This New York Fashion Week famed artist Domingo Zapata participated in the Arts Hearts Fashion show in New York City.  He incorporated his highly anticipated art installation into a fashion show titled, “Be Yourself Tags are for Facebook”,  in support of the transgender community. Art Hearts Fashion provides a unique platform, where artists such as Domingo Zapata have the opportunity to showcase their expressionistic art in a fashion week setting.

Zapata feels very close to the transgender community. Zapata’s daughter, who was born male, now identifies as a girl. To show unwavering support for the community and his daughter, Zapata’s “Be Yourself Tags are for Facebook” show, featured some models who are transgender. All proceeds from the show went to benefitting Camp Aranu’tiq, an organization that provides fun and safe camp experiences for transgender youth.

Zapata’s work commanded the runway; female models walked in painted matador jackets, while male models walked in painted gowns. Zapata selected the garments from a few of the fashion world’s most respected designers including Marija Shatilo of Lace & Angels, Vicky Martín Berrocal and Commes Des Garçons will be featured.

The unique concept and admirable message attracted designers and celebrities alike. The catwalk and audience were mutually star studded.  Models included celebrities such as Kelly Rutherford, Hiba Abouk, Jordi Mollà, Luis Ortiz and Chef Jean George while invited guests included actor Adrien Brody and designer Steve Madden.

Zapata was named an “artist to watch,” in 2011 by the prestigious Whitewall Magazine and Zapata has quickly fulfilled this prophecy. Since then, his work has lauded praise from international press such as The New York Times (cover story, Thursday Styles April 25, 2013), Esquire Spain, Vanity Fair Italia and The New York Observer.  Recently, The New York Magazine deemed him, “in a league of his own,” while the New York Post proclaimed Zapata to be the, “new Andy Warhol, with starlets begging for a sitting.”

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💜Love & Light☀,
CRISTEN M. MILLS