14th Annual RVAFW Fall 2022

14th Annual RVAFW Fall 2022

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interviews by Yelena Scheidler

On a beautiful Sunday. October 9th in Richmond VA, RVA Fashion Week impressed completely.  As part of its 14th season, the show brought forward the talent that creates their masterpieces right in the heart of Virginia.  The designers included unique and trendy local talent while some traveled all the way from the West Coast. Their work was immaculate and translated elegantly on the runway by the beautiful models who were selected out of over 700 applicants.

Beyond the talent, what stood out about RVA Fashion Week, was a sense of family amongst leadership, many of whom have been involved with the show for many seasons, seeing RVAFW grow bigger each year.  The next 5 years will be exponential.

Designers during the Sunday show included: K. McGough, Paige The Artist and BlueCatHouse, Esther Lofley, Sisters Boutique, Museum Rejects, Keziah Amaree, Haus of Klyde, 707 Fine Clothing, The Liznel, and closed by The Aziancy.

Photography by Byron Wimbish and Jermaine Dabney

Brickell, Heather Marie, and Chanel radiate in pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Photography by Byron Wimbish and Jermaine Dabney

Every seat was filled  at RVAFW as the models walked down the runway.  Featured designers: Keziah Amaree, Sisters Boutique, K. McGough, Haus of Klyde, The Liznel, 707 Fine Clothing, Esther Lofley, Paige The Artist and BlueCatHouse, and Museum Rejects.

Behind the scenes with designer/photographer Ryan Azia and his models, ready to showcase The Aziancy on the runway

Video by Aaron Dudley

DC Swim Week Returns the Heat To the Capital

DC Swim Week Returns the Heat To the Capital

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interviews by Yelena Scheidler

DC Swim Week  brought heat to Washington DC after 2 years of pandemic.  Though residing in Miami and taking lead at Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week, Moh Ducis, founder and CEO of DC Swim Week opened up about his passion to bring DC to the forefront of fashion and all the possibilities.  The designers brought so much vibrancy, sparkle, and sass to the runway.  Some of the designers included: Makai Swim, Hamade Activewear, Nzinga Swim, MM&M Swim, Amarotto Swimwear, Banana Moon, Cioccolato Couture, and more.

Video by Maher Ibrahim

The models were served with a magic touch by Axel Vasquez and his team of Axel Pro artists, who created a French-inspired glam on each model,  providing a uniform, classic beauty with matte red lip, dewey skin, and lightly defined eyes.  All products were by Axel Beauty, ensuring long hours of beautiful wear. Axel is a star from TV Show American Beauty Star, and owner of Axel Makeup Academy, who is spicing up Washington DC on 11/7/22 by bringing the legendary celebrity makeup artist whose art is responsible for all of Jennifer Lopez looks – Scott Barnes.

Sarah of Axel Makeup Academy creating a beautiful canvas before focusing on the details of the model’s look.  Photography by Vithaya Phongsavan.

Photography by Vithaya Phongsavan.

When Beauty Meets Purpose

When Beauty Meets Purpose

Video by Noel Calubaquib

On April 23, 2022, WEModel USA brought an extraordinary Red Carpet Gala and Charity Event to MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino.  Hosted by the foundation owner, Patricia Watts, the upscale event was filled with fashion, beauty, live performances, with focus on promoting community awareness in support of Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign by NWECare – “Connect2Protect”.  The event educated and united all guests about combating the second highest-ranking international crime, Human Trafficking.

 

The event was a true experience of lights, camera, action full of the most beautifully dressed celebrities, models, influencers, designers, and media coming from all over the country. From Red Carpet with FOX5’s Erin Como and WUSA9’s Darren Haynes to Runway shows by extraordinary designers, to the impeccable hosts Lamont Easter and Jana Sedlakova, to an unforgettable live performance by the Global Top 10 Charting Hip Hop Artist RoRo Yone, the night caused quite the buzz, as it should have, as Human Trafficking awareness needs further attention.

WEModel USA is a woman empowerment-led platform created to offer aspiring models a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be in the spotlight. Through this organization, many amazing and talented young women experience international cultural experiences while simultaneously standing in the spotlight to raise awareness of and spearhead initiatives for the core pillar of activism: human trafficking, the second highest-ranking international crime.

The show featured many recognized local designers and over 40 models. All models’ makeup was created by Axel Makeup Academy certified makeup artists, lead by Dash Talents’ own Yelena ScheidlerMakeup By Yelena.

The show was moved to the next level of entertainment when the Global Top 10 Charting Hip-Hop artist RoRo Yone performed his top hits, causing the audience to vibe along to the catchy tunes.

Mrs. DC America, Gift Hughes and Dash Talents’ Yelena Scheidler listen to Barbara Amaya’s recollection of the horrific Human Trafficking experience and how she escaped.