EXECUTIVE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Crystal Bailey
Former professional model and jewelry designer, Crystal Bailey, is a civil servant, former Vice President of the Oak Park School Board of Education, and founder of WALK FASHION SHOW.
Former professional model and jewelry designer, Crystal Bailey, is a civil servant, former Vice President of the Oak Park School Board of Education, and founder of WALK FASHION SHOW, along with her nonprofit 501c3, WALK FASHION Academy INC.
A Walk To Remember
Founded in 2009 WALK Fashion Show was created to further establish the emerging fashion community in Detroit as a staple in the world of fashion by promoting undiscovered talent putting action behind the idea that everyone deserves a chance. Crystal’s background in the ever evolving fashion industry has been instrumental in the growth of the WALK Fashion Show brand and all of its entities.
Set The Stage
Over time, the WALK Fashion Show has grown into a nationally branded, traveling fashion production that provides a stage for independent designers, models and other artists across the country. In its 14th year, the WALK Fashion Show has grown to be one of the largest independent fashion platforms in the world! The production has proven its success by hosting sold-out events in over 25 cities and three countries; including stops in New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Lagos, Nigeria and more. The Walk Fashion Show has featured celebrity hosts from CW's "America’s Next Top Model" - Keith Carlos- Cycle 21 winner, Naima Mora- Cycle 4 winner, Teyona Anderson- Cycle 12 winner, Whitney Thompson- Cycle 10 winner; and Dominique Reighard- Cycle 10 contestant.
A Crystal Clear Vision For Community.
Combining catwalks and philanthropy, WALK’s community contribution has consistently been a top priority building successful relationships with modeling agencies and buyers across the country to add value to the show's unique brand. In addition to creating opportunities for individuals and local entities to get involved by organizing community events that benefit various foundations and organizations, WALK conducts fashion segments for the homeless community and provides them with attire to “Rip the Runway” for a day and, donates portions of its proceeds to charitable organizations.
Quarterly, the WALK Family donates over 2,000 pounds of clothing and toiletries to members of the Neighborhood Service Organization, provides free sewing classes for teenage youth in underserved areas interested in a career in fashion, and a full course meal served by members of WALK Fashion Show. WALK also sponsors models and designers annually to provide an opportunity for independent artists to be featured on an international platform. in 2019 WALK PROVIDED OVER $50,000 IN CHARITABLE DONATIONS.
CRYSTAL BAILEY FOR OAK PARK CITY COUNCIL!
Crystal is a native and resident of Oak Park, MI. Crystal recently stepped out on faith and ran for State Senate in Michigan narrowly finishing second in her first ever political campaign. Now an active member of the Oak Park School board, Crystal is no stranger to education and community development. Crystal has always been actively involved in the community of Oak Park. She has worked in the Juvenile Probation Department in Oakland County, and during the 2019 global pandemic, Crystal focused on helping the Oak Park school district distribute internet hotspots to ensure students within the district were equipped with the tools needed to successfully participate in virtual classes. Crystal is currently running for City Council of Oak Park.
Crystal, a proud mother, understands the importance of family and establishes a similar relationship with each member of the WALK Family. For Crystal, the ultimate goal is to provide an exciting, professional, family oriented platform for anyone’s dreams to come to fruition. Crystal’s hope for each model is to be signed by an agency and ignite a meaningful career, and for each designer to establish a successful brand, and find a retail home in boutiques and department stores.
Crystal’s passion for the independent arts community is aspirational and with the WALK Fashion Show she hopes to uncover as many hidden gems as she can, shining an international light on each artist.
