The Third Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show Benefitting the Prostate Cancer Foundation

On February 7th, Downtown had the pleasure of attending the Blue Jacket Fashion Show. In its third year, the focus was on upping the awareness for prostate cancer.

Blue Jacket Fashion Show benefited the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), founded by philanthropist and financier Michael Milken. All money raised go towards funding cutting-edge research that will save, extend, and improve the lives of not only prostate cancer patients but other cancer patients as well. 

Top fashion designers Duckie Brown, Geoffrey Beene, Greg Norman, Gustavo Moscoso, Haspel, John Varvatos, Joseph Abboud, Michael Kors, Stephen Ferber, Theory, and Thom Browne reinvented the traditional Blue Jacket.

Celebrity participants for 2019 including Alex Lundqvist, Buster Skrine, Chris Redd, Drake Bell, Dr. Mike Varshavski, Erich Bergen, Harry Lennix, Jerod Haynes, Mario Cantone, Nigel Barker, and Ryan Eggold walked the runway and put on a fun-filled evening, as they walked the runway wearing one-of-a-kind creations. 

Johnson & Johnson, Tree of Life, Men’s Health, CyberKnife, Saratoga Spring Water, and Janssen Oncology partnered for this benefit for Prostate Cancer Foundation.  

What an exciting night! Read on for our chats with some of the participants and to take a look at what we captured back stage!

Alex Lundqvist Model and Luxury Real Estate Broker, Eklund Gomes Team, Douglas Elliman

Downtown:  How did you get involved with the Blue Jacket Show?

AL: You know, my grandfather passed away from prostate cancer, and when I heard about the show and then was asked to be a part of it, it was not even a question – to help out with this, spreading the word for people to go and get tested if that can save a few lives, I’m blessed to be a part of it.

Downtown: Why do you think men hesitate to get tested?

AL: It’s life or death! Just go get tested. If you’re up towards 40 years-old, get checked. There are different ways to get tested, you don’t have to go for the standard traditional testing. So go get tested, it’s the difference between life and death

Downtown: How was it out there hanging with the guys tonight on the runway?

AL: Oh, its such great fun with the guys, so much fun, always a good time, this is my third year and I can’t wait until next year!

Downtown: What is your favorite place Downtown?

AL: Tutto il Giorno and Indochine

Buster Skrine, NY Jets Cornerback

Downtown: What did you think about walking in this show?

BS: It was awesome, it was my second time. Just to be with these people, getting awareness out there on social media, just getting the word out about prostate cancer.

Downtown: If you could tell anyone something about prostate cancer, what would it be?

BS: Go get checked.

Nigel Barker, model, tv personality, and photographer 

Downtown:  What about this show made you want to get involved with Blue Jacket Fashion event?

NB: I love it when the fashion community comes together for an important cause, and prostate cancer is a major killer of men, so it was an honor to put my best foot forward, quite literally!

Downtown: What did you think about this year’s designer brands and models?

NB: Fabulous, from my eye-catching blue suit from Brooks Brothers to a skirt suit in plaid by Thom Browne, the other men and their outfits were as diverse as the population of men affected by Prostate Cancer.

Downtown: What message would you like to share with our readers about prostate cancer prevention? 

NB: Men are notoriously bad at going to visit the doctor and often think they can beat the pain or simply don’t want to fuss but trust me, the manly thing to do is GET TESTED.

Downtown: What was is like to be back on the runway? 

NB: I only wish we had a proper walk off…Blue Steel in full force for the Blue Jacket Fashion Show!