THE BLUE JACKET FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES ITS 7TH ANNIVERSARY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

By Hillary Latos

Now in its seventh year, the Blue Jacket fashion show started by fashion designer Frederick Anderson and marketer Laura Miller brought together notables from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports, and healthcare to drive an open dialogue about the impact of prostate cancer. Supporters including Mario Cantone, Andy Karl, Alex Lundqvist, Bill Nye, Carlos Greer, Clinton Lord, Dominic Fumusa, Don Lemon, Don Hood, Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, Dr. Evan Goldfischer, Dr. Ash Tewari, Eric West, Frank DiLella, James Aguiar, James Andrew, Kris Bennett, Les Trent, London Brown, Louis Finley, Marcus Samuelsson, Mike Woods, Musa Jackson, Nigel Barker, Omar Hernandez, Richard Thomas, Souleymane Sy Savane, Ty-Ron Mayes, Tyrone Brewer and Young Paris modeled the reimagined traditional “blue jacket” down the runway by designers including Arjona Collection, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli Collezione, Cad & The Dandy, Gustavo Moscoso, Levi’s, Maxjenny, Men’s Wearhouse, Michael Kors, Nicholas Graham, Son Jung Wan, Stephen F, Thom Browne, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Frederick Anderson, the founder of the Blue Jacket Fashion Show shares his inspiration behind launching this initiative and his message of hope that he would like to share with the world.

What inspired you to launch the Blue Jacket Show?

When I was in my 40s and first received the speech from my doctor about prostate and colon cancer and after getting my first colonoscopy and PSA, I realized I had no idea the risks. I had never had a conversation about prostate health which was not just frightening to me but concerning as well. The fashion industry does their part to promote the fashion fights breast cancer which got me wondering, “what about the men”? This is when I took it upon myself to start the conversation - and based off the reaction, it’s a conversation that was very much needed.

What are some of your favorite moments on the runway since you launched 7 years ago?

One of my most favorite moments was when Bill Nye the Science Guy danced down the runway. I’ll always remember it as an epic moment. Andre Leon Tally served as host for two years before his passing which was also an honor.

How did you come up with the theme for the Blue Jacket?

The blue blazer, to me has always been a symbol of masculinity. The first blue blazer I purchased was a Brooks Brothers blue sport jacket. Hopefully as we pass down this tradition, we will also pass down the tradition of talking about men’s health.

What are some of the key messages and awareness you would like the world to know?

The statistic that 1 in 7 black men, and 1 in 11 of the general male public will have to deal with prostate cancer is astounding. These numbers are why we do this work.

Do you have any plans to expand to different cities?

We are excited this year to be partnering with Fashion Group International and their Rising Star program which will host viewing parties in St Louis, Dallas and Atlanta. We’re excited for what’s to come, this is only the beginning.