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Designers scheduled to show at VA Fashion Week 2009

Johnathan Kayne (Oklahoma)
Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in a large family with five sisters and two brothers, Kayne as everyone knows him, realized at a young age the importance of standing out. In 2002, Kayne won the Critics Choice Award for evening wear and graduated magna cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Technology. He moved back to Nashville after graduation and opened Kayne's Clothing Boutique. This afforded him the opportunity to create custom ballroom dance costumes, eveningwear, and wardrobe for the country music industry. In 2003, Kayne bought Southern Charm, an established formal wear and pageant store in Norman, Oklahoma. Within three years, Kayne's success in the pageant industry soared. In December of 2005, he dressed the entire top five teens the winner and first runner up in the Miss Oklahoma U.S.A. pageant. His gowns encompass originality, attention to detail and a young femininity with an edge. Kayne gained celebrity status in 2006 when he competed and finished TOP 5 in Season III of Bravo TV's PROJECT RUNWAY. For VA Fashion Week 2009, Kayne will debut his "Kayne-9" line for pets on Friday as well as show his 2010 collection of pageant, prom, and special occasion dresses.
WEBSITE: JohnathanKayne.com

 

Karen Domino White (New Jersey)
Karen Domino White, the daughter of the legendary Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer, Fats Domino, will be showing her newest 2010 looks in a brand new show! In conjunction with being a talented gospel vocalist/song writer Karen has now entered into the World of Fashion with the launching of her company, Jean Therapy. The clothing line consists of unique and exotic denim wear suited for any occasion. Jean Therapy also includes very unique denim handbags which are a hot ticket item! Karen’s clientele loves the personal quality added to her designs. Each creation is custom designed and one of a kind. So get excited because you’re invited to enter into the World of Fashion designed with passion as seen through the eyes of Karen Domino White! Upcoming ventures include release of a new music album and book entitled Domino Affect.
WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/jeantherapykdw

 

April Spring Designs & Foxers (Norfolk)
Clothing design and manufacturing have been a lifelong dream for April. Educated in Business Management, she spent 15 years in investor relations and business development. In 2002 April moved towards her dream and opened "Vintage 'n Vogue" where she featured Florida designers. In 2004 she followed her husband to Malaysia and used the opportunity to study fashion illustration. While in Malaysia, April was invited to show her first collection at Silk Week in HangZhou, China. Orders from that first collection and subsequent designs have been keeping April busy ever since. In addition to her couture collection, April also designs "Foxers" women’s underwear with the waistband design from men’s boxer shorts. Essentially they serve as a way for women to have the comfort and style of boxer shorts but still look and feel sexy. In a little over a year, "Foxers" has gone from start-up to national distribution, making it's launch in Nationwide Dillard's stores this month as well as being the exclusive outfitter for the Lingerie Football League! Celebrity fans include Beyonce, the Backstreet Boys, and Jordin Sparks. April will be showing her exciting new 2010 collection with lots of surprises!
WEBSITES: AprilSpring.com   Foxersboxer.com

 

"Anelia" by Anzen A. Garcia (Virginia Beach)
Raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Anzen A. Garcia grew up watching award shows just to see the stars in their beautiful gowns admiring designers such as Monique Lhullier, Vera Wang, and Carolina Herrera. After graduating from VCU's Fashion program with a bachelor's degree, Anzen moved to NY and worked for a lingerie company and assisted in designing for various companies such as Dereon. While in NY, she got a tip that someone in VA was looking for a designer and it led her to Maya Warburton of Maya Couture. Anzen currently works as the In House Designer for Maya Couture. Now she is also pursuing her own dream in designing her own bridal collection "Dyosa" meaning "goddess" as well as a ready-to-wear collection "Anelia" getting her inspiration from fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. For VA Fashion Week, Anzen will be previewing pieces from both collections.

 

 

Maya Couture (Norfolk)
Maya Warburton started her fashion career in Boston then relocated to New York and accepted a job with Vera Wang at her flagship bridal house on Maddison Avenue. The first day on the job she knew she would be in the bridal industry-it was home! The experience at Vera Wang was incredibly rewarding but deep down, Maya wanted to be her own boss. She then relocated to Virginia and purchased Tiffanys Bridal and Formal Wear which had been in existence for more than 30 years here in Hampton Roads. "Tiffanys" became "Tiffanys by Maya" then after an infusion of exciting new lines, "Maya Couture". For VA Fashion Week 2009, Maya will debut the Maya Couture line of original Bridesmaid and Bridal dresses which she offers in her store along with many spectacular bridal designs unique to the area.
WEBSITE: www.mayacouture.com

 

 

Michael Taylor Couture (Richmond)
Michael Taylor never ceases to dazzle and amaze with his couture gowns and his Spring 2010 collection will be no exception! Michael Taylor Couture was born in Richmond, VA when its 2006 spring collection was unveiled. The business sprang forth from 7th Avenue in New York City where owner Michael Taylor spent 16 years at his previous fashion firm specializing in women’s and men’s custom fit designer garments in outerwear, sportswear, active sportswear, suiting, and evening/special occasion. Michael has an extensive background in fashion and has served as an adjuct professor at Parsons School of Design, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Virginia Commonwealth University. His currently creates his couture gowns in his studio and shop in Richmond.
WEBSITE: MTCouture.com

 

Silken Moon by Virginia McConnell (Richmond)
Simple, fresh and feminine, Silken Moon garments combine classic lines and exquisite fabrics with designer Virginia McConnell’s signature embroidery and hand beading. With an emphasis on cocktail dresses, eveningwear and dressy silk jackets, each Silken Moon garment is a unique blend of Virginia’s artistic vision and technical expertise with her client’s needs, tastes and body type. In addition to her custom designs, Virginia produces a line of eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind jackets made from recycled clothing. Quirky, offbeat and playful, these jackets express Virginia’s artistry and commitment to environmental responsibility.
WEBSITE: SilkenMoon.com

 

Vintage Hazel by Stephon Stallings (Newport News, VA)
Born and partially raised in Brooklyn New York, Stephon Stallings entered the world of design at a young age. As a child, Stephon has always showed a great interest in fashion by illustrating elementary design concepts.By the time Stephon was done with his sophomore year in high school he had taught himself how to sew and was producing clothing from his illustrations; and because of his talent, Stephon has designed for numerous local designers, fashion shows, and clients. At the age of 20, Stephon has created a female clothing line called Vintage Hazel that showcase his love for old time fashions with a new twist. Vintage Hazel is an elite clothing company targeted towards the urban community. The company is designed to provide vintage couture fashions with an edge, geared towards young women and men to set them apart from the average consumer.
WEBSITE: vintagehazel.weebly.com

 

 

Many More Designers TBA Soon!

 

Designers at VA Fashion Week 2008

Johnathan Kayne (Oklahoma)
Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in a large family with five sisters and two brothers, Kayne as everyone knows him, realized at a young age the importance of standing out. In 2002, Kayne won the Critics Choice Award for evening wear and graduated magna cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Technology. He moved back to Nashville after graduation and opened Kayne's Clothing Boutique. This afforded him the opportunity to create custom ballroom dance costumes, eveningwear, and wardrobe for the country music industry. In 2003, Kayne bought Southern Charm, an established formal wear and pageant store in Norman, Oklahoma. Within three years, Kayne's success in the pageant industry soared. In December of 2005, he dressed the entire top five teens the winner and first runner up in the Miss Oklahoma U.S.A. pageant. His gowns encompass originality, attention to detail and a young femininity with an edge. Kayne gained celebrity status in 2006 when he competed and finished TOP 5 in Season III of Bravo TV's PROJECT RUNWAY. His most recent collection includes an exquisite selection of pageant, prom, and special occasion dresses on Saturday.
WEBSITE: JohnathanKayne.com

Click here for pictures and to watch the runway video!

 

 

Karen Domino White (New Jersey)
Born with grace, savvy and style, Karen Domino White is the daughter of the legendary Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer, Fats Domino. In conjunction with being a talented gospel vocalist/song writer Karen has now entered into the World of Fashion with the launching of her company, Jean Therapy. The clothing line consists of unique and exotic denim wear suited for any occasion. Jean Therapy also includes very unique denim handbags which are a hot ticket item! Karen’s clientele loves the personal quality added to her designs. Each creation is custom designed and one of a kind. So get excited because you’re invited to enter into the World of Fashion designed with passion as seen through the eyes of Karen Domino White! Upcoming ventures include release of a new music album and book entitled Domino Affect.
WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/jeantherapykdw

Click here for pictures and to watch the runway video!

 

 

April Spring Designs & Foxers (Norfolk)
Clothing design and manufacturing have been a lifelong dream for April. Educated in Business Management, she spent 15 years in investor relations and business development. In 2002 April moved towards her dream and opened "Vintage 'n Vogue" where she featured Florida designers. In 2004 she followed her husband to Malaysia and used the opportunity to study fashion illustration. While in Malaysia, April was invited to show her first collection at Silk Week in HangZhou, China. Orders from that first collection and subsequent designs have been keeping April busy ever since. In addition to her couture collection, April also designs "Foxers" women’s underwear with the waistband design from men’s boxer shorts. Essentially they serve as a way for women to have the comfort and style of boxer shorts but still look and feel sexy. In a little over a year, "Foxers" has gone from start-up to national distribution, making it's launch in Nationwide Dillard's stores this month as well as being the exclusive outfitter for the Lingerie Football League! Celebrity fans include Beyonce, the Backstreet Boys, and Jordin Sparks.
WEBSITES: AprilSpring.com   Foxersboxer.com

Click here for pictures and to watch the runway video!

 

Rivet De Cru by Ruben Dario Campos (Los Angelesc, CA & Virginia Beach, VA)
The Rivet De Cru Jeans brand based out of Los Angeles founded in late 2007, was launched by long-time denim guru Ruben Dario Campos, an industry leader in quality and innovative jean manufacturing with over 18 years of Denim sales and design experience. With striking washes and fresh new product every month, he has been able to sell to an international market and some of the leading boutiques in the United States. Combining a love for Americana West and Premium European Fashions, Rivet De Cru’s look and feel remains unique and separates it from the rest. The signature “ RV ” back pockets and 120 different ways of execution are also other factors in its efforts to remain timeless. Rivet De Cru jeans are currently being sold from the beaches of L.A. & Miami, to the streets of England & New York, and in the walls of Harvey Nichols Dubai. The times of the $200+ premium denim market is narrowing down due to market saturation and the slowing of our global economy. The end consumers are now looking for a company to provide an outstanding quality with a lesser price... Rivet De Cru is that company. Ruben Dario Campos invites you to preview his collection.
WEBSITE: rivetdecru.com

Click here for pictures and to watch the runway video!

 

 

Bubble Cat by Lynette Wright (Chesapeake)
Lynnette Wright is the Vice President of Nazars Exclusively Yours Fashions LLC, she has assisted Designers, Entertainers, and Charities with their goals and events throughout the Hampton Roads area. She is the wife of Alton L. Wright and the Mother of Renetta and Alton Wright Jr. Lynnette enjoys working with youth groups and watching the enjoyment they get form her line. Lynnette has had a l ove for the design of Bubble Cat TM, for many years and was encouraged by a family member to make her dream an reality. Bubble Cat TM is a Fashion and Apparel line consisting of mostly Causual Everyday Ware, and some formal pieces too. Bubble Cat TM is for the young and the young at heart.
WEBSITE: bubblecatworld.com

 

Cheryl Altschuler(Columbia, MD)
Cheryl Altschuler received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from the prestigious Pratt Institute of New York. The collection Cheryl created for VA Fashion Week has a variety of prints, textures, vibrant colors and shapes. The clothing that she designs provides a fresh and perky look for all ages. Her creative use of stretch fabrics in her fashion designs permits a wide variety of women of all shapes and sizes to look stunning. She gets her inspiration from natural pristine environments such as rain forests and oceans. Cheryl uses a variety of colors in her designs inspired by animals and their surrounding natural habitats. Cheryl designs outfits versatile enough for sports wear and après sports, from daywear to eveningwear, allowing the individual to mix and match pieces for many fashionable activities. Cheryl feels the meaning of fashion is for one to stand out from the crowd and to be a unique individual. Cheryl Altschuler would like to thank everyone for their assistance, dedication and time for making her goals and dreams come true.
WEBSITE: myspace.com/creativedesignercheryl

 

Dee's Fashion Couture (Richmond)
This Richmond designer inherited her talent from her grandmother. Dee states that her grandmother could make anything, and never used a pattern. At the age of nine, Dee started making doll clothes, and then started making clothes for her sisters and herself. Dee is a self-taught seamstress who loves fashion design. She had never taken formal classes, until recently, when she studied with friend and designer Michael Taylor. Dee feels that she's been blessed with a gift that has enabled her to build a strong clientele. Dee's Fashion is expanding and has been recently showcased in Maryland Fashion Week, DC Fashion Week, and several others. Through these showcases, and her detailed work, and passion for fashion, her work has always gotten rave reviews. Specialize in weddings, proms, and any formal wear including menswear
WEBSITE: MySpace.com/dees_fashion

 

Devikar (Massachusetts)
Devikar is of East Indian descend by the way of Trinidad, born and raised in Boston, Mass. Growing up with the Indian culture at home and the American culture right outside was an interesting journey. Devikar designs are for women size 6 and up as well as for men. Some of the garments are created from rich, vibrant fabrics from India. The collection includes suits, gowns, athletic wear, t-shirts, and casual wear. One thing that sets Devikar apart from other designers is the creativity; in every show the models wears masks. Look for the masked collection, that is where you will find the face of Devikar.
WEBSITE: Devikar.com

 

 

Maya Couture (Norfolk)
Maya Warburton started her fashion career in Boston where she was Director Of Operations for a Versace Boutique and later for Ford Model Management. She moved to New York to work for Vera Wang then to the Norfolk area where she became manager, then owner of Tiffany’s Bridal, now Maya Couture. Maya has created her own line of Bridesmaid dresses which she offers along with many spectacular bridal designs unique to the area
WEBSITE: www.mayacouture.com

 

 

Michael Taylor Couture (Richmond)
Michael Taylor Couture was born in Richmond, VA when its 2006 spring collection was unveiled. The business sprang forth from 7th Avenue in New York City where owner Michael Taylor spent 16 years at his previous fashion firm specializing in women’s and men’s custom fit designer garments in outerwear, sportswear, active sportswear, suiting, and evening/special occasion. Michael has an extensive background in fashion and has served as an adjuct professor at Parsons School of Design, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Virginia Commonwealth University. His currently creates his couture gowns in his studio and shop in Richmond.
WEBSITE: MTCouture.com

 

 

Nazars Exclusively Yours Fashions by Inez Parker (Chesapeake)
Inez F. Parker is the Designer and CEO of Nazars Exclusively Yours Fashions of Chesapeake, VA. She has been designing custom made to order pieces for over 30 years, Her Formal and Bridal collection will be a treat for your eyes. You will be excited to see her glamorous collections come to life.


WEBSITE: nazarseyf.com

 

 

OLD Dominion University Fashion
Students from the Fashion Show Production Class plan and produce a fashion show. They examine each behind-the-scenes step from concept to execution as they organize and stage a show that is profitable, entertaining and aesthetically pleasing.


WEBSITE: http://education.odu.edu/ots/academics/undergrad/fashion.shtml

 

 

Phoenix Bess (Virginia)
16 year-old designer, actress, model, and dancer, Phoenix Bess, learned to knit at the age of eleven. By the age of 13 Phoenix had launched her own knitwear design business, selling her luxury accessories in upscale boutiques and to private customers throughout Virginia. She also began designing garment patterns for knitters, and her notoriety as a teen designer grew as her knitwear designs were published online and in knitting books, calendars, and magazines such as Girls’ Life and Knitscene. In October of this year, Potter Craft, an imprint of Random House, published her new book of knitting patterns, It Girl Knits: 30 Fresh Styles for the Young and Fabulous, featuring her original designs, including knitted pants, shorts, bikinis, dresses, purses, sweaters, and even felted footwear. In addition to selling her knitting patterns through her website and yarn retailers across the US and Canada, Phoenix designs ready-to-wear collections. Sold in Virginia boutiques and from her online shop, recent collections include fascinators, beaded silk hats and shrugs, and dramatic scarves and stoles.
WEBSITE: phoenixbess.com

 

 

Stephon Stallings for Vintage Hazel (Newport News, VA)
Born and partially raised in Brooklyn New York, Stephon Stallings entered the world of design at a young age. As a child, Stephon has always showed a great interest in fashion by illustrating elementary design concepts.By the time Stephon was done with his sophomore year in high school he had taught himself how to sew and was producing clothing from his illustrations; and because of his talent, Stephon has designed for numerous local designers, fashion shows, and clients. At the age of 20, Stephon has created a female clothing line called Vintage Hazel that showcase his love for old time fashions with a new twist. Vintage Hazel is an elite clothing company targeted towards the urban community. The company is designed to provide vintage couture fashions with an edge, geared towards young women and men to set them apart from the average consumer.
WEBSITE: vintagehazel.weebly.com

 

 

Stitche by (Virginia Beach)
Stitche' ( pronounced stitch ) is a clothing company that was est. in the summer of 2008, by two local Va Beach girls Natalia Ramos and Jazmyne Ferdinand-Lewis. No it is not a spin off of Married to the Mob or Kidrobot or IHMDJ!. This Girl's/ Women's line is strictly constructed of what teenagers in this generation see today. Whether it relates to fashion statement or simply something that you think it "HOT". It's a line that would appeal to any type of girl from any clique.
WEBSITE: myspace.com/stitche757

 

 

Strictly Bump One (New York)
Strictly Bump One is a sub-urban lifestyle, where life in the suburbs meets urban life and becomes one. First established by Daryl Bumpass in 2004 with a line of T-shirts, SB-1 has out of great response from the public, expanded to include a premium denim line, fashionable jackets and men's button down shirts.


WEBSITE: WWW.STRICTLYBUMPONE.COM

 

 

Willie Hall (New Jersey)
Willie Hall After working for 20 years as a medical assistant, Willie Hall felt fashion was her true calling and went back to school to learn what was new in the fashion industry. She says "DESIGNERS ARE NOT MADE THEY'RE BORN. I owe all of what I do to God because he made me, and the amazing people he allowed me to meet along the way." Her designs have taken the industry by storm and will provide a stunning addtion to VA Fashion Week!


WEBSITE: myspace.com/williehallfashion

 

 

CONTACT: Ann Leister

EMAIL: vafw@splashmodel.com

PHONE: 757.407.0477

FAX: 757.282.7669

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    Virginia Beach, VA 23452