Fashion Producer Alexander Gurman Speaks Out Against NYC’s Fashion Bias
Fashion producer Alexander Gurman is speaking out against New York City’s bias against fashion, an industry which he states is not treated as an equal in art media. The line between what is regarded as art and what is regarded as business promotion is often blurred when it comes to public perception and that effects how the city handles the public permits that they give out.
“If an artist decides to dance or sing in the park or on the street the police and city of NY looks at it as an art performance and do not bother the artist for permits and allow the artist to collect donations,” Alexander declared. “But if a vendor decided to sell a product on the street, that vendor could be ticketed for unlicensed sales activities and might even be banned from demonstrating their work or the work of others and not allowed to sell. That is the current general status quo. In my opinion fashion fits right in between.”
Alexander Gurman, who is known for hosting the artistic and inclusive Mr. Great Fashion Shows, recently established a series of Art Fashion Protests in Central Park by the Bethesda Terrace to bring attention to this injustice. These protest events allow fashion artists to perform for the public (free of charge with no donations solicited at the park). In March, a group of designers brought their artistic creations and demonstrated them as part of the protest.
“Currently, the official permits for the park are not issued by the city but if folks gather as protesters — for example, BLM — then no police bother them since that is freedom of speech,” Alexander declared. “So with this noble cause as a protest against harassment — various harassments that take place such as harassment against models by photographers and harassment against street photographers by the public — animal rights activists and various charities have join our forces to bring attention to issues and alter the public opinion.”
Thus far, these public protest efforts have been successful. In a March showcase, artists such as Dovile Riebschlager (with her collection of DoviArt Fashion all the way from Chicago) graced the public. The American Canine Water Rescue organization with founder Maria Gray drove from New Hampshire. The streetwear collection was presented on the stairs of Bethesda Terrace but “Flying Solo” designer Denaro Puro. Even designers all the way from Russia shipped their collections (like Ludmila) to the promoter, model, and magazine producer Anastasia who also presented her new collection as part of Russian Fashion Week in Manhattan. Among many other designers and shows presented were African inspired fashion collections by Judith. Mostly all of the designers chose to partner with Teresa Costa and her vegan shoe collection.
“We saw a lot of collaboration efforts in the park by members of the media,” Alexandra said. “The show was covered by BRIC Art Media TV Free speech show with the help of artist Akinelly and New Jersey was represented with Revenge Boss magazine coverage. The art show was probably covered with more than 20 photographers and filmmakers such as Johnny Sylman, and Dmitry Ryabin and his crew, as well as celebrity photographer designer Paul Walker, Ted Karpovich, and so many others. Among famous models we saw again lead model Colleen with her signature walk. The show was also a discovery of rookie model Lia who totally put the audience by surprise how gracefully she modeled. Many models took trips to the show from far upstate for hours such as Beth and Reggie. And of course designers from Lithuania Valda bring a diversity of various ages to the runway. Between the kids fashion show and dog fashion show and even designer from Miami Mariia the show was quite a success considering the Covid conditions and weather which by the way was a very rainy day. But fashion never sleeps as some would say. So despite the harsh weather conditions, (prior show was done with the Medjina collection in the snow blizzard) many artists /designers show up to change the world for the better and bring beauty and inspiration to New York.”
Now more than ever, NYC needs public performances since Broadway has been closed for more than a year.
“We hope that the money the city plans to spend on public performances will also be shared as grants for fashion productions since we consider fashion a part of arts as any other performances such as dance and singing,” Alexander said and added that the forthcoming April 25th show will contain a new paparazzi fashion show, a prank fashion show, a comedy fashion show and various art fashion performances where fashion and dance and singing and painting (body painting as well) will be combined to create various arts.
To join the production team please reaches out @alexanderegurman for location, details and financial support available for models and designers and sponsorship opportunities. The prior shows would not be possible without generous support by pet supplement company #VetVittles. The upcoming show will also be supported with food from the delicious restaurant Cats on the Bay, thanks to Oleg and Karina.
“It’s impossible to mention by name each volunteer like Andrey and Steve and so many others who come and help us to create art for the public,” Alexander stated. “We hope that our pictures, videos and the feelings that the events produce can speak for the way we perceive the arts. Thank you to all of our friends. To our enemies, I forgive you, past is past, let’s make arts together. As per one current challenge that we have now is the hotel placement of out-of-town models and designers. If you know a venue that can provide a group rate for our team to stay, we would be grateful to hear from you. Thank you.”