Fashion never Tasted so Good! – Taste of the Runway, DC

I had the fantastic opportunity to attend Taste of the Runway in DC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 2nd year in a row but this year not only as a fashion enthusiast but as an advocate! Taste of the Runway is an event that incorporates my two favorite things beautiful, creative, inspirational fashion and truly fantastic well-prepared (unlimited) food.

 

I had a brief chat at the end of the show with one of the directors, which mainly involved me giving accolades, but I learned a few things . For instance, I noticed the space was utilized differently this year. Apparently last year was more focus on the pop up shops while this year there was an added Wedding boutique

which was sort of the main attraction. The shops and food area were more condensed around the runway this year, and I feel was definitely a nice touch.

Plus, there was the addition of other activities while you wait in between designers or during one of the intermissions, like professional massage therapy!!!

They did a stellar job of having the food portion, appropriately entertwined with the fashion part to make it more of an accessory to the show versus a distraction.

There were celebrities there besides me (totally totally kidding) such as …

 

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Celebrity Chef J. Ponder states that he loves using fresh garlic, olive oil and herbs in his dishes and by the way, makes the most amazing pulled chicken!!!

The MC of the night was comedian Rodney Perry,

who was mad funny, incredibly entertaining, and definitely made the audience feel like they were a part of the show.

 

The models were beyond talented, and were a beautiful array of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities.  

Some of the designers I have seen before, such as Victor Hou Designs (highlighted in a previous post, link at the end) and he definitely did not falter in his collection here.  However, it’s always thrilling to see new designers to the area, proving the DMV is very fashion forward and continuing to become a force to reckon with.

Speaking of the D of DMV, the bridal collection by Cherry Blossom Bridal was based out of DC…

Now epic fail on my part with my phone dying after 2 hours and my backup portable charger dying on hour 3, but there are some pictures of some of my favorite pieces sprinkled throughout my post! 

And one of the most jaw-dropping portion of the event was the avant-garde hair presentation by Princess Canty with models wearing stunning gowns by the Lamaj Company .  Like pictures can not do it justice.

It was basically a clinic as to how models should pose.  At one point, during this presentation I perused the room and everyone stopped what they were doing, just totally entranced.

So as you know I always try to interview a designer and for this event…

Designer du Jour: Carissa of d’Kultured Kunsepts

Carissa is a designer that not only does clothing lines but also jewelry and accesories. She handsews her pieces, and absolutely loves color.

“Fashion is Limitless…and should be for everyone.”

She states although she is not an African designer, but she is inspired by african designs and fabric.

So, she is yet to sell her collection in a format such as e-commerce or in a brick and mortar store, but keep on the lookout, for this is an emerging designer worth waiting for.

I definitely appreciate that although Taste of the Runway goes to multiple cities, I feel like tries to incorporate the flavor, history and culture of the city in which it is located. There was definitely thoughtful dedication to the love of fashion, incorporating menswear, swimwear, ready to wear, children clothing and couture.   Overall it was a beautiful production, somehow they topped last year’s show; it flowed very well from designer to designer, the directors of the event definitely mastered the ability of keeping audience captivated. And one could feel the Taste of the Runway spirit and passion in the clear attention to every detail and successful attempt to continuously tickle the fancy of every guest through light fare and fashion.

***For a full list of designers, see here!***

***See  previous post mentioning Victor Hou Designs!!!***

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” 

-Henry David Thoreau

Naomi