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A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Fashion Crawl Boujee Bee Boutique

September 21, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

The 3rd Annual A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is September 20-22 and we are bringing a Fashion and Beauty Experience like only (DE-FI) can! Join us on Saturday, September 21, 4:30-6:30p for a Fashion Crawl at Boujee Bee Boutique, 508 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410

Join us at Boujee Bee Boutique for shopping, refreshments, and an opportunity to hear about the other small businesses that sale products at this boutique and how you can join the list! Plus get a look at the new Fall Fashions and shop the sales for out going summer looks!

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Fashion Crawl TheZe DealZ

September 21, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

The 3rd Annual A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is September 20-22 and we are bringing a Fashion and Beauty Experience like only (DE-FI) can! Join us on Saturday, September 21, 2-4p for a Fashion Crawl at TheZe DealZ A Thrifty Boutique, 3183 W Siebenthaler Ave Suite C, Dayton, OH 45406

Join us at TheZe DealZ for shopping, refreshments, and an opportunity to hear about the other 11 small businesses that sale products at this boutique and how you can join the list!

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Fashion Crawl Style Encore

September 21, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

The 3rd Annual A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is September 20-22 and we are bringing a Fashion and Beauty Experience like only (DE-FI) can! Join us on Saturday, September 21, 11:30a-1:30p for a Fashion Crawl at Style Encore Centerville, 101 E Alex Bell Rd Ste 154, Centerville, OH 45459.

Style Encore will be offering their personal styling service, which is free, all you have to do is fill out their a Styling Profile on their website https://style-encorecenterville.com/ and they will pull (2) outfits for you to try on when you arrive!

They will also be offering a 15% discount when you mention (DE-FI) during checkout during the time of this crawl!

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Model Open Call

September 21, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s that time of year again, are you ready to join the only fashion organization that has over 27 years of industry experience, provides means to pay models, is advocating for laws to protect models, has helped to launch the careers of not 1, not 2 but 3 Supermodels, has helped countless other models be signed to agencies around the world, and does it all voluntarily? That’s right, there’s no fee to join our Incubator.

Then mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10:30a-12:30p, at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library located at 215 E. 3rd St., Dayton, OH 43210, in Conference Room 3A. Open to models of all ethnicities, genders, heights,and sizes, ages 12+. This will be our final Open Call of the year, the next Open Call will not take place until March 2020.

The (DE-FI) Model Incubator’s Model Talk Modules takes you beyond the 5% of the industry that is just runway and photoshoots. We empower our models with knowledge and tools needed to navigate the critical 95% of the industry that is often overlooked and can make or brake your career if all you have to offer is a walk or nice pics. We develop business minded models and provide real industry experiences that include agency visits and New York Fashion Week.

Our Open Call process mirrors that of Open Calls at modeling agencies in larger markets like New York, Chicago, LA, and Miami. We keep it simple, once in with the panel room, expect to be asked a few questions about yourself and interest in being a model and that’s it…short, sweet, and to the point, nothing extra! You’ll be in and out of the panel room in less than 3 minutes and will know if you’ve received an invite to join our Incubator on the spot. Visit http://www.DaytonEmergingFashionIncubator.com for additional information. #FashionCareersStartHere #TheFashionPipeline #FashionAdvacement #WhatDoYouDEFI #FirstFlightNowFashion

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Designer Open Call

September 21, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

Are you interested in joining the (DE-FI) Designer Incubator or showcasing your work during Dayton Fashion Week? Every year we open (DE-FI)’s Designer Incubator to new talented independent designers. Through our unique and personalized Runway Experience our fashion experience have received critical acclaim making (DE-FI) one of the most influential fashion organizations in the country. Come show us your work on Saturday, September 21st., 9:30a-10:30a, in Quad 1B of the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library located at 215 E. 3rd St., Dayton.

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Fashion Night Out

September 20, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

Fashion Night Out is coming to Dayton! We are excited to announce that we have partnered with the Washington Prime Group and the Dayton Mall to bring you a Fashion Experience like no other! Join us for a fashion experience specially curated for the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC to discover and explore the driving forces changing retail around the Miami Valley.

Fashion Night Out: BTS will provide fashion professionals, fashion lovers and shoppers alike with a behind-the-scenes look at how fashion designers and retail stores leverage their creativity and how they drive demand for their brands. This experience will provide real-time instructions in best practices and will broaden participants’ understanding of the latest trends driving the worldwide fashion industry. This will be an active-learning approach to help the local fashion industry absorb and process information critical to their businesses in short, digestible time periods.

Meet us in front of Macy’s at 6p for networking and Ambush Makeovers before heading to our first stop. Visit our website at http://www.daytonemergingfashionincubator.com for additional details.

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Beauty Crawl

September 20, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

The 3rd Annual A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is September 20-22 and we are bringing a Fashion and Beauty Experience like only (DE-FI) can! Join us on Saturday, September 21, 10a-6p for a Beauty Crawl at Spa Express, 8975 Kingsridge Road, Dayton, OH 45458.

Spa Express offers Poly red light therapy and the Renuvaskin red light bed. Red light therapy can do wonders for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, cellulite, and stretch marks. They offer customized facials, dermaplaning, and dermarolling too.

In addition they have the Cocoon Wellness Pod and a Cocoon Hydration Pod that uses infrared heat therapy, steam, and aroma therapy to help with weight loss and aches and pains.

Pop in anytime beween 10a-6p during this Beauty Crawl, Spa Express will be giving a tour and demonstrations some of our equipment including their new cryoskin machine that does body slimming and toning, plus facials.

Check out their website at www.MySpaExpress.com and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohiospaexpress

Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, Dayton Fashion Week

(DE-FI) Introduces: Aceani Michelle

April 19, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

Aceani Michelle pictured with several Fashion Industry Professionals from around the country!

Aceani Michelle pictured with several Fashion Industry Professionals from around the country!

I was first introduced to 17 year old designer Aceani Michelle via Lynne Bartley from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in September of 2013 and since our initial introduction Aceani has become a source of inspiration and driving force behind everything that we do here at the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. If we’ve ever had a single doubt about what we are doing and why, Aceani’s passion for the industry quickly helps us to refocus on our ultimate goals.

From the first email that she sent me giving me a full background of her work, to showing up and being hands on with just about every event that we have held since she joined our team, to every email that she has sent me always having an introduction of “Hi Ms. Caressa, It’s Aceani again…”. Her custom email signature that reads Teen Designer, Photographer, Stylist and Fashion Blogger, “Success has no age limit” aceanimichelle.blogspot.com”  to bringing me, (DE-FI)’s Director of Beauty Lisa Scott owner of Beaute Box, and her very own mom to tears after a meeting last week when she realized just how talented and blessed she really is, and having a full understanding of just how much support that she has had, not just from her family, but (DE-FI) as well, I think that it’s pretty safe to say that Ms. Aceani is going places. I mean, after all, at just the tender age of 17 she’s already accomplished more in her career than most have done in a lifetime of trying, from attending Fashion Camp NYC, to presenting her fashion line to designer Lisa Perry and the Vice President of Coach Merchandising Fran Della Badia.

Aceani, with the overwhelming support of her family and backing of (DE-FI), is  prepping for a what is certain to be huge and successful career in the Fashion Industry! She will be showcasing her very first line during our First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball taking place Saturday May 10 at Commander Aero Airport.  So it is with great honor and pride  that I introduce such an amazing person, young lady, Fashion Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, Blogger, Photographer, and Youth Ambassador to the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC: Miss Aceani Michelle. Aceani1

Q)  How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A)  My love for fashion began a long time ago. In fourth grade I use to play around and illustrate different outfits for lines that were popular back then such as Baby Phat, Rocka Wear and Sean John. I found myself starting to play around with different trends and put together outfits that I would have never thought of before and then began illustrating outfit ideas. I was in my eighth grade year when I fell in love with fashion. I began studying Vogue, In Style, Seventeen, plus other magazines, blogs and different designers that I gravitated towards at the time. Freshman year I began to illus­trate some designs of my own while I took my first stab at designing and began making custom cloth­ing for my friends at school and family members. I started simple and over time as I gained more experience, I began to play around more. All that lead to where I am now as a designer.

Q)  Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) My biggest influence when I began designing was Betsey Johnson. I was in love with her crazy, but innovative shows. She loves to do cartwheels and wear bright colors and let’s face it, that would speak to any 14 year old girl.   As I got older I began looking at the culture of the hip hop era of the late 80’s and early 90’s. I often pull inspiration from the people during that time. Professionally, I look to my mother and of course, Anna Wintour. I love the way they both carry themselves at all times, and know exactly what they want, and how they want it while handling business.

Q)      What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A)  The biggest struggle I faced as an emerging designer is that I’m self-taught. A lot of times I’ve had ideas and was not able to complete them because I simply had no idea what I was doing. Now I am proud to say I have a sewing coach, Mrs. Linda Love, and I love her! I’ve learned so much already and I can now make just about anything I put my mind to! My only other real struggle was people around me. I’ve had a lot of people try to knock me down or make jokes about me being “too serious.”  As I’ve grown, I’ve let go of many people. However, I thank them as well as the people who constantly send me good vibes because they have helped to push me forward in one way or another. I hope to consider A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance my big break. I have worked so hard to get to this position and hopefully this will show people that I am really going to go far and help me gain access to a broader audience.

Q)  What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A)   My biggest challenge in trying to get started in this industry is my age. I am only 17 years old and being this young has helped me in some ways, but hurt me in others. However, I never let anyone stop me or slow me down on my path to success. I have a quote which is, “No dream is too big, and no age is too small.” This really helps me to keep moving forward using full force because I feel as though I have so much to prove if I want to show the world that this quote is true. I may be young, but my dream is valid and I will not stop under any circumstances.

Q)  There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A)  A lot of my friends believe that people in the industry seem stuck up, and they often ask how I deal with that. I have to debunk this one because honestly some of the most genuine and kindest people I’ve met are people in the fashion industry. I think they come off this way because of confidence and a lot of people don’t know what true confidence looks like anymore.

Q)  Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent??

A)  My target costumer is edgy and risky with an appreciation for fine arts, culture, and history. When people see my clothes I want them to imagine a suit with an urban architectural feel, or a dress that could give a history lesson on its own. Anything that is under Aceani Michelle has to tell a story. Almost as if you are reading a book attached to someone’s body. I want my collection to represent who I am as a person and what I love. Art, history, culture, and architecture.

Q)  Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A)  It is important for fashion to be embraced here because there are so many misconceptions about the industry especially in places like Dayton. There may be many people here who loves fashion, but know nothing about it so therefore their love dies and their dream is lost. We always associate fashion with the big cities, but there are so many talented and fashionable people right here in our little cities that need a voice and a platform to make it.

Q)  What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A)  I am most excited about showcasing my first collection during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance! I am also excited to learn as much as I possibly can. I always tell people that I am a student first so I plan to take a lot of notes. I would also like to inspire at least one person. I want them to know If I can do it, so can they! Just have that burning passion and a lot of faith.

Q)  What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A)  Fashion is a very competitive and risky industry. However, you have to put your big boy pants on and just go for it! Don’t allow anyone’s personal opinion to stop you from reaching your personal goal. Remember to stay true to yourself and never lose sight of where you want to go. Remain faithful, humble, hungry and determined and know that No dream is too big, and no age is too small!

The one and only Aceani Michelle will make her runway debut during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10

The one and only Aceani Michelle will make her runway debut during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10

Need we say more??  Aceani is just truly phenomenal and has so many people cheering her on and rooting for her.  One of the main reasons that she brought myself and Lisa to tears last week was seeing how much support she has from her family at such a young age.  Lisa and I both opened up to her about our missed opportunities and dreams that went unfulfilled because we didn’t have the support that we needed from family or a platform to practice and showcase what we loved.  For me it was modeling, I had my first contract when I was 12 but at the same time my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and wasn’t able to dedicate the time that was needed to get me to casting calls and we couldn’t afford to travel to my agency for meetings and for Lisa it was attending Juilliard School of Performing Arts but as we both experienced and Aceani pointed out in her interview if we do not support local talent dreams fade away. But we are determined to not allow that to happen and to be the support system for others that we wish that we would have had  in our lives when we lived, breathed, and dreamed about our passion.

For more information on how you can help make Aceani’s dreams come true when she debuts her first line during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10,  or how you can help sponsor her work or win an internship with Anne Agoren in NYC please send all inquiries to [email protected].  You can also follow her blog at aceanimichelle.blogspot.com . You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402.  Tickets are also available online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025.  For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE:  VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469.  We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production.  Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!!  A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is guaranteed to be more than a Fashion Show, it’s a #FashionExperience and we’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Community, The Featured Articles Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Aceani Michelle, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, First FLight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball

(DE-FI) Introduces: Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing

April 9, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

(DE-FI) Designer Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing

(DE-FI) Designer Sonya Mills of Kerapa  Klothing

What can I say about Sonya Mills?  Well, for starters I can say that she has been one of the voices that have helped to shape the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC into what it is today.  In the early stages of (DE-FI) long before we had a name…months after I stepped down from DFW; I remember sitting out on the patio of De’Lish Café along with Sonya, her mother (DE-FI) Designer Brenda Marone, and (DE-FI) Advisory Board and Steering Committee Ed Dixon discussing what the next step should be in terms of what the next step should be to get a strong fashion movement going in Dayton.

It was Sonya who first shared with me the struggles that she faced as an emerging designer, as we continue to learn more about the Fashion Industry and grow as an organization, I think that is fair to credit Sonya with the idea of creating the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which will be launched during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9th-10th.  The Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks that will put them in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!

As with each of the designers that are showcasing during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, we asked each of them the exact same questions in an attempt to not only introduce them to you but to help everyone have a better understanding of why supporting our local talent and providing a platform for them to showcase their work is important to the success and future of Dayton.  So I take much pride in introducing (DE-FI) Designer and Co-Founder of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC Sonya Mills–

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) I guess it was a mid-life crisis. I have dabbled off and on with sewing, crochet, and designing, but had never seriously pursued that dream until I turned 40. I just made up my mind and started doing small local shows.

(DE-FI) Model Megan Krug wears a Kerapa Dress at The Taste of (DE-FI)ance

(DE-FI) Model Megan Krug wears a Kerapa Dress at The Taste of (DE-FI)ance

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) Personally my Mom Brenda Marone of B. Marie Fashions is my influence. She did many shows in the 80’s using African textiles with American styles, and I guess it rubbed off. Professionally I see myself as a Black Betsy Johnson. I make clothes for the young and young at heart.

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) My main struggle is always financing. I still feel like I am emerging even though I did Mid-West and Plitz’s Fashion Weeks last year.

Q)  What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A)  It is a challenge to find backing and make people understand that everything they see is for sale. We want to clothe you.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A)  Showing in New York does not make you an overnight success.

Q)  Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent??

(DE-FI) Child Model wears Kerapa Kids at (DE-FI) Presents: Fashion In The Mystic Garden

(DE-FI) Child Model wears Kerapa Kids at (DE-FI) Presents: Fashion In The Mystic Garden

A)  My target market has just recently changed, or should I say, I finally owned it. I started making clothes for women, but more people have asked for children’s wear. Now I would say my target is Infants to Teens.

Q)  Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A)  I think fashion should be embraced here because Dayton has so much talent.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A)  I hope to get clients. I will be showing Children’s day wear and Teen evening wear.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) I always tell people to go for their dreams. Don’t wait until you’re 40 like I did. But even if you do start late, know that your talent and will can take you far.

For more information on how you can purchase a custom made dress by Sonya Mills and Kerapa, please send all inquiries to [email protected]  You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.  You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025.  For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE:  VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469.  We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production.  Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!!  We’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

 

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, First Flight Now Fashion Vinatage Couture Ball, Kerapa Klothing, Sonya Mills

(DE-FI) Introduces Erika Berthy of Gowns By Beartie

April 5, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

The Illumination by Gowns by Beartie

The Illumination by Gowns by Beartie

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you, I’m not easily intimidated or at a loss for words but the very first time that I met Designer Erika Berthy designer of Gowns by Beartie, I found myself being both.  We were attending a committee meeting for the Opera Guild of Dayton; I had been a fan of her work for some time but given her level of talent I wasn’t quite ready to reach out to her to see if she would be interested in showcasing at a (DE-FI) event, after all we are still rather new and we have a lot of work to do to prove that Fashion has a home here in Dayton!!  Long story short I somehow managed to get the words out of my mouth to introduce myself to her without sounding like a rambling buffoon and to my surprise, she was equally excited about meeting me and said that she had been following the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC from the beginning and the rest as they say—is history!!

To say that Erika’s approach to fashion is different would be an understatement simply because she doesn’t even refer to her work as fashion, she calls it Wearable Art.  When she first started explaining the concept of her work, I really didn’t understand what she meant BUT then she brought out a design called “The Passion” and I was in awe!  “The Passion” wasn’t just a dress, it was literally a piece of art constructed to look like a dress and to top it off the description of each detail of “The Passion” was poetic, from the plunging neckline that exposes our heart to the slashes along the side that represent the ribs to protect the heart literally and #MetaphoricallySpeaking.

Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez will be collaberating with Gowns by Beartie to bring a Fashion meets Poetry experience you wont' forget!!

Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez will be collaberating with Gowns by Beartie to bring a Fashion meets Poetry experience you wont’ forget!!

Each piece from Gowns by Beartie tells a story.  So of course we couldn’t just have Erika’s runway showcase set to music…we needed a Story Teller or a Spoken Word Artist to help us deliver this #FashionExperience to the attendees of The First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball taking place on Saturday May 10 as a part of A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance…and the first person that came to mind was local Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez of Metaphorically Speaking.  When I shared the concept of fusing Poetry and Fashion with Erika she fell in love with the idea and believe me when I say you do not want to miss her showcase that will be set to the whimsical and rapid fire lyrics of Jay Martinez who has written custom poetry for each piece that Erika will be showcasing including “Contained Energy”, “Delicate Balance”, “Discovery”, “Inner Passion”, and “Transient Layers”!!

The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is excited to introduce participating designers that will be taking part in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10, 2014!!  A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance will be showcasing both emerging and established designers to help raise money for the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund!  The Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks  that will put them in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!  As we’ve done with Anne Agoren designer of Izzi Bags and Rebecca Huber designer of Maderas Beach Co., we set down for a Q & A with Erika to share her story and journey in Fashion with the community!

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) I first became interested in Fashion when I was in elementary school while watching a program on FIT I later went on to attend the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art and Planning) where I completed six Co-ops and full time internships.

Q)  Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A)  My parents, Audrey Hepburn, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Charles James, Julie Pollack, Elma Camargo, Cynthia Lockhart, Ann Firestone, Margie Voelker-Ferrier, Julie Liveris…I could go on and on!

Q)  What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A)  Funding my art has been my biggest struggle.  Working with the wonderful photographer Adam Leigh-Manuell and makeup/hair artist Lydia Brock has been my biggest break.

Q)  What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) Marketing my work has always been a challeng.

Q)  There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) One fashion misconception is that women always wore white for their weddings. This tradition didn’t start until Queen Victoria in 1840.

Q)  Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent?

A)  My brand is wearable art, fabric sculptures designed to enhance your body, reflect your style and transcend stereotypes of purpose. My target market is strong women who appreciate art and stand out from the crowd.

Q)  Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A) Fashion needs to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton to help support and keep artists in the community.

Q)  What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A)  I’m excited to be involved in an event that promotes emerging designers, I’m hoping to introduce my work to a new audience.

Q)  What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A)  Read Steven Pressfield’s The War on Art. Also check out Nine Heads, a fantastic Fashion Illustration book. Go on internships, explore the many facets of the industry and ask questions.

 

For more information on how you can make a fashion Statement in A Gown by Beartie,  please send all inquiries to [email protected]  You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.  You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025.  For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE:  VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469.  We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production.  Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!!  We’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

 

Filed Under: Community, The Featured Articles Tagged With: (DE-FI), A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator, Erika Berthy, First FLight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball, Gowns by Beartie, Jay Martinez, Spoken Word Artist

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Diversity & Inclusion Speaker Series

9:00 am | Virtual Event

The Dayton Off Road Expo & Show

9:00 am | Roberts Centre

Dayton’s Wedding Show & Expo

10:00 am | Presidential Banquet Center

Auditions for Magnificent Hubba Hubba

11:00 am | ZOOM

Climate Change in Ohio Agriculture

1:00 pm | 621996

St. Pittie’s Day Dog Party

1:00 pm | mack’s tavern

Route 88 Unplugged

6:45 pm | Dayton 73 Moose

Doug Hart Band

7:00 pm | The Phone Booth Lounge

Comedian Kevin White

7:15 pm | Wiley’s Comedy Club

Velvet Crush Unplugged

7:30 pm | Good Time Charlie’s

Linus Tate Acoustic

8:00 pm | The Brick Tap & Tavern

Sunday Brunch

9:30 am | Salt Block Biscuit Company

The Dayton Off Road Expo & Show

10:00 am | Roberts Centre

Friends of WCPL Children’s Movies & Music – Blu-Ray, DVDs, Music CDs Sale

1:00 pm | Woodbourne Library

The Sunday Comic’s

7:15 pm | Wiley’s Comedy Club

Free Boot Camp Workout

5:30 am | The Park at Austin Landing Miamisburg OH

Dog’s Nite Out

10:00 am | Ritter’s Frozen Custard

25% Off Pizza Monday

11:30 am | Oregon Express

$2 burger night

5:00 pm | Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro

Taste of New Orleans

6:00 pm | Smith’s Boathouse

Trivia Tuesday

7:00 pm | The Brick Tap & Tavern

PubLit at Home – Days Without End

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ALL YOU CAN EAT!

5:00 pm | Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro

Trivia w/ DagaTrivia

6:00 pm | Eudora Brewing Company

Trivia Night

6:30 pm | Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse

Heath Bowling

7:00 pm | The Barrel

Acoustic Music with Thomas Hayes Freel

6:30 pm | Mr Boro’s Tavern

Miamisburg Baseball Fundraiser

11:00 am | City Barbeque- Centerville

Carry Out Fish Fry

11:00 am | St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church

Knights of Columbus Council 3754 Fish Dinner

5:00 pm | Marian Manor Hall

First Friday St. Paddy’s Day Beer Crawl

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Antioch Shrine Center Fish Fry

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Irish Club Fish Fry

6:00 pm | The Irish Club of Dayton

Karaoke!

6:30 pm | Yellow Cab Tavern

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