Valley Stream fashion show shines light on the visually impaired

A Hempstead woman who is visually impaired will host a fashion show Saturday in Valley Stream featuring 16 models with similar conditions in an event designed to bring awareness to the disability.

Annalee Smith, 41, who is diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which can result in loss of eyesight, said the show will raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness while showing “regardless of your disability, being though we walk in darkness, yet we can still shed light in every step that we take through fashion, whatever your heart desires.”

The fashion show will take place at the VFW Post 1790 at 65 E. Merrick Rd. from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission will be $45 and tickets can be bought at http://bit.ly/notmyeyes.

Putting together the event has been her way of trying to change the fashion world, Smith said.

Originally from Barbados, Smith moved with her family to New York City at age 12, and went through the Hempstead school district. While at Long Island University in Brooklyn, Smith originally majored in nursing but changed to occupational therapy as her eyes deteriorated, she said.

A passion for fashion and modeling, Smith said, always remained in her. She applied to different model agencies and other opportunities but didn’t hear back except for one.

LaTeffaney Scott, of Rockland County, started Kurvacious Boutique in 2020, which was created to fill the gap between average plus-size fashion and high-end plus-size couture, according to its website. The company will be providing clothing for the models.

Scott holds a model competition, now in its 10th year, in which the winner is the face of the company for the year. Smith won last year.

“I was talking with Anna and I said ‘you have a platform.’ ” No one expects “a visually impaired young lady to take on a runway,” said Scott. “She did some soul searching and she came up with this idea of doing the fashion show.”

Kenya Brown, of Tacoma, Washington, will be one of the models at the fashion show.

Brown, who developed glaucoma shortly after birth, causing her visual deterioration, said after finding out about the event via social media she wanted to be a part of the message.

“I think the general public does not understand that people that live with disabilities have to actively work to be a part of society,” said Brown, 34, who works as a financial manager. “Those of us that are able to motivate ourselves enough to do productive things, or function well in society should be celebrated."