The evening humidity thickened the air at Ninth Square n New Haven, but that didn’t stop anyone from coming out to see Neville Wisdom’s fashion show for On9 First Friday. The people who gathered to talk, stroll, and sample the fares of the vendors set up along the runway were friendly and open, excited to be there, and, of course, opinionated.
Will Gavira, one of Town Green‘s downtown ambassadors, had been there since 3 p.m., helping to set up. “It’s like a meeting together of the beautiful parts of New Haven,” he said. As an ambassador, he was there to meet and greet, as well as try to keep area clean “Not only physically but also to try to keep it positive.”
“New Haven — it’s kind of a Mecca of art,” he continued.
The humidity carried scents along more strongly, which certainly helped broadcast all the different foods being sold along Orange Street. Fornarelli’s stand included fresh, hand-made lasagna, which sold out fast, as well as meatballs.
Nishita from Thali at was set up next to Fornarelli’s, with fragrant samosas and chicken kebabs. She enjoyed the scene as she did a brisk business. “It’s beautiful,” she said.
Tom Panzella and Teri Bernet (pictured) from Cedarhurst Cafe on Crown Street are about to celebrate their second anniversary as cafe owners in November. An impressive array of biscotti artistically displayed in glass jars filled their table. Asked about the festivities, Bernet said, “We think it’s great. I hope we get to see the fashion show, which I’m excited about.” She paused and laughed a little. “He’s not excited, but I am.” Panzella smiled crookedly.
Cedarhurst used to be known as Greenwell Organic Tea & Coffee, a vegan and vegetarian cafe. “We kept everything, just added some new things and a little different personality,” said Bernet. Discussing their biscotti, I found that Panzella’s favorite is the lemon, while Bernet’s is the almond joy.
Challenged to pick my own, I chose a cinnamon chocolate, which was about the size of a small brick and sprinkled with sugar. They generously gave me coffee as well. “Fill it up, baby!” Panzella said as Bernet poured.
G Café‘s Patrick was impressed with how brisk the business was. “It’s been pretty good, we sold half — so far so good!” he said. He echoed the sentiment heard throughout the evening, that New Haven is growing, diverse, close community.
“A lot of different types of people here, very diverse, very animated,” he said. “You can see everyone is working together to get this going. A lot of work is being put in to this.”
As the mics came on and the lights blazed for Neville Wisdom’s show, the audience was instantly riveted. Nishita from Thali was grateful for the break. They were already on their second refill of food and needed time to have it delivered.
The stand at 116 Crown did a brisk business, their three offered cocktails flying off the tables. Jimi Patterson, special events bartender and frontman for If Jesus Had Machine Guns, was there as a favor to John Ginnetti, the owner.
“J.G.‘s a craftsman, so working for him as an artist — getting to do these kinds of events is amazing,” Patterson said as he poured me a 4 Thieves — a drink made from organic house-infused blueberry vodka, lemon juice, lavender, and simple syrup. “I think New Haven is developing its own sense of culture,” he said. “Maybe that’s not the right word but I really want to say that. Where else could you get money from the city to shut down a street to put on a fashion show? I wish more people knew what went into this.” He shook out another drink, a Fourth and Clyde this time.
Erin from East Rock brought granola bars, and she and Patterson started talking.* At this time I decided to investigate how well the rest of a cinnamon chocolate biscotti pairs with 116 Crown’s 4 Thieves. (Result: They go quite well, and the buzz is no joke.)
After the show, everyone stayed to chat about how impressive the event — and Wisdom — was.
Sharon Lee, of LenahRose, was there as a fashion illustrator focusing on street style and runways looks. Based in New Haven as well as New York City, she praised Wisdom’s savvy as a businessman and a leader in the community. “Neville is a great example of local business bringing culture and community together,” she said.
Tom Sincavage from Skappo Merkato enjoyed the show as well. “It’s always a pleasure to see what he’s doing — very elegant.” Of the On9 event itself, he said, “it shows that the other, older parts of New Haven are just as important” as the newer parts of the city. The event, in his opinion, “brings in a whole new crowd and experience.”
Audience member Malika agreed, saying, “It makes New Haven come alive — all levels of consciousness and awareness itself. We need to bring more of that, keep it going through the winter.”
At the end of the night, people milled in small groups soaked in yellow lamplight from overhead as the crowd slowly dispersed. But there was time for one more act of community, as DJ Dooley‑O called for everyone’s attention for a young woman named Tori. “It’s her 17th birthday!” Everyone gave their best wishes. She appreciated it and the event itself: “New Haven has a lot of talent and I don’t think we recognize it enough. We’re a tight-knit community — we come together to have a good time.”
*Patterson and Erin had their first date on Tuesday.
I love seeing the vibrancy of the city! I love seeing folks out hanging out and enjoying themselves. I am sorry I missed it but I am glad I get to see the reporting of it here! New Haven is indeed the Greatest Small City in America!