DC fashion designers Natalia Sanz and Dana Ayanna Greaves
On Saturday night four local designers strutted their designs on the runway for the "Alice in Anacostia" fashion show. Hosted by r.e.e.l.(River East Emerging Leaders), the Honfleur Gallery was standing room only. The runway was draped by the current art exhibit by Wesley Clark, Lance Wiggs & Jonathan Royce and portraits by James Stephen Terrell. DJ Jav kept the mood lively and makeup artist/hair stylist Cynthia Jones had the models all dolled up.
The first designer to show was Natalia Sanz with her personal collection. Natalia is known for exquisitely-designed elegant cocktail dresses and separates that are versatile enough to go from day to night. Her inspiration for her clothing comes from "architecture, geometry and texture." True to her aesthetic, Natalia showcased suits in metallic fabrics, and short versatile dresses with architectural accents.
The runway then turned over to Mohamed Numan and YvetteChaupis of Top Rank Fashion. Mohamed send his models (himself included) down the catwalk in European military-style vintage clothing. Among the traditional tailored jackets were eighties-styled breakers and brightly-colored camouflage. A short intermission alowed guests to grab refreshments and observe the brightly colored paintings.
Dwayne Lawson-Brown, known as The Crochet Kingpin, delighted the audience as models froze on the runway, acting as mannequins to display his crochet scarves, hats, and accessories. It was rumored that one of the pieces had just been completed in his spare time backstage.
The final designer to show was Dana Ayanna Greaves of Artistic AYA. Truly embracing the moniker of the show, Dana presented a colorful and avant garde collection. Ensembles included a white corset top with high-waisted gold capris and black and white stripped skirt with a fuschia and red top complete with black fringe. The collection was fun, spirited and celebrated creativity.
The night ended with a finale of each of the designer's showcase pieces making it onto the runway for one last turn on the catwalk.
__
All photographs © 2010 Weatherly Hulsey. To see the entire fashion show and download high-resolution images of the photos featured, please click here.
Comments
Great seeing Dana/Artistic Aya - she is soo talented!
I'm a huge fan of Dana's work. And i think i've seen Dwayne on the Train crocheting.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!