2019 La Mode à la Tour - Fashion at the Tower

A night of high-class and beauty business advice, while eating HORS D'OEUVRE with fashion elites? Count us in!

An exclusive night at an exclusive member-based club in Northern Virginia inspired fashion lovers from all over the world to step out for a cause. Leonard DeShield produced la mode à la tour (Fashion at the Tower), a high fashion night at the Tower Club of Tysons Corner. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Cinderella Foundation, a foundation that empowers girls of color in the DC Metropolitan to become community leaders.

The posh filled night was comprised of a Q&A panel discussion, fashion show, performance and networking mixer. The panel featured celebrity female entrepreneurs in the beauty and fashion industry. Among those panelists were mother daughter design team, Dur Doux; Owner of Kingsley Model + Talent Management, Joy Kingsley-Ibeh; Founder of Eco-Chic Cosmetic line LAMIK Beauty, Kim Roxie; and Project Runway All-Star designer Korto Momolu.

Moderator Jenise Davis guided the night with questions related to the business side of the fashion and beauty industry. Mother daughter duo designers, Dur Doux, left the audience with practical advice if one was given $100 to get started. They urged that one should “learn to write a business plan, work on technical skills, invest in software.”

Korto Momolu expressed that “it pays to be good to people” during the panel. The Liberian born designer further discussed the importance of being kind to people, especially in the fashion industry. “What you give is what you get and truly I am blessed.” She mentioned how models and others in the industry would work for her… for free. Those are the type people who genuinely see the vision of others. During her time on stage, she thanked fellow panelist and one of the nights sponsors, Kim Roxie of LAMIK Beauty, for being one of those visionaries.

As guests prepared for the fashion show segment of the night in the Atrium room, Dj Curly Sue catered the scene with music that complimented the rhythm of the crowd. The room was glazed with natural lighting along with spectacular views. Fashion Swag Bags, filled with Shea Moisture’s hydrating and illuminating products, occupied each seat. Once show time began, everyone’s eyes were glued to the runway.

Designers, Dur Doux, Korto Momolu; chic and modern design wear, Kitty and Rhodes; designer and stylist, Dell Scott, and Tremaine Pollydore of Maine Attraction graced their designs on their models to showcase. National media personality, Guy Lambert, hosted the fashion show segment with energy and excitement. Celebrity guest model Real House Wives of Potomac, Charisse Jackson Jordan; America’s Next Top Model Bianca Chardei and culture influencer Dunnie O stunned the crowd with their presence on the runway.

Kitty and Rhodes brought the cute, flirty and girly designs to the floor. Designer Dell Scott brought the heat with her “Siren” themed designs. Scott’s hot red designs tapped into the sensuality, brilliance and sexuality of a woman. Maine Attraction designer Tremaine Pollydore’s night was a bit different from the other designers. This was his first time showcasing his Kimono inspired designs outside of his home of Arkansas.

British pop star, Aaron Paul performed his hit song “Dance America” which encouraged the crowd to come together and dance! Alongside Paul was celebrity stylist Montgomery Frazier, who is responsible for bringing fashion to MTV and worked with superstars such as Madonna Dolce and Gabbanna. Frazier sat with us and articulated that the fashion business has changed and that they are seeking diversity; which he loves.

The night concluded with a networking mixer, which is strongly advocated in the beauty and fashion industry. Guest and model, Richard Senkbile, advised other aspiring models to “get yourself networked in the industry” because that is exactly what transpired for him. Complimentary wine, cocktails and desserts added a sweet touch to the end of the night. This VIP exclusive night was presented in part by: KF Media Group, Cole Stevens Salon, LaMik Beauty, Shea Moisture, and DeShield Enterprises.