LIVE ON YOUTUBE: link provided to ticket-holders
October 16, 2020
9:00 pm edt / 8:00 pm CDT / 1:00 am GMT
LIBERIA // US: LITTLE ROCK
Inspired by her African roots, Liberian born fashion designer and stylist Korto Momolu (pronounced CUT-TOE MOE-MOE-LOO) is stamping her global brand in fashion. With a women’s wear and accessory line that celebrate the essence of her rich heritage through the use of traditional, luxury fabrics.
A graduate of L’academies des Couturiers Design Institute in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [Korto relocated to Canada in 1990 following the coup in her homeland Liberia]. Advancing her field experience, she auditioned for and earned a spot on the 5th season of Bravo’s Emmy Nominated show Project Runway. Throughout the season, korto’s primary signature use of color and diversity in print, style and presentation made her one to watch. Her feisty spirit resonated well with the audience earning her the coveted “Fan Favorite” vote and ultimately a placement of 1st runner up.
Career highlights include headlining countless fashion shows worldwide in places like Jamaica, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Honduras, Canada and Liberia. Korto was commissioned by Alice Walton to design uniforms for The Crystal Bridges Museum staff based on her ability to design for people of all shapes and sizes. She served as the “Cheerios ambassador” for the Shoprite Partners in Caring “Knock out Hunger” campaign and continues to contribute her time and talents to countless charitable and philanthropic endeavors.
Highlighted as Top 5 to watch by New York magazine, Korto has been featured in countless international and national publications including Elle, Us weekly, Marie Claire, Arise, and Essence. Television appearances include Project Runway All Stars 3, Arise TV, Bet’s Rip the Runway, Bet’s Lens on Talent, All on the Line and countess more.
In 2019 Korto teamed up with the Female Cannabis group Women Grow to present her SS2020 collection. The collaboration was the presented as when cannabis meets fashion. The line was a high fashion/ athletic leisure line Incorporating sustainable fabrications such as cork& hemp.
Korto Currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband and 2 kids.
HOUSTON
Chasity Sereal started her business in 2009 with inspiration from the late Alexander McQueen.
Her first creative idea was to start with a sweet sixteen tutu dress inspired by colorful trends worn by top celebrities. Being self-taught, she consistently designed, learned quickly, and began to shift her vision and audience. Everyone such as photographers, models, and stylists began to see her determined, fearless and eccentric creativity in her designs. She believes that the Sereal experience is the beginning and end to every woman’s dream.
Now, Sereal is continuously evolving and challenging the standards of high fashion and plans to be published in many more publications. She is always willing to work with new stylists and photographers and wishes for her gowns to be in film in the near future. With detailed creativity and inspiring designs, she hopes to grow each time she finishes a gown, furthering her success story.
HOUSTON
Privilege Swim blurs the line between swim and style, inviting customers to open their eyes and see fashion beyond the runway. Privilege Swim, is an online boutique for women nationwide, based in Houston, TX. When visiting our site, you will discover a variety of unique pieces that will compliment a fabulous lifestyle. Our goal is to provide (fashion forward) unique and one of a kind poolside apparel to women across the world. Key Mccullough launched Privilege Swim June 2016. Since then Privilege Swim has been featured in Houston’s own Citybook Magazine and debuted it’s collection in the 2018 BVI Summer Sizzle Runway Fashion show.
AUSTIN
Kweens Royal Tees is an online Kweentique offering kouture, hand•painted, handcrafted, unique, kustom, uplifting Tee shirts, apparel and accessories allowing each person who purchases our brand to unleash their inner Kween or King. Our apparel is designed to awaken the Royaltee you have within by using ancient powerful symbols, inspirational images and powerful statements helping to uplift our kommunities by helping others recognize their Inner Strength, Inner Beauty and Inner Kourage.
HOUSTON
Alexandria Lee Designs has the vision to provide professional customer care, quality service, and clothing that highlights the uniqueness and creative flare that exist in each of us. Behind this vision is a mother and daughter team, who embraces the differences that makes us who we are: Gwen Davis, CEO and Sr. Designer, and Cortney Hall Jr. The designer started Alexandria Lee Designs in 2015 with a mission to style and engage these generations phenomenal women.
DALLAS
At Phit Clothing, our mission is to make men feel confident and look good no matter where they are on their fitness journey.
Our stylish, size-inclusive activewear is for the active lifestyle and everything in between. No matter your size, shape, color or activity, you phit right in!
So whether it be to the coffee shop, gym or even Australia, with Phit Clothing, you can enjoy the journey.
DALLAS
Brydric Wright’s passion for art and style began in early childhood. From a young age, the Sulphur Springs, Texas, native explored his creativity through drawing, painting, music, cooking, and acting. In 2008 he moved to Dallas with the determination of becoming a fashion designer.
Now, this accomplished young talent has become an active member of the North Texas fashion community. After honing his craft at both the Art Institute of Dallas and Wade College, Brydric continued to pursue his dream of being a designer. He has been featured in prestigious publications and shows such as Voyage Dallas, The Pin Show, Artopia Dallas, RAW Dallas, and semi-finalist for NBC’s Fashion Star season one.
Five Eleven stems from his birth date, May 11. His purpose with the line is to ignite self-confidence and enhance individuality. The Five Eleven customer is a fun modern-day bohemian, a free spirit. No matter where your journey takes you, be Free, be Adventurous, and be Reborn.
FORT LAUDERDALE
Christian Carr born 25th February 1986 in Great Britain. I Immigrated to Florida to be with my mum in 2007.I was ready for a new challenge, So I enrolled f at the art institute of Fort Lauderdale. I started as a male designer with my signature hoodies and jackets and joggers. My creations are custom I design things that are new and fresh, which I infuses street style with high fashion. My inspiration actually comes from things and people around me. I can get inspired by alot of things mainly prints and people around me or I interact with then go home create and sew it up to exsistence. I like to create custom pieces that allow each customer to feel and be unique as I say #getcarrd. Giving you bold fashion forward garments.
STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
Natosha Zanders, founder and CEO of Courageous Creations is a multifaceted business owner. She is a trained Microbiologist and former Professor in the field of Molecular and Environmental Sciences, so just how she start designing clothes? Courageous Creations started in 2017 as a dream, the initial intent was never to make it into a thriving clothing brand or business. She did not attend undergraduate and graduate school to major in fashion design, science is quite the opposite in fact. Although she could visualize these beautiful designs, making them come to life was another story entirely. These creations began to appeal to the women who could also identify with her story and struggles of finding just the right silhouettes to accentuate their body types. She is motivated by the stories of the many women she designs for, how they’ve hidden and suffered from low self-esteem all because of their appearance. Courageous Creation is changing this outlook for the everyday working woman providing custom design clothing services specifically made for curvy women. The fabrics are high quality and very flattering all while being affordable for the average working woman. There is a limited amount of styles made from the same fabrics giving each client an original creation for their wardrobe. What has set Courageous Creations apart from the masses is that the majority of what is produced is exclusive because each piece is custom made addressing the issue of the perfect fit in the mainstream market for curvy women. Also, scraps are re-generated into new looks therefore recycling is a big component of their sustainability.
MILWAUKEE
Hello, I’m Sasha Solana Walton, founder and CEO of “House of Solana.” This is a plus size clothing line that was created at the age of 20 while I was in college. I attended Mount Mary College and studied fashion design for 5 years as well as studying abroad in Paris, France and Antwerp, Belgium.
Also my career has sprouted into a wonderful division of making art with the plus size body and understanding who “She” is and the desire to create for her. Experiencing going to Portland, Oregon, New York fashion week, Curves Beautifully Empowered in Seattle, LOLC Live Out Loud Charity in Chicago, also going to London, England to present my line. I was also the first plus size designer to showcase at Paris Fashion Week with Fashion Week Studio, which has really shown how my clothing line can expand and speak in photos, runway and on the the every day woman.
The motto for House of Solana is the thrive of lavish, beauty, and style. House of Solana is for women that want to look and feel beautiful, for the woman that wants to be fierce from day to night, as well as for the woman who loves the simple look with a twist. I design for plus size women because my passion is for creating that diversity of clothing for women to break out of their shell and be the woman that she commands to be, instead of just one standard of beauty.
AUSTIN
CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA
DALLAS
Rashida Brown is a fashion visionary with a unique approach to her craft that has endeared to fashion enthusiasts. Growing up, she had a flair for fashion but aspired to be a fashion stylist. Rashida has worked professionally in the fashion industry for one year and is the founder of The JaPera Brown Collection, a clothing line which brings timeless designs to contemporary lifestyle. It was also founded with the purpose of building confidence in girls and women. With an eye for quality, superior attention to detail, and unmatched creativity, her clothing line caters for both young girls and women of all sizes and age.
Rashida’s singular aim is to help women reveal their uniqueness and embrace their beauty through her collections. Her thoughtfully crafted motto, “Be the Change I Want to See” shows that she is an exemplary person who is passionate about instilling positivity in the minds of others. Ultimately, her mission is to build Godly confidence in girls and women by providing products that inspire, educate, uplift and push them into true beauty which only lies within.
AUSTIN
Molded and influenced by the art of pop culture from the brushstroke of Basquiat the glove and socks of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk. These iconic moments amongst many in history push creative impressions that evoke the feeling of freedom to express one’s self through art and fashion. Welcome to the creative mind of Day Avery ”Inspired by art.”
LITTLE ROCK
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Self made, innovative and a serial entrepreneur, Daniel Opusunju is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Jahda Global – a family of brands in the fashion industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Obafemi Awolowo University. In the fashion industry Daniel is known as a pioneer, creating cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind designs that disrupt the status quo of typical menswear. He is motivated by his passion for innovation and draws inspiration from everything around him.
The Jahda brand embodies style, uniqueness, luxury and flair for the modern African man. Each piece is designed to be Afro-centric with contemporary hints. Under his Jahda Fashion Bespoke label, his designs include Jagaban (the popular one-armed Agbada), Tradenim (denim infused Ankara), Newman, Brigadier to mention a few. Daniel is also designing a RTW collection that is set to launch later this year.
ATLANTA
HOUSTON
Designer Jessica Oxner has always had an avid love of swimwear, but sometimes it was hard to find a uniquely different suit. While it was relatively easy to find quality swimsuits, but there was always the thought that swimwear could be better by adding embellishments, rhinestones and removable accessories. Out of this thinking came the idea which is the basis for Divergent Swimwear.
AUSTIN
ARION is an emerging brand, catering to the stylish, edgy, and fearless woman. It was started in 2018, and has grown over the years. It has been worn by social media’s most influential groups and it continues to grow rapidly. It blends streetwear and sexy effortlessly while giving early 2000s fashion aesthetics.
DALLAS
199$crilla is a black owned clothing brand that focuses mostly on high fashion, but also creates unique street to lounge wear always putting comfort first. We started designing for ourselves in 2013 and caught so many eyes that we decided to share our talents with the world…
Fashion is not just clothes and gear to us, it is a lifestyle some find hard to understand but many love & we feel we are the future of fashion.
ZIMBABWE // DALLAS
Based in Dallas, Texas, Chrissy Mixon is the owner and designer extraordinaire of Classy You by Chrissy Mixon. It was her love for “all things classy” that influenced her decision to launch the line of apparel in 2016. As a business graduate of Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas (2016), Chrissy went to great lengths to advance her knowledge of business operations and the tenets of entrepreneurship, in that shortly after graduation, she began her career as a fashion designer and business owner. In 2017, Chrissy took some time off to focus on learning the ropes of the fashion world, while building her skills and techniques at the highly accredited El Centro College in Dallas, TX. As a result, Chrissy graduated with both her Fashion Design and Pattern Design degrees in May 2019.
Being a thyroid cancer survivor, Chrissy wanted her brand to help women feel beautiful, embrace their body types in a custom made piece, while also boosting their confidence, since she experienced the lack thereof herself. The Zimbabwean-born, Texas-bred designer’s brand and collection caters to the sophisticated and fashion-forward woman who embraces class as a lifestyle. Classy You also reflects some of Chrissy’s Zimbabwean culture and expresses it through her African inspired chic collections with a twist, to the everyday familiar look. Having battled with inaccurate accounts of self-esteem herself, she made empowering women a part of the brand vision. Chrissy also takes pride in giving back to the community and has participated in fundraising events such as the infamous Goodwill Industries Project Goodwill Runway show, giving back to the less privileged and the Pulmonary Awareness fashion show to educate others and support the survivors.
She believes that her luxury brand will reach today’s elegant, stylish woman and beyond. Chrissy aspires to venture her creativity into evening wear, special occasion and red carpet to name a few. Classy You will forever reflect the true essence of a lady!
SEATTLE
Amber Holmes Originals specialized in whimsical custom designs. Each piece is wearable art. Amber Holmes received her education in fashion at the Art Institute of San Antonio and built her business in Texas for 8 years. Now hard in Seattle, Washington, Ms. Holmes had embattled on creating an international brand and making a name for herself as an editorial creative director.
CHICAGO
Zarotic Allure ,A Chicago based custom design company. Created 8 years ago, established 4 years ago by 26 years old Ziara Holmes . This young designer aims to please all sizes and body types with her fun and sexy attire . She offers A variety of clothing styles but specialize in form fitting clothing. This designer doesn’t disappoint with he formal nor ready to wear customs.
NEW ORLEANS
I’m a seamstress and jewelry designer from New Orleans, currently living in Baton Rouge. I love what I do and thankful to show it.
LOS ANGELES
I am an aspiring fashion designer from Los Angeles California. I’ve been sewing and drawing since I was a little girl and would like to take a leap of faith and sew professionally!
HOUSTON
Creative Director, Celeste Johnny-Madhere, is no novice when it comes to the art of fashion.
From assisting her mom cutting out McCall’s patterns to designing original evening wear for prom, she got an early start that led her straight to the fashion industry’s capital, New York City.
Celeste then went on to pursue a career designing swimwear that would soon make waves among A-list trendsetters including Rihanna, Taraji P. Henson, Lala Anthony and Adrienne Bailon. Her collections have been featured in Elle UK, Essence and Shape Magazine, while boasting media coverage across esteemed platforms like Access Hollywood, ABC Chicago, BET Rip the Runway and movie productions.
Now she is devoting her talents to her new love, OLIVIA LONDON.
OLIVIA LONDON is an “aspirational” swimwear brand for the woman who desires to own the moment with luxury, sensuality and exclusivity. In a world full of rooftop pool parties, having signature swimwear is vital. This brand offers a unique alternative to the everyday swimwear currently found in the marketplace.
With her first OLIVIA LONDON collection, Shades of Brazil, Celeste takes us on a coastal journey showcasing the vibrant spirit and diverse culture of Brazil.
This collection is by far is her best work and truly inspires you to Live, Love, Swim.
ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY
A graduate of Traphagen School of Fashion New York, NY. She worked in the garment industry for McGowan’s Fabrics as a Sales Associate, Simplicity Pattern Co as a Technical Illustrator, Liz Claiborne as a Tech Spec and Allison Mfg licensee for Disney Children’s Apparel as a Product Coordinator.
Although Bashira started her career in the garment industry with great experiences she always felt she was more on an artist than a fashion designer and became known for her choice of fabrics and color pallets.
In 2001 she converted to Islam and understood the importance of a modest form of style as a Muslim woman. Initially she started designing garments for herself and eventually established a clientele that led her to open her first boutique in Newark, NJ.
With more than 30 years in fashion she has had several business names, however, “Bashira Made It” became sentimental after hearing how her clients would reference her surname rather than her business name and in 2018 she registered Bashira Made It LLC as a legal entity.
Her design aesthetic is for the woman who knows what she wants and where she’s going to wear it. Bashira’s inspiration comes from nature, theatre, and creative conversations. Her dream is to have her designs manufactured and carried in boutiques throughout the country and abroad and for everyone to know that an African American Muslim Woman by the name of Bashira, made it.
DETROIT
Hello I’m NuNu the creator of 2NU4U fashion. My brand is creative, youthful, and out of the box slow fashion. My goal is to not waste material. In fact, sometimes I even use the salvage. I have always held careers where I wore a uniform like the United States Navy and Corrections that motivated me to wanna dress very unique after work. I love making my own clothing and accessories. I would say, “when I get off work it’s time to get 2Nu4u! So here you go!
US: DALLAS
US: PHILADELPHIA
Malanda currently resides in Philadelphia with her family. You can find her custom designs on Instagram at Landa_Style_Collections and on Facebook at Landa Style Collections. She is currently taking request by social media, email at [email protected]
US: AUSTIN
US: CHICAGO