Lizeth Alvarado
~ 2022 Gatsby Showcase ~
By Lizeth Alvarado
Copa Style Magazine Red Carpet Correspondent
Copa Style Magazine Red Carpet Correspondent
The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Gala brought Hollywood to DC for a meaningful purpose paving the way for disadvantaged groups, catapulting them into entrepreneurship and business. These philanthropic efforts are created by the owners of L&B Concepts. Founders are Laura Fote and husband Dr. Bertrand Fote, The Gatsby Showcase President and CEO.
Laura Ayuk Tatem Fote
Held at the luxurious Salamander Hotel, formerly Mandarin Oriental, guests were guided to the lower level where live musicians played melodies of luxury sounds. L&B Concepts transformed a casual grand hotel space into a magical and magnificent Cinderella like ballroom with a long runway in the middle for the Fashion Runway Show. Celebrity Designer, Anya By Vivien, showed her international style of fashion with her upscale custom-made outfits that brought culture and vibrancy to the mix. Celebrity Designer Miguel Wilson also showed award-winning men designs, which were fun, exciting and classy all at the same time. The male models were billboard ready with his pieces!
Lizeth Alvarado, Correspondent and Owner of Epic Beauty Rx, conducted the Red Carpet interviews and summarizes, “As an entrepreneur, I was even more inspired by the responses shared by the celebrity guests during the interviews around their work ethic, self care, happiness, and entrepreneurship!”
The first one on the red carpet is Hollywood Movie Star, Vivica Fox, who was the 'Hostess with the Mostess', of the night. She brought her tremendous sparkle of energy and total vibrancy to the glamorous foundation gala. Vivica Fox continues to be stunning with just the right spice and on the red carpet shares her goodies on success in business and entrepreneurship. She emphasizes, “There is no secret to success. You have to put in the work!” When Lizeth Alvarado asked how many hours a day she works, Vivica responded, “16-18 hours.” Ms. Fox shares feeling excitement for her visit to the Washington DC area and new hair line, which launched on Friday, December 2, 2022.
Vivica A. Fox
Also on the red carpet, was the iconic, Beverly Johnson, stunning and elegant, walking in so gracefully and photographing just as beautifully as she did from her beginning of time. Beverly is the first woman of color to appear on the front cover of Vogue and French Elle magazines. On this day, was the recipient of The Gatsby Showcase Trailblazer Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their industry, which motivates disadvantaged groups to strive for success.
Beverly Johnson
During the red-carpet interview, Beverly expresses how extraordinary Laura Fote and husband are for all that they do and for having a fun event and making a difference in people's lives. Now at 72 years of age, and four decades of accomplishments, I could not resist but to ask her beauty secrets. Beverly shares some of her gems, which we should totally embrace, “The secret to happiness is taking care of yourself…anything that you nurture will grow.” She elaborates on how she nurtures herself in every way.
Lance London shows up in style and captures the crowd's attention as he walks in with his GQ entourage. Mr. London is the 2022 Gatsby Showcase Ambassador, Owner of The Carolina Kitchen and keynote speaker educated to help others launch their business enterprises. On the red carpet, he shares his total excitement and gratefulness for all that The Gatsby Showcase is doing.
Mr. Lance London
Another major highlight were the recipients of 2022 Gatsby Showcase Appreciation Awards, which went to Derrick Rutledge, the legendary Celebrity Makeup Artist, Stylist, and Entrepreneur. Derrick is known for his work with Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Michelle Obama. He is recognized for helping women ‘Perfect Their Presence’ through education, beauty and wellness. Now with his new anti-aging skin line, Aura Glow Serum, is providing a way to turn back the clock on the outside. Derrick exudes so much love for the community and has been a mentor and supporter for the mission of the Gatsby Showcase Foundation.
Charles DeSantis, Chief Benefits Officer and the Associate Vice President for University Benefits and Wellness at Georgetown University also received the Appreciation Award. He provides a significant amount of support and a great resource for the foundation.
Charles Desantis, Appreciation Award Recipient
The event brought beauty, glamor, fashion, community and connectedness. Joelle Bailey, brought to us a fabulous flair in her work as the event Producer. Ron Cooke, also a well-known fashion show production connoisseur, did a remarkable job showing off his keen sense of the way a show is supposed to be on this day! The event attracted the Nation's Capital most highly sought after photographers and videographers like Phelan Marc, Bill Hart, and Aaron Dudley to name a few.
Joelle Bailey
Washington DC has become the new staple of celebrating diversity of culture and I feel safe and absolutely thrilled to be the bold one to finally put the official stamp of approval for the beauty, fashion, entertainment, it has sparked within the nation's capital. We are excited to bring in the New Year to continue celebrating it all!
The Gatsby Showcase Gala is one for the books! The amazing work that the organization is doing helps disadvantaged groups to achieve economic independence by providing support in entrepreneurship and education. This event was a fusion of fashion, excitement, connectedness, community and all for a great cause. It is one you do not want to miss!
To learn more on how The Gatsby Showcase Foundation is helping to pave the way to build a better future for us all, visit www.thegatsbyshowcase.org
* Red Carpet Interview Host: Lizeth Alvarado, Entrepreneur/Artist/Educator/Philanthropist Owner of Epic Beauty
* Red Carpet Interview Videographer/Editor: Aaron Dudley, Owner of Gods Image is You
* Gatsby Showcase coverage was organized by Copa Style Magazine
To learn more on how The Gatsby Showcase Foundation is helping to pave the way to build a better future for us all, visit www.thegatsbyshowcase.org
* Red Carpet Interview Host: Lizeth Alvarado, Entrepreneur/Artist/Educator/Philanthropist Owner of Epic Beauty
* Red Carpet Interview Videographer/Editor: Aaron Dudley, Owner of Gods Image is You
* Gatsby Showcase coverage was organized by Copa Style Magazine
Epic Beauty Rx
'Where Beauty Meets Heart, There is Love''
Lizeth Alvarado
Principal Artist/Owner
'Where Beauty Meets Heart, There is Love''
Lizeth Alvarado
Principal Artist/Owner
