Fall River native, fashion designer, returns to city to mentor as students set to show off talents in art, music, fashion expo

Fall River Public School students will soon be showing off their talents with some help from a Fall River native.

Jeremy (Jae) Lavoie, a successful New York fashion designer, has remained deeply connected with many schools in the city, including Durfee High School.

Lavoie has been mentoring 14 Durfee High School students in the Fab Lab Fashion Project that will be featured at the free FRPS Annual Arts Expo and Fashion Show on May 16th from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at the Durfee High School Auditorium.

Students had one challenge in the project: upcycle/repurpose denim into runway-ready fashion designs. They could only use donated denim and had 3 days and 9 total hours to design and construct their one-of-a-kind creation. Spearheaded by teachers Ana Arsenio and Sydney Hawes, the Durfee students and teachers stayed at school until 6 pm last week to create and finish their designs.

For Lavoie, it is all about giving back to Fall River.

“As someone who believes in giving back to the community and nurturing young talent, I am passionate about shining a light on these students and their remarkable designs. They have been working tirelessly to prepare for this moment, and I believe they deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.”

In addition to the fashion show, the event will also feature an evening of art and music courtesy of Fall River students and their advisors.