Music, Empowerment & Fashion – Essence Music Fest delivers it ALL

July 19, 2011 - PRLog -- What happens when a fashion powerhouse like Fashion Week New Orleans teams with the hottest jazz club in the French Quarter during Essence Music Festival?  It equates to a two day event consisting of fabulous fashions, beauty makeovers and groovy tunes; appropriately titled “The Essence of Fashion.” ( http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000794851053#!/pages/Fashion-Week-New-Orleans/113926181953857 )

It’s no secret that Essence Music Festival ( http://essencemusicfestival.com ), celebrating its 17th year in New Orleans over the Fourth of July weekend; is one of the largest and most successful R&B music events in the nation.  And equally, all diehard festival fans know that whether attending an empowerment seminar at the Ernest Morial Convention Center, or headed to the Superdome to catch the evening concert, when it comes to attending any Essence Fest event, one must dress meticulously because with this fashion conscious group there is no room for error.

It’s like there is an unwritten rule, that one must be ready to take your style up a notch knowing Essence Music Festival is hosted by a fashion magazine.  So when Fashion Week NOLA partnered with Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse ( http://www.sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans/index.cfm?fa=resta... ) at the Royal Sonesta Hotel to present ‘The Essence of Fashion’ it was the perfect harmony for an audience that wants to be as beautiful and fashionable as the celebrities on stage at the Essence Music Festival.  Together the two created the ideal ambiance by transforming the intimate jazz venue into a stylish chic spot featuring the latest fashions from New Orleans designers and boutiques, as well as opportunity to pamper and polish your look with beauty tips and mini makeovers provided by Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Ringlett’s Hair Salon.

Taking to the catwalk were FW NOLA’s Top Design Winner, Alicia Zenobia, New Orleans designer Kano Branon, So Chic Boutique, Vogue Fashions, Suzette’s, Prima Donna’s Closet, Private Collections and Good Work(s), a L.A. fashion base company. Each showcasing the hottest trends and styles that can takes you to the empowerment seminars by day; or set the tone of glitz and glamour for night. One might think anything goes when it comes to dressing for Essence Music Festival; however that would be a novice mistake.  Looking fierce is a high priority, but it’s also important to be mindful of what is age appropriate, what works well for ones figure, and what offers comfort.  The audience at The Jazz Playhouse enjoyed a taste of this, plus a whole lot more! Fashions seen on the runway at the afternoon soirée included stylish day looks such as relaxed fitting rompers with a punch of color and flirty maxi jersey dresses from So Chic Boutique; both paired with flat sandals, a statement handbag and layers of accessories.  As the sun sets and the moon’s light signify that it’s time to get your groove on, it’s time to turn up the glam with hot, one-shoulder mini dresses, anything sequins to add that extra spark, and the tallest stiletto pumps possible; such as the outfits that rocked the runway from Vogue Fashions and Suzette’s. Remembering to cover all the bases, The Essence of Fashion  included outfits ideal for Sunday brunch or chic gatherings in attire modeled from Prima Donna’s Closet; while Private Collections handled fashions for the curvy figures.  Designers Alicia Zenobia and Kano Branon each definitely hit a home run with the audience by showcasing the ultimate in avant garde styles and euro influenced men’s fashions that were worthy of being worn by the likes of Mary J. Blige and Kanye West.

This fashion soiree was made complete with jazzy sounds, fabulous door prizes and on occasion giving an audience member or two the chance to strut their stuff on the runway . . .because at ‘The Essence of Fashion’ everyone shared the passion.

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Fashion Week NOLA will showcase the talents & collections of fashion designers & boutiques from the Gulf Coast region in a series of incredible runway shows. Taking fashion beyond the bounds of the industry with verve and panache like no other city.