On Saturday, April 24th, The Inaugural Carolina Fashion Awards brought the Queen city out in a sea of blue powered By Level21 Media & Creative Network Studios. With fashion and beauty industry heavy hitters filling The historic Studio 229 On Brevard, the night was set to be unforgettable from the very beginning. Hosted by Ryan Jor El of WCCB News, the evening began with a fashion pre-show showcasing original designs by one-of-a-kind designers like Kitty and Rhodes; with breathtaking artwork adorning the walls, creating a beautiful backdrop, the show featured bold colors, attention-grabbing patterns, and carefully curated designs.
Designer: Jasmine Rhodes of Kitty and Rhodes – Hair Stylist: Christian Cline -Makeup Artist: Leslie McCain – Photographer/Videographer: Don Harris (NikonDon) Models: Janisha Green, Damani Bryant, Lola Samulski, Jelisa Horne, Raechel Horton, Emma Knapp -PR: Leonard DeShield for DeShield Enterprises, LLC
Watch for the Recap Premier (Check your local listings)
The Awards week of fashion in the Carolina’s took place April 22nd through April 24th.Youtube Recap Premier – May 15th 2021 and I Central Network Recap Premier Airs- May 16th 2021
TWENTYONE TV Hosts Yamaris & Jerry took over Carpet .
21 Host Yamaris & Jerry
Guests from all over blessed the blue carpet in their fashionable shades of blue cocktail attire, capturing images. As dark blue covered the night sky, the show moved onto the main stage where Media Powerhouse, Radio personality and Charlotte Hornet Host, Jacinda Jacobs continued as host of the awards ceremony where winners were announced in various categories, paying homage to the Carolinas’ best and brightest creatives in the world of fashion and design.
Jacinda Jacobs Ryan Jor El
The awards ceremony was the culmination of a week-long fashion celebration that featured several stylish events including the Urban.Street Wear Spotlight- Manifest It Presented By Mr.Soc (April 22nd) and Boutique Chic Hosted By Mrs. North Carolina US Continental at Five13 Studios & The Brown Sugar Collab ( April 23rd). Brought to life by Level 21 Magazine, this year’s Carolina Fashion Awards was in support of The American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer.
The Brown Sugar Collab- DeAnna Allen Five 13 Studio – Chequelle Brown, Model Latoya Grier , Phaedra Pistone, Model Of The Year Alexis Rochelle, Gabrielle Jackson Boutique Chic Event Jekia Benson- Owner of Five13 Boutique Chic Event Manifest It Day ( Touch Mirror) Carolina Selfies- www.carolinaselfies.com/ Foundation Award Winner Premal Badinai Awards 2021
Main stage models during Awards Night were from several agencies or independent. Highlighting one agency available during the production was Maevee Modelz Agency a minority owned agency with 4 locations and various models to book for shows, events, and editorials.
The main show designers for the evening were Demetrius Blayde and Christopher Goff also included in the Carolina Fashion Awards Magazine.
Demetrius Blayde
Demetrius Blayde started designing back in 2013. He has always had a passion for fashion and design. When in college, Blayde began altering sleeves and reworking t-shirts.With no prior sewing experience he taught himself to hand sew and eventually learned how to use a sewing machine. “I grew up watching anime, and was inspired by the styles and aesthetics that define Asian fashion— from the kimono robes to the silk jackets.” Blayde says. These designs ultimately pushed Demetrius into the fashion industry and inspired the Demi Blvck aesthetic. Throughout the years, the Demi Blvck aesthetic has progressed and transformed, but continues to feel cutting edge and fresh by design. Blayde stated to level21 “I hope that the Demi Blvck aesthetic inspires you in the same way that it continues to inspire me.” www.demiblvck.com
Christopher Goff
Based in Charlotte, NC, Team Topher is more than just design and fashion.They are a non-profit with roots in the community and strong ties to the city. “We love hard, and push everyone to their potential. Our showcases always consist of our team’s models, and we are thankful to everyone who has dedicated their time and talent to styling hair and applying makeup behind the scenes.” Christopher stated.
As a non-profit his organization strives to give back to the community while keeping a team building and partnership mindset. Christography’s mission is to support local non-profit organizations while promoting artistic expression, equality, and philanthropy with a focus on youth programs. Team Topher’s mission is focused on the foster care system, and aims to support teens aged out of foster care by providing financial support, professional attire, educational lessons, and a network of opportunities in our local community.
Christopher Goff- Charity Production Of The Year Winner
Boutique Chic-Photographer Laurence Logan -Iamziyah
To have been nominated for any of the categories was a definite nod to the greatness of each of these designers, artists, and industry professionals. However, there were select winners by category. To qualify for a Carolina Fashion Award the fashion community must nominate and vote. Professionals must be from NC or SC, currently live in either state or do business with the Carolina Fashion Industry. Nominees must also be involved in the fashion community and have longevity in their field. After the voting period the board of directors with over 15 years industry experience determine the final outcome after all of the previously mentioned criteria is considered.
With that being stated we give you the 2021 Carolina Fashion Award Winners and Honorees!
Makeup Artist Of The Year
Crystal Jennings
Hair Stylist Of The Year
Christian Cline
Boutique Of The Year
Nyoni Couture
Community Outreach Honoree
Sue Fitch
Social Media Influence
Vikee Koh
Fashion & Tech
Joshua Anglero
Boutique Designer Of The Year
William Wilson
Emerging Child Model
Kensyen & Kasyen
Charity Fashion Show
Labor Of Love
Christopher Goff
Fashion Production
The Fashion Excursion
Female Model of The Year
Alexis Rochelle
Male Model Of The Year
Jordan Mitzel
Wardrobe Stylist Of The Year
Maurice Brown
Talent Management Honoree
Gray Models and Talent
Fashion Week Of 2021
Greensboro Fashion Week
Teen Model Of The Year
Kristin Blythe
Child Models Of The Year
Angie & Rosie
Fashion Icon Of The Year
Hade Robinson
Fashion Style Blog Of The Year
Melissa Latin
Publication Of The Year
SouthPark Magazine
Model Coach Of The Year
Candice Rushing
Creative Director Of The Year
Michael Lopez
Children Production
CLT Kids
Fashion Weekend
Videographer Of The Year
Laurence Logan
Fashion Producer Of The Year
Christopher Goff
Emerging Designer
Humble Connor
Designer Of The Year
Stevie Boi
Fashion Photographer Of The Year
Kearsten Leder
Foundation Award
Shukura Oni
Premal Badiani
Lemond Crayton Hart
Innovation Award
Toya La’Chelle
Hudson Brow & Waxing
Fashion Photographer Of The Year
Kearsten Leder
Leadership In Style
Designer Diva
Find the Awards information here: @carolinafashionawards // www.carolinafashionawards.com and be sure to catch Jacinda and her husband, Flyty, on V1019 every Sunday on the Flyty and Jacinda show. Also, check out Ryan Jor El on his show “The Roundtable with Ryan Jor El”.