J & A Clothing Company

Divine Intervention

Heaven sent designs mixed with a whole lot of love

Inspiration is a spark that ignites the creative soul. For Angela Poor, self- taught designer and owner of J & A Clothing Company, inspiration comes mostly from the divine realm.

“My inspiration comes from random places,” says Poor. “Sometimes I may get inspired by a piece I see that needs a new look in the current trends. I may just get a vision of a piece based on my own desire of what I want to wear that day. I get inspired by the changing trends and attitudes of the world. I also get inspired by the needs of all people; to help them feel better no matter what their body type is. Mostly, I get inspired by God.”

About three years ago, Poor began her designing career after being frustrated with the fashion trends and the negative way she saw people treating others.

“The two came crashing together to inspire a clothing line that not only is unique in style, but will spread a message of love one another,” says Poor.

Part of her black and white concept is the message that there is black and white with no grey areas.

“God is black and white, the Creator of love and fashion.”

Poor puts the very depth of her heart and soul into each of her pieces. “The clothing is inspired by the love of God and then put into a form that will reach all people and give them a subtle message of love and edgy fashion.”

The signature trait of her line is to embrace fashion and make people feel good on the inside as well as on the outside. Poor’s designs are all about inspiring our culture fashionably, spiritually, artistically and confidently.

Poor’s collection consists of everything from a casual funky T-shirt to a baby doll dress, sheik pants or a suit jacket that can be for day or evening wear. Her line, which starts at $30, has something for all ages, all body types and all walks of life.

Poor, who hails from Council Bluffs, Iowa, says that since she was a little girl she’s always made fashion her own by taking something trendy and putting her own creative flare on it.

“I love taking chances with fashion and thinking outside the box,” says Poor. “I like to take a piece that doesn’t make sense and pair it with another piece that you wouldn’t think would make sense, put them together and many times it makes beautiful sense!”

A fan of color, Poor mixes up her wardrobe from chic to hippy chic. She stands out with the unique, artistic way that she wears clothing since her wardrobe is constantly evolving with the mood of the day. Ever the innovative chick, Poor proclaims that the spiritual, free spirit energy that she carries both in her heart and in her designs make her distinctive.

“Fashion is art; it is meant to be fun and make you feel good,” Poor says. “This I incorporate into my every day wear and vision.”

Poor’s designs will be showcased at her upcoming 2010 fashion show, “Fashion in Salvation,” which will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. The concept of the show is to take you to a different place with the theme being, “What’s more fashionable than God?” The talented Chris Massara will be mixing music while incredible graffiti art done by local Omaha artist Dan Richter (along with other talent) will bring to life the feel of the show when graffiti meets black tie.

The inspiration of the show is to deliver the message that all designers and boutiques need to unite as one.

“In the cut throat industry that we are in, we need to realize that competing only hurts us,” Poor says. “When we join together and support each other, only then do we really succeed. The fashion world is big enough for all of us. To do it God’s way, to care about your neighbor, is a much better plan. Besides, what is more fashionable than God?”

Who: Angela Poor and various designers and boutiques

When: January 30, 2010

Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 8 pm

Where: Old indoor car dealership off of 20th and Dodge in Omaha, Nebraska

Why: To raise money for homelessness and to keep kids off the streets

The show is free. VIP tickets can be purchased for reserved seating.

For more information and to receive a 15% discount off of Angela Poor’s designs, email Angela at Angela@JandAclothingcompany.com.


Published Thursday February 5, 2009 On the Town: Fashion show becomes a freezing leap of faith Omaha designer Angela Poor is a visionary. 2009 Fashion in Salvation A model disappears under her hat. Most of Sabrina Jones' piece had eccentric themes like this Southern Bell dress. She converted a dusty old train station into a luxury suite for a runway show last Saturday. Sure, the generator went out and the chocolate fondue froze. Spectators huddled for warmth while models scurried across the stage. But the 2009 Fashion in Salvation catwalk inside the old Burlington Station was a success.
	A model wears a piece from J and A Clothing Company, part of the "Love thy Neighbor as thy self line "We knew the building didn't have any heat or plumbing," Poor said. "But all of these people still came out and sacrificed." The event - a fundraiser for two area charities - was a complete walk of faith. Models and stylists volunteered their services. Eight local designers and one from Las Vegas donated their time. And guitarist Sharif Iman offered to buy his own plane ticket from Nashville to sing. Poor, 36, raised money to help the North Omaha Good News Bears, an at-risk youth program, and MOHM's Place, a transitional center for the homeless in Council Bluffs. Nearly 1,000 people attended the show. About 100 of the guests were VIPs who paid $50 for reserved table seats. The rest of the audience either sat in the free-seat section or stood in the back of the room. Poor showcased pieces from her John 3:16 clothing line. Some were blouses, suit jackets and T-shirts with crosses. Others featured biblical messages: "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and "Judge no one."
A model wears a piece from J and A Clothing Company, part of the "Love thy Neighbor as thy self line Las Vegas designer Jacob Jacobi introduced his Jacobi 702 line to the mostly 20- and 30-somethings in the audience. Dozens of leggy women strutted down the catwalk in lavish fabrics and trimmings made of silks, chiffon and tweed. "I know it was freezing and the conditions weren't so great," Poor said. "But it was cool that people sacrificed their comforts and usual perks to be there. This is the show they're going to remember."

Published Thursday January 29, 2009 On the town: A chance to look chic for a good cause. Blink. You missed it. Fashion just changed. What was "hot" last month is not anymore. So keep up. Angela Poor is an Omaha designer you don't want to miss. She's preparing this week for "2009 Fashion in Salvation," a runway show Saturday at the Burlington Train Station in the Old Market. It's not just a catwalk or model-hype thing. This event is important. Poor, 36, wants to raise money to help the North Omaha Good News Bears, an at-risk youth program, and MOHM's Place, a transitional center for the homeless in Council Bluffs. Poor runs John 3:16. That's not the biblical verse. It's the name of her clothing line. Blouses, suit jackets and tuxedo pants promote God's message to "love thy neighbor as thyself." Her men's line carries a similar message: "Judge no one." Poor wants people to look chic while spreading God's word. She will show 14 pieces from her collection at the Saturday show. A John 3:16 scarf goes for about $30, while a peasant shirt might cost $55. "These pieces aren't trendy," she said. "They're timeless." She came up with the biblical concept while people-watching one day. "I was inspired by the way we live in the world," Poor said. "We need a movement of love." People are struggling financially and have become consumed with their own lives, she said. They've forgotten about giving back. Guitarist Sharif Iman will give a live performance at the event. Nine local designers and two modeling agencies will participate. Las Vegas designer Jacob Jacobi, Miss Nebraska USA Micaela Johnson and Calvin Klein model Dolph are expected to make appearances. "I'd like people to see how much talent is in Omaha," Poor said. The 7 p.m. runway show is free. Poor said donations for charity will be collected at the door. People can purchase VIP tickets for $50. That will get you a reserved seat at the show, hors d'oeuvres, a private bar for VIP guests only and free entry to the after-party at the Nomad Lounge. Proceeds from the VIP tickets also will go to charity. Information: myspace.com/angelapoordesigner.

Designers unite for charity at 2009 Fashion in Salvation

by Wayne Brekke

Fashion, art and music collide in a gala event that brings together top local designers for a worthy cause in the first annual 2009 Fashion in Salvation.

Keeping Omaha on the fast-track as one of the creative epicenters of the Midwest, the show, which is being held at the historic Burlington building, unites local and national names in fashion with proceeds going to the North Omaha Good News Bears and Mohm’s Place Almost New Thrift.

Featured designers Angela Poor and Assistant Blake Rave headed up this event, which includes lines from their company, John 3:16 A&J Clothing, as well as Las Vegas designer Jacob Jacobi (who will soon be seen in his own television show on “Extra”). Sharif Iman will be providing music, while appearances by Miss Nebraska USA and Calvin Klein model Dolph help showcase lines provided by talented local designers and boutiques including Buf Reynolds, Divine Boutique, Roots & Wings, Hush Vintage, Nicole Brown, Sabrina Jones, Shamina Wiek and Juliet Dracik.

“It’s definitely going to be an annual event,” Poor said. “The goal is to bring together and unite the community while showing the spirit of ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’. The way people have been receiving the show and joining together has been such a beautiful thing. Mother Theresa said that charity starts at home, and we really believe that.”

Admision is free although donations are accepted. VIP tickets are available and include preferred seating, appetizers, one-on-one meetings with the designers and celebrities, and free admittance to the after-party at Nomad Lounge. All VIP ticket sales will be donated to the charities, as will art that will be auctioned at the Nomad party.

For Omaha, Fashion in Salvation is yet another feather in the cap of a scene that is rattling the cages of the art and music community that’s helped bring national attention to Nebraska’s creativity. For Rave and Poor, it was a way to give back to the community and help support what they see as a hotbed of inspired local talent.

“I was going to move to Chicago before I came back to Omaha,” Rave said. “And as soon as I got back here, I got involved with several shows. I was so shocked that we had such a market for it and people really want it. Omaha’s not the Midwestern hick town some people think it is.”

Poor was inspired to start her own career in fashion in a moment of spiritual epiphany. Since then, she has fostered her stylish endeavors while serving her faith in a way that helps others by bringing them together creatively.

“The show is about uniting together to support our local homeless and keep kids off the street, but beyond that, it’s about supporting our local designers and helping them,” Poor said. “The designers are blowing my mind in terms of their designs, their love and their energy. There’s so much talent here. We plan to take our line nationally, but Omaha will always be our home base.”

2009 Fashion in Salvation will be held Jan. 31 at the Burlington Building, 925 S. 10th St., in downtown Omaha. Entrance is free and open to the public; VIP tickets are $50 each. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call 773.706.5262. To hear a full interview with Angela Poor and Blake Rave, visit worldsofwayne.com Episode 84.

29 Jan 2009

2009 Fashion in Salvation Times are tough; at least, that’s what people keep saying. So, it is in times like these when the good we do for others is more vital than ever. On January 31st, people and businesses of the community will be banding together to do just that: good. Fashion in Salvation is an annual show that was created for the betterment of the community. It is meant to inspire hope, faith and creativity, as well as support local businesses and give back to those in need.

This year’s event will be the snowball that turns into an avalanche. Omaha’s historic old Burlington Train Station will set the mood for the evening, which will kick off with an unforgettable runway fashion show. The featured designer is local businesswoman, Angela Poor, with her line John 3:16 A & J Clothing. Jacobi 702, an attractive men’s line from Las Vegas, will be the featured guest clothing line. Some of the models to walk the runway include Miss Nebraska USA, Micaela Johnson; and Calvin Klein model, Dolph. There will be a live performance by rising star Sharif Iman, and special appearance by Angel Dean.

All proceeds of 2009 Fashion in Salvation will be donated to the North Omaha Good News Bears and MOHM’S Place. The NOGNB is a weekly children’s outreach club that teaches life skills, Christian living values, community service and citizenship to over 300 youth between the ages of 4 and 18. Their mission is to take young lives that have no good examples of ethical behavior and plant the seed of hope in each young person by providing role modeling that reinforces the positive values of a strong family and society.

MOHM’S Place has been feeding the hungry since 1994, and has not missed serving a single evening meal since then. MOHM’S Place serves approximately 4,000 meals per month, on top of securing immediate, temporary, or transitional housing for those in need, offering counseling and guidance, and they provide almost 70 services from 13 agencies for the homeless and near-homeless.

VIP tickets are available, but quantities are limited. Tickets are $50 each and include stage side seating, free hors d'œuvres, private VIP area and cash bar, meet and greet with the 2009 Fashion in Salvation team and cast, as well as free admission to the after party, hosted by Nomad Lounge.

Fashion in Omaha... and Farmsville?

I know the picture is kinda blurry, but you can still see what I want you to see: the peacock feather coming out of the top of this woman's head. See it?

Last night, Sprinkle took me to a fashion show in Omaha. It was at an abandoned train station that had no heat (cough) and looked like it might, in fact, be a condemned building. Her friend organized the show, so we got VIP tickets. This allowed us access to the super yummy appetizers in the back. Mmmm. The show was great. There were 9 designers/shops that put out collections and a guest singer who rocked his guitar toward the end. The only odd part? Since it's an abandoned building, there were 2 porta-potties to pee in. But I suppose that just added to the rustic feel of the night.

When Sprinkle invited me, she mentioned that the show had a religious theme. Her designer friend is Angela Poor who runs John 3:16 A & J Clothing. So I was MORE than amused when some of the designers sent models down the runway in skirts that were really, really, really short. Also, that song from the 80s blasted at one point: "You're my obsession, you're my obsession. What do you want me to do to make you sleep with me?" Remember that song? I think I used to sing it when I was in grade school, never realizing the lyrics. Hmmm. Anyway, at one point, there was a slit in the model's skirt and we saw her cheeks. I looked at Sprinkle, "This doesn't look like Jesus clothing." We giggled. When Angela's line came out, I saw the connection. She designs really cool T-shirts for men with crosses and such, and the women had trendy, fun clothes with some crosses and some not. Overall, it was a very subtle, yet well-made statement.

For a while, I thought perhaps I'd gone back to Chicago. With the incredibly high ceilings of the Burlington Train Station, the inlaid floors, and the monstrously tall windows, it reminded me of many old Chicago haunts. It also made me consider Omaha back in its early days and what life must have been like there when the area was first finding its footing. I love reading about the history of cities I know. And the elite fashion folks and techno dj music definitely reminded me of my Concrete Jungle. It was refreshing to know I could drive out of the city lights at any moment and find myself under twinkling stars again. But I do miss it sometimes--the glamour of old Chicago. Well, I can always visit.

We came home after our girls' night on the town and found Sprinkle's hubbie over at the watering hole. I had a few drinks and came back to Farmhouse Villa to put on my comfy pants and snuggle with the kitties. I was happy to just be myself again. But still, even as I turned on my DVRed 48 Hours Mysteries and popped in a Hot Pocket, I realized...lurking under the depths...there is a still sometimes a superfly citified Blondie fashionista who needs to get out and play once in a while. Bwah ha ha!

Posted by Blondie