A Diva State of Mind

The Fashionably LOUD fashion show made its debut this past March. I wasn’t able to attend, but I heard nothing but great things about the show! Since the event was so popular, ROE: The Agency, G. Baker & Elite DC Magazine are bringing the fashion show back this August. Fashionably LOUD 2 will be a great night fusing together fashion and music. Attendees will enjoy a fashion show featuring over 50 models rocking unforgettable fashions! Like the first Fashionably LOUD event, there will also be local vendors at the show for you to shop (support local businesses)!

Date: Sunday, August 4, 2013

Time: 7pm to 11pm

Location: Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW, WDC)

RSVP: This event is 21+. Purchase your ticket HERE.

Check out this video recap of the first fashion show below and a picture recap of the first Fashionably LOUD fashion show HERE.

Two weeks ago, The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City hosted Mom’s Nite Out, a national program organized to celebrate motherhood.  The event included a makeover contest, a live Caribbean band, special discounts in stores, massages and two fashion shows!

Myself, Melissa Sabatine and Nichole Williamson were the stylist for the fashion shows. We literally spent the day of the show running around the mall for model fittings, picking up apparel from various stores and getting the model’s make-up and hair done. Was it exhausting? Yes, but I loved every minute of it!!

During each fashion show, we showcased outfits that mom’s could wear for various occasions but were also on trend.  We used clothes from Macy’s, The Limited, Caché, Banana Republic and Juicy Couture. Here are some looks from the show:

Thank you District Fete for allowing me to style the Mom’s Nite Out fashion show! I had a great time and look forward to more styling opportunities :)

“Fashionably LOUD” is this Sunday, March 24th at IBIZA Nightclub, hosted by Autumn Joi and sounds by DJ MIM. The event will also include live performances and health & wellness, food, jewelry and clothing vendors.

Doors will open at 6PM. To attend the fashion show, you can purchase tickets by visiting http://www.fashionablyloud.org. 

OPEN BAR 6-7pm featuring the ROYAL LEMONADE made with CROWN ROYAL BLACK. This event is for the 21+ crowd.

REMINDER: I’m in the running to become the next Simon Style Setter for the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. Please vote for me!! Voting is open until Friday, March 29th HERE. You can vote every day!!

I know the older we get the faster time goes by, but this year seemed to go by extremely fast! It feels like I was just partying in DC celebrating the arrival of 2011 and now 2012 is only 4 days away!

As 2011 comes to an end, I want to take a moment and reflect on this year.  It has been an amazing one for me personally and for the blog. The blog hosted its first give away for tickets to see the Broadway hit THE MOUNTAINTOP.  I attended elite fashion events like the House of KAS One Year Anniversary Fashion Show and Pink Rocks The Runway Fashion Show which included the Spring 2012 presentation by Christian Siriano.

I attended the Style for Hire workshop in March, learning styling techniques from one of the best personal stylist in the industry, Stacy London. The workshop was great and becoming an apprentice really verified for me that I do have what it takes to be a personal stylist.

This year, I, like so many others, joined the Capital Area Fashion & Beauty Bloggers (CapFABB) group, attended some great events and met some amazing women.  They are creative, fly and working hard to change the way society views fashion in DC. What I love about the women I have met is that they are very supportive. We are all working hard on our own projects but also working to help each other not only become better bloggers, but break into the fields we all eagerly want to have a career in (designer, public relationships, stylist, professional photographer, etc).  I can’t wait to see what everyone has in store for 2012!

Last but not least, my greatest blog accomplishment is winning the award for the 2011 Black Weblog Awards Best Lifestyle Blog.  Honestly, I did not expect to win, especially considering the competition!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post each week, share the blog with friends and vote for the blog.  I am truly humbled by your readership and support. I know there are a plethora of blogs out there to read and I’m so glad mine is one on your list.

As you all know, not only is A Diva State of Mind a blog but it’s also a personal styling business.  While I don’t have any major changes coming to A Diva State of Mind (not planned at the moment anyway), I will try to include more “Ask Keri” and style related post on the site.  I hope you’ll continue with me on this journey as I continue to work to make A Diva State of Mind the best lifestyle blog and styling business it can be!

If there are any topics, styling questions, etc you’d like to see on the blog in the New Year, please let me know at [email protected] 

I hope you all have a fabulous and safe weekend celebrating the New Year!  New posts will be up next week!!

This Friday, Pink Rocks The Runway will showcase designs from local DC designers and Christian Siriano.  In anticipation of this amazing fashion event, I had the pleasure of interviewing designers participating in the show to learn more about their collections and why they decided to participate in the fashion show.

Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan is the designer behind KAS Collection, Inc, a high end couture fashion company that specializes in sophisticated evening wear, stylish men and women business suits and high fashion urban apparel.  KAS’ collections have been worn by a number of celebrities including Rihanna, Trey Songz and Keyshia Cole.

I attended his House of KAS fashion show earlier this year at the National Harbor; gorgeous! So of course I was excited to interview KAS about his collection and why he decided to participate in Pink Rocks The Runway.

ADSOM: Your love for art began when you were 4 years old. When did your passion for art transition to becoming a fashion designer?

KAS: When I turned 15, I was frustrated with the clothes that I saw at the stores and I was tired of seeing clones every where.

ADSOM: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? 

KAS: The first design I created was a shirt out of designer pockets (Jean back pockets).

ADSOM: What are three words you would use to describe the KAS Collection? 

KAS: Timeless, sexy, and fashion-forward

ADSOM: What was your inspiration behind your current collection?

KAS: My mother, Mahogany and the well-tailored men from the 40’s.

ADSOM: What matters to you most as a fashion designer? 

KAS: Designs, construction of garments and taking risks.

ADSOM: Why did you decide to participate in the Pink Rocks The Runway Fashion Show? 

KAS: It’s very personal.  My mother passed away of cancer and l have big respect for Christina.*  I want to support her in everyway I can.

ADSOM: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers? 

KAS: Don’t rush. Get your business right first. Take an intern position so that you can get hands-on experience. Know your target audience and your competitors. And don’t be afraid to fail. Stay hungry and keep God first.

If you want to see KAS and other fabulous designers showcase their designs, purchase your ticket for Pink Rocks The Runway today!

*Christina Floresca is the founder of Pink Jams! and Pink Rocks The Runway

With the sun setting in the background, the National Plaza located at the National Harbor served as the perfect location for the House of KAS one year anniversary fashion show on Saturday, July 16, 2011. 

Hosted by Radio Personality Sarah Fraser and VH1 Reality Star Wil “Onix” Lash, approximately  3,700 fashionistas, socialites and athletes were in attendance at the show including Jaime Foster Brown of Sister-2-Sister Magazine, NFL Players Fred Davis (Washington Redskins), Brandon Banks (Washington Redskins), 2011 Draft Pick Keith Payne (Philadelphia Eagles), Songstress and Harpist Rashida Jolley, Thomas Lytle, VIP of Def Jam Recordings, Green of Posh Couture and wife of NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green and many more.

The show began with a presentation from Critique’ Boutique. The looks ranged from swimsuits, both one piece & two pieces, to colorful dresses.  I am in love with the ruched navy dress. Fabulous!

Following Critique’ Boutique’s runway presentation, My Bougie Baby premiered its new collection.   My Bougie Baby features trendy must-haves for young fashionistas.  And guess who was modeling down the runway?  That’s right, fabulous little ones. And let me tell you, those girls took over the show!  A few of them had so much attitude walking down the runway; literally strutting and posing for the camera like they were professionals. They were too cute!!

The fashion show concluded with a fabulous presentation by Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan. His collection featured both men and women pieces.  The fashions were gorgeous! There are a number of pieces I defintely want to add to my wardrobe including the white jumpsuit, black/white shorts & tube top, and the long red gown.  The men’s collection featured both suits and separates (slacks and button down shirts). 

Below are pictures of my favorite looks from the runway:  

The fashion show was not only a celebration of the House of KAS, but it was also a fundraiser on behalf of Flanagan’s  late mother. Following the KAS Collection presentation, Flanagan presented a $1,000 check to the American Cancer Society.

The event was a huge success and it was great to see so many fabulous people come together to not only celebrate a local designer’s success but raise money for a great cause. Kenneth ”KAS” Flanagan is a very talented and humbled designer. You can expect to see a lot more from Flanagan locally and nationally.  Hopefully I’ll get to meet and/or work with him in the near future!

House of KAS, My Bougie Baby and Critique’ Boutique are located at the National Harbor.

Photos by Phelan Marc and Phil Kogan

In honor of his late mother Glynda Flanagan, House of KAS designer Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan presents his one year anniversary fashion show benefiting the American Cancer Society on Saturday, July 16^th at the National Harbor.  Flanagan states:

When I was a kid, I would watch my mother style and create the most authentic looks. Since then, I wanted to be a designer. It was with her encouragement that I have become the man that I am today.  I could not have done any of this without her, and when she lost her battle to cancer it literally killed my drive and spirit, but after years I can always hear my mother speaking words of encouragement to me. This show is in honor of her strong spirit, her love for fashion and for being my biggest fan. KAS Collection, Inc. looks forward to putting on a great production to benefit the American Cancer Society for cancer research.

The House of KAS Anniversary is the encore show to last year’s boutique launch. Hosted by radio personality Sarah Fraser, Kenneth Flanagan will unveil his latest collection, which will also include pieces from his new full-figured line and showcase several partnership clothing lines catered to children, athletes and chic professionals. The one year anniversary show is expected to attract over 3,000 of the region’s top celebrities, fashion buyers, media, socialites, tastemakers and elected officials.

Date: Saturday, July 16, 2011

Time: Red Carpet & VIP Reception 5:30 – 7:00pm; show begins promptly at 7:15pm

Location: National Harbor (150 National Plaza National Harbor, MD 20745)

Purchase tickets at www.kasanniversary.com

You know I love a social event that is for a great cause! I encourage you all to attend to enjoy great fashion and support the American Cancer Society!!!

Fashion Designer Kenneth KAS Flanagan/KAS Collection Inc. and the House of KAS is a high-end couture fashion company which specializes in sophisticated evening wear, stylish men’s and women business suits, and high fashion urban apparel.  The House of KAS, founded by Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan is a 1,000 foot boutique located at the National Harbor, Maryland, a destination that is also home to the prestigious Gaylord National Resort. Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan has created custom styles for various A-list celebrities, including Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox and more. Learn more at www.kascollectioninc.com.

On Saturday, June 18^, 2011, join Project I.N. V.O.G.U.E as they host Beautiful Disaster, a fashion show supporting the non-profit, The Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB). WEB supports women living in areas affected by poverty and underemployment build strong businesses that lift up communities and families.

The fashion show will feature fabulous local designers, performances by local talent and a number of special guests.

Date: June 18, 2011

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm.  Show starts at 7:00pm

Location: Colony Ballroom at Stamp Student Union - University of Maryland, College Park

Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at the door; $20 VIP (includes gift bags, front row seating, backstage access)

Purchase tickets HERE

Project I.N. V.O.G.U.E (Inspiring, Nurturing, Valuing Our Girls- Uplift & Empower) is a program designed to address the needs and visions of young minority women in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, ages 15-18. The program endeavors to build a thriving business entitled Modern ART, an on-line vintage store, which will serve as the foundation of Project I.N. V.O.G.U.E.  Members of Project I.N. V.O.G.U.E partake in an internship program through which they are exposed to the world of fashion and entrepreneurship in ways that are invaluable to any young entrepreneur.