Emily Kennerly Gonzaga
~Fashion Show Producer/Designer~
The Georgetown Fashion Show 2019
Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copa: When was the first Georgetown Fashion Show and what encouraged you to establish it.
Emily: The first Georgetown Fashion Show was back in 2013. It was known as “Splash at the waterfront for the first 3 years”
D’Milikah Beachwear was my brand was the only fashion line shown on the stage.
As a producer myself I realized that the show and the platform itself could carry a bigger opportunity to showcase other fellow designers. So now every year as the show has grown larger to the point we now invite 5 clothing designers to the show.
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Copa: How many designers will be participating in this years show?
Emily: We'll be having 7 designers this year which will include a shoe designer and jewelry designer. Copa: You have made the outdoor fashion show unique by its location on the riverfront. How did you get everything organized and what does it usually take?
Emily: The logistics are never easy. When you have a hotel lobby, a ballroom or a night club to put together a fashion show or event things can go much smoother. Here for Georgetown Fashion Show we count on God, to begin with, to bless us with a good weather! We count and depend on several factors, some of which are out of our control. Hair and make-up artists must be alert and aware of the heat that day so minor details must always be improved upon at the last minute while trying to stick with the overall look we choose each year. Designers and models have their final fittings at the yachts while my whole time is deep on preparations for VIPs, soundcheck and more. The entire event happens in the middle of Georgetown, in the heart of our nation’s capital. Not discounting the huge love and respect I have to all media that has followed us for 7 years. Under that hot and busy Georgetown taking the best shots of the whole event: show and our VIP guests. This major effort is made possible by our forever sponsors Nicks Riverside Grill and Tony’s and Joes are also a big piece of it. As a visionary I see this show as truly team-work! And yes, I do have the A-team as I always say! As a producer, I try my very best to keep all going smooth for you to have the best show ever. 
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Copa: How would you describe the big show for 2019?
Emily: Without a doubt, this show will be the best so far because of the designer's wonderful creations. This is the biggest outdoor fashion show of the Summer. Copa: Please tell us about your line-up of Designers for this year and what their focus will be.
Emily: * A concept by Afua Sam. We will see many tons of yellows, blues, and reds. A casual prêt-à-porter A’La my Ghanaian sister Afua. * We will flavor it up and the very creative Anca Designs who have graced our runways for 3 years in a row and I just love to watch how fearless she has become as a designer. * D’Milikah Beachwear (my babe brand) * The Tim Bradley Collection: The only male designer this year is bringing his casual chic and some sexy bumbum appeal to our runway to differentiate a bit. * Justina Prince designs. Handcrafted, upscale gowns that can be worn by edge and risk takers. * Hernan Gigena, our Jewelry designer. His work is energetic, whimsical and colorful and is displayed in public and private collections such as the Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Phillips Collections and the World Bank. * Mosstso, our fabulous shoe designer. He will be showcasing his shoe line “The Worlds 1st Adjustable high-heeled shoes”. We are very excited to include his pieces in the show this year. Copa: Who will be your special entertainers featured for 2019, last year's line up was phenomenal.
Emily: We have the all amazing MilliAllDay, a Rapper to entertain us at the show break. Also, we'll introduce the super sultry voice of Elizabeth Fellows singing her newest song “Supernatural!” |
Copa: As you are aware, the hosts and MC's set the pace of the show. What fabulous individuals will have for us?
Emily: Ashley Karina will return again to host the show. She is the former Miss Earth USA Air 2017 and the current Miss DC Cosmos United States 2019.
Lamont Easter will also return again as our co-host. He works in television, film, and commercials. You may remember him from shows such as Netflix’s "House of Cards," Showtime’s "Homeland," HBO "VEEP," and "Madam Secretary" on CBS.
Emily: Ashley Karina will return again to host the show. She is the former Miss Earth USA Air 2017 and the current Miss DC Cosmos United States 2019.
Lamont Easter will also return again as our co-host. He works in television, film, and commercials. You may remember him from shows such as Netflix’s "House of Cards," Showtime’s "Homeland," HBO "VEEP," and "Madam Secretary" on CBS.
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Copa: Please share with our readers about special arrangements planned for VIP Ticket holder during and after the Georgetown Fashion Show.
Emily: VIP's will have a special vantage point this year from which to view the show. Our seating area is extended so they will have their choice of seeing the show from both sides of the runway which we have never done before. They will feel as though they are in the show!
Wednesday, July 17th, 2019! Designers will show Fall and Spring 2020 collections while surrounded by partnering yachts, celebrities, representatives of local restaurants, featured fashion brands, music, giveaways and more!
Rain date: July 25th
Emily: VIP's will have a special vantage point this year from which to view the show. Our seating area is extended so they will have their choice of seeing the show from both sides of the runway which we have never done before. They will feel as though they are in the show!
Wednesday, July 17th, 2019! Designers will show Fall and Spring 2020 collections while surrounded by partnering yachts, celebrities, representatives of local restaurants, featured fashion brands, music, giveaways and more!
Rain date: July 25th
~Copa!