By: Dira Ve of Peekapose Productions
Photo Credit: Juan Carlos Guevara of Peekapose Productions
This fashionista felt she just walked into a fairytale when she entered this grand castle with meticulous detail natural stonework, rare antique furniture, exposed reclaimed beams and three-story cathedral ceilings. “Wow”, I thought what a splendid venue to host the final XPerience The Trendy Walk Gala Competition in Connecticut. The 8th Annual XPerience The Trendy Walk Fashion Gala Competition presented by Ricky Trendy Davista had his last show in Connecticut on August 27, 2018 at the Bill Millers Castle. Ricky Trendy Davista started doing Fashion Shows in Connecticut because he wanted to provide a much-needed platform for designers to showcase their clothing line. In this event, Ricky Trendy Davista was honoring the memory of his mother who passed away from breast cancer. A portion of the proceeds of that days’ event was going to #StrideAgainstBreastCancer. Various designers showcased their line to battle for the XPerience The Trendy Walk title, trophy, cash prizes, and also all competing for a great cause, stride against breast cancer. The battle of the designers at Xperience contestant were; Marion Imbruglio, Karen Santos, Dajon Johnson, Natalie Santana, Amy Nichole Brown and Amorette Daluz-Weeks.
Marion Imbruglio
Marion Imbruglio featured casual ready wear dresses with some hints of floral and halter top- rompers and a “wow” in color with her vibrant yellow delicate backless dress. Minimalist style but yet very contemporary.
Karen Santos
Pink, pink, pink flowy gems graced the runway paying tribute to breast cancer awareness, Karen Santos also showcased a black chic leather pencil skirt with lace halter top and a sophisticated white dress for the modern woman.
Dajon Johnson Ceo of Glory House Enterprise
Exaggerate pleated sleeves, red wine hues poured on the runway, floral lace skirt with a yummy noire corset was one of my favorite pieces. Ending his line a timeless piece, a white gown with full charm and extravagance.
Natalie Santana
White formal mermaid gown first appeared followed by textual glitter elegances with Swarovski crystals. Natalie’s garments had a rhythmic feel as each of her Couture gowns flowed on the runway. Guaranteed to turn heads wearing any of her dresses. This fashionista head just kept turning!
Amorette Daluz-Weeks
Grey tone plunging neckline plaid jumpers, really trendy and one had pockets! I love pockets. “How practical”, I thought. Unexpectedly, this futuristic blue metallic pleated skirt appeared with knee-high silver boots, ready for an ethereal experience.
With so many designers competing to win The 8th Annual XPerience The Trendy Walk title, I knew the judges would have a difficult time deciding and the time they took reflected their difficulties. However the two finalists were announced, Dajon Johnson and Amorette Daluz-Weeks. All eyes were on the two finalists when Ricky Trendy Davista announce the winner, and the winner goes to Dajon Johnson! Applaud and congratulations to Dajon Johnson for winning the title.
Nevertheless, let’s not forget there is one more award to give out “My fav fashionista award! I present my “Fav Fashionista” award to Natalie Santana for her collections inspired by diamonds, rhinestones, Swarovski, sparkles with her textual elegances and her magical garments. Natalie inspired by radiant gems, by beautiful Queens such as Carmen Carrera, Kenya Michaels, RuPaul contestants and from her history of dance world has been designing at the age of 13. She loved designing dance clothing with flair and “bling.” When Natalie created this collection, she thought why not transfer all the bling and sparkles and combine it with an over the top couture and create gowns. Along with the assistance of her twin sister Natasha Santana, also a designer assisted her to make her vision come to life. Natalie vision for the future is for her and her twin sister to market themselves as “twin designers” and open a sophisticated couture boutique that offers not only luxurious garments but also makeup service and hair styling. “As a proud Latina, I will continue to thrive until at least Cardi B or Jlo wears one of our gowns in the red carpet, wishful thinking” Natalie exclaimed. This fashionista loves diamonds like any of us girls, but Natalie Santana precious gem collection illuminated that runway.
Mr. Ricky Trendy Davista journey ended in Connecticut but the journey will continue in the big apple and for us New Yorker, we can’t wait for his #XTTW9 debut. Once again congrats to all the contestant and Dajon Johnson for winning #XTTW8 Trophy and title.
For my dear fashionistas, I included some other highlights including my mini photo shoot with Mr. Juan Carlos Guevara of Peekapose Productions. So Enjoy and never…never…forget this fashionista golden rule, “Own your Style and be Confident!”
Gina Edwards owner of Ultimate ShoeBar featured her dazzling shoes.
The 8th Annual XPerience The Trendy Walk Fashion Gala Competition Highlights.
XoXo 🙂
Dira Ve of Peekapose Productions
IG: DiraVe1
