Authentic Beauties

~ Fashion Showcase ~

~ New Orleans ~

Copa: When did you ladies get the idea to create this wonderful fashion show?

Dr. Niecy & Azalea Lindsey: The idea about having our own fashion showcase came up a few times after a fashion competition show in Destin, FL in 2021. After our experience at that competition, we decided that we wanted to present a drama free production that encourages empowerment and self-confidence.

Cathy Mason: While talking to Azalea Lindsey one day, she told me that I was positive role model for others and that she loved my style in clothes and she thought I would be a great fit for the Authentic Beauties. 

​Joy Pilot: I met Dr. Niecy walking fashion shows in New York, Las Vegas and along the Fashion sector. I was asked by Dr. Niecy to join this wonder team of ladies, the Authentic Beauties.​ 

Copa: Where are you from?

Azalea Lindsey: New Orleans, LA.

Joy Pilot: Dulac, LA.

Cathy Mason: Amite, LA

​Dr. Niecy: Glade Spring, VA.

Copa: What are you fashion backgrounds?

Azalea Lindsey: My fashion background started when I was in grade school. My mother would put me in all of the fashion shows that would come up in our town. I was so excited because of the beautiful color clothing. I believe that was me and I felt comfortable in that industry. I decided that’s what I wanted to do so I graduated from John Casablanca's and ever since then I have been in the fashion industry, enjoying and loving it.

Joy Pilot: I have been in the Fashion and the Entertainment Industry for over 20 plus years. Walking over 100 plus shows in a year sometimes, including New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week making me an international model as well. I’m also a model coach hosting private and group workshops to teach not only showcasing garments but also the business side of the industry as well. 

Cathy Mason: I was always into to fashion, but we grew up poor and I couldn’t afford to go to modeling school. Now I enjoy modeling and being a part of the fashion industry.

Dr. Niecy: As a teenager, I dreamed of being a clothing designer and I actually had the opportunity of having my sketches published in Black Digest. I also, as a teenager briefly modeled for John Casablanca's. Recently I had the opportunity to model a few times in the "Beautiful You Fashion Tour" and in the Indie Fashion Show in NYC.

Authentic Beauty CEO's Dr, Niecy Fuqua and Azalea Lindsey

Ms. Odessa Campbell. Honorary Authentic Beauty

Authentic Beauties CEO, Cathy Mason

Authentic Beauties CEO, Joy Pilot

Host, The "Fabulous" Dejavu

Copa: Will there be a specific theme to the show, and what is the title of this wonderful fashion presentation?

​Authentic Beauties: Our theme aligns with our branding which is elegance, sophistication, and the promoting of self-confidence. "Authentic Beauties Fashion Showcase" is the name of our presentation.

Copa: How many models will be participating and where are they all from? 

​Authentic Beauties: There are 25 models from all over the world, US and from out of the country.

Copa: Will there be any specific designers featured in your fashion showcase?

Authentic Beauties: Gina T. Fashion, Sonakana Rose, and Yoge’ Fashion.

Copa: Where did the show take place and what date and what time?

​Authentic Beauties:  NOLA Skyline Event Center, 10001 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite 1100. It took place on Oct. 29, 2022, at 7 p.m.

Copa: Are you planning to have any entertainment? 

Authentic Beauties: We have a live DJ for this fashion showcase, focusing on putting the designer’s brand in front of retail buyers.

~ PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS ~

* Michael Bonelli

Hair by Breanna Bodison (Beyond Beautiful)