Cleva Kah is the name synonymous with transformation—not only in the fashion world but also in how society views beauty and confidence. With pioneering work in inclusive design and mental health advocacy, Kah has created a platform that bridges style with substance. His most recent event, Fashion with a Purpose, held at Austin Central Library on October 12, 2024, was a clear exemplar of this mission as it celebrated diversity and amplified voices that have been largely silenced by the industry.
From Humble Beginnings to Visionary Leadership
For Kah, his journey in fashion is very personal; he had a childhood of limitation with his finances and in believing in himself. “Growing up, I didn’t get a chance to wear designers, nor did I feel confident enough to express my sense of self,” says Kah. But fashion helped him find his voice. In fact, it urged him to create spaces—fashionable and emotional—where people of any shape, size, or color are truly seen and valued for the first time.
His commitment was sealed, however, when one of his early designs made a woman wearing size 16 burst into tears because it made her look “curvy, not overweight.” That was his wake- up call in continuing to work toward changing beauty standards and celebrating individuality.
Empowering Through Fashion
Fashion with a Purpose was more than just clothes; it was a call to storytelling, empowerment, and transformation. The list of participants was an eclectic one and included Bianca Golden from America’s Next Top Model and international supermodel Nini Amerlise.
Bianca urged everyone to use fashion as a means of expressing themselves, while Nini emphasized inner confidence, stating, “True empowerment begins with accepting who you are.” Her words combined with those of Biana sent clear messages to the aspiring models and fashion enthusiasts; messages wherein the strong self-worth within is tied back to personal style.
Diverse Designs Take Center Stage
The highlight of the whole event was definitely the design contest, which broke all conventional standards. Designers were given the challenge to come up with works that would say a lot about body positivity and diversity. Anastasia Shimanski won the prize in the Designer Tier 1 category for her bold and inclusive works, impressing judges.
The Top Model category celebrated diversity as Cassidy Edison and Brittany “Mariah-Jay” Jackson took the first place in a tie. Cassidy’s edgy look and Brittany’s beaming confidence spoke volumes that beauty is not bound to one mold but rather is multi-faceted and dynamic.
Fashion Meets Mental Wellness
Beyond the runway, Kah envisioned mental health advocacy. The “Look Good, Feel Good” Mental Health Symposium on Oct. 13 was designed to bring community leaders and experts in their respective fields to address issues related to self-esteem and how to recover from trauma. Workshops by speakers, including Larry Wallace, Sr., and Dr. Calvin Kelly, focused on how to tap into developing true confidence from within.
“Fashion can be a gateway to self-expression, but without mental wellness, the foundation is incomplete,” Kah explained. The symposium provided those in attendance with tools to begin rebuilding their confidence and attacking life with renewed purpose.
A Movement Redefining Beauty
Cleva Kah’s work reminds one that fashion is not about outward appearances; it is about inner transformation. She folds in design, community support, and mental health advocacy into her work in an attempt to redefine what is considered beautiful and successful.
Fashion with a Purpose remains at the forefront, always extending its arms to embrace people from all walks of life and empowering them by letting everyone know true beauty shines brightest from within.
Powered by Leaders Who Specialize in Wellness and Empowerment
Successful fruition on manifold levels of the event is made possible with the many powerful benefactors who understand what it takes to attend to the health of the whole person.
Among them are:
• Detail Driven Auto Detail
• BSG Security LLC
• SK Texas Notary
• NA Management Inc
• Wunderland Experience Productions • Austin Revitalization Authority
• Style Shift
• RT Visuals
• Dripping Springs Vodka
• ATX City Lifestyle
• Schlotzsky’s
• Helpers of Change
