First-Ever Fashion Suite At 25th Anniversary Women’s Empowerment Is Big Hit
Raleigh, NC – The 25th Anniversary Women’s Empowerment was held on Saturday April 27th at the PNC Arena with powerhouse celebrities Patti Labelle, Gloria Mayfield Banks, Kirk Franklin, Avant and Jenifer Lewis. For the past 24 years, Women’s Empowerment has held a couture fashion show on the main stage and all vendors were in the same area on the third floor. For the 25th Anniversary, the fashion show and fashion/beauty vendors were in the Women’s Empowerment Fashion Suite for the first time.
Cynthia Bailey of Real Housewives of Atlanta was the celebrity guest for the Fashion Suite which was filled with hair & beauty vendors and boutiques from all over the Triangle. Throughout the hours of the Fashion Suite, 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm, there were fashion shows and panel discussions. GlamShe & Co., Lane Bryant, Moniquea Renee, Fashion IMPACT by Hand Bags U Like and Public Couture presented fashion shows with a Designer Showcase featuring JaeNoel.
Çoul, K97.5 Assistant Promotions Manager and a fashionisto, was the host of the Fashion Suite and commentator of the fashion shows, creatively describing each model that hit the stage and their outfit. Each store owner that was showcased was introduced. Çoul was also the moderator of the Blogger Panel.
“How Do Bloggers Build Influence and Make Money” was a panel featuring Bloggers April Clark, Ashley Carter and LaNatria Ellis. It was a great discussion on how to grow and build your brand and/or business using the various social media platforms.
“Fashion & Tea with Cynthia Bailey” panel was hosted by Danielle Jones. Cynthia candidly shared her experiences both as a model and business owner, offering sound advice to those in the room. The final panel of the Fashion Suite was “10 fashion & Style Hacks From An Editorial Stylist” with Stylist Mia Hammett.
Vendors were set up in the categories of fashion boutiques, hair, and skin care. Entering the Fashion Suite on the right side were booths of fashion boutiques located in Raleigh and Durham.
Azani Couture Boutique of Durham was one of the featured boutiques. They carry a variety of styles from couture to African inspired fashions. Katina, Amia and Jasmine Bryson, sisters and co-owners, are devoted to creating a distinctive fashion atmosphere which keeps each customer on the forefront of fashion. Lane Bryant and Moniquea Renee Garments, both of Raleigh, provided various designs of couture plus-size fashions in their booths.
GlamShe Hair Café, located in Durham, was a featured Hair Salon. They provide quality care of natural hair and distributed postcards with tips of how to keep hair protected during the summer heat.
The 25th Anniversary Women’s Empowerment Fashion Suite ended with a fashion giveaway to those who were selected from a raffle during the fashion shows.
Women’s Empowerment Fashion Suite worked in many ways because it brought together women of all ages with similar interests. The different vendors, designers and Influencers created an aura of positive vibes and unity of black women. The informative sessions helped entrepreneurs and up-and-coming fashionistas. The fashion shows created entertainment and awe of seeing beautiful black women.
Having all the key area fashion boutiques, hair and skin care salons and products in the same area was a great idea. However, a larger location would be recommended. Or limit the amount of vendors. Based on the popularity of the Fashion Suite, demand to be a vendor, to showcase fashions and/or to visit the Suite will only increase. Plans should be made to be able to meet the demand because the concept truly works!
Over the past twenty-five years, Urban One (formerly Radio One) Women’s Empowerment has built a legacy of excellence by celebrating the heritage, culture, impact and influence of African-American women. Past participants have included Angela Bassett, Iyanla Vanzant, Robin Roberts, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson and many more.
The theme for the 25th Anniversary “Preserving Our Legacy” spoke to the legacy that African-American women have built for themselves, their children, community and the world. Throughout the event, multiple speakers, panelists, forums and seminars educated attendees on the importance of building and preserving their legacies.
Fashion Suite Highlights (Photos: Gillian Shaw)
