November 9-13, 2011BUY TICKETS
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION: FEATURED DESIGNER | EMERGING DESIGNER | YOUNG DESIGNER
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November 9-13, 2011BUY TICKETS
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION: FEATURED DESIGNER | EMERGING DESIGNER | YOUNG DESIGNER
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Thomas Lavone is an award winning New Jersey based fashion designer and entrepreneur; known for his exceptional talent in RTW gowns, suits and fine apparel with a celebrity following. He achieved special recognition when he made an appearance along with his designs on the TV show "Jerseylicious".
The Thomas Lavone reputation is best recognized by the meticulous attention to detail in the hand-made one of kind designs paired with the creativity, timeless sophistication, and class that is synonymous with the brand and the designer behind the creations.
"Redefine yourself with Thomas Lavone"
Like many designers, Elizabeth began designing as a child. The daughter of a master tailor, and fourth generation designer, for as long as she can remember, she spent countless hours in her family's workshop, studying gowns & learning techniques.
Living in the Washington, DC area, the workshop was always full of beautiful evening and ball gowns that would be seen at the black tie affairs around town.
Elizabeth decided to pursue her other passions, science and nature, in college. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Environmental Studies and Cultural Anthropology, and soon began a decade of working for conservation projects that allowed her to visit some of the most remote places on Earth.
In February 2010, Elizabeth launched the Elizabeth St John label with her first bridal collection at the French Embassy Couture show for DC Fashion week. She has subsequently added destination bridal, cocktail, and most recently, children's wear to the collection. She will introduce her new eveningwear collection for Spring 2012.
Clothing design and manufacturing have been a lifelong dream for April. Educated in Business Management, she spent 15 years in investor relations and business development.
In 2002 April moved towards her dream and opened "Vintage 'n Vogue" where she featured Florida designers. In 2004 she followed her husband to Malaysia and used the
opportunity to study fashion illustration. While in Malaysia, April was invited to show her first collection at Silk Week in HangZhou, China. Shortly afterwards, April created "Foxers" women’s underwear with the waistband design from men’s boxer shorts.
Essentially they serve as a way for women to have the comfort and style of boxer shorts but still look and feel sexy. In a little over a year, "Foxers" has gone from start-up to national distribution, making it's launch nationwide
as well as being the exclusive outfitter for the Lingerie Football League! Celebrity fans include Beyonce, the Backstreet Boys, and Jordin Sparks. This year, she re-located her business in Atlanta, GA.
VAFW will be showing her 2012 Bridal collection with lots of surprises!
Michael Taylor never ceases to dazzle and amaze with his couture gowns and his 2010/2011 collection will be no exception! Michael Taylor Couture was born in Richmond, VA when its 2006 spring collection was unveiled.
The business sprang forth from 7th Avenue in New York City where owner Michael Taylor spent 16 years
at his previous fashion firm specializing in women’s and men’s custom fit designer garments in outerwear, sportswear, active sportswear, suiting, and evening/special occasion. Michael has an extensive
background in fashion and has served as an adjuct professor at Parsons School of Design, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Recently Michael had the privilege of
outfitting several prominent women for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and Ball. He currently creates his
couture gowns in his studio and shop in Richmond.
Azi Blas is foremost a creative and passionate man. From fashion, art and design, now hair and wig designs including headdress.
All this is not coincidental. But God breath and given , his grandmother a humble seamstress and his grandfather a carpenter. His father a photo journalist; Wonderful elements to a great start.
A graduate of Parsons School Of Design, Azi also continued professional studies at the Fashion Institute Of Technology. Although permanently partially disabled, he still believes that one can still do something to some degree!
Starting as a fashion producer at the age of fifteen, seamster, tailor, at the age of nineteen, later as a young man an accessories designer and fashion designer, Azi Blas uses all senses of art and design to produce one of a kind couture gowns, dresses, and separates.
Brehon Williams, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, has been designing for 4 years. His unique, innovative, and minimalist-like aesthetic has allotted him the opportunity to participate in numerous
shows across the East Coast. He was awarded the Best Upcoming Designer Award at the 2009 Virginia Fashion Awards. His line, BREHON (formerly known as Noihsaf or "Fashion Backwards"), is on an upward advance with the help of God,
hard work, and perseverance. "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." Brehon will surprise and stun with his latest collection.
A graduate of the College of William & Mary who interned in Paris , Mikasa was the winner of last years student designer competition. In 2009 she began working for A.K.O.O. and Play Clothes
designs as well as working freelance as a stylist and designer. She was delighted in the summer of 2010 to accept an offer to work in the New York fashion house of Laundry by Shelli Segal. Mikassa is also
creating her own couture line and will return home to VA to debut at VA Fashion Week 2010. Her designs are highly original and
include everything from swimwear to evening and cocktail dresses, from the very wearable to the spectacular couture meant to dazzle! We look forward to a dazzling show from
emerging star Mikasa La’Charles
Born and partially raised in Brooklyn New York, Stephon Stallings entered the world of design at a young age. As a child, Stephon has always showed a great interest
in fashion by illustrating elementary design concepts.By the time Stephon was done with his sophomore year in high school he had taught himself how to sew and
was producing clothing from his illustrations; and because of his talent, Stephon has designed for numerous local designers, fashion
shows, and clients. At the age of 20, Stephon has created a female clothing line called Vintage Hazel that showcase his love for old
time fashions with a new twist. Vintage Hazel is an elite clothing company targeted towards the urban community. The company is designed
to provide vintage couture fashions with an edge, geared towards young women and men to set them apart from the average consumer.
Sylvia Hill has always had the passion and heart for fashion! Because of this, in 2008, CLU? clothing line was launched.
Sylvia has jumped into fashion from the very bottom from a vision and is working diligently towards success with no limits! With a fresh Spiritual concept, her designs are to keep
you gorgeous as well as encouraged. Sylvia has experience in counseling men amd women towards finding ways to better their lives...now she is joining the fashion world in keeping people
beautiful as well as continuing her mission to encourage their Spiritual prosperity. 
Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, Gohar graduated from the National Academy of Fine Arts in Yerevan and began designing at Armenia's premiere Zatik Fashion Studio. Her work has been showcased on the runways at Paris Fashion Week, in Moscow and in Armenia.
Gohar got married and moved to the United States in 2007, bringing with her a unique sense of fashion and design. She and her husband founded Ayvazyan & de Beauvoir Couture, also known as AB Couture, with the goal of making their mark in the US fashion industry.
Gohar’s style emphasizes not only Armenian artwork but also meshes together elements from different cultures. She works primarily with all natural silks, linens and cottons creating elegant handmade outfits to make every woman feel beautiful and young at heart.
There is an abundance of creativity hiding under the eloquently draped moss that covers Savannah, Ga. Mamie Ruth designer, Emily Bargeron is inspired by the southern hospitality, ancient architecture,
and unique souls that roam Savannah's cobblestone streets. It is apparent that her creativity flourishes in her hospitable home through her ventures in the fashion industry. Her label, 'Mamie Ruth'
is inspired by her sweet southern grandmother who would allow her to "plunder" through her mounds of vintage baubles and bangles and adorn herself in her southern splendor. Hence, where Emily's love
for fashion emerged. Today each Mamie Ruth design is made from eco- friendly fabrics and African wax prints. A percentage of the profits from the wax fabric benefits starving children in Africa.
Mamie Ruth's aesthetic may change from season to season but will always be built on southern hospitality, strong family values, and the big 'ole hearts that southerners are well known for.
Cheryl M. Altschuler, CEO of Cheri Fashions, LLC ( www.cherifashions.com) received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from the prestigious Pratt Institute of New York in 2006. Recent presentations of Cheryl’s
collections include “Rogues Gallery Presents”, NYC Fashion Show, Sept 2011; during New York Fashion Week. She previously showed at VA Fashion Week in 2008 & 2010.
Cheri Fashions, LLC’s collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade, customized and unique women’s evening, couture and ready-to-wear outfits is comprised of vibrant colored prints combined with stretch cotton
and velour fabrics highlighted with faux fur, faux leather and other trims. The clothing that Cheryl designs provides a fresh and perky look for all ages. Her creative use of stretch fabrics
in her fashion designs permits a wide variety of women of all shapes and sizes to look stunning. She gets her inspiration from natural pristine environments such as rain forests and oceans.
Cheryl uses a variety of colors in her designs inspired by animals and their surrounding natural habitats.
Her clothing is available for sale on the Cheri Fashions, LLC website.
Donita Jackson is the creator of Kiswanna, a unique line of classic pieces mixed with a vibrant edge which make her collection ageless. Donita is a native of New Brunswick NJ. She holds degrees
in Business and Visual Art. She believes her experience in Fine Arts gives her designs a unique perspective and each design is a work of art. Donita considers her artistic ability and vision a gift,
and a vehicle to be used to help others. Donita utilizes Arts and Fashion to raise money for various charities and also annually donates custom designed prom attire for young women and men who would
not be able to afford the attire to attend their prom. Donita specializes in visual imagery, art for the body and mind. Her designs make the wearer feel beautiful and confident so their inner spirit shines.
Thomas Ruffin has had his creative blood flowing through his body since he was a child. He showed his artistic skills, which were easily recognized by age 15.
After taking classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), he moved to Washington DC, continued his studies in retail merchandising and worked for some designers.
Thomas has been a successful part of many fashion events on the East Coast, including the Congressional Black Caucus Fashion Show. Today Thomas Ruffin has partnered with Torey Thomas
and Lourdes Torres to create T.2 Design Group, which is an escape or getaway from the norm. As designer and creative director of T.2 Design Group, Thomas Ruffin, creates work that conveys
his vision with a blending of originality and creativity of fashions past and present.
Willie Hall
After working for 20 years as a medical assistant, Willie Hall felt fashion was her true calling and
went back to school to learn what was new in the fashion industry. She says "DESIGNERS ARE NOT MADE THEY'RE BORN. I owe all of what I do to God because he made me,
and the amazing people he allowed me to meet along the way." Her designs have taken the industry by storm, her collection shown at VAFW 2009 was a stunning success. We all eagerly anticipate the brand new line Willie will show at VAFW 2010!
Deon Croom
Designer Deon Croom attended the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts with formal training in musical theatre,where he fell in love with costume design for theatre.
Deon has a philosophy that fashion is combination of visual art and fantasy rolled up into one to create a moving work of art. Deon is a winning fashion designer in
several competitions, such as winner of Waki Wear Designer of the year out of Cleveland Ohio for 2002,North Carolina Emerging Designer (Finalist )2005.
Designer Deon was also one of the featured designers for New York Fashion Week 2002 with a group of seven emerging designers across the US to showcase their designs at prestigious Parson School of Designs(SEVENTH ON SEVENTH).
Issa Bolden
Issa Bolden was born in Portsmouth Va in 1981, and attended Norfolk State University and TCC, where he received a degree in Web design and Video Production. Issa has been a Professional Videographer for over 6 years.
He always wanted to start a clothing line, 2 years ago he made that happen. In 2009 Issa started his Greek Fashion Graphic T shirt line. Since then, his designs have been featured in two fashion shows with the help of
partners Dionne Bass and Danielle Bass. And in November of 2011 he will be showcasing the Greek Fashion line and some hand made Pieces in both VA Fashion Week's Urban Show and in the Lawrence Brothers Hair and Fashion show.
Brennan Crick, aka Cr1k is from Newport News Va. This young artist in a graphic design world started off as a graphic designer. Currently Designing for AKOO (T.I.'s clothing line) also designed for other urban brands such as Playcloths,
Azzure, shmack, and Imperial Junkie. From there, knowledge was gained to have the resources to come out with an independent clothing brand. With screen printing as a background, Cr1k built his own screen printing press and stared
International Rebel Club clothing out of his garage. Rebel Club is a brand of independence and following no boundaries or rules of fashion. No trends or fads. A street wear brand that has a statement that says "we answer to No One"
Crys Woodard is the owner/designer of LEGTALKINC llc ~New York. Crystal knew at she was destined to be a fashion label owner. In 2007 She moved to Atlanta GA were she
attended Bauder College and came up with the concept of making glamorous and fun simply designed-but stunning leggings for women. During her stay in Atlanta she would make party dresses for special
clients there, one, which includes Lisa Wu from Atlanta Housewives. Over time she took a much greater liking to making herself fabulous leggings to wear out to enjoy Atlanta’s nightlife, something
cute and simple-which describes her style. She then took her business up North to New York in 2009 and that’s where she received her first wholesale order
and has been booming every since. LEGTALKINC is now carried in different boutiques in Texas, NY, GA and now Mississippi. Gaining the attention of a few industry socialites like Tae Hackard and Lola Monro
(just to name a few of our clients) we are continuing to provide excellence in style with our brand! LEGTALKINC LLC is an upscale brand that displays its identity to its buyers/clients by offering high-end
fashionable leggings. We take pride in how our leggings are designed. The prints, style and fit are fabulous! This is our slogan >>> “We are a Lifestyle! Live it…”