Would You Attend a Harley-Davidson Fashion Show?
Harley-Davidson of Utica must have surprised everyone around when they announced a fashion show. After all, the term “fashion” isn’t a common one in the biker community.
The New York Mills-based Harley-Davidson dealership launched a rather unorthodox, but quite welcomed campaign to get people through their doors. According to the Observer Dispatch, the fashion show targeted hardcore H-D fans and newbies alike, and even involved several key members of the Utica community.
“The goal of the show is to bring people into Harley that wouldn’t normally come in here,” said marketing manager Marcie Bartnick. “We wanted to open it up to the public so people can understand that we are more than just motorcycles and we’re not a scary place to be — we like to have fun — and to introduce people to the culture.”
While the idea of visiting a fashion show with a runway full of male and female models may not sound too appealing for the average rider, I commend the efforts of H-D of Utica. The Harley lifestyle itself is in danger of flat-out disappearing due to waning interest of younger generations, so anything that can be done to preach the message in a positive manner, is nothing short of admirable.
Speaking of admirable, the fashion show featured non-professional models from all walks of life, but perhaps the most interesting and “unorthodox” happened to be Jim Cesta, priest at the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica. Jim strolled the catwalk wearing an H-D leather jacket, and even with a cigar in mouth!
“Smile, God loves you,” because he wanted to make sure that everyone got a positive message from the event. I’m on the runway every Sunday, when you think about it, with a little bit of a different outfit,” he said. “This crowd, I’m reaching out to them. I always think of venues where I can get the word out.”
Seriously, how cool is that?
Preach it!
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Photos via: [Observer Dispatch]
