DIASPORA F/W15

August 16th, 2014 The lab theater, minneapolis, mn

Diaspora is a unique approach to history through the fashion lens. The movement of African people has influenced North and South American, Asian,

African, and European history. Through the incorporation and inclusion of diverse design

talent, models, music, and art, the show will recognize the

shared past and variety within the African diaspora, as well provide a clear vision for the

future.

MC’s

Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Shedrick “Can I Vent” Garrett also known as Shed G. has made a name for himself as the “People’s

Comedian”. Shedrick’s comedic gift has been witnessed by audiences worldwide. Mr. “Can

I Vent” has entertained crowds at the Es-sence Music Festival, Colorado’s Black Ski Summit, The St.Croix Gospel Festival, and

Carnival Cruise Lines. He can also be found on KMOJ’s morning show.

Julia Toles, a first generation African, spent the first twelve years of her life between

Delaware and Monrovia, Liberia. She gradu-ated from Purdue University in 2010. She realized her passion for writing and figured

out that she could use her passion to be the voice of the unheard all around the world. She is the host of the Youth Summit Show at KMOJ Radio and a columnist for the Min-nesota Spokesman Recorder Newspaper.

MC’s

DESIGNERS

A first generation immigrant of Ghana, Jacqueline Addison is a Fashion Design student at the Art Institute

located here in Minneapolis. With the support and encouragement of her family, school fashion Director, and

close friends AkuaGabby clothing was born with inspiration fueled by her

reflection on the traditional Ghanaian culture

DESIGNERS

Traditional African garb needed a makeover. That is what Charlene Dunbar decided when she started suakokobetty (pronounced SWAH-

ko-ko), an Atlanta-based clothing line named for her father’s hometown of Suakoko, Liberia. Her spring/sum-

mer collection of dresses is now being carried on Belk.com and in select Belk

stores.

DESIGNERS

The brand Dahil Republic of Couture was launched in 2010 by Hilda Mauya its head Designer. It is a collection of elegant and special occasion wear for women that embody sexy, afro chic, and class. Dahil Republic of Couture infuses contemporary fashion with the rich culture of authentic finest African accented Fabrics, creating raw yet trendy designs of western society.

DESIGNERS

Award winning artist Sho Sho Esquiro grew up in the Yukon, Canada. She’s inspired by her Native American roots and her love for colour, fabric and textures combining it with her tradi-tional knowledge of Native textiles.

Sho Sho expresses herself through her passion as a contemporary artist of

clothing and canvases.

DESIGNERS

Target is rolling out Ambar, a new ap-parel collection designed with the Latina guests in mind. What sets

Ámbar apart from other women’s ap-parel is a combination of great style and fit. The collection features vibrant

colors, bold patterns, and figure-flattering silhouettes and fabrics.

Styled by Nick Hooks

DESIGNERS

Berny Martin is the founder and de-signer of Catou, an internationally

recognized line of men’s and women’s professional wear started in 2002.

The line has been recognized on BET, MTV, Source Magazine, Indianapolis

Monthly, Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Woman, Indianapolis Business Journal, Indianapolis Recorder, Bella Magazine, Miss Universe Magazine, Power Mag-azine (Atlanta), Fashion Manuscript,

and Focus Magazine.

DESIGNERS

Bridgette is a licensed cosmetologist of 22 years with 33 years of background of women apparel design, 20+ years’ experience in interior styling, residen-tial and commercial, hence... Triple

Threat Stylist. Bridgette is a graduate of the Aveda Institute of Minneapolis,

MN.

DESIGNERS

Designed by Harriette Thomas and Jason Scott. With the motto “We Run The Night,” JLoren’s designs for the daring yet sophisticated woman who will stop at nothing to enjoy life. Their clothing caters to women not afraid to show off their curves and beauty. JLoren designs for the supermodel in

everywoman.

Henry Spencer created Golden Hanger in 2007 while attending Wayne State

University in Detroit, MI. What was once a small tee shirt promotion company

has transpired into a multifaceted cloth-ing company. Golden Hanger Designs

provides custom dresses and apparel for women, and custom shirts and sweaters for men. Henry’s designs are bold, sexy, and one-of-a-kind, perfect for the socially

conscious fashionista!

Styled by Desean Mills of OOTN Lifestyle

DESIGNERS

Style Partners

Glamor Africa

Coco and Breezy

Jon Fluevog Shoes

Aldo

Goorin Bros.

Kisa Boutique

Litany Jewelry Designs

Sponsors

Sponsors

Contributors

In the wake of the tragic Ebola outbreak in West Africa, we are proud to donate a portion of the proceeds to Project Blackboard.www.projectblackboard.org

ADDAMFolashade Bakare

Jasmin FosterJamila JonesJessica McCraeJazmyne Reid

Brittany ThomasChristopher Wilburn

Entertainment and Afterparty

Founded by Ashley Johnson, Christopher Webley, and Madia Willis, our mission is to create engaging events for diverse and creative young professionals. Through strategic partnerships and providing thoughtful resources we hope to increase the retention rate in the Twin Cities. In short we

hope to nurture and enrich a diverse community with events that feed the soul.

www.theretentionstrategy.com

Sounds from the Diaspora provided by DJ3Jhttp://www.dj3j.com

Immediately following the show join us at:The Engine Room

91 S 10th StMinneapolis, MN 55403

with DJ DekonteeFree with VIP wristband, $5 otherwise

*cash bar only*