Fashion Fantasy Fête
An upcoming awards gala is a fashion-lovers dream come true.
The fashion community is pulsating with excitement as New Orleans Fashion Week announces its third annual New Orleans Fashion Awards Gala. The event promises to be a gathering of distinguished fashion and beauty tastemakers, influencers and fashionistas as they come together to celebrate the Southern region’s fashion aficionados.
New Orleans Fashion Week recognizes the many fashion professionals throughout the region that are pioneer leaders continuing to set standards for innovation, creativity and excellence. Since the Alpha Awards, an event that ceased due to Hurricane Katrina, there has not been an affair designated to recognizing those creative achievements. In that same spirit, New Orleans Fashion Awards acknowledges the individual tenacity, energy and commitment contributed toward building, defining and evolving the region’s fashion industry.
The Fashion Awards Gala — themed Fashion Fantasy Fête — will be a star-studded experience, taking place Nov. 18 at The Theatre at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel and Casino. Award categories include Fashion Design, Accessory Design, Photography, Makeup Artistry, Hair Artistry, Fashion Styling and Lifetime Achievement, plus honors for those who have contributed to the industry through their entrepreneurial spirit, education and mentoring. Past recipients have included Mignon Faget, Yvonne LaFleur, Steven Forster and Ashley Porter among others.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the evening will include a fantasy inspired fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and Pedram Couture, with makeup artist Midori Tajiri-Byrd completing the fantasy look. Miss Stormy Gayle, Queen of Burlesque 2015, will also wow the audience with a stunning performance. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion in their favorite fantasy couture or cocktail attire. The event also will feature specialty cocktails, gourmet fare, pop-up shopping and a silent auction to support flood relief. neworleansfashionweek.com
–Tracee Dundas, founder of New Orleans Fashion Week