The stars came out to support worldwide children’s medical charity Operation Smile’s fourth annual Jr. Smile Collection Event organized by motivated New York City teens. Grammy recording artist Mya, former Danity Kane singer D. Wood, singer Shontelle and more were there to support this great cause that raises awareness and funds for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. The event took place at New York’s Capitale and featured a premier dinner, auction, runway show and after party. ESSENCE.com was backstage with co-event sponsor and celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson and the fabulous DEX New York makeup team, as they prepped the models to work the catwalk for a great cause.—QS
Event images photographed by Fernando Colon