Harley Morgan
~ Fashion Show Coordinator ~
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Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Harley: For high school, I graduated from Eastern Senior High, and for college, Bowie State University! I’m in the final phase of getting my certification in Streetwear Essentials from Parsons! Copa: Where are you from?
Harley: I’m from Washington, DC – a Washingtonian, born and raised! I spent most of my life in Northwest DC near Howard University. Copa: When did you become interested in the World of Fashion?
Harley: I started as a model in 1999 while in high school. I became interested in the energy, excitement, and power that comes with a fashion production IMMEDIATELY! Like 2 years after, I spent a lot of time with one of the most talented designers out of DC – Celebrity Designer TRISTAN BLAKE! Seeing him conceptualize and bring a garment to life was so intriguing! I’ve been a fan of design, structure, and eccentricity in garments ever since. |
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Copa: Please share some memorable experiences you've had with various
Fashion shows and interesting people. Harley: Memorable experiences and interesting people, wow, that’s hard to do over 20+ years! A few things that immediately come to mind mind: In college, I used to produce runway segments at clubs called “15 Minutes of Fashion”, and I started several designers' careers using this format; Co-producing a fashion show at Bowie State with special guest Eva Pigford (right after she won ANTM); Working alongside Glynn Jackson With The Golden Scissors Awards – This show unlocked so many amazing things for our industry; Being the first producer to book Diva Davanna and feature her in one of my fashion shows; I’ve coordinated amazing Fashion shows for the Embassies of Canada and Austria. The ovation and connections from these shows will never be forgotten; speaking of ovation, the response and hype surrounding the very first Indie Fashion Week was such a milestone for DC! Producing the “Taste of the Runway” fashion shows and having the opportunity to work with ANTM’s Bianca Chardae and The Green Twins; Lastly, I took great pleasure in providing feedback to and showcasing the work of several collegiate designers who have now started their official design houses. |
Copa: Who are some of your favorite models and designers of all time?
Harley: I’d have to say Giselle Bündchen, Coco Rocha, Iman, and Naomi – all are the epitome of runway, posing, beauty, grace, and presence. For men, I’d say Tyson Beckford, of course, and Sean O’Pry – with men, it needs to literally look like you were born with it. These two guys, hands down, were born with it! As for designers, Ralph Lauren will forever sit at the top of my list Copa: What is your honest opinion of the state of fashion today in the
Washington, D.C. area and around the world? Harley: I believe the industry here in DC is growing! Designers, stylists, models – and I mean of quality- are rising and truly making names for themselves. The government support by way of the Commission of Fashion & Arts, 202 Creates, and the Office of Cable, Television, Music, and Entertainment has most definitely helped in the ascension of the industry. I also think the dozens of platforms in our area that highlight and celebrate fashion are letting it be known that fashion is here to stay. The downside is that we are a divided industry. Progress will only go so far because there is no urge to collaborate and make the impact greater. The ceilings aren’t but so high in these silos; I continually wonder what our impact would be if we put our talents, resources, ideas, and prayers together…nothing short of UNSTOPPABLE. Copa: Please share some information on your upcoming fashion show at the
The 2nd Annual DMV Awards event will take place on July 19, 2025. Harley: The DMV Awards and Fashion Gala will be a memorable night of elegance, mesmerizing fashion, and an energetic production that will have patrons yearning for more! Last year, our patrons were in awe! The runway demanded their attention with amazing and conversational looks; this year, patrons can expect this and more! The models were simply stunning, kinetic, and embodied runway model perfection; this is my standard for runway shows, therefore our patrons should expect nothing less! The production will be unmatched! My productions are curated to leave you in a euphoric state – you will feel good for the next three days! The energy, the music, the vibe…all undeniable! 
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Copa: How would you describe your life as a producer and coordinator of
many fashion-related events? Harley: Fast Paced. Everchanging. A happy blend of WOW this is amazing and you must have lost your mind! A DREAM MANIFESTED. I feel very blessed to do the work that I do. I have the pleasure of showcasing the stories and work of very talented people in a curated way that resonates with different audiences. I often connect the dots in such a manner that these designers walk away with new leads and/or customers. It’s such a beautiful feeling to be able to help cultivate business relationships all through my artistic expression and the impression that it leaves on a community…It’s a superpower 
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