::RECAP:: Fashion & Cocktails

"ARE YOU FULL OF FOU-DRE?"-Paul Wharton

(Sleek design of the Fou-Dre' bottle)

On Friday, June 17th, Paul Wharton (Real Housewives of DC) and Yodit Gebreyes (Talk of DC) hosted Fashion and Cocktails for the launch of a new Vodka FOU-DRE at The Topaz Hotel in NW DC. The duo did a great job at mingling with guests and playing off each others corky comments and observations.

(Paul Wharton & Felicia Jones, correspondent)

As soon as you walked into the hotel, attendees were greeted with tunes from the DJ and an attractive crowd. Although I must mention that the men at the event were dressed in much more "fashionable" threads than the ladies. I'm not so sure what that was about.

Although the venue was a bit small, organizers did a great job showcasing the beautiful Fou-Dre' bottle with its sleek purple design, creating an environment for networking, and of course room for a full bar serving Fou-Dre' infused cocktails such as the "sunset" (my personal favorite). There was also light-fare provided in the anteroom of the main event. Unfortunately, I discovered the spread after other guests so I grazed over mini cupcakes and mini cookies (which were DELICIOUS).

As a person covering the event, I didn't know many people, however, I saw a friendly face and sparked conversation with this person. Unbeknownst to me, it was Aidah, one of the fashion designers whose clothes were being featured in the fashion show. She was warm, welcoming, and yes...fashionable.

(Aidah, fashion designer)

Before the show was underway Paul and Yodit introduced Chanel Turner, CEO of Fou-Dre' vodka where she thanked everyone for coming out to show support and urged guests to attend other Fou-Dre' sponsored events this summer. I don't know about you but I'm excited to attend.

(Chanel Turner, Fou-Dre' CEO & Felicia Jones, correspondent)

Before long, the show was underway, although the make shift runway (literally a line in the middle of the crowd) proved difficult for viewing and picture taking purposes, the itimacy of the event made the event a success. The first line to be showcased was from designer Annette Williams-Lee from the Coco Lee Look from the Contagious Collection. All of the designs were crocheted. Although she featured dresses, my personal favorite were the bathing suits! I'm not so sure that I'd be getting wet in such beautiful designs. You can email Annette at contagiouscollections@gmail.com

(Annette Williams-Lea, Designer of Contagious Collections)

The second collection featured was the Aida collection. I was a bit impartial to her designs because she was so nice to me. However, with my impartiality aside, her designs were fabulous. Her signature gold details on silky smooth fabrics scream chic! Don't ask me, ask Gabrielle Union, who has worn a dress designed by Aida to a red carpet event. Also event host, Yodit Gebreyes wore one of her beautiful designs. Visit her site www.aidah.com

(Models wearing the Aidah Collection)

The last line to be featured was Ca-rio-ca a popular line in Brazil. Unfortunately, the designers could not be present for the event, they shipped bikini bottoms and t-shirts for the event. Models for this segment wore bikini bottoms and "cupped" themselves. Maybe the bikini tops were lost during the journey? Makes you wonder...Despite my bout of confusion, the set was tastefully done. To make a purchase visit their site https://www.cariocawear.com/shop/!

Overall it was a great event. What makes an event good? The theme, the organization, the showcase...What makes an event great? The people of course. Until next time...