JANS – Just coming off of directing The Essence of Fashion held during the 2023 Essence Festival weekend in New Orleans, Jackson’s own beauty and fashion stylist L. Lashley is readying to receive Stylist of the Year presented by Business Empowered Mississippi in partnership with The Best of Mississippi Awards. Lashley, owner of Salon Exclusive, is also up for Fashion Designer of the Year. Voting is available through July 31 at https://form.jotform.com/221955515635157.
Lashley was accompanied in New Orleans by team members Erica Sutton, Tamise Jones, Shaquita Keel, and Deangelo Turner, who executed with precision a 5 minute haircut on stage for halftime entertainment. Designer KODESIGNS, also from Jackson, opened the show!
The Essence of Fashion was sponsored by The Winners of the World Global Magazine, founded by Dr. Sonia White. It was the finale event of the magazine’s all-day Women of the World (W.O.W.) Conference.
The fashion extravaganza delivered on its promise to present international designers and a cast of 45 industry standard models strutting their stuff down a 20-foot stage. The night of artistry starred some of the world’s most talented beauty and fashion contributors, including J. Bolin.
“Essence is a beautiful time for Black culture and our music. Our fashion and culture are vital to our part in how we identify ourselves worldwide,” stated Lashley.
The L. Lashley brand is no stranger to producing high-fashion events. However, The Essence of Fashion surpassed expectations with a full house and thunderous applause roaring throughout the beautifully decorated ballroom of the Double Tree hotel on Canal Street.
Hosted by actor and NFL star Stevie Baggs Jr. and former American Idol finalist and reality TV personality Melanie Sanders, the event featured a luxe red carpet hosted via Live Stream by fashion influencer, designer, and runway coach Tim Thorn.
Prior to the show, fashion lovers enjoyed a star studded cocktail hour featuring handcrafted cocktails and bites. Dionne Character, Essence best selling author and columnist, was on hand to welcome those visiting the media lounge. Also, private vendor rooms were available for guests to purchase runway pieces.
