Co-Hosted by CBS-Channel 46 Anchors Karyn Greer and Vince Sims, Event to Feature VIP Reception, Leading Designers, Performing Artists, Special Screening of Mini-Film on Disability Community
January 2, 2019…Atlanta, GA….Atlanta-based Fashion by D’Shacourt Studio, will again host “An Evening of Fashion and Elegance” (AEOFAE) , a highly anticipated fashion show production in February. Now in its sixth year, the event is in appreciation and celebration of the world of fashion, and also showcases the diversity of talent, skill, creativity and culture found in designers and models from around the country and the world, including those who are differently-able.
Created and produced by Sharon Gary-Dill, fashion designer, stylist and owner of Fashion by D’Shacourt Studio, in addition to sharing unique fashions from both established and up and coming designers, AEOFAE shines a light on the abilities of People with Disabilities (PwD), as unique contributors to the fashion industry. It also serves as a platform to educate and generate awareness about issues faced by PwD in general. Additionally, AEOFAE also shares critical information about the realities of human trafficking, through the voices and experiences of its victims, to further knowledge and prevention.
“An Evening of Fashion and Elegance is not only about fashion, but purpose and passion for me with regards to helping the disability community and the prevention of human trafficking, which are two things I care deeply about,” said Gary-Dill, who also serves as a caregiver to PwD. “I’m thankful to be able to bring awareness to both of these topics through AEOFAE, and I’m also incredibly excited about all that will be taking place this year, including the screening of a short CBS documentary on the disability community,” she continued. “In addition to the wonderful fashions by five designers, two of whom are differently-able, we will also have nationally renowned designers like Janice Wilbourn of Wilbourn Sisters Design participating this year, and will also feature some fashions and products from designer and reality TV star, Lisa Nicole Cloud’s new B.O.S.S. brand, for which I am an ambassador,“ she said.
AEOFAE 2019/Fashion Show
In addition to Gary-Dill and Wilbourn Sisters Design , other featured designers include LaWanda Scales of Wisper Couture, who is a wheelchair user, Crystal Davis of Buttercups Closet, who is deaf, E.J. Battle of Battle Designs from Boston, Morris Antonio and Nicole Hale.
Gary-Dill, has become known in the metro-Atlanta area, as a forerunner of designers who regularly feature models with disabilities in their fashion events. Fashion by D’Shacourt’s Limitless Models, are models with various types of disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, mental illness, models who are vision and hearing impaired, etc. , and continues to add to its growing roster.
“People in this community are still segregated in many ways, and I wanted to do what I could to shine a light on the perfect imperfections found in all of us and give these individuals the same opportunities to strut their stuff on the runway , just like our typical models” said Gary-Dill.
Hosting AEOFAE will be CBS Channel 46 anchors, Karyn Greer and Vince Sims. CBS will also be represented via a special screening of the production of a mini-documentary about the disability community, called “Circle of Boundaries,” which was inspired by last year’s AEOFAE event.
“When I was assigned to get some footage of a rehearsal at AEOFAE last year, which featured models with disabilities, I was exposed to and inspired by a sub culture about which I knew very little,” said Porfino Fernando Castillo, filmmaker, producer and director, and a photojournalist for CBS Channel 46. “I learned so much from filming this piece and saw just how much this community wants to be treated like everyone else, but there’s a level of discrimination and shunning that’s out there, showing that our society hasn’t gotten there yet when it comes to full inclusion and needs to be further educated,” he continued. “The purpose of this documentary, told through the story of one of the models with Down syndrome, was to move, entertain and educate viewers by visually touching on some of the challenges PwD face, while showing the scope of capabilities,” said Castillo.
In an effort to help raise awareness about human trafficking and give voice to its victims, a 16 year-old girl will be speaking at the event. Hashaqueena Earth, who was trafficked by her mother since she was a little girl until she was recently rescued by her aunt, will be sharing her personal experience with child sex trafficking.
There will also be live entertainment featuring popular local musical artists, including smooth jazz chart topping keyboardist and composer, Madoca Kawahara; Jazz and R&B Singers Nella-Joi and Reggie Parks, as well as teen dancers from the In the Key of Dance troupe.
The event will also feature information about Abel 2 Non Profit, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, through music and arts opportunities for employment and enjoyment. Abel 2 works to create self-confident agents of change to dismantle unintended barriers, by showcasing performing artists with disabilities. The 501c3 organization will also receive a portion of the events proceeds.
AEOFAE 2019/Fashion Show
Among the sponsors of AEOFAE are Wilbourn Sisters Design; Lisa Nicole Cloud’s B.O.S.S.; Beautiflies Make-Up Artists; Belle Vue Photography; Face to Face Modeling Agency; E.E.E. Marketing Group; K and V Kreations; These Crabs Right Here; Body Sculptures Spa; Cake Man, Kingdom Konnection, The Dee Cee Experience, David Ford, Dignity Memorial, etc.
An Evening of Fashion and Elegance, which attracts hundreds of attendees comprised of fashion lovers, community influencers, dignitaries, disability community advocates and media, will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019 beginning at 5:00p.m., at Atlanta City Hall located at 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta,
GA., 30303. A VIP reception and purple carpet experience will begin at 4:00p.m.
Tickets to AEOFAE are $30 for general admission seating and $60 for VIP seating and reception. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.dshacourt.com. For media inquiries, contact Norma Stanley at 404/451-1811 or email her at eeemarketinggroup@gmail.com.
