As the Editor-at-Large of Essence Mikki Taylor has access to some of the top international designers in the industry but when she showed up on her first post New York Fashion Week affair she was opted to make statement in a label that was special to her. Walking the pink carpet at last month’s Finding Ashley Stewartfinale she proudly sported a pajama inspired look from Marco Hall.

“Newark is the city of my birth and it is so important for me to support us,” added Taylor who lent her prestige and support to the city’s first official fashion week, Newark Fashion Forward, this fall.

“Today I’m in Marco Hall,” she said while taking a step back so reporters and photographers could admire her elegant two piece ensemble. “I’m honored to be in Marco Hall. His spirit is within these pajamas. They’re fun, they’re flirty. I feel festive," she said in between sharing laughs with Soledad O'Brien.

“If you come out of the genesis that is creativity, that is Newark, you know it is important to really own that. So at Newark Fashion Forward I discovered so many new talents why wouldn't I celebrate that?”

Since walking the carpet at the Finding Ashley Stewart Taylor has intentionally worn the independent designer to high-profile events in Atlanta, California and Jamaica.

Taylor and fellow Newark native Tai Beauchamphave been instrumental in getting the fashion industry at large to turn its hard worn attention towards Newark’s fruitful fashion scene.

The historic city has always had its own style and creative energy that was dwarfed by the enormity of its neighboring metropolis but recents efforts at revitalization have powerful people public asking why not Newark?

Check out this clip from Newark Fashion Forward below.

Learn more about Marco here.

Learn more about Mikki Taylor here.