A Stylish Triumph: NJFashion Fest Sparkles at Waterside Venue Trailblazer Barbra Aixa Garcia of CG Models
Barbara Aixa Garcia stuns at New Jersey Fashion Fest, hosted by her own CG Models, at the glamorous WaterSide Venue.
Photo by Authentic Destiny Pictures
A luminary in the fashion world, Barbra Aixa Garcia has spent decades reshaping the industry’s landscape with vision, resilience, and grace. From her early start as a child model in Honduras to becoming a global ambassador for top brands, Barbra’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. More than a face on the runway, she is a powerhouse entrepreneur and mentor who founded CG Models, a pioneering agency dedicated to elevating fresh talent with integrity and purpose. As Casting Director for Runway 7 Fashion at New York Fashion Week, Barbra is instrumental in bringing real fashion back to New York championing diversity, authenticity, and craftsmanship in an era often dominated by fleeting trends. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging voices and connecting global influences has made her a true catalyst for change, redefining what it means to lead with both style and substance.
The NJ Fashion Fest returned in spectacular form, dazzling the fashion scene with a cinematic blend of opulence, creativity, and cultural flair. Held at the architecturally stunning Waterside Venue in North Bergen, New Jersey. A modern gem with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the event brought together designers, models, influencers, and tastemakers for an evening that redefined the standard of regional fashion festivals.
Set against interiors inspired by the organic beauty of watercress and flowing with understated luxury, the Waterside provided the perfect backdrop for fashion that told stories, personal, political, and visionary. Beyond aesthetics, Waterside’s reputation as one of New Jersey’s premier luxury venues was reflected in its impeccable service and attention to detail. From the moment guests arrived, they were met with warmth, professionalism, and seamless hospitality that rivaled the world’s top event destinations.
The staff’s CG Models, silent, swift, and intuitive ensured that every guest felt seen and celebrated by helping with VIP, models and execution. Whether guiding VIPs to their seats or adjusting lighting and ambiance for photo-ready moments, Waterside’s team delivered a masterclass in event execution
Miss Eco Teen USA, Victoria Sofia Tabora, shines at New Jersey Fashion Fest hosted by Barbara CG Models at the elegant WaterSide Venue.
Photo by Authentic Destiny Picture
Special Guest Highlight: Miss Eco Teen USA Victoria Sofia Tabora
The evening was graced by the radiant presence of Miss Eco Teen USA, Victoria Sofia Tabora, who looked nothing short of spectacular in a bespoke creation by Dominican designer Benardino Gomez. Draped in a gown that delivered a queen dress experience, Victoria truly embodied the queen of the night. Her flawless makeup was expertly crafted by Book of Beauty, the same acclaimed team responsible for the event’s cohesive beauty vision. Proudly sponsored by Grand Crown Productions, Victoria carries a powerful mission, championing environmental awareness and youth empowerment through sustainable fashion and eco-conscious advocacy. Her commitment to inspiring young generations to embrace green initiatives and protect the planet added a meaningful dimension to the festivity, aligning seamlessly with the event’s celebration of purposeful creativity.
Sesajo Productions brings the spotlight to New Jersey Fashion Fest with style and elegance.
Photo by Maynor Ramirez
Leading the visual narrative was José Raúl’s Garden Collection, a whimsical, high-concept homage to flora, nostalgia, and function. Merging pastoral aesthetics with modern tailoring, Raúl, hailing from Puerto Rico, played with heritage plaids, neon highlights, and charming garden-inspired accessories, including apron-style pouches equipped with miniature garden tools crafted in the same vibrant neon color palette as the fabrics and adorned with ladybug pins. Notably, some garments featured large, dramatic flowers positioned on the shoulder, crafted from the very same textiles used throughout the collection, creating a striking and cohesive design statement. Several shirts featured the word “Puerto Rico” rendered in sleek neon monochrome lettering, adding a bold cultural signature to his collection. The standout moment? A crisp shirt adorned with the embroidered likeness of his miniature greyhound, Bella, transforming his canine muse into a luxury logo with heart.
José Raúl captivates the crowd at New Jersey Fashion Fest with his signature style and sophisticated presence.
Photos by Chia-Ta Tsa
In addition to his signature garden-inspired pieces, José Raúl showcased a modern lilac suit paired with a tailored vest, a sleek, contemporary take that balanced refinement with vibrant flair. Complementing this was his beachwear collection, a seamless fusion of pink, bright orange, and subtle off-white hues, capturing the spirit of sun-soaked sophistication and effortless summer glamour. Together, these looks demonstrated Raúl’s versatile design ethos — marrying bold color palettes with tailored silhouettes to create pieces both striking and wearable.
José Raúl captivates the crowd at New Jersey Fashion Fest with his signature style and sophisticated presence.
Photos by Chia-Ta Tsa
The runway continued to pulse with cultural resonance and sartorial edge as international designers unveiled collections that celebrated heritage through high fashion:
Swim Models at New Jersey Fashion Fest.
Photos by Chia-Ta Tsa
Benardino Gomez from the Dominican Republic stunned with a rhythmically bold collection. Combining movement, structure, and vibrant prints, his pieces paid homage to the dynamism of island life while maintaining sharp tailoring and modern edge.
Diana, representing both Morocco and Dubai, showcased a deeply opulent series of designs rooted in tradition yet tailored for the modern luxury market. Rich fabrics, flowing silhouettes, and exquisite embellishments evoked desert mystique fused with global runway sophistication.
From Venezuela, PM Markos delivered a confident, cosmopolitan line that bridged streetwear with elevated suiting. His designs captured the energy of Caracas, bold in palette, rich in symbolism, and striking in form.
Together, these designers transformed the NJ Fashion Fest runway into a global tapestry of couture. Their collections were statements wearable dialogues between tradition and disruption, nostalgia and modernity.
While the spotlight shone on the garments, the production behind the scenes elevated the experience to editorial-level brilliance. Runway sequencing was seamless, lighting was cinematic, and styling brought cohesion without compromising each designer’s individual language.
Model and entrepreneur Barbra Aixa Garcia, a key creative force and Casting Director for Runway 7 Fashion at New York Fashion Week, played a pivotal role in curating and mentoring the new faces that brought each collection to life. Her presence off the runway, guiding young talent and supporting designers, added a layer of integrity and leadership to the evening.
The Waterside Venue staff executed a flawless evening, offering guests a five-star experience in every detail from curated canapés to bespoke cocktails served under glimmering chandeliers. From the panoramic terrace overlooking the Hudson to the pristine interior design that balanced elegance and intimacy, Waterside was more than a venue it was a main character in the night’s success.
The 2025 NJ Fashion Fest didn’t just showcase fashion it created a movement of elevated regional fashion storytelling. With world-class production, global design talent, and a setting it solidified its place as one of the East Coast’s most exciting style destinations.
This year’s message? Fashion is no longer confined to the coasts of Paris, Milan, or Manhattan, it’s flourishing wherever there is vision, voice, and venue.