DCFASHIONWEEK's Success Prompts Plans for the Next

A partnership of independent fashion designers, producers and models, DCFASHIONWEEK creates increased economic development in the area of fashion design, clothing merchandising and modeling as well as enhances the visibility of the nations capital as a center of international fashion. To launch this historic event, District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams officially proclaims September 10-19 as DCFASHIONWEEK.

(PRWEB) October 9, 2004 -- A partnership of independent fashion designers, producers and models, DCFASHIONWEEK creates increased economic development in the area of fashion design, clothing merchandising and modeling as well as enhances the visibility of the nations capital as a center of international fashion. To launch this historic event, District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams officially proclaims September 10-19 as DCFASHIONWEEK.

During DCFASHIONWEEK, three main venues showcased 15 fashion and accessory designers. Corjor International, the event title sponsor, jumpstarted the fashion week by premiering its collection at the annual Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Dinner held at the Grand Hyatt in downtown DC. The CBC show featured on the runway some of the districts best models alongside actress Victoria Rowell, best known for her roles on Diagnosis Murder and The Young and the Restless, and Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth from the first season of The Apprentice.

The USA Today Headquarters in McLean, VA served as the showplace of Mondays fashion event, while The Crystal City Doubletree Hotel in Arlington, VA hosted Friday nights show Adrenaline. The Hilton Old Town located in Alexandria, VA was the location of Sundays show Vixens. In conjunction with Budweiser, H2O Restaurant and Lounge held an industry-wide party, and featured a concert by Bad Boy Recording Artist, Carl Thomas. Friday nights Urban Collections Show prompted the return of a former DC radio personality, Olivia Fox much to the delight of the packed crowd. Olivia Fox, now representing Clear Channel in Tampa, FL, hosted the event. The final fashion show held on Sunday, the Couture Collections, was hosted by DC's #1 ranked radio personality Jeannie Jones (WKYS, Radio One). The Couture Collections event was taped for an upcoming cable TV broadcast.

DCFASHIONWEEKs events drew a combined audience of over 6000 patrons. Included in the audience were cast members from HBO hit series The Wire, prominent plastic surgeon Dr. George Bitar, members of the National Black Fashion Museum, Mad Flava TV producers as well as the newly crowned Ms. India DC. In addition, sponsors such as shoe giant BGMI provided designer footwear such as Nautica, Diesel, XOXO, Pony and Dry-Shod. Belgium designer, Fatou Mata for Identity, chose this groundbreaking event to premier her couture collection in the United States as well as Urban Independent Music Awards Designer of the Year, DC Designer, Kenny Flannagan for KAS.

While DCFASHIONWEEK drew special attention for its prominent use of full figure models along with commercial and traditional fashion models, the event also conducted a voter registration drive, food donation to local area food banks and clothing drive for the homeless.

Event executive producer, Ean Williams, published the 1st annual Best-Dressed African-American list with Oprah Winfrey and Andre 3000 of Outkast receiving top honors.

The next DCFASHIONWEEK will kick off February 13-19, 2005. Registration for designers will begin October 8, 2004. All applicants may complete the online form or mail the application to DCFASHIONWEEK, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, #450, Washington, DC 20006.

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