with the foundation for 30 years but has never seen an event like a fashion show at the lighthouse, he said.

Events that come to the lighthouse are sunset dinners, Fourth of July picnics, weddings and private parties, Sipkovsky said, and the fashion show is the biggest yet.

“(The collaboration) worked out great,” Sipkovsky said. “It goes to show you what Lorain can do. (The foundation) likes to help whenever we can and we’re very happy that Jevon decided to have his show here. It leads to many doors opening for all of us.”

Styles presented during the lighthouse fashion show is available and ready for online purchases July 2 on www.JevonTerance.com.