The Gatsby Showcase Highlights Fashion, Honors Icons and Seeks to Empower
based on coverage and imagery published by Micha Green | Washington InformerOn a cold December night in Washington, D.C., hundreds of fashion-forward attendees turned out for the second annual Gatsby Showcase, an awards and runway event with a mission to uplift and empower historically disadvantaged communities. The event took place on December 4 at the Black-owned Salamander Hotel in Southwest D.C. and was hosted by actress and entrepreneur Vivica A. Fox. “The Washington Informer
The evening honored trailblazing figures whose contributions to fashion, beauty, philanthropy, and community empowerment align with the goals of The Gatsby Showcase Foundation. Among those recognized were supermodel Beverly Johnson, who received the Trailblazer Icon Award, and celebrity makeup artist Derrick Rutledge. “The Washington Informer
“The Gatsby Foundation was created to empower historically disadvantaged groups to achieve economic independence and for them to achieve economic independence,” said Laura Fote, co-executive producer of the event and CEO of L&B Concepts. The showcase was designed to provide grants for education and business development, reinforcing the foundation’s focus on long-term empowerment.
As an entrepreneur in the beauty industry with her longstanding hair collection, Fox said she was inspired by the foundation’s mission and was honored to emcee the night. She spoke passionately about celebrating her friend and makeup guru Rutledge, and recognizing her role model, Johnson, on the red carpet.The Washington Informer
Johnson, the first Black supermodel to grace the cover of Vogue in August 1974, shared her gratitude after receiving her award. “It’s always wonderful to be acknowledged and it just makes me feel complete, and I am terribly grateful and humbled by this award,” she told the Washington Informer before the showcase began.The Washington Informer
The event also featured runway presentations from designers including Anya by Vivien (Vivien Agbakoba), Miller’s Furs, Miguel Wilson, and L&B Concepts. At the conclusion of the show, Johnson, now 70, captivated guests with a heartfelt speech and a supermodel stroll down the catwalk.The Washington Informer
The Gatsby Showcase and L&B Concepts are both initiatives led by Laura and Bertrand Fote, whose work is rooted in a commitment to empowerment. Rutledge spoke about his appreciation for the foundation’s focus on education, remarking that being honored was meaningful because it supported his belief in lifting others through learning.The Washington Informer
“A lot of people need to be empowered,” Fote said. “They have the talents … but they just need the guidance. And there are a lot of people in the community that are able to do that, but they don’t know how to reach those people, so we’re also creating that network.”The Washington Informer
In addition to her work with the showcase, Fote discussed her achievements as a Black woman in business, including her role in retailing Moser Glassworks a prestigious handcrafted crystal brand and showcasing products on the runway in new and creative ways.The Washington Informer
Rutledge praised Fote’s bravery in bringing the crystal collection to the runway, emphasizing her innovation in blending fashion, business, and empowerment. Fote stated, “Whatever you do, carry it with courage, carry it with faith … If necklaces and earrings can be on the runway, why can’t crystals?”The Washington Informer
Read more:
👉 https://www.washingtoninformer.com/the-gatsby-showcase-highlights-fashion-honors-icons-and-seeks-to-empower/
As an entrepreneur in the beauty industry with her longstanding hair collection, Fox said she was inspired by the foundation’s mission and was honored to emcee the night. She spoke passionately about celebrating her friend and makeup guru Rutledge, and recognizing her role model, Johnson, on the red carpet.The Washington Informer
Johnson, the first Black supermodel to grace the cover of Vogue in August 1974, shared her gratitude after receiving her award. “It’s always wonderful to be acknowledged and it just makes me feel complete, and I am terribly grateful and humbled by this award,” she told the Washington Informer before the showcase began.The Washington Informer
The event also featured runway presentations from designers including Anya by Vivien (Vivien Agbakoba), Miller’s Furs, Miguel Wilson, and L&B Concepts. At the conclusion of the show, Johnson, now 70, captivated guests with a heartfelt speech and a supermodel stroll down the catwalk.The Washington Informer
The Gatsby Showcase and L&B Concepts are both initiatives led by Laura and Bertrand Fote, whose work is rooted in a commitment to empowerment. Rutledge spoke about his appreciation for the foundation’s focus on education, remarking that being honored was meaningful because it supported his belief in lifting others through learning.The Washington Informer
“A lot of people need to be empowered,” Fote said. “They have the talents … but they just need the guidance. And there are a lot of people in the community that are able to do that, but they don’t know how to reach those people, so we’re also creating that network.”The Washington Informer
In addition to her work with the showcase, Fote discussed her achievements as a Black woman in business, including her role in retailing Moser Glassworks a prestigious handcrafted crystal brand and showcasing products on the runway in new and creative ways.The Washington Informer
Rutledge praised Fote’s bravery in bringing the crystal collection to the runway, emphasizing her innovation in blending fashion, business, and empowerment. Fote stated, “Whatever you do, carry it with courage, carry it with faith … If necklaces and earrings can be on the runway, why can’t crystals?”The Washington Informer
Read more:
👉 https://www.washingtoninformer.com/the-gatsby-showcase-highlights-fashion-honors-icons-and-seeks-to-empower/