Brenda Marone

Act Out Studio’s Presents: The Legacy Ball

March 30, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

On Friday April 4, 2014, the founder of the well-respected Act Out Talent Studio, Kelechukwu “Chu” Oparah will Host the first of what he hopes to be an Annual fundraising event entitled the Legacy Ball. Act Out Talent Studio of Dayton, is a division of nonprofit 501(c)(3) Eastgate Studios, Inc., and helps area youth develop marketable and professional skills in various forms of artistic performance, including recorded film and TV media; these classes are taught by actors, directors, and other top industry professionals. Act Out Studios also helps young performers gain representation with talent agencies or talent managers and prepares them for the work place. According to Chu “Film and TV productions require the contributions of many people working together, youth in our programs learn skills that employers value greatly, such as communication, teamwork, creative thinking and dependability”.

Audience Choice Winner Caroline Glaser from NBC’s The Voice will perform a Private Concert during The Legacy Ball

The Legacy Ball will feature a private concert by Atlantic Records Artist and The Voice contestant Caroline Glaser, according to a Press Release issued by Act Out Studio, Caroline Glaser is an Indie/Folk vocalist who was voted the “Audience Choice Award winner in Season 4 of NBS’s hit show The Voice and her chart-topping hit Money Tree was recorded right here in the Miami Valley at Twelve3South Studio in Tipp City. The Legacy Ball will also feature both a live and silent Auction that will include the work of accomplished local artists, memorabilia of pro athletes with local ties, private instruction with a famed athlete, recording studio time with a Billboard-topping producer and a private getaway vacation. There will also be food, local wines, and a mini Fashion Show featuring (DE-FI) Designers Sonya Mills of Kerapa Clothing, Erika Berthy of Gowns By Bearite, and Brenda Marone of B. Marie,and (DE-FI) Models.

The Legacy Ball will be held at the Dayton Art Institute inside of the Shaw Gothic Clositer this Friday from 4:30p-8:30p. Vanessa Freeman, co-host and producer of Living Dayton on WDTN Channel 2 will be the Emcee for the evening. There are a limited amount of tickets available for this event, for more information on Act Out Talent Studio please visit their website at www.actouttalent.org and for more information on the Legacy Ball visit http://www.thelegacyball.com/. Proceeds from this event will help Act Out Talent Studio of Dayton which is a Non-Profit Organization fund scholarships for student training, programming and productions, and residencies for film industry professionals who train students and to help purchase equipment.

From (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week to A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance

March 14, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

Have you purchased your copy of (DE-FI)ance Magazine yet? You can order your copy at http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/606271?__r=435971

A wise man once said, “The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change” and that’s one thing that those of us at the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC has come to know, understand, adapt to, and appreciate! After all without change things become boring, stagnant, and let’s face it predictable–all things that Fashion should never become! So with that being said, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is excited to announce changes to our schedule of events for May!! 😀

Originally it was announced that we would be having our very first Fashion Week May 6-10, however after revisiting our ultimate goal and mission which is to provide support for area and independent designers and then reviewing our own availability from Models (most of whom are in school age and or in college during the week), our very own staff (all of which have day jobs and faced a few scheduling issues), a few participating designers(who were only available during the weekend), and of course one of our main events conflicted with one of the largest events in Downtown—URBAN NIGHTS!! So after careful thought and consideration, it was decided that “(DE-FI)ance Fashion Week” should be consolidated into a weekend event and hence “A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance” was born!!

So without further ado, we are proud to announce the schedule for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week which will kick off during the largest street party in Dayton—URBAN NIGHTS!!

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance Kicks Off during Urban Nights May 9!!

Date: Friday May 9, 2014

Event: Urban Nights

Location: Downtown Dayton

Time: 5:30pm

Event Description: Kicking off on Friday May 9^th at Urban Nights, “A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance” will be hitting the streets with our Fashion Police who will be patrolling the grounds looking for suspects to participate in our Ambush Makeovers! Sponsored by Beaute Box, (DE-FI) Designers, Shuttereye Photography, PTB Photography, and Salon J Ladner participants will undergo a head to know makeover complete with a full photoshoot that will we be featured in the December issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine! We will also, have a street team on location looking for some of the most stylish Daytonians who are styled to perfection and making a Fashion Statement to be featured on our Facebook and Twitter pages!! But the fun doesn’t stop there, attendees of Urban Nights will also get a firsthand look at all of the behind the scenes madness that takes place during Fashion Events like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, with hair, makeup, and a full runway production taking place right in the middle of the streets of Downtown Dayton!!

Cost: Free

Dayton Mom Jessica Watkins will be ripping the runway along side of our adorable children on Saturday May 10, during our Stylish Mom Runway Event

Date: Saturday May 10, 2014

Event: Stylish Mom Runway Show

Location: Commander Aero Airport, 10570 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Time: 11am

Event Description: With Mother’s Day on May 11, we will kick off the Mother’s Day Celebration with our Stylish Mom Runway Show!! Complete with a continental breakfast, our Stylish Mom Runway show will pair two of the Midwest’s most well-known Wardrobe Stylist Jennifer Link of Dayton and Sheree Alexis of Columbus who will be putting together looks from American Pi Dayton, Zig Zag Gallery, Ruby Ribbon, Izzi Bags, and (DE-FI) Kids Line Designer Sonya Mills of Kerapa Kids!! But unlike our other fashion events, we aren’t using models…we’re using some of Dayton and the Miami Valley’s most deserving and inspirational Moms to rip our runway!! The top looks will be featured in the December 2014 Issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine and of course we will be using the Moms once again as the models along with their children.

Cost: $45 Tickets go on sale now 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. Tickets are available online now at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-the-stylish-mom-runway-tickets-10948321725

Dayton Mom Teresa Russell will be ripping the runway during our Stylish Mom Runway Event on May 10 during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance!!

Date: Saturday May 10, 2014

Event: First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball

Location: Commander Aero Airport, 10570 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Time: 7pm

Event Description: “A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance” will culminate with a unique celebration of all things Dayton—from aviation, innovation, and of course FASHION!! We’re taking a step back in time with Roaring 20’s attire social event featuring heavy appetizers, a cash bar, dancing, networking, performances, and a Fashion Runway Experience like no other. Showcasing Designers include Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing, Brenda Marone of B.Marie Designs, Jennifer Link of Rumorless, Berny Martin of Catou, Misti Leigh of iii Designs, Rebbeca Lippert, Gowns by Beartie, Izzi Bags by Anne Agoren, Jammu Style by Juneja Bhavna, Shoe Diva Boutique, Marian Montgomery, Jewelry by John Wind, Aceani Michelle, Adeola Adeyemi, Tegan King, and a few more surprise guest! Set in an Airplane Hanger the proceeds from the First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Gowns By Beartie will be making her (DE-FI) Debute during the First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball for A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance!!

Cost: $55 for General Admission and $75 for VIP Seating. Tickets are on sale now 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. You can 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.

Pittsburg Shoe Designer Janelle Cutler is the Official Shoe Sponsor for A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance! For more information visit www.shoedivaboutique.com

Introducing (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week

January 14, 2014 By Caressa Brown 2 Comments

Image by Lamar Pacley of Shutter Eye Photo

Mark your calendars for May 6-10, 2014, as the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is set to make its mark on the Fashion Industry!! The mission of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week is to raise money to help support area and independent fashion designers and fashion professionals launch and/or grow their brands. Funds made from (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will go to establish and support the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund. The Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks such as Midwest Fashion Week where they will be in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!

After working one on one with area designers over the past year (DE-FI) has discovered that in order to fulfill its ultimate mission of serving as a launching pad for area designers and models into the Fashion Industry as well as giving the local retail community a boost, these services are needed. According to Springfield based designer Misti Leigh the fabrics alone to produce one line for a fashion event can cost at least $1,200. That doesn’t even include the fees for entry into a Fashion Event which can range anywhere from $250-$6,000 and given the fact that most fashion weeks or events will not even consider allowing you to show pieces that have already been seen, being a Fashion Designers can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Needless to say there are very little kickbacks for even participating in these events outside of gaining a few fans most fashion related events don’t even allow for the designers to sale their products at the event.

So, how will (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week be different? Well, for starters there will be NO entry fee for designers to participate in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week! In return we are asking participating designers to volunteer their time at least once in 2014 teaching participants of the My Beauty is Priceless and Sons of Solomon Youth Empowerment Seminars the art of sewing and design. The participants of both seminars will then take what they have learned from the designers and produce their own fashion show in December 2014, featuring their own designs, with an issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine dedicated to their work.

Fashion In the Mystic Garden. Image by Reginald Worthen, Designer: iii Design by Misti Leigh, Model: Aube

Another benefit for designers participating in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will be just as we did at our Launch Party in July of 2013, designers will have the opportunity to sale their products via vending space the entire week in what is considered a Trunk Show. Trunk Shows give the designers a chance to come face to face with the customer, the customer gets to see up close and personal samples of a design much like shopping at the mall, however unlike shopping at the mall, the customer can have the design customized to their exact measurements. All (DE-FI) ask in return from the designers is that we receive 20% of the sales to cover venue and supply cost.

A third benefit for designers participating in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week is simple, at (DE-FI) we don’t just do “fashion shows” we give our audience, models, and designers a FASHION EXPERIENCE that they will not soon forget. We are an outside of the box organization; we hold our events at locations where most people wouldn’t think to have a fashion event or even if the venue has hosted fashion events, we guarantee that it won’t be anything like a (DE-FI) event. We like to call it the snow flake affect, meaning yeah we’ve all seen snow or a fashion show before but when you look closely at a snow flake you’ll see that each flake or event is never the same, they are each uniquely different!!

So without further ado, here’s a look at what (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week has in store!

Date: Tuesday May 6, 2014

Event: Fashion Mixer and Trunk Show

Location: Dayton Visual Arts Center

Time: 5:30pm -9:30pm

Event Description: This will be the official kick off for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week. The Fashion Mixer and Trunk Show will be a Happy Hour style event held at the DVAC. Guest will have the opportunity to unwind with a drink and do some therapeutic shopping during the Trunk Show. This event will also serve as an opportunity to meet and greet with the participating designers, models, sponsors, and the entire team behind the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $10 Tickets go on sale March 8 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Fashion In the Mystic Garden, Image by Reginald Worthen, Designer: Berny Martin of Catou, Model: Erica

Date: Wednesday May 7, 2014

Event: Couture Hair Show

Location: The Dayton Masonic Temple

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 2 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will take a look at a side of fashion events that are often over looked and that’s the behind the scenes hair and makeup team that work closely with designers to help them complete their runway look or photo shoots! Eight of the top hair stylist and salons will be featured during this themed Hair Competition with a cash prize. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $20 Tickets go on sale March 8 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: iii Design by Misti Leigh, Model: Amber

Date: Thursday May 8, 2014

Event: Stylish Mom Runway Show

Location: The Packard Museum

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 3 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will highlight fashions from some of the area’s top boutiques!! But unlike our other fashion shows, we aren’t using models for this event…We’re using some of Dayton’s and the Miami Valley’s most deserving and inspirational Moms to rip our runway!! Paired with two of the Midwest’s most well-known Fashion Stylist Jennifer Link of Dayton and Sheree Alexis of Columbus the moms will be rocking designs and looks from eight of the area’s top boutiques.

The top looks will be featured in the December 2014 Issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine and of course we will be using the Moms once again as the models along with their children. (DE-FI) is currently accepting submissions from moms who would like to participate in this event, if you’re a mom, mom-to-be, a Glam-Mom aka Grandma and you think that you have what it takes to rip the runway during the Stylish Mom Runway Show, please send your bio 500 words or less along with (2) images of you and your children to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2014. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $30 Tickets go on sale March 8 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Date: Friday May 9, 2014

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: Brenda Marone of B. Marie, Model: Ellie

Event: Fashion In the Mystic Garden

Location: SunWatch Indian Village

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 4 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will take us back to where it all began for us in 2013– SunWatch Indian Village for Fashion In the Mystic Garden 2.0! 😉 Merging the Culinary Skills of Chef Anthony Head and the creativity of the Taste of (DE-FI)ance which took place on Jan.3, 2014, Fashion In the Mystic Garden will feature Ready to Wear designs and dinner by candle light in the majestic setting of the Village area at SunWatch. For those not familiar with the concept behind the Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Chef Head will work one on one with the designers to develop a menu based on the origin of the fabric used, the theme of the collection, and color schemes to produce a multi-course meal that compliments and resembles the looks on the runway. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Chef Head created a menu for B.Marie Designs that accompanied the red backless dress consisted of Orange Duck Tart with Blood Orange Sauce, Roasted Tomato Shooter with Maldon Slated Rim, Black Bean Salsa with Hawaiian Black Sew Salt and Cream Cheese Canape

benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: TBA Tickets go on sale March 8 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Date: Saturday May 10, 2014

Event: First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball

Location: Commander Aero Airport

Time: 8:00pm-12:00am

Event Description: The 5^th and final day of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will culminate with a unique celebration of all things Dayton—from aviation, innovation, and of course FASHION!! We’re taking a step back in time with Roaring 20’s attire social event featuring heavy appetizers, a cash bar, dancing, networking, performances, and a Couture Fashion Runway Experience like no other. Set in an Airplane Hanger the proceeds from the First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $55 Tickets go on sale March 8 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. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Taste if (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing, Model: Megan

Casting Calls for models will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at the St. Clair Lofts, located at 35 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402 from 12p-2p. This Casting Call is open to males and females ages 4 & up, models under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All models must bring with them (2) images current images a head shot and a full body shot. If you are a business owner interested in becoming a sponsor for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week or taking out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine, (DE-FI) offers affordable packages to fit all budget sizes. Please send all inquiries to [email protected].

Introducing a Taste of (DE-FI)ance

December 1, 2013 By Caressa Brown 1 Comment

Graphic Design by Quincy Macklin of On Q Design

Q. What happens when you take one of Dayton’s hottest Chefs and you team him up with 3 of Dayton’s hottest fashion designers??

A. Well, you’ll find out on January 3, 2014 when the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC presents “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” featuring Chef Anthony Head and (DE-FI) Designers Brenda Marone of B.Marie, Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing, and Misti Leigh of iii Creations (Pronounced Third Eye)!

Q. So, what exactly is “Taste of (DE-FI)ance”?

A. Glad you asked because fashion has never looked or tasted so good–no there won’t be any Lady Gaga inspired meat dresses making their way down the runway! But “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” is inspired by Italian Designer and Chef Anna Marconi’s Taste of Runway. Chef Head will be working one on one with all three designers, to create three different appetizers that not only compliment the origin of the fabric used but he will also draw on his artistic skills by using only ingredients and colors that reflects the design. For example, if the main fabric in being used in a design is Silk, then chances are Chef Head will create a Chinese inspired appetizer that looks just like the design on the runway.

Q. What else will “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” feature?

A. “A Taste of (DE-FI)ance will also feature a Designer Trunk Show! So come ready to shop till you drop by purchasing local designers clothing, and then building your energy back up with some awesome food!

Q. How much are tickets and where can they be purchased?

A. The cost is $35/person and includes three appetizers, the Trunk Show, a cash bar, and a Runway Experience you’ll never forget!! Tickets go on sale on Saturday Dec. 7, 2013 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 in the St. Clair Lofts and at Beaute Box located at 116 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402.

Q. What time and where is “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” taking place?

A. “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” takes place during First Friday’s January 3, 2014 at Therapy Café located at 452 E. 3^rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, and the doors open at 6:30pm.

Q. Are you ready to #TasteTheRunway? #(DE-FI) #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion