12-Year-Old Fashion Designer Egypt (Ify) Ufele to Headline Holiday Masquerade Ball at Hamilton Stage

The holidays are starting off a bit early at Hamilton Stage of the Performing Arts Fazioli Ball room; that will be decorated with festive flare on Sunday, November 12, 2017 during Just Be You Performing Arts Holiday Masquerade Ball.

An acoustic night event with a twist. With more than live music, but an exclusive runway show featuring 12-year-old celebrity fashion designer Egypt (Ify) Ufele of Chubiiline; an all-inclusive clothing line. Models from Just Be You Performing Arts "The Runway In Rahway" will showcase Ufele's diverse collection of garments for all shapes and sizes.

"After the extreme success of The Runway In Rahway season two; held in September at Union County Performing Arts Center, I received numerous requests to produce another fashion show. When I learned about Egpty (Ify) Ufele, this amazing young designer and entrepreneur, I reached out to her and invited her to be the exclusive designer at the event. I was thrilled when she said yes. I believe she is a true inspiration; not only to young people, but adults as well. Her story is one of turning what was meant for her harm, into something good and empowering," said Mahogany Reynolds-Clarke, founder and executive director of Just Be You Performing Arts.

As a result of gaining weight; due to steroids needed to treat a chronic illness, Ufele was constantly bullied in school for being chubby. Instead of internalizing that painful experience, she turned it into purpose, and started designing clothes for kids who looked like her. She felt that clothing for chubby children were too boxy and unflattering. And thus, the birth of Chubiiline. Ufele has appeared in numerous runway shows; including New York Fashion Week. As well as national programs, such as CNN, USA Today, People, and countless others. But she is more than a clothing designer. She is also a Junior Ambassador of Peace and the founder of a non-profit organization; Bully Chasers, that is geared towards empowering and encouraging children; who like her, suffered from the harsh effects of bullying.

"Chubiiline is all about empowering everyone; especially girls. Just Be You Performing Arts is all about empowering everyone! It takes a village and we are that village! Chubiiline designs is to bring awareness too the fashion industry that we all come in all shapes and sizes. Telling a model, they don't fit into fashion shows because of their size is unacceptable. I am breaking barriers for discrimination for models as an inclusive designer. I travel the world empowering kids and I still maintaining honors grades," said Ufele when asked why she decided to accept Reynolds-Clarke's invitation.

In addition to the dazzling fashion show Ufele will present on November 12, Reynolds-Clarke has lined up a variety of local artists to provide live entertainment. Several of them are students of Reynolds-Clarke; or return performers, from previous Just Be You Performing Arts programs. Such as, seasoned classic Soul/Gospel singer; JAnice Harrison-Aikens, will be a featured part of the show. She has performed twice at the White House and is the former female lead singer of the popular disco/R&B group Made in U.S.A. She will be accompanied by pianist/musician Mack Williams of Rahway, New Jersey.

All vocalist performing at the event will sing a medley of Holiday classics. To add an extra touch of uniqueness to the event, the show will open up with a stand-up comedy act, and will high light a sneak peek performance of Reynolds-Clarke's original musical stage play "Who Am I: A Christmas Lullaby".

"I wanted to create a show that was not an average acoustic night, but something festive and inspiring. Each artist scheduled to perform will bring something different to the program. It will be a fun and entertaining show for the entire family," said Reynolds-Clarke.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.ucpac.org/events. Adult tickets are $20, senior tickets are $15, and youth tickets (under age 17) are $10. There will be a variety of vendors; from beauty companies, a local pastry shop, jewelry designers, health and well-ness, to massage therapy, offering their products and services. For more information visit the Just Be You Performing Arts Facebook page: www.facebook.com/justbeyouperformingarts. To purchase tickets by phone call the UCPAC box office at 732-499-8226.

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