The Designers
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Christian Siriano
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Aidah
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Booshie Designs
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Chez Kevito
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Dennya
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Elizabeth St. John
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Estella Couture
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KAS Collection
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Natalia Sanz
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Punk Rock Bride
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Tashia Senn
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Tsyndyma
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Walish Gooshe
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Studio D Maxsi
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Daniel Figueredo
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Maven
Bio: At 25 years old, Christian has studied under design legends Vivienne Westwood and the late Alexander McQueen and celebrity clients include Rihanna, Rosario Dawson, Christina Hendricks, Victoria Beckham, Lady GaGa, Heidi Klum, Emmy Rossum and Alexis Bledel.
The Christian Siriano collection is sold at retailers across America including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and internationally he can be found in countries from Kuwait to Dubai. He is Payless’ top selling designer collaboration ever and was tapped to design a full couture collection to appear in the film “Eloise in Paris,” starring Uma Thurman. In March 2010 Christian was voted as one of Crain’s New York’s “30 Under 30.” In early February, he showed his Fall 2011 collection (his 6th) at Lincoln Center.
Christian will show his Spring 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week this September. Pink Jams! will bring his full collection to our stage in October!
Bio: Aidah Fontenot has redefined the face of fine art and fashion. An innately talented child prodigy, she studied advanced fine arts at the San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts and by age 15 her striking work was featured in the San Diego Museum of Art. Her visual arts foundation inspired her to explore other mediums of design, she was making her school clothes in junior high and showed her first fashion collection in high school. Aidah went on to receive her Bachelors of Art in graphic design. Studies of color theory, typography, sculpture, art history and humanities have influenced her chic style. Combined with unhindered artistic ability, it enables Aidah to unite graphic structure and organic imagery in a way that is consistently perceived as worldly and timeless.
BIO: Booshie pronounced (Boo-Shee) Design is my (Ginger Carlin) newly started company to showcase my designs. My story starts with my love of fashion and my obsession to look and dress like no other. My whole life has revolved around fashion in one way or another. My last dollar would be spent on something that made me tingle inside and created the perfect look. I have never worn the same outfit out twice to the same venue. Maybe rock it a second time in another city (maybe). I worked for the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), where I was the manager of television membership (every TV station in the country I was the main contact) and July 2008 I was laid off and it was this that prompted me starting my own company. I learned to sew and I am now finding that my style and designs are well liked and I am totally ecstatic.
My clothing design style reflects me and my own unique style. I find that I love vintage clothing style and fabrics, from the 50′s and 60′s but have a deep appreciation of all vintage from other eras prior to the 80′s. Fabrics from the 60′s and 70′s I am fond of and I re-design, these treasures into unique modern designs. I create custom looks for myself and my clients that uniquely fit my/their personality through interaction and listening to likes and dislikes and comfort levels.
BIO: Chez Kevito is one designer with over 20 years of designing and sewing expertise. You are invited to infuse your visual senses with her quality handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories. She has one vision – to create timeless, one of a kind designs. Her inspiration is drawn from a wide range of elements to include vintage designs, scenes in nature, architectural design, and pop culture. She has recently started a line of sustainable eco-chic designs. “Titi Wreh of Chez Kevito is a versatile designer with looks ranging from elegant to casual and sweet to edgy. Whatever your style and whatever the occasion finding something perfect from Chez Kevito will be a cinch!” ~
Bio: Dennya is a line of clothing designed by Dyanne Marte. Dennya is an anagram for the name “Dyanne”. What started out as a line primarily of knit jersey, has transformed into more sophisticated and tailored pieces. Dennya designs and produces every piece of clothing and accessory in house because they believe that beautiful hand craftsmanship is an art form that is disappearing with the growth of globalization and outsourcing. They are committed to designing clothing and accessories that are comfortable and make their customers look and feel great! Marte not only designs the collection, she also produces it and designs all of the prints in her Baltimore, MD Studio.
Prior to starting Dennya in 2003, Marte had several years of experience in the New York fashion industry and has worked in product development for companies such as J. Crew, Tanner Designs, Kay Unger and New York & Co. Marte holds a BFA in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master’s in Design Management from Pratt Institute. Marte is currently teaching fashion at the Baltimore City Community College and Bowie State University.
Bio: Refined. Glamorous. Green. “I want my collection to be clothes that women will want to wear and know that they’re manufactured in a way that is less harmful to the planet should follow as an added bonus. Green should extend beyond the idea of simply recycling or refashioning a garment into something new…all aspects of its creation should be considered. Finally, the cut, fit and construction should all contribute to clothes that are comfortable and timeless – while focusing on beautifying and complimenting their owners…..” ~ Elizabeth From concept to runway, minimizing our impact on the environment is a consideration for all aspects of our company. We source materials that are sustainable for all our collections from natural fibers -hand woven silks and sustainable cottons, to PET satin taffeta linings made from recycled plastic bottles -and fashion them into clothing that is fashion forward and feminine. We carefully select only fabric manufacturers that employ fair-trade labor and use vegetable dyes for our colored and imported fabrics and embellishments.
BIO: Mass, generic dressing isn’t very interesting and every woman really should be wearing dresses that flatter and complement their pluses and those that also help them hide their minuses. Estella couture designs are rooted in timelessness, originality, not trend, and they exist in a world of their own, her designs and use of materials are things that have not been done before. Estella couture uses fabrics that have not made it into the international fashion scene in forms that can be worn by all, irrespective of race or nationality and she is working tirelessly to get the world to see more of the exotic, ethnic and traditional fabrics that are locally made in developing countries. The original vision for her clothing line was to create garments that combined great personal style with long lasting utility. Clean, modern shapes, a nod to the classics, and an element of surprise that most of the time nodded towards showing off the sensual curve of the feminine form, and these are the fundamental principles Estella Ogbonna’s design philosophy. Major design considerations remain elegance, uniqueness, originality and enduring quality. And this same philosophy is being applied to the new lines Ms. Estella is launching: the jeans (Jeankara), the bridal/red carpet collection (Estella Alfá), and beauty products.
Bio: KAS Collection Inc. is a high-end couture fashion company which specializes in sophisticated evening wear, stylish men and women business suits, and high fashion urban apparel. Based in Washington DC/New York, KAS Collection Inc. has established themselves in the fashion industry as a unique and visionary company who is ahead of their time. In one word, KAS Collection is passion. It is about the intense emotion, grand enthusiasm, and creative spirit of one company and their love of fashion.
Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan is a self taught designer with a vision that is limitless. He has worked with exclusive boutiques and major department stores in the capacity of sales, styling, and modeling. In 2007, his creative designs ripped the stage of New York Fashion Week where he stood among four of the world’s top couture designers. He was the only USA designer to be showcased, and held the distinction of being the only African American couture designer.
Over the years, Mr. Flanagan has developed an exclusive clientele ranging from political figures to entertainment and sports superstars. In the summer of 2010, Mr. Flanagan opened his first flagship store House of KAS at the upscale National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md. His designs have been featured in Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, Blink Magazine, Apollo Male, Kraze Magazine … just to name a few.
Bio: Chic. Modern. Sleek. The Natalia Sanz Collection. Inspired by architecture, geometry, and texture, Natalia creates classic silhouettes with modern details. All her pieces are expertly tailored to fit exquisitely. Her creations include elegant cocktail dresses and separates that are versatile enough to go from day to night. Silk, satin, cotton, and jersey are some of the fabrics she favors because of their beauty and elegance as well as their ability to accentuate a woman’s curves.
While earning her Bachelor’s Degree in fashion design at Miami International University of Art and Design, Natalia’s designs were featured in Miami Fashion Week and Funkshion Fashion Week. Upon returning to Washington D.C., she began her career by designing pieces for Circle Boutique and Dekka Showroom. Recently, her designs were featured in the D.C. Fashion Week in the Couture Collections show and Crystal Couture. She is now working on an upcoming collection in her Maryland studio.
In addition to haute couture clothing designs, Natalia designs a jewelry collection. Her jewelry line, like her clothing line, is elegant and sophisticated. She creates long stunning earrings, dramatic pendant necklaces, and gorgeous bracelets.
Natalia is constantly refining her collection and jewelry line by creating innovative designs. She is currently looking forward to being featured in fashion shows and trade shows. The Natalia Sanz Collection offers a sophisticated balance of classic and modern design perfect for the avant-garde woman.
BIO: Punk Rock Bride was created to offer brides an alternative to the traditional wedding dress. We take a unique approach by incorporating non-traditional fabrics and mixing multiple layers to add texture and depth to every design. We take care to maintain very simple, classic silhouettes to flatter every figure, and focus on the details, giving brides a comfortable, fashion-forward option for their wedding day. The Name: Punk rock music is all about personal expression, an alternative to the norm, and individual style. This is what we hope to offer brides. Our collections offer a very wide variety of styles so that brides can find one that is truly a reflection of who they are. Our Designer: Punk Rock Bride was founded in 2006 by designer Stephanie Ward. Stephanie graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), with a degree in Apparel Design. Following graduation, she served as an apprentice for Robert Scott and David Brooks and freelanced for Sigrid Olsen, Inc. In 2006, a very close friend asked her to design her wedding dress, and PRB was formed. Since then, her designs have been recognized in Brides Magazine, Travel & Leisure, and The Washington Post.
Bio: As a child, Tashia would dress up in her mother’s pearls and clothes, subscribe to all of the fashion magazines, and dream of the day when her designs would be featured in those very magazines. Fashion became her focus and passion and ignited an innate desire to create beautiful and wearable art. With eyes wide open, Tashia headed for Manhattan to attend Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) where she received her degree in 2009. She also holds a degree from University of Pittsburgh in Communications.
At FIT, Tashia excelled as a design student and freelanced as a stylist and costume designer. While interning for luxury accessory designer Colette Malouf she was exposed to the mechanics of entrepreneurship and design management. Her projects as a student were reinforced by her experience styling for special events at Macy’s Herald Square.
Following her graduation from FIT, Tashia was eager to return home to DC and in October 2009, she launched her first collection of high end women’s evening wear, TASHIA SENN COLLECTIONS. The affection Tashia has for fashion as a young girl is reflected in the timeless pieces she creates that present each woman as beautiful and ageless. Her pieces exude romance, charm and creativity and have attracted the attention of fashion industry advocates, bloggers and retailers. Tashia Senn is a ready-to-wear collection but maintains a custom clothing feel. Tashia’s most poignant inspiration comes from her world travels, the influence of natural elements, and the diversity of cultures and customs that are expressed in her collections.
Tashia’s passion for design is also reflected in the creation of her non-profit organization SAVVY GIRL in 2004. The mission of SAVVY GIRL is to reach, assist, and mentor young women in an effort to transform their lives with personal and professional mentorships through the industry she loves most “fashion”.
Bio: While most girls at the age of 7 were playing with their dolls, Tsyndyma was already designing and making her own dresses. Majoring in mechanical engineering in college she continued to pursue fashion design and soon developed a clientele of fellow students. Precision, attention to detail, and ability to visually construct three-dimensional images from drawing were not only essential skills for a mechanical engineer but also defined and distinguished her as fashion designer. Soon she turned to full time design work. After maintaining a celebrity clientele in Moscow and Paris Tsyndyma decided to leave behind the uncertainties of post- Soviet Russia to pursue opportunities in America. Settling in Washington DC she initially continued as a couture dressmaker and subsequently launched her own line of ready-to-wear ” uniquely simple” design. Combining carefully selected luxurious fabrics and precisely constructed pattern she brings to life the youthful energy, comfort and elegance required by today’s women. Drawing inspirations from the latest fabric technologies she surprises with unexpected combinations of textures, cuts, and techniques that nevertheless evoke a unique sense of balance. Today, Tsyndyma’s fashion designs have attracted a faithful and growing following from the diplomatic corps to corporate executives, from college co-eds to community leaders. In addition, Tsyndyma actively gives back to causes that are close to her heart by donating pro bono time and fashion wear to many fashion driven charity events in the Washington DC area.
Bio: Greg Gaten Taylor, a Washington DC native, is the owner of Walish Gooshe, a women’s ready-to-wear clothing line, established in the spring of 2004. At the age of 19, designer Gregory Gaten Taylor was attending the Art Institute of Philadelphia and Walish Gooshe has since been featured on the CW Philly network, Fox 5 news, PH magazine, and Philadelphia Style magazine on the trends. Greg ‘a celebrity clients include Laila Ali, Sheinelle Jones, Angela Russell, and many more. After its strong initial success, Gregory Gaten Taylor’s label continues to thrive. Visit www.walishgooshe.com to view the 2011-12 Fall/Winter collection. Greg was a winner on the new hit reality TV show “WHO ARE YOU WEARING” on the TLC network dressing Laila Ali for a red carpet appearance.
Afua Sam, CEO and lead designer, of Studio D’Maxsi, has become one of the most sought after designers in the MD, DC, VA area and participates in numerous fashion shows. Her designs are always on the runway including, Step to the Cure Fashion Show, Baltimore MD, 2008, Street Glam, Silver Spring MD, 2009, and Beyond Words Fashion and Art Show, Washington DC, 2010. She has dressed local celebrities including Dr. Patricia Schmoke, wife of former Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke.
Learn more at http://studiodmaxsidesigns.com/
With an innate desire to create and provide beautiful things for fashion forward women. Canadian born and raised Gennet Purcell, MAVEN’s Founder and Creative Director introduces, MAVEN. What began in 2008 as an exclusive, made to order dressmaking service quickly evolved, through reputation and buzz, into an attainable and unique Fall/Winter debut collection geared toward fashion savvy women everywhere.
The MAVEN mission is to offer elements of timeless glamour and custom-quality, luxurious pieces to everyday women seeking something special… everyday. MAVEN’s designs bring an element of refined elegance and effortless style to the unique fashionscapes in Washington, DC. and Toronto, Canada.
