Evolution of a Queen

Overlooked to Booked Interactive Workshop was nothing less than phenomenal. Ms. Aushia Smith founder of  Reussir School of Modeling, Acting and Refinement g ave us  an awesome event and created a platform for anyone that wanted to hone their acting,  modeling  or other  creative talents. The goal was to not only give information about the entertainment industry but for participants to interact with the panelist and leave with the practical tools necessary for them to get booked in their respective fields. The panel of speakers were dynamic and delivered a wealth of information. This interactive session included an on site model casting, professional head shots, tutorials and auditions with Mitch Credle, Bruce Blackshear and Khail Kain.  Aushia Smith, Alexandra Boos, and Dani Sauter The event opened with Dani Sauter of Blonde in the District Blog. She was spectacular. With a background in marketing and working for the Departmen...

T alk about a celebration. The Benson's know to how to throw a birthday bash. Over the weekend I had the pleasure to celebrate the birthday of Danni Benson. The wife of CEO William Benson of Billionaires Row. The event  was held at the Vnyl in Manhattan on 3rd Avenue. Three floors of non-stop partying. As the crowd begin to gather awaiting the arrival of the Queen. The bottles of Billionaires Row champagne and brandy were ready for the celebration to begin. The Bensons party in style. The Queen arrived in red and white floral floor length gown. With red sparkle shoes that Dorothy from Wizard of Oz would envy.  The Queen greeted her guest with kisses, hugs and photos.  The Queen Danni and her Day 1 ladies were the centerpieces to every photo. Of course no party would be complete without the serenade of the Happy Birthday song. Then the queen said let them eat cake. Guest partied and danced well into the morning.  The party-goers that remain closed out the morni...

You cannot be in the plus industry and not know the name Liris Crosse . In April I attended the 5th Anniversary of District of Curves with host Liris Crosse . I've been a fan of Liris since I saw her in BestMan. I had not started my modeling journey yet but she's been an inspiration to me ever since.  I've finally met this ever evolving Queen at the  2015 Full Figured Fashion Week and then attended her Life of A Working Model Bootcamp . If you are an aspiring model just getting started in the industry this is a bootcamp that can get you ready. She continues to be a light and gatekeeper to those coming behind her in the modeling industry.  I had the honor of interviewing this beautiful busy spirit after the event. A.D. Reigns : What do you enjoy most about Hosting/ Modeling? Liris: As far as hosting I enjoy getting out there commanding the audience and interacting with the people! There’s nothing like feeling the energy of the crowd. Recently I ho...

Boutique: Iconic7 ,  Hair: Chrysalis Conceptual Designs, Makeup By: Erika Nixon & Co Photo Credit: Eyez of the Tygah Photography RVA Fashion Week did it again. This was the 10th year anniversary and the went big. From the selection of designers & boutiques, the venues and the production. I am always impressed with the presentation of these events. This year heading up the event the team consisted of Soliel Paden, Dominque Graves, Jameson Delotach, Michael Hostetler and a host of others .  During the week of course, the Dress for Success Central Virginia "Recycle the Runway" was showcased for Wednesday night event. This business is designed to help women  who may not be able to afford work attire the opportunity to be outfitted properly for work, I have modeled for this organization in the past and love the service that they provide the community. Please support them with donations and if you know of anyone in need click the link above, Stony Poin...

Speculator ........That's all I can say about Men's Fashion Week Virginia . Ron Cooke and Mario Daughtry creators of Men's Fashion Week Virginia out did themselves this time. The week of events was well thought out and planned with the attendees in mind. I was not able to make it to all of the weeks events. However, The Pagoda Garden Foundation Park and The Collector in Norfolk set the tone for an classy affair. As always the designers, vendors and models made this event unforgettable.  We were awed by designs from Phillip Michael for Men , Roxanne Smith of  ALFA Custom Clothiers , and Mario Daughtry of RECKLESS Clothing Line just to name a few. Be sure to click the links to get your swag right for the summer. J Pratt of J Pratt Boutique  gave us life with his variations of colors and patterns. Click the link to the website.  ALFA Custom Clothiers Brooklyn native and founder Roxanne Smith of ALFA Custom Clothiers brought us her collecti...

Crusade of Curves was AMAZING........ Mallory Richardson the Producer of Crusade of Curves , Beaucoup put on a fabulous event. It was jammed pack with dynamic speakers. Throughout the event there was so much knowledge from industry innovators such as Kia Caldwell , Debbie Shannon , Del Woods , Kirklan Hawes , Ashontay Hubbard , Malia Indigo and Gwen Devoe just to name a few. The Panel discussion was juicy especially when it came to the body positive movement. The panelist discussed the XL Male Modeling that is trending in the industry, branding tips and making your own path in the fashion industry. The fashion show its self was dynamic. There were some debut boutiques and designers that graced the runway for the first time such as  Yashica Russell of KABI926 .  Madame Ravish as always set the runway on fire with her sexy lingerie.  National Curves Day held there first casting call on their six city tour.  In case you missed ...

 Mallory B. Richardson Photo Credit: Jose Pagan Just recently I attended the 2018 Crusade of Curves Week in Raleigh North Carolina, produced by one of my model queens turned producer Mallory B. Richardson.  She is the owner of The Doll House, Founder of Beaucoup and Creator of the Annual Crusade of Curves event and a friend. After a week full of events I finally got a chance to interview this lovely. Check out our interview. A.D. Reigns : What gave you the inspiration to produce Crusade of Curves?  Mallory B. Richardson:  North Carolina needed an outlet for curvy and body inclusive influencers to see quality fashion, garner relationships with industry trailblazers, and a mechanism to financially support small businesses, thus the creation of Crusade of Curves.  I picked the name because it was powerful and reinforced my passion of partnership and togetherness for a cause, this cause… curves. A.D. Reigns: Who or what ...