Jean Anne Roberts
Reports on
~ The Gatsby Showcase ~
~ Fashion Show ~
By JeanAnne Roberts
Copa Style Magazine Pageant Events Correspondent
Last night was an elegant affair at The Gatsby Showcase Awards and Fashion Show. From the beginning, entering the Salamander Hotel, there was glamour everywhere. As Mrs. DC America 2020 and a guest for this exquisite event, I was wearing the loveliest Ramona Designs Creation. This gown was embellished with pink petals. This Egyptian designer based in Washington DC has feminine and delicate styles, perfect for any red-carpet event.
As I went down the escalator, the beginning of the fashion show had already begun. The crowd was dressed to impress. Men were wearing tuxes and designer suits. The women were wearing elegant designer gowns and cocktail dresses.
The designers being showcased for the night were 2 African American Designers, Anya by Vivien and Miguel Wilson Collection. Vivian had breathtaking gowns and short cocktail dresses. Some of the designs had ruffles which added a romantic flair. But the exquisite gold sequin gown on the gorgeous model was the one that stole the show. It was reminiscent of Hollywood Glamour. The Miguel Wilson Collection had the most unique suits. My favorite was a red sequin jacket that was the perfect style for a Christmas or Holiday Party.
The host of this show was Hollywood actor Vivica Fox. She looked gorgeous in a sequin green gown by the American Fashion Designer Sheri Hill. The showstopper of the night was supermodel Beverly Johnson. She was the 1st African American woman to grace the covers of many iconic magazines. She wore a black and white striped gown that showed off her elegance. She was even more beautiful in person and gave an inspiring speech on inner and outer beauty.
he lovely Lizeth Alvarado, owner of Epic Beauty RX was the interviewer for the stars and guests. She was wearing a velvet gown that highlighted her gorgeous silhouette. She interviewed Vivica Fox, asking her many questions including her secret to success. She then asked Beverly Johnson about her epic career and beauty secrets!
Beauty queens were in attendance. Julia Chang, Mrs. Maryland United States of America pageants was looking regal in her blue velvet gown with the crown on her head. All the state and local queens from this pageant organization were adding a regalness to the night.
The event was also a fundraiser to support startup companies for minority entrepreneurs. The lady receiving funds from The Gatsby Foundation for 2022 told her story of growing up in the slums without ever owning a pair of shoes. Her parents died when she was 7 years old. Her only way to succeed was through schooling. She was blessed to find an organization to provide money for her education. After graduating from college, she was then able to become an entrepreneur and open her own Footwear Company. Because of her childhood experience, she has a passion to make sure everyone can afford a pair of shoes.
The event was also a fundraiser to support startup companies for minority entrepreneurs. The lady receiving funds from The Gatsby Foundation for 2022 told her story of growing up in the slums without ever owning a pair of shoes. Her parents died when she was 7 years old. Her only way to succeed was through schooling. She was blessed to find an organization to provide money for her education. After graduating from college, she was then able to become an entrepreneur and open her own Footwear Company. Because of her childhood experience, she has a passion to make sure everyone can afford a pair of shoes.
The ending of the night was an after party to mingle and meet many famous and talented people from many different industries and organizations. Some of the people I spoke with included an International Model, Tameka Jones, who had just arrived from London to see the event. I also spoke with Cintia Hullen, DC supermodel and runway model for the show. Debra Ovall, a runway model for Randhawa brands to be held in NYFW on February 10, 2023, was wearing a red sequin stunner. Craig Kelley and Grayson Mathew were 2 of the DC male models on the stage that night who will also be gracing the stage at New York Fashion Week. I also met a talented DC videographer named Aaron Dudley. His business is called Gods image is you. He was one of the videographers for the Gatsby Showcase who had also recently been the videographer for “We will survive Cancer” with the David Yurman Collection.
This night was a night to remember with fashion, Hollywood stars and fundraising for an amazing cause. A gift bag was given to every guest. It was an exquisite night at the Salamander Hotel.