 |
VAFW 2009 :: About Us
Virginia Fashion Week provides a terrific opportunity for fashion designers to showcase their talent, also for retailers, restaurants, spas, media, and other facilities to promote their businesses. It also serves as a showcase for Virginia based models to work in a professional, world-class event and is a major step in establishing the Hampton Roads area as a fashion-forward region! The slick designer shows featured professional models from Splash Model Management in a series of New York style runway presentations. Many of the models have worked in runway shows in NY, Miami, and abroad. Others have launched their carreers to new levels after participating in VA Fashion Week. |
|
ANN LEISTER/SPLASH MODEL MANAGEMENT
|
| Ann Leister is the owner and director of Splash Model Management and has produced
or co-produced muliple bridal fashion shows; a fashion show for Operation Smile featuring designers including Versace, Missoni, Moschino and others, as well as fashion shows for various organizations in Southeastern VA.
In addition, she has cast actors and models in regional and national commercials, TV shows, magazines and ad campaigns. She has a BA from The College of William & Mary and experience in real estate, advertising, human resources, video production, and the arts.
Having attended and studied fashion events in New York including Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, as well as shows in Washington DC, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami, Ann created the concept that has become VA Fashion Week as a way to bring NY style fashion shows to the Hampton Roads area and to spotlight the design talent, models, and creative talent that call this region home.
For 2009, Ann is taking the creative reigns and working with each designer to make every show a unique experience and every featured designer a "star"! |
|
| |
|
RON COOKE
|
| Ron Cooke is a nationally recognized fashion coordinator and stylist to
the celebrities having produced fashion shows during New York’s Fashion Week as well as in DC, Atlanta, Miami, and other regions. His
company Rogue Productions has worked with world renown designers, politicians, athletes, musicians, and actors. Ron is also an established stylist having dressed an assortment of today’s hottest celebrities including Alicia Keys, Danny Glover, Lela Rashon and many others for various magazines, commercials, and events.
Ron will be coordinating the Richmond event as well as working with Ann on many of the Hampton Roads shows in VA Fashion Week. |
|
| |
|
Lilly Rusco |
| Lilly Rusco is founder and CEO of ECS Events Limited, a full-service marketing and special events firm.
"We service clients throughout Hampton Roads and the Common-wealth, and other states, offering special event design and production-for large scale production and smaller gatherings-including corporate affairs and meetings, product launches, charity galas
and private social events, all with imaginative decor, customized gourmet cuisine and unparalleled service." Lilly and Ann have worked together on previous fashion events including the 2007 VA Fashion Week. Lilly will be involved both in the set-up and planning as well as the backstage organization.
|
|
| |
|
Tia Maria |
| Tia Maria is a makeup artist and hair stylist, her free-lance work consisting of print, television, theater, runway, bridal, teaching as well as working with some of Boston, NY, & VB top salons, modeling agencies, and social lights.
"My goal is to maintain a level in my profession at which I will continue to create new opportunities & looks for celebrities and the world of high fashion. As well as, making a difference for the everyday client and those in need."
She has accomplished the effect in creating a diverse range of looks from clean and classic to cutting edge. As a multi-versed artist, Tia has truly become an expert at blending colors to produce a smooth, airbrushed look. With a collaborated approach, a natural joi de vivre, and a passion for the art of cosmetics, Tia is a favorite amongst her clients who include
Lady GaGa, Cyndy Lauper, Cher, Ashanti, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, Ashlee Simpson, and many others from the worlds of media, sports, politics, and entertainment.
|
|
| |
|
MARIA BOREN |
| Maria Boren is a style expert, personal brand consultant & fashion brand developer with a special talent for helping fashion designers in every stage of business build strong brands based on proven business strategies. Maria has a BS in Business Management and an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurial marketing. Maria has served as the VP of Marketing for Cornerstone Realty, a NYSE traded company Real Estate Investment Trust and has performed public speaking for a collection of industries including politics, fashion, US defense, technology, real estate, retail & finance/banking. In 2008 Maria launched Life Simplified (www.4simplicitysake.com), taking her love of practical and smart living to another level by helping people who feel stuck in their seemingly dead end lives make smart changes Maria has appeared in Vogue, Fortune, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, the NY Times, TV Guide and was on NBC, ABC, Fox, E Entertainment News, & the Bravo Channel, and had a long run on the 2nd Season of The Apprentice with Donald Trump. Maria joins us this year as a co-host for VAFW2009. |
|
| |
|
|
 |
