Influencer and model James Williams comes from humble beginnings, growing up in Houston, Texas. Raised to always be a strong man of God with morals and values, his mother showed him the importance of hard work at an early age. Falling in love with dance, he competed in many zydeco dance contests that ultimately changed his life forever. He became so good at dancing that he joined a dance company called “Dance Force” that introduced him to the world of performing.

But by the age of 15 he decided to go down a different path working for his mother who was the owner of a daycare center. By the age of 21 he worked his way up to assistant director, which eventually led to him becoming a police officer. As he climbed the ranks, he started to understand the role he could play as an influential person and leader in his profession. He began making a difference training and developing officers giving back to my community and making sure that everyone around him stayed on the right path. 

But his passion for entertaining never left. In 2013 Williams was casted in Beyoncé’s Blow video as a skater and extra. This opportunity reignited the fire inside of him that he felt as a little boy dancing for a professional dance company. Having found success as a social media influencer and model, after several of his videos went viral, Williams realized he was a natural born entertainer. 

Currently James Williams is working on generating more influence on the world that will lead to him becoming one of the most sought after persons in entertainment.

Models: Kobe J Banks, Modi3st, Arianna, & Megan Spence

The 2024 BLAXICANA FEST invaded downtown Los Angeles in high fashion and style. Hosted at ZAYA DTLA this year’s festivities brought out an intimate crowd who truly understood how diverse and rich Los Angeles culture is. As the Blaxicana brand prides itself on being an upscale fashion and music festival, they showcased live art, music and fashion at the highest form of creativity.

Founder, CEO and showrunner Alece Plasencia got a chance to witness her dream play out in real time for the second year in a row. As her goal is to bridge Hispanic and African American culture and art, she did an excellent job of showcasing her vision as a fashion trailblazer and appreciation for both cultures.

To start the show Olivia Hynes curated a live art show wowing onlookers, as they indulged in food and drink ahead of the fashion show. DJ Blaserk, whose mix was electric, got the party going early with a high energy set that blended both Mexican and Black hit songs. Participants were seen taking photos at the photo booth while models and performers hit the red carpet.

Hosted by Grammy Award Winning artist SEPTIMIUS THE GREAT, he encouraged attendees to visit the pop up show as the music portion of the festival was underway. “It is an honor and pleasure to be here as this is the spring showing of Blaxiana. I love the fact that this brand mixes black and mexican culture with music and fashion for everyone. Talk about community, talk about fashion, talk about inclusivity, no matter who you are it is all about one person. That is what Blaxicana Fest is all about.”

Rising artist Steven Charles set the tone early followed by songstress MXKA who serenaded her audience. Grammy artist SEPTIMIUS THE GREAT rounded out the performers amping up everyone’s excitement for the fashion show. What made the fashion show so unique was that luxury handbags were displayed live on the runway further embodying the “Blaxicana” vision. Once the models hit the runway, everyone became immersed immediately. From the vivid colors, to the inspiring artwork displayed on each article of clothing, it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Malik Versatility who coordinated the models looks, walks, and outfit choices shared with me that he was very honored to be there as this was his first event with Blaxicana. “Working behind the scene as a model coordinator is a blessing in disguise because you get to really network with a bunch of different nationalities and get to see how beautiful Blaxicana is from a different perspective especially in reference to unity. We have issues with unity and this really expresses the energy of what Blaxicana really is.”

To close out the show, DJ STARRZA delivered a sick set as guests mixed and mingled for the rest of the event. You will not want to miss out on the next one. Follow @blaxicana to see more coverage on this amazing event.