Dressed

New York's glamorous fashion industry is a far cry from the gritty streets of Columbus, Ohio. Yet designer Nary Manivong knows both places well. Nary was just a homeless teenager with a dream before he fled Columbus to pursue his goal-to stage a show at New York Fashion Week. Nary and his three siblings, Laotian-Americans, were abandoned by their parents when he was 14. Through sheer determination, and the kindness of 24-hour donut shop owners who let him crash overnight, he managed to work several jobs, graduate from high school, and keep clean. Self-taught, Nary was persistent enough in the face of incredible odds to get sponsorship for his project. He also managed to scrape together a collection, and a space for a show during Fashion Week in 2005. His collection and his story captured media attention and he was named one of 12 designers to watch by Women's Wear Daily. Woven into DRESSED is commentary from leading fashion industry experts including Mickey Boardman, Simon Collins, Simon Doonan, and Lynn Yaeger. Nary has recently partnered with stylist Ally Hilfiger on a new brand called NAHM. It's a rags-to-riches tale come true. –B.B.