Event - Dash Talents

Breaking Boundaries: D’Marsh Couture Shines at Historic NYFW Show Hosted by China Institute in America

by dashtalents | Sep 30, 2024 | Event, Fashion, Runway

During this year’s September 2024 New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the China Institute in America made history by hosting its first ever runway show, celebrating New York and China U.S.A fashion week. The show featured three unique designers from across the world: Hulos Prive, Yu Yuan, and D’Marsh Couture. Dash Talents was in attendance, along with their models who walked for D’Marsh Couture.

From Vietnam, Hulos Prive brought a striking collection of flowing fabrics, all handmade with intricate beading and embroidery. Their vibrant use of color flowed beautifully with Chinese designer Yu Yuan, who paid homage to traditional Chinese fashion with luxurious silk garments. Blending cultural heritage with modern quirks and appreciation added a richness to their airy shows.

Jamaican designer Glenroy March of D’Marsh Couture created a line of clothes that sharply contrasted in a tasteful, sophisticated manner with their collection, “The Raven.” The stunning, all-black line is crafted from natural fibers, making each piece in the collection standout for its astute elegance. Its sharp yet clean silhouettes speak to both the raw beauty and refined luxury of fashion, mixing simplistic concepts with bold outcomes. The timeless designs looked beautifully compelling on the models, who walked with a mysteriously passionate purpose. Embodying the power, complexity, and intelligence of a raven, the music assisted in filling the room with intensity by keeping a consistent beat, along with an occasional raven caw calling throughout the space.

Hosted by the China Institute in America, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Chinese culture, this NYFW event stands out not only for the impeccable style, but for the atmosphere and purpose of the event. Making the space inclusive for everyone to be welcomed was celebrated, having a diverse crowd of models, designers, and fashion enthusiasts. By having attendees such as cultural icon Yue-Sai Kan, often referred to as “The Most Famous Woman in China,” present elevated the prestige of the evening. As a cultural ambassador, Kan’s attendance bridged the gap between Eastern and Western fashion, and was a significant appearance for the night. Moments such as these during NYFW continue to push boundaries, creating opportunities for new voices and narratives to shine on an international stage, connecting with those even at the highest levels in various industries.

Supporting this show were Dash Talents leaders RoRo Yone, Noel Calubaquib, and Yelena Scheidler. Their models, including Camila Nunez, Gabrielle Davis, Gia Kokenyei, Ibrahima Kane, Jade Jonah, Laura Powell, and Rachel Clevinger walked the runway, helping in bringing D’Marsh Couture’s “The Raven” collection to life. Their presence combined with the collaborative spirit of all designers, teams, crews, and productions of the show, made this NYFW show a defining moment for the season.

The collaboration of all designers and the Chinese Institute delivers a powerful statement of our shared and differing experiences, encouraging unity when weaving together all the various elements of our cultures. D’Marsh Couture’s “The Raven” collection, along with the work of Hulos Privé and Yu Yuan raises excitement in the ever changing global power of fashion, helping in merging cultures into one platform together. This NYFW event was a testament to this vision, setting a new precedent for future fashion events to come.

Visit https://www.dmarshcouture.com/

https://chinainstitute.org/

FLOURISH: An Unforgettable Fashion Show by Chanel Green-Nelson

by dashtalents | May 30, 2024 | Event, Fashion, RVAFW

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

During the peak of spring, as the flowers began to bloom, Chanel Green-Nelson, the founder of Liznel, brought a memorable fashion show to Richmond – FLOURISH. The event took place at the stunning Branch Museum, where fashion enthusiasts, influencers, pageant queens, industry leaders, and media filled every seat, adorned in green and earth-tone colors to honor the theme. Dash Talents conducted interviews with participants, delving into their individual interpretations of flourish, each response proving to be unique and captivating. Chanel Green-Nelson has undoubtedly flourished in her career, transitioning from corporate America to the heart of the fashion world, juggling her roles as the executive director of RVAFW, founder of Liznel, and most recently, a mother.

The runway showcased designs worn by models of all ages, races, and body shapes, featuring a range of stunning ensembles, power suits, bright suit dresses, and earth-tone sets to cater to every woman for any occasion. Liznel is a space for all women, offering something magnificent for everyone, and Chanel expertly conveyed this message throughout the show.

To follow Chanel and her fashion journey, please follow:

https://www.instagram.com/chanelthecreative

https://www.instagram.com/theliznel

Woodbridge in Fashion by Open Space Arts

by dashtalents | May 16, 2024 | Event, Fashion

Woodbridge in Fashion, organized by the Open Space Arts team, is dedicated to showcasing both emerging and established fashion talent from Northern Virginia. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the local talent and foster a thriving arts and fashion culture that rivals major fashion cities such as New York. In April, Open Space Arts hosted a fashion show featuring local designers including Koncept Culture, Valentina Suria, Faima Farzana, Katherin Hunt Ridley, CLXXD, AB Fashions, and Rania Fekrie. The event also featured local models of all ages. Dash Talents team was in attendance and collaboration with the show, recognizing its future impact. Isaiah Luckey, addressing the audience at the close of the show, emphasized the presence and vitality of art in Northern Virginia, declaring fashion as a form of art. Luckey and his team are committed to showcasing local talent and regularly hosting events in their space and throughout Northern Virginia, with the ultimate goal of establishing the region as a hub for art and fashion.

Photos by Domio Mallory

Visit their https://www.instagram.com/openspaceartspwc/

“United by Beauty” Reminiscing the 72nd Miss USA Pageant in Reno, Nevada

by dashtalents | Feb 21, 2024 | Behind the Scenes, Event, Interviews, Miss USA

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

The historical Miss USA continues to impact the country and even world every year, bringing beauty to life. Dash Talents took part in the 72nd MISS USA 2023 PAGEANT in Reno, Nevada, and it was unforgettable. Miss Utah USA Noelia Voight claimed the prestigious title of Miss USA, while Miss Teen New Jersey USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, was crowned Miss Teen USA on September 29, 2023. The pageant had an extra sparkle this year with the addition of the new president and CEO of Miss USA, Laylah Rose.

Video and photography by Noel Calubaquib

The meticulously orchestrated event was broadcast on The CW, featuring accomplished hosts from E! News—Keltie Knight and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton for Miss USA and Justin Sylvester for Miss Teen USA. The Miss USA judges’ chairs were filled with celebrities who were admired by the large audience and the beauty queens alike; including, designer and businesswoman Nicole Miller, actress, director, producer, and entrepreneur Vivica A. Fox, Countess Luann De Lesseps, model, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian, as well as beauty entrepreneur and founder of One/Size Beauty, Patrick Starrr. The judges for the Miss Teen USA pageant were actress, producer and entrepreneur Emily Shah; founder of Kopu Water Mindy Mahy; the first Miss Teen USA Ruth Zakarian; entrepreneur and television personality, and Stand Up Comedian Kae Cazorla; and model and content creator Tabitha Swatosh with Chris Persky and current Miss Teen USA Faron Medhi served as commentators. Jordan Kimball and the reigning Miss USA, Morgan Romano, served as commentators for the event.

Dash Talents conducted exclusive interviews with the judges on the red carpet, seeking advice for the competing ladies. The judges emphasized that they were in search of a winner who embodies the complete package, placing utmost importance on authenticity and confidence. We sought guidance from the renowned beauty guru, Patrick Starrr, for makeup artists working behind the scenes. His straightforward advice? Just go for it!

This year, The Miss USA Organization proudly welcomed Laylah Rose as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing a wealth of experience and dynamic leadership to the pageant world. Laylah Rose comes from a lineage of five generations of resilient female leaders, each an example of success and determination in their respective fields as entrepreneurs, CEOs, and businesswomen. Prior to assuming her role at Miss USA, Laylah Rose was the CEO of the VIP Pageantry Network and the owner/designer of the esteemed clothing brand, Laylah Rose Couture. With a myriad of accolades to her name, Laylah Rose emerges as the essential leader for the Miss USA organization. Her passions extend beyond the realm of fashion, encompassing philanthropy and education. Laylah Rose’s unwavering commitment lies in maintaining the elevated status and community impact of the Miss USA organization. As we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate the lasting influence she will undoubtedly imprint on this organization in the years to come.

miss-usa-winner-miss-utah-2023-092923-2-c4712b4024cd43e0be4ae0e254bc21be

72nd Miss USA and Miss Teen USA events. This time, delegates were given the freedom to bring their chosen glam teams during the week leading up to the finale. Instead of being tied to a specific beauty brand or team, artists from across the United States had the chance to showcase their creative talents. Yelena Scheidler from Dash Talents was part of a team of hair and makeup artists (Hernan Rivera, Mike and Maricruz Martinez), focusing on glamming Miss Maryland USA Savena Mushinge, Miss New York USA Rachelle Di Stasio, and Miss Teen Maryland USA Madelyn Posey. The delegates enjoyed personalized glam sessions followed by photos, capturing the essence of their beautiful experience.

Visit https://themissusa.com/

The Water Ball 2023

by dashtalents | Oct 30, 2023 | Event, Non-profit

Video by Roy Negrosa, Interview by Kenxis Jimenez

On a rainy day in September I had the privilege to attend the Annual Water Ball that was held on Friday, September 29th, 2023 at THE SECOND on 849 6th Ave. The Water Ball, formerly known as Burkina Faso Water Day Gala, is a charitable event with the mission to raise funds for clean water. It was an amazing experience which was for a good cause. There was an auction with many items for sale, but one that caught my eye was artwork of Caroline Herrera by Bradley Theodore. There was also entertainment such as singing, and a fashion show with designs by Georgie for her brand Liberty & Justice.

Photography by Roy Negrosa and Ryan Azia

The Water Ball was founded by Georgie ”The Water Princess” who was born in the Ivory Coast. Georgie spent a lot of her childhood in the village of Koffikro, where she used to wake up every morning at 6 AM to fetch water with her grandmother and female cousins. This activity which is a necessity and a part of life adding to the fact that the country has a hard time getting fresh water, led to the start of the Georgie Badiel Foundation and the annual event, The Water Ball.

The goal of the Water Ball is to bring awareness to The Georgie Badiel Foundation. A charitable organization which aims to provide clean water and sanitation to the people of Burkina Faso by building and restoring wells, providing technical training in well operation and maintenance, and creating educational programs for sanitary and hygiene practice. Over 54% of the rural population in Burkina Faso does not have access to clean drinking water. Their mission is to change that.

To learn more about the foundation you can check out the website: https://www.georgiebadielfoundation.org/

Scott Barnes Makeup Masterclass in DC

by dashtalents | Jan 2, 2023 | Event, Interviews

Video by Noel Calubaquib. Interview and Article by Yelena Scheidler.

Axel Vasquez, celebrity makeup artist and owner of Axel Makeup Academy, gave Washington DC area the biggest gift of beauty. What could that be, you ask? He invited Scott Barnes, the best of the best legendary celebrity makeup artist and beauty industry leader, to teach a makeup masterclass to pro artists and beauty enthusiasts from DC. It was no surprise that artists traveled from all over the world to watch Scott Barnes create the signature look, including the iconic glow, as we often see on superstar Jennifer Lopez and many celebrities touched by Scott.

Born into a family of accomplished artists, Scott Barnes began his career as an artist and photographer, but it was only a matter of time till makeup became his power force. It wasn’t easy at first, but he mastered his skills through hard work, persistence, and dedication, while treating each beauty experience as art rather than following trends. This set him apart! His passion has consistently been to make women feel powerful and confident through beauty. And through his busy schedule working with celebrities, expanding his iconic makeup line Scott Barnes Cosmetics, building his dream studio, and traveling, he takes the time to educate through classes, his books, YouTube, and social media.

After class completion, Yelena Scheidler sat down with Scott Barnes for an interview during which the conversation traveled all the way back through Scott’s beauty history, including a very necessary stop in the 1990’s. What made the 90’s models so iconic? Watch to find out more.

Dash Talents interviewed Dahlia of Dahlia Design, a long-time friend and client of Axel and supporter of Scott Barnes; Miss DC USA 2022, Axel’s client, and Axel Makeup Academy graduate taught by Yelena, Faith Porter; and Axel Makeup Academy graduate, educator, and owner of VOW By Alondra, Alondra Antezana.

Axel Vasquez is an international celebrity makeup artist and hair stylist with passion to educate. Though his style is very influential, he has always looked up to Scott Barnes and his artistry. Finally having the opportunity to host a masterclass taught by Scott Barnes was very special.