Photography by Phelan Mark, Models: Craig Kelley and Miss Twitty
By Dr. Karla M. Kornegay, MBA Copa Style Magazine 'Lifestyle Correspondent' |
(Editing and Layout) By Rodney Wayne Branche |
"The Gatsby Showcase"
PHENOMENAL, VIVACIOUS, FABULOUS, SPAN-NEW, BEAUTEOUS AND GALVANIC ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THE FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA.
This dynamic fashion show, hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 2021. Derrick, who is a sought-after celebrity make-up artist, is in a league of his own. His talents have extended exclusively to Oprah Winfrey. The consummate professional, prior to becoming Oprah Winfrey’s make-up artist, Derrick painted the illuminary faces of Michelle Obama, Chaka Khan and Beyonce’ thus catapulting himself into another spectrum of professional make-up artistry.
This dynamic fashion show, hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 2021. Derrick, who is a sought-after celebrity make-up artist, is in a league of his own. His talents have extended exclusively to Oprah Winfrey. The consummate professional, prior to becoming Oprah Winfrey’s make-up artist, Derrick painted the illuminary faces of Michelle Obama, Chaka Khan and Beyonce’ thus catapulting himself into another spectrum of professional make-up artistry.
Derrick Rutledge is displaying one of his latest products "Aura Glow Serum"
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Quintessential in his own right, Derrick’s work has been featured in numerous magazines domestically and internationally. Derrick is a native Washingtonian having worked for several years at Black Entertainment Television (BET). While there he worked with several notable music artists, actors and, actresses.
Later, Mr. Rutledge launched an amazing product,called the "Aura Glow Serum," which is presently available for order on his website: Perfectingyourpresence.com His aptitude in the world of make-up artistry soon spilled over to the big screen, and was highlighted in the dramatic Walt Disney and Ava Duvernay collective film, “A Wrinkle in Time”. |
Derrick Rutledge - Showcase Ambassador
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Photography by Phelan Mark
Grayson Schmelzer
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Audrey Smaltz - Commentator
Therefore, it is no wonder that “The Gatsby Showcase” went off without a hitch, being flawless and extraordinary in all of its gloriousness! The fashion, the glitz, the colors, the glam, the lights and nostalgia were overwhelmingly wonderful with celebrity Fashion Fair Commentator and Fashion Icon, Audrey Smaltz as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The show moved along with ease and elegance featuring some remarkably talented designers all with direct ties to the Motherland, the continent of Africa.
Audrey entered the the fashion world in New York as a Model at Bloomingdale's in 1962 and worked with several major retailers in Manhattan as a Fashion Buyer and coordinator during the 1960's.
In 1970, Ms. Smaltz was hired to become the Fashion Editor for Ebony Magazine and commentator for the famed Ebony Fashion Fair of Chicago.
Audrey entered the the fashion world in New York as a Model at Bloomingdale's in 1962 and worked with several major retailers in Manhattan as a Fashion Buyer and coordinator during the 1960's.
In 1970, Ms. Smaltz was hired to become the Fashion Editor for Ebony Magazine and commentator for the famed Ebony Fashion Fair of Chicago.
Laura Fote
Laura Fote, Owner of L&B Concepts is based in Laurel, Maryland. This luxury party rental company showcased exquisite crystal glassware and serveware intertwined with fashion, thus providing the audience with uninterrupted treats for their eyes.
Laura was born in Cameroon, West Africa. Her mother, a successful entrepreneur was a great example to her Laura in her early years. Later in1995 Ms. Fote moved to the United States and started her education at West Virginia University before working as a nurse for over 14 years.
Later, after marrying her husband she began her trek to becoming a great entrepreneur like her mother by establishing L&B Concepts, a luxury rental company that also offers retail and wholesale products.
Laura was born in Cameroon, West Africa. Her mother, a successful entrepreneur was a great example to her Laura in her early years. Later in1995 Ms. Fote moved to the United States and started her education at West Virginia University before working as a nurse for over 14 years.
Later, after marrying her husband she began her trek to becoming a great entrepreneur like her mother by establishing L&B Concepts, a luxury rental company that also offers retail and wholesale products.
Ese Azenabor
Featured Designer Ese Azenabor, a native of Nigeria is a self taught designer learned from a family friend to make the best out of her designs by working wonders with fabric from her vivid imagination. Ese is now based in Dallas, Texas. She was always fascinated by the amazing textures and various colors available to work with.
Ese's ultimate goal is to empower women through the art of fashion design. Her line was officially launched in 2012 with over 21 collections to date.
Ms. Azenabor's wonderful designs have been worn by prominent celebrities like Taraji P. Henson, Tara Banks, Michelle Williams, Vivica A. Fox, and many more. Without any doubt, the future looks bright for this creative designer!
Ese's ultimate goal is to empower women through the art of fashion design. Her line was officially launched in 2012 with over 21 collections to date.
Ms. Azenabor's wonderful designs have been worn by prominent celebrities like Taraji P. Henson, Tara Banks, Michelle Williams, Vivica A. Fox, and many more. Without any doubt, the future looks bright for this creative designer!
Daniel Morphy
Brilliant Menswear Designer Daniel Morphy is the founder of Don Morphy, a Dallas based custom menswear brand. Morphy describes his clothing brand as "bold, exciting, and timeless."
Daniel is a Cameroonian native who looks forward to a bright outlook with his vision of fashion and style. He travels the globe to attend top Menswear shows to keep in pace with the latest trends.
In 2019 Mofor was awarded one of fashion's most prestigious honors as the "Rising Star" winner for Menswear by Fashion Group International NYC, with congratulatory recognition from many fashion related brands, groups, and publications. This was the first time a Dallas based designer received an award for the menswear category.
Philanthropy is essential to Daniel Mofor and the Don Morphy brand. In addition to his support of many organizations such as DIFFA Dallas and City House, Mofor recently launched his own initiative, "Pay It Forward."
Daniel is a Cameroonian native who looks forward to a bright outlook with his vision of fashion and style. He travels the globe to attend top Menswear shows to keep in pace with the latest trends.
In 2019 Mofor was awarded one of fashion's most prestigious honors as the "Rising Star" winner for Menswear by Fashion Group International NYC, with congratulatory recognition from many fashion related brands, groups, and publications. This was the first time a Dallas based designer received an award for the menswear category.
Philanthropy is essential to Daniel Mofor and the Don Morphy brand. In addition to his support of many organizations such as DIFFA Dallas and City House, Mofor recently launched his own initiative, "Pay It Forward."
Photography by Bill Hart,
Model: Hailey Mariee
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Photography by Phelan Marc,
Model: Turkei
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Photography by Bill Hart,
Model: Hailey Marie
Photography by Phelan Mark
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Photography by Phelan Mark
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Photography by Phelan Mark,
Yana Ziolkowski
“The Gatsby Showcase” was nothing but inspiration on the runway in every aspect. Something for one to see and so much to be in awe of. Dthis amazing fashion extravaganza, these Featured Designers and the models were nothing short of delivering an exquisite presentation!
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Various photos of attendees taken by guests:
Story by: Dr.Karla M.Kornegay, MBA
Dr. Karla is a Disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran, the CEO of Kornegay & Assoc., LLC, a published author, a former model, a community and political activist and an avid volunteer in Charles County, Maryland.
Dr. Karla is a Disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran, the CEO of Kornegay & Assoc., LLC, a published author, a former model, a community and political activist and an avid volunteer in Charles County, Maryland.
