Opening Show Recap: A Night of Fashion, Art, and Celebration at OIFW 2024

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) 2024 kicked off in style on Sunday, November 10th, at the stunning CityArts Downtown, with an unforgettable Fashion & Art Hits CityArts event. The evening was made possible by the support of our sponsor, the Downtown Arts District, and set the stage for an incredible week of fashion, talent, and community celebration.

A Grand Opening: Proclamations and Recognition

The night began with an inspiring Proclamation Presentation by Vicky Landon, on behalf of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Luis Martinez, presenting on behalf of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. These VIP guests honored OIFW’s decade-long contributions to the cultural landscape of Orlando and the wider fashion community. The ceremony highlighted the incredible growth of OIFW and its continued impact on the city’s arts scene.

The Opening Show was expertly emceed by Valerie Boey Ramsey, a renowned journalist and the owner of VBR Ink Corporate Storytelling. Valerie’s presence and storytelling prowess perfectly set the tone for the evening’s festivities, guiding the audience through each extraordinary moment.

Spoken Word Performance

A powerful spoken word performance by Marquis Lee of Diverse Word captivated the audience, bringing an emotional and artistic element to the evening’s proceedings. His performance added depth and soul to the fashion celebration.

VIP Guests: A Celebration of Impact

The evening continued with a celebration of influential figures within the community. Dr. Hezedean Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Global Emergency Services Consulting Group, was in attendance and celebrated for his remarkable leadership and service. Hezedean’s extensive background in fire rescue, including roles as Fire Chief in Polk County, Charlottesville, and Orlando, has made him a pillar of strength in our community.

Also in attendance was Candace Blake (@candice.live), talk show host, journalist, and entrepreneur. Candace, who has been seen on HGTV and BET, is the creator of ButifulCosmetics—a cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free cosmetics brand. A portion of the proceeds from ButifulCosmetics supports Mukisa Girls Empowerment Centre, a nonprofit organization that empowers underprivileged girls in Uganda. Candace’s inspiring mission and business success reflect the spirit of OIFW, championing empowerment and sustainability.

Hair & Makeup by Anelya Alim’s Makeup School New York

The night’s glamour was enhanced by the talented hair and makeup team, coordinated by Anelya Alim from Makeup School New York. The team, which included members traveling from as far as Savannah, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, worked tirelessly to ensure that every model looked flawless on stage. Their expertise played a pivotal role in making the evening’s fashion shows even more spectacular.

An International Audience

OIFW’s Opening Show attracted a diverse crowd, with attendees from Central Florida and beyond, including travelers from North and South Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Languages spoken by guests in attendance included Spanish, French, and Cantonese, further emphasizing the international reach and cultural influence of OIFW. This global presence reflects OIFW’s growing influence and the city of Orlando’s status as a global fashion hub.

Featured Designers: A Showcase of Talent

The Opening Show featured a dazzling collection of fashion from some of the most exciting designers in the industry:

• The Artistic Grove by Sergio
• Diverso Art Jewelry by Diana Vera
• Josey Creates by Josey Prior
• Fancy by J. Allen

Each collection was a testament to the creativity and skill of these designers, blending vibrant colors, innovative techniques, and a bold sense of style.

Fabulous Music & Entertainment

The evening wouldn’t have been complete without the infectious beats of DJ Red Tables, who kept the energy high throughout the event. The music was the perfect backdrop to the stunning fashion and performances, ensuring a memorable atmosphere for all attendees.

OIFW Board Members and Team

OIFW’s success is due in no small part to the dedication and support of our Board Members and Team. Special thanks go to those in attendance for the event: Anelya Alim, Tonzy Zumbo, Kristi Klein, Rosanna Tran, Starr Dalton, Nadege Wilson, Rob Henlon, Jessica Henlon, whose passion and hard work continue to drive the event’s growth year after year. Ashleigh Mausser, Cheryl Thomas, and Daryl Maeder were also instrumental in making the event a success, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Looking Ahead to OIFW 2024

The Opening Show was just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible week of fashion, art, and celebration. Here’s what’s coming up for the rest of OIFW 2024:

Wednesday, November 13 – Decades Spotlight Celebration
Location: AC Sky Bar, AC Hotel Orlando Downtown
Time: 8:00 PM

• Celebrate OIFW’s 10-year journey with a special toast and spotlight on the businesses and colleagues who have supported the event’s success. This exclusive event will feature breathtaking views of downtown Orlando, with guests responsible for their own food and drink tabs.

Thursday, November 14 – FEN Social (Sponsor Event)
Location: Aloft Orlando Downtown
Time: 6:00 PM

• Fashion show featuring Vedremo by Valerie Capuzzi and Villa Vault Couture by Sharon Ward
• Art & Style Segment by Kerry Art by Kerry Harripersad
• Emceed by Ashleigh Mausser, Founder of AshRock Art
• Performances by MEKA @mekafromthe703 and Marquis Lee, Diverse Word
• DJ: Red Tables

Saturday, November 16 – Rooftop Party & Fashion Show
Location: Altira Pool + Lounge
Time: 1:00 PM

• Fashion show featuring Overchill the Label by Olivia Myers, SimAllure Boutique by Simone Davis, and Solicia Collection by Yvette Solis
• Emceed by Danielle Cohn & Charisma Tran
• Performance by Scott Barnhill
• DJ: TL Smooth

Sunday, November 17 – Kids & Teens Show
Location: Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Time: 1:00 PM

• Fashion show featuring Purple Dragonfly by Anita Cleveland, Choupette by Ayman Damyan, and My Little Matilda by Savina Rey (Kids and Teens)
• Emceed by Nathalie Vallieres Martin
• Performance by Avalon Dance
• DJ: TL Smooth
• Partner: Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine

Sunday, November 17 – Fashion Night Out (FNO) Closing Shows
Location: Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

• 5:00 PM Show:
  • Fashion show featuring Labelle Since 1919, Karina Torres, SHARY Online Boutique by Yahaira Almedina, Beaux Studios, and Ingrid Tu Variedad Boutique
  • Emceed by Christina Carmona
  • DJ: TL Smooth
• 7:00 PM Show:
  • Fashion show featuring Hihabibi by Mosab, DePalma by Vanessa Salazar, Galana Handmade Jewelry by AnaGabriel Galan (from Costa Rica), Artelio by Arquelio Rivera, Majestic by Bouchra Hida, SimAllure Boutique by Simone Davis, and Aline Moreno (from Mexico)
  • Emceeded by Michelle Imperato & Jason Guy
  • DJ: TL Smooth