Designer Anita Davenport's journey to the Critic's Choice and Grammy Gifting Suite is a story of resilience, art, and unforgettable moments with legends like Angela Bassett and Viola Davis. Discover the magic within!
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A Dream Realized: SingleTree Lane and Anita Davenport's Experience at the Critic's Choice and Grammy Gifting Suite
Fashion designer and entrepreneur Anita Davenport, founder of SingleTree Lane, reached a milestone moment in her career earlier this year. Anita was invited to showcase her wearable art pieces at the exclusive GBK Brand Bar Gifting Suite for the combined Critic's Choice and Grammy Awards. This prestigious event, which took place on February 1st and 2nd, was held at the historic Beverly Wilshire hotel in Los Angeles. Despite delays caused by the devastating Palisades fires in January, the event became a testament to resilience, unity, and artistic triumph.
**A Historic Venue Steeped in Glamour**
The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, has long been an icon of both Hollywood and luxury. Built in 1928 and prominently featured in the beloved movie Pretty Woman, the hotel has seen countless celebrities, royals, and cultural icons walk its halls. The film, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, further cemented the hotel's place in pop culture history.
For Anita, the chance to present her work at this venue represented a blending of her own creative journey with the rich tapestry of Hollywood history.
The hotel's grandeur, combined with the energy of the event, was electrifying. Designers, musicians, and actors gathered to celebrate creativity, perseverance, and the power of artistry to inspire and uplift. It was a powerful reminder of the role art and fashion play in shaping identity, community, and expression.
"Being at the Beverly Wilshire, surrounded by so much history and creativity, felt surreal," Anita shared. "I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey as a designer—from dreaming about moments like this to finally experiencing them firsthand."
**The Fires That Changed the Timeline**
The Palisades fires that swept through Los Angeles in January caused significant damage, prompting the postponement of several major events, including the Critic's Choice and Grammy Gifting Suites. The fires left a lasting impact on the local community, forcing both businesses and residents to regroup and rebuild.
Anita was in Los Angeles when the fires broke out and experienced firsthand the disruption and devastation they caused. Deeply moved by the resilience of those affected, Anita poured her emotions into her work by creating a blog article titled 'My Great Escape: Tales of the Palisades Fires', where she reflected on her experience. Additionally, she designed three tops to represent her journey and feelings during this challenging time. These designs are part of the 'Fire Victims Support Collection', with proceeds benefiting those impacted by the fires.
"It was heartbreaking to see the destruction caused by the fires," Anita said. "But the creative community came together stronger than ever, and that spirit of perseverance carried through to the event itself."
Despite the delay, the Gifting Suite became a triumphant celebration of artistry and resilience. The event served as a beacon of hope and solidarity, showcasing how the entertainment and fashion industries continue to thrive despite challenges.
**Showcasing the Gold Label Collection**
At the heart of Anita's participation was her Gold Label Collection—wearable art pieces designed to tell stories, celebrate cultural heritage, and spark conversation. Each piece in the collection is crafted with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and intricate designs that blend global influences with contemporary fashion.
"Fashion is more than just clothing," Anita explained. "It's a way to share stories, express identity, and connect with others. My Gold Label Collection is a reflection of that belief—each design carries a narrative of beauty, culture, and creativity."
Over 50 award nominees and celebrity attendees, including musicians, actors, and influencers, received pieces from Anita's collection. Seeing these talented individuals appreciate and connect with her work was a deeply validating experience for Anita.
Among the recipients was jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée, whose artistry has long been an inspiration to Anita. "Meeting Cyrille and sharing my designs with her was incredibly meaningful," Anita said. "Her music speaks to the soul, and knowing she resonated with my art felt like a beautiful exchange of creative energy."
**Memorable Celebrity Encounters**
The Gifting Suite also provided Anita with opportunities to meet several of her artistic heroes and cultural icons. One particularly poignant moment was her encounter with Christian Isaiah, the child actor known for his role as Liam Gallagher on Netflix's *Shameless*.
"I almost didn't recognize him at first," Anita recalled with a laugh. "Seeing him now as a young man reminded me of how much time has passed. We often forget that child actors grow up just like the rest of us."
Another highlight of the event was meeting members of the legendary R&B group New Edition, including Ricky Bell and Johnny Gill. Their music was a defining part of Anita's youth, shaping her creative sensibilities and personal style.
"I grew up in the '80s and '90s, and New Edition was part of the soundtrack of my life," Anita said. "Meeting Ricky and Johnny was a full-circle moment—it took me right back to those formative years when music and fashion were so deeply intertwined."
Anita also had the chance to connect with Jackie Tohn, an actress she greatly admires. Jackie, known for her role in the Netflix series 'Nobody Wants This', selected one of Anita's designs—the 'Cherub Twins in Ebony' Mixed Media Unisex Sweatshirt. This piece, created in honor of Black History Month and Valentine's Day, is part of Anita's 'Straight to the Heart – Cherubs & Angels Collection'.
"Having someone I admire choose one of my most meaningful designs was incredibly rewarding," Anita shared. "It reminded me of the power of art to resonate on a deeply personal level."
**A Young Fan's Enthusiasm and Divine Connection**
One of the most touching moments of the weekend came when Anita met her youngest fan: an 8-year-old boy volunteering with his parents for Americares. The organization was present at the event to distribute emergency kits and raise awareness for disaster relief efforts.
Although Anita typically designs for adults, the young boy was captivated by her work. In a fortunate turn of events, Anita selected a top featuring an abstract graffiti print of a cat called 'Sphinx of the New Realm' to gift him. The boy hadn't seen the top before receiving it, but after Anita presented the gift, his father asked if she knew how much his son loved cats. Surprised, Anita responded, "I didn't—I was guided to choose that one." The unexpected synchronicity not only filled Anita with immense pride and gratitude but also confirmed her deep connection to Source and the Divine.
"That moment reminded me that there are forces beyond what we can see guiding us along the way," Anita reflected.
**A Dream Meeting with Angela Bassett and Viola Davis**
Perhaps the most emotional moment for Anita was meeting two powerhouse actresses who have long been role models to her: Angela Bassett and Viola Davis. Both women have been celebrated for their groundbreaking performances and their contributions to the representation of Black stories in film and television.
"Meeting Angela and Viola was like a dream come true," Anita said, her voice filled with emotion. "They have paved the way for so many of us, breaking barriers and telling stories that reflect our experiences. To stand in their presence and share my work with them felt like a full-circle moment—a testament to the importance of perseverance and representation."
Anita described the encounter as deeply affirming, reinforcing her commitment to creating art that honors her heritage and uplifts her community. These pivotal experiences continue to shape Anita's perspective on perseverance and purpose, themes she explores in her blog article, 'The Climb: My Journey Behind SingleTree Lane'. In the post, Anita reflects on the challenges and lessons learned throughout her journey, including the importance of resilience, authenticity, and trusting the creative process.
**The Power of Community and Creativity**
The Gifting Suite was more than just a platform for showcasing fashion—it was a celebration of the creative community and the power of collaboration. Designers, artists, and influencers came together to share their stories, support one another, and inspire the next generation of creatives.
"The path to success isn't something you walk alone," Anita reflected. "It's built on community, support, and shared dreams. Events like this remind us of the importance of lifting each other up and celebrating our unique contributions to the world."
**Continuing the Journey**
For Anita Davenport, the experience at the Critic's Choice and Grammy Gifting Suite is a milestone she will cherish forever. It has motivated her to continue pushing boundaries, telling stories through fashion, and staying true to her artistic vision.
"I left the event feeling inspired, humbled, and deeply grateful," Anita said. "These moments remind me why I do what I do. For anyone navigating their own creative journey—keep going. The path is full of challenges, but dreams do come true. You just have to keep showing up for them."
Anita's inspiring journey was also profiled by Rolling Stone UK in the feature 'Being an Odd Bird: Anita Davenport's Journey to Self-Acceptance'.
**About Anita Davenport and SingleTree Lane**
Anita Davenport is the founder of SingleTree Lane, a brand known for its bold, culturally inspired designs and commitment to sustainability. Her collections blend global aesthetics with modern fashion, offering customers wearable art that sparks conversation and celebrates identity. SingleTree Lane has been featured in Rolling Stone UK and other major publications and has participated in high-profile events such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Pre-Induction Ceremonies.
To explore Anita's latest collections, visit SingleTree Lane at https://shopsingletree.com. And check her out at https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsingletree to see Anita in action.
**Press Contact:**
Keema Echols
Ethel Clark Services
Office: 817.510.0046
Mobile: 951.454.0513
Media Contact
Keema Echols, Ethel Clark Services, 1 817-510-0046, [email protected], ethelclarkservices.com
SOURCE SingleTree Lane
Share this article