Annette Williams - I am Annette M. Williams. Born and raised in the Washington, DC area. I am a captivating designer who recently hit the fashion scene December 2004. I am seasoned with knowledge, and blessed abundantly with a gift to create an eclectic clothing line. My clothing reflects the beauty, sensuality, and strength of all women. It portrays the uniqueness and versatility of my own personal style. The tool I use to create with is my soul. My creativity is transmitted through my fingertips, and into the needles, producing a crochet masterpiece... I am Annette M. Williams

Anthony Eastwick - His inspiration came from various designers, but those of the 50's & 60's really piqued his interest. His designs have been seen at various venues including the MTV Music Awards, BET Awards, Stella Awards, Grammy's (1999), Fashion Cafe NYC, American Cancer Society, VH1 Fashion Awards, Black Expo, Congressional Black Caucus and many others.

APOSOL- APOSOL began in 2000 as a custom design clothing company. APOSOL is an acronym that stands for Aspiring People Overcome Situations Of Life. Standing on this premise, APOSOL has grown from producing unique custom T-Shirts to designing lively, casual and chic pieces that focus on the active lifestyle. The designs draw from various themes of fashion; however, are heavily inspired by an evolving culture. The designs provide versatility that transcends a look and promotes a style. In this year's DC Fashion Week APOSOL will debut the A-STAR Collection, a line that aspires, overcomes and evolves.

Artemiza Cruz for Lavill -  The fashion designer Artemza Cruz is the owner and designer of the brand "La Vill". Ths designer is the winner of the 2009 Golden Palm "Revelation for design in Fashion Clothing", introduced by one of the most important platforms in the country "Mexico Fashion Week at the showroom of the Spring-Summer Season 2009.  La Vill has dressed Mexican celebrities such as Lux Elena Gonzales, Vanessa Huppenkothen (Miss DF), Paty Sirvent, Crystal Alejandra Avalos, Lupita Infante, Maria Raquenel,  among others.

One piece inspired by the sensuality of the woman who plans to wear clothes in neutral colors and contrast with the negative side screened in black, this collection aims to show how any woman THROUGH one piece can project an entire essence. Detailed parts that become the fad for every woman
Colors for this collection were the earth, nude and black. Contrasting colors such as the personality of the woman who wears them designs.

Silhouettes easier to digest but very structured, fabrics that were used in the collection were, Lycra, brocade fabrics, satin, lace, among others, to merge creating the whole concept of the collection, representing the strong woman who breaks the mold and that will always be ... one piece

Burenina - Elena Burenina is one of the most famous and titled young fashion designers in Ukraine. In 2006 she won the Grandprix in designing competition "Fashion seasons - Look in the future" with collection "OWL" which was highly estimated by fashion expert Alison Moloney ( London). In 2007 she showed two seasonal collections on Ukrainian Fashion Week, which met a wide recognition in the world. Photos of Burenina’s collections were on the first pages in the Italian, French, Japanese,   Korean, Dutch, Brazilian, Danish, and Spanish newspapers and websites. In October of the same year she took part in Italian and Bosnian fashion events as a special guest. Elena Burenina’s new collection represents a combination of modern minimalism with Eastern coloring. Collection is built on contrasts – as in colors in forms, a form of cocoon is combined with a form of trapezium. Color combinations are very complicated and interesting. Materials used are: cashmere, alpaca, wool, silk, polished cotton. Accessories are made of polymers and metal. The image of women in collection is very striking, vivid and sensible.

Carioca Wear - Ines Fessler showcases her collection of designer Brazilian bikinis made in Rio de Janeiro . The colorful bikinis are distinctive in design and perfect for any beach or pool event! The collection was recently featured in June's edition of DC Examiner, DC North and at a fashion show at the Washington Plaza hotel this summer.

Corjor International - Using his two oldest sons' names, Corey and Jordan, Ean Williams came up with Corjor as his label's name. After landing in the pages of Upscale Magazine (Feb 2004) and the front page of the Gazette, Ean Williams wants to go one step further and enable the world to see the great designing talent that is here in the nation's capitol by producing & sponsoring DC Fashion Week. He is dedicated to helping other aspiring designers show their collections and build their businesses. He is also an advisory board member for the Black Fashion Designers Association, Inc., In 2003 Ean Williams won the "INDIE Best Menswear Designer" award in New York . Corjor International has three brands, Corjor Sport, Corjor Menswear and available by special order --Corjor Couture.

Jabargue Vogue - Samuel Lake was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He began drawing sketches of womens clothing at age 14. In the past 5 years he has designed and tailored wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, pageant gowns, costumes for the St. Croix Carnival, casual attire, elegant attire, men's clothing, and garments of many other kinds. Although his clothes are anything but garbage, it was garbage bags that inspired the name Jabarque Vogue. Sam did a fashion show in which he substituted garbage bags for clothing in an environmental awareness day event. A mentor motivated him to call it "Garbargue Fashion". Dissatisfied with this name, he took his middle name "Jabari" and "Garbargue" and created "Jabargue Vogue".

Mame Mulatu Debebe (MMD) - Mame Mulatu Debebe (MMD) is a new up and coming Fashion Designer whose work blends the exotic patterns and fabrics of her native Ethiopia with the modern day styles of the West. After graduating Marymount University with a degree in Fashion Design, she set about creating a unique style that could be a successful blend of both cultural styles, yet she wanted her creations to remain true to the comfort and simplicity needed by the modern day woman. Her collection includes bridal gowns, bride's maid gowns and evening gowns.

Michi -Michele M. Walden brings chic to the term knitwear. Through her MICHI knitwear designs, Walden creates sophisticated knits that are easy to wear and easy to pack. With off-the-shoulder designs and hip-hugging evening attire, or loose and breezy, summer afternoon wear, MICHI knitwear makes a unique statement for all women tall, short, large, small and in between. Walden custom designs and fits the piece for her client and does not call the outfit complete until the customer is satisfied. A Queens, NY native, Walden has been knitting over 20 years. Initially hand knitting all of her designs, Walden's fashion statements have included jumpsuits, bathing suits, dresses, suits, two-piece outfits, sweaters, shrugs and scarves. After completing courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Walden has become proficient in using the knitting machine to create the majority of her pieces. These include what is quickly becoming one of her trademarks: knitwear adorned with cowrie shells. Each of her pieces, whether completed by hand or on the knitting machine, is either a one-of-a-kind or limited edition creation. She uses carefully selected yarns that vary from silks to rayon, wool to linen, and run the gamut of colors from orange to muted tans to fuschia and olive green.

Millazo - A new designer with a new look! Fashion design has been Nicole’s life-long passion.  She grew up in New York and held support roles in many local fashion shows as well as New York Fashion Week. Just over a year ago, Nicole was one of many college students at the International Academy of Design and Technology with a burning desire to show the world her creative designs.

Milazzo’s fun and not so obviously sexy look is perfect for women who like to dress up, but still be comfortable. The selection of customers Milazzo caters to are a diversity of women with different wants and needs. The women’s ages in this group range any where from early twenties to early thirties. The Milazzo collection is priced at the designer level and is for classy, up-scale women who like to glamorize their look with some excitement. You might find these women living in metropolitan communities. This collection is for a market filled with pleasure and savviness.

Oliver J Davis - Born November 8, 1971 in a small town name Warren, Ohio to the parents of James and Helen Davis. While growing up with three sisters and two brothers, all of whom had totally different styles of dress. Being the youngest, hand-me-downs were my claim to fame. I was excited to find my own style out of hand-me-downs. So my style became anything goes. My greatest inspiration would have been my oldest sister Arvella who taught herself the art of couture. I always did and always will admire her sense of style. She creates elegance and grace in everything she sews. My fashion seed was planted. During my sophomore year I enrolled in sewing 101. That's where I learned to use a sewing machine, cut a pattern and really construct clothing. My fashion seed started sprouting. My senior year, my classmates voted me Best Dressed Male in the class of 1990. That was an accomplishment considering how hard it was for me. I knew I had style and it was time do something with it. My guidance counselor guided me to try my hand at retail. I had a very successful business in New Orleans for 7 years. Designing for men, women, restaurants and showgirls. In December 2004 I moved to the nation's capital where my designs have become very popular and in demand by some locals. Design is my past, my present, my future, my life.

Poustovit - The name of Liliya Poustovit had become known long before the notion of contemporary national fashion as such came into being. Her author collections first saw the light abroad, not on the Ukrainian fashion stage.  Her experience includes over ten years of laborious efforts, both professional and creative development.

The Ukrainian Eksta Fashion Center was Liliya’s first job, where she broke professional ground.  In 1994, the first show of her author collection took place at the Easter Wind Exhibition ( Toulouse, France). In two years, the designer got Gold Button Grand Prix in Vogue Festival ( Vilnius, Lithuania).  In 1996, she also participated in Salon du prêt-a-porter feminine ( Paris, France) and Daniel Hechter Fashion House offered her work of a designer of prêt-a-porter feminine collection.

Shortly thereafter, she came back to Ukraine full of desire to develop the national fashion.  As a result of her hard work, in 2004, Poustovit became the president of Ukrainian Fashion Syndicate, which eventually transformed into Ukrainian Fashion Council. Currently, Liliya shows her collections twice a year for TM Poustovit at Ukrainian Fashion Week and Russian Fashion Week.  She also develops a separate line for ATELIER 1 concept (POUSTOVIT for Atelier 1). The clothes designed by Poustovit are sold in 9 boutiques. But this past autumn, sale of the fabrics designed by her in the world’s most notorious concept-store Dover Street Market ( London, Great Britain and Tokyo, Japan) is her greatest pride and boast.

Ray Vincente - Ray Brown, the designer of Ray Vincente, has been designing since 1983 as a freelance designer for public and private individuals.  After a self imposed 7 year hiatus he returned to fashion in 2001 working as the sole designer for Song and Style of Trenton, NJ and re-launched his own collection of specialty women’s wear and men’s wear in November of 2006.  He has a degree in Fashion Merchandising from ICS of PA, and has completed course work in fashion design, illustration, and production at FIT of NYC, NY.

Shazrat Khan - Shazray Khan is from Lahore, Pakistan, and currently a new resident of McLean, Virginia. Shazray has added a lot of sparkle and glamour in the Washington DC area since moving in 2006. Having studied at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Canada, Shazray returned to Lahore and joined her mother's couturier business called "Pieces of Passion". Her expertise and education added volumes to the business, as she developed her signature cocktail jackets covered with swarofski crystals, hand embroidered chrysanthemums, and semi-precious stones. Her designs appeal to both Eastern and Western audiences.  They combine the rich legacy of eastern hand embroidery, gems, and fabrics, with the clean, tailored look typical of classic Western clothes. Her collection was shown at Bridal Asia 2005 thru 2008; and that is just the beginning for this talented, young designer.

Tony Joshua Sanna -  Designer Tony Joshua Sanna is from Sardinia, Italy. He started designing clothing over ten years ago initially as hobby. To develop his talent, he took fashion courses in his hometown. As his hobby grew into a passion, his talent was quickly recognized and embraced. At the advice of his instructor, the designer displayed his small collection at the Sardinian Fair. It was there that a local modeling agency discovered Sanna and invited him to showcase his collection with one of the most well known   designers in Sardinia. Over the years he grew in popularity as his designs were featured on television, music videos, and in various catwalks in Milan, Rome and Turin.  His collection is made of fabrics that are hand made in Sardinia. Silk, Organza, Shangton and IUTA, a fabric that is natural and woven by hand are his favorites to use to design his collection. The designer will debut his collection in the United States at DC Fashion Week

Tyrell Mason - Born in New Jersey , Terrell Mason graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), N.Y.C with high regards amongst his peers. With not a wasted moment, Terrell quickly journeyed across Italy and France to study first-hand designs by many of today fashion pioneers. When he returned to the United States , he won 1st and 2nd place honors in many fashion show competitions. To accompany his many awards and honors, Terrell has been published in several editorials and media coverage. He also had the opportunity to design for several recording artists. Terrell founded TYRELL COLLECTIONS in 1991, with the purpose of accentuating the figure and the persona of the modern women. He continues to design the ultimate collection consisting of high fashion attire, trendy sportswear, and sexy day to evening dresses and separates. Tyrell Collections is taking fashion to a new level. With this brand of stylish, classic clothing, with clean cuts and a timeless look Tyrell Collections will be a name that is boosted in closets across America .

Tsyndyma -  Tsyndyma was born in Siberia.  After studying in Moscow and receiving a degree in Engineering, she acquired a love for fashion. Infusing mathematics and geometric precision into her designs, the couture fashion designer, Tsyndyma, was born. After maintaining a celebrity clientele in Moscow and Paris, she relocated to Washington, DC in 1999. Believing in the use of luxurious fabrics, and capturing the unique and simple essence of a woman, Tsyndyma realized that her core value was beauty.  Her philosophy is: “Anything can make you beautiful, as long as it makes you happy"

U Yumjir - Yumjir Urjnee was born August 22, 1977 in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar.  After graduating from the Nogoon Mori Art School, she went onto receive a bachelor’s degree in clothes design and art from the Creative Arts Institute in 2001.  In October 2008, she successfully organized an independent fashion show, “GLAMOUR,” displaying over 100 casual, luxurious, traditional and seasonal clothes for women and men. In 2004, she displayed her own collection at a family exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of her grandfather, U. Yadamsuren, a Mongolian National State Awarded Artist. Yumjir states, “Continuing the deeds of my grandfather and my father, I dedicate myself to studying Mongolian traditional clothes and developing them in the contemporary world.”  She regularly takes part in the Goyol Contest-Festivals with luxurious, casual and traditional style collections for men and women.  

Victor Hou - In the fashion business for over 25 years, Victor Colvin sold his first collection in West 57, an upscale boutique nestled in DC's prestigious Georgetown Park Mall, while fresh out of high school. His career got a major boost when he was selected to appear in, the now defunct, Ebony Man Magazine. In recent years, he has done freelance designing, manufacturing, & consulting for many urban lines in the Washington Metropolitan area, such as Mchunu, All Daz, Shooters, and Madness, just to name a few. He has been featured in many publications including, Black Mens Magazine SSX, DaBook, Black Hair Sophisticates, and DC North. He has also appeared on several cable TV shows in DC, MD, NJ, and NY. Celebrities such as Kima (of the Bad Boy group, Total), Allen Iverson, and Jaheim have all adorned themselves with Victor's designs.

Yodit - Yodit’s interest for fashion came at a young age; growing up in Addis Ababa, Yodit and her sisters all had the same kind of clothes, but she always wanted to dress differently and had a passion for clothing so he slowly started to tweak his clothes.  After high school, Yodit studied pattern making in Addis, at St. Anna’s School.  Soon after coming to the US, to promote his work, she did several fashion shows beginning with his first, through her job, and then followed by others such as the ESA Fashion Show at Virginia Commonwealth University and a fundraiser for Aids Awareness in DC.

The designer’s dream was to study her craft at FIT in New York so she decided to pursue it and moved to New York.  Working as a full-time technical designer by day and a full-time student by night Yodit received her bachelor’s degree. After graduating, she freelanced for high end designers such as Ralph Lauren while creating her own label and in Sept. '07 made her fashion show debut in Ethiopia.  

Yodit loves to create, and her passion is mostly for evening and sportswear. She gets most of his inspiration from fabric and color while maintaining her love for natural fabrics.  Yodit’s designs are best described as modern yet classic while simple and elegant. She continuously looks forward to expanding her knowledge to further gain experience in this creative field of fashion design.