press kit 27 july 2009
be unique. be confident. be sexy. ™
about :: the collection
Design Philosophy :: Aidah Collection brings eastern chic to west coast fashion. It is a creatively chic line inspired by natural elements. Each garment is handmade and adorned in hand brushed design, making every piece truly one of a kind. The versatile style unites urban flair and coastal cool with timeless appeal. Go effortlessly from beach, to business, to cocktails in comfort and in vogue. An Ethical Mission :: Aidah wants every woman to feel confident and sexy and thus embraces womanly curves with stretch cottons and satins that flatter women of all shapes. The collection uses ethical practices by shunning dishonest factories and instead employing professionals who are passionate about their craft. Aidah Collection also believes in giving back, a percentage of sales revenue throughout the year is donated to non-profit organizations. Upcoming collections include the Pink Collection for breast cancer research and Elements Organic Collection for earth preservation. Eco-Friendly :: Each garment is made to order, eliminating material waste. Remnant pieces leftover from production are saved for future projects. Periodically the collection releases limited edition items from rescued fabrics and remnants. The upcoming Elements Organic Collection is made from 100% certified organic cotton. Looking Ahead :: Aidah Collection is currently available in California and Washington, DC and will soon be active on the international fashion scene and available in Canada and Europe. Aidah is also developing the collection to grow into a dynamic, artsy boutique location that will feature not only unique fashions, but also fine art, home dĂŠcor, furniture and spa products.
about :: the designer
“Art is an expression of the soul. Skill is an expression of the mind. Passion is their fuel.” Philosophy :: Aidah Fontenot has redefined the face of fashion. The culmination of her creative inspirations have lead to her rise as an emerging talent in fine art and fashion design. Her innate eye for balance and bold design is inspired by the organic beauty of nature in contrast with the structure of an urban existence. Aidah struggled as an adolescent to balance her free-spirited perspectives with the social mandates of society. This inspired her involvement in programs to facilitate understanding in race & human relations. This theme of finding balance within chaos is the inspiration behind her work. Training :: Born and raised in San Diego, California, Aidah’s artistic career began at nine years old when she began studying advanced fine arts at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. By age 15 her striking works of art were featured in the San Diego Museum of Art and the Centro Cultural in Tijuana, Mexico, as well as private exhibits. This strong fine arts training served as her foundation to explore other mediums of design and, at age 16, she began her first fashion collection. Aidah went on to receive her Bachelors of Arts from San Diego State University with emphasis in graphic design and photography. Influence
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Aidah’s studies of color theory, typography,
sculpture, art history and humanities have influenced her chic style. Combined with unhindered artistic ability, it enables Aidah to unite graphic structure and organic imagery in a way that is consistently perceived as worldly and timeless. Future :: Aidah wants to be remember as an artist, and also a philanthropist. She plans to begin a non-profit youth program for the training and encouragement of the exceptionally talented pursuing creative careers.
dj neekola :: international spokesmodel Beautiful and bubbly, the incredibly photogenic Nicole Bock, joined Aidah Collection as the International Spokesmodel in 2008. Neekola began her career as a DJ and in less than two years time, took over DC’s nightlife. She’s held residencies in almost every hot spot in DC and now regularly tours in Europe. Neekola’s main passion within music is to help inspire people through sounds and melodies and wants to make a difference in the music world. Her music contains positive messages and body moving beats. Neekola’s house mixes of Shake Ya Body by Machete Malone and Grown & Sexy by J-Life are released under 1st Seed Recordings in 2009. Photos by Tim Coburn Photography :: Makeup & Hair by James Cornwell
kate michael :: spokesmodel Kate Michael was the covergirl for Aidah Collection Spring 2008 and is now an official spokesmodel. She competed in Miss America 2007 as Miss District of Columbia. Kate works professionally as a model, writer, and on-air talent. Her media portfolio includes a spread in Elle magazine and feature on Inside Edition, live reporting on NewsChannel 8’s Let’s Talk Live, and her own show, The District Dish. She has written articles in DC Magazine, the Washington Post, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Washington Examiner, and her personal blog, KStreetKate.net. This well-educated beauty earned her BBA in International Business Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia and recently completed both an MBA and a Masters in Government from Johns Hopkins University. Photos by Aude Guerrucci
in the news ::
Washingtonian Magazine DC Modern Luxury Magazine On Tap Magazine Council Magazine Georgetowner Newspaper Oh My Goff by WUSA9 Angie Goff DC This Week PamelasPunch.com TrenDC.tv by Paul Wharton UrbanSocialite.com StritclyFab.com TheGlamazonDiaries.com ProjectBeltway.com FashionSavedMyLife.com KStreetKate.net Deacon Does DC Samantha on Style The District Dish
Washingtonian Magazine
Council Magazine
GO GETTA
Entrepreneurs on the rise
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We should embrace our curves, it’s what makes us women. I use stretch fabrics that are very forgiving and look great not only on slender women, but on ALL women.
Q: Wow! Clothes for full-figured women. How refreshing. A: The fashion world’s image of stick figure beauty is really sickening, very unrealistic and especially not sexy! We should embrace our curves, it’s what makes us women. I use stretch fabrics that are very forgiving and look great not only on slender women, but on ALL women. Q: How did you become a fashion designer? A: In high school I had my first runway show and was regularly making clothes for friends and family. But in college my focus moved to graphic design and photography. It wasn’t until I moved to Washington, D.C., in 2005 that the business of fashion once again sparked my interest. Aidah Fontenot is designer of the Aidah Collection PHOTOS BY J.COUNCIL - COUNCIL MAGAZINE
Designs inspired by natural elements Q: Congratulations on celebrating the first year of Aidah Collection. What inspires your creations? A: My background is in fine art, my formal training began in elementary school. I enjoyed working with different mediums like paint, plaster, wood, etc., and combining them in different ways. So fashion became a new medium of expression. … The swirling hand-painted designs which appear on all my garments are inspired by natural elements, like curling vines, wind or flowing water.
Q: Are there any community causes in particular that are dear to you? A: Naturally, I am a huge supporter of arts programs. Two great nonprofits I support are Interstages, an afterschool program that connects middle school girls to history through music, and the DC Collaborative, which provides quality arts and humanities education to public schools. In the next couple years, I plan to start my own summer camp for the training and encouragement of children exceptionally gifted in the arts. Q: What is the Pink Collection? A: The pink ribbon is a symbol of breast cancer awareness and that is exactly what my Pink Collection is in support of. A percentage will be donated to nonprofits for awareness and research. I chose this cause because the numbers are growing drastically, especially among women of color. Through the Pink Collection, I hope to increase prevention, and give physically and emotionally scarred survivors the strength to feel beautiful. Q: Why is it important to give back? A: My artistic ability is a gift I was born with, the hard part is making a business of it. Although I work hard, I know it’s not possible without my creative expression. It is completely natural and effortless for me, like the opposite of work. I feel blessed, and honor that gift by using it to
www.councilmag.com • summer 2009 • council magazine
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help others. In the end, I want to be remembered as an artist and also a philanthropist. Q: Any words of encouragement for upand-coming designers? A: Never give up! It is a long hard road and can become discouraging. Experts say it takes three years to get a fashion line off the ground, so be prepared for that. … With persistence, goals can be achieved.
DC Examiner “Fashion Event of the Summer” By Leslie A. Bray February 25, 2009 Fashionista’s mark your calendar for a fabulous fashion event hitting the luxe L2 Lounge. DC will get a fresh kick of fashion this summer with an evening filled with fashion, art and good music. The Aidah Collection will celebrate it’s one year anniversary this Wednesday May 27th from 6:30 - 9pm at L2 Lounge located in Georgetown. The designer of the label, Aidah Fontenot is a multi-talented being with a background in design, photography and art. After years of perfecting her skills she put all of her talents together and created the Aidah Collection. After viewing the S/S 09 Collection I know that with the luxe of L2 Lounge mixed with gorgeous pieces featured from the Aidah Collection the ambiance of this event will have an impressive turnout.
TheGlamazonDiaries.com “Limited Edition Inauguration Dress and Top from the Aidah Collection” By Makeda Saggau-Sackey January 12, 2009 I had dinner and drinks on Friday night with local designer Aidah Fontenot of Aidah Collection to talk about her latest collection. We had such a fantastic time discussing the fashion landscape in our nation’s capital and how her collection fits into the Washingtonian lifestyle. She gave me a preview of her upcoming spring and summer collections and showed me the special inauguration Kimono dress and top she’s designed just for the historic occasion. The silky frocks feel like butter against the body and looks as lux as it does in these pictures. Each come with a complementary special edition pair of champagne flutes and key chain. If that’s not a sweet deal, I don’t know what is.
The Georgetowner Newspaper “Aidah Collection’s Unveiling at Ibiza Nightclub by Alexandra Varipapa :: May 28th, 2008 Aidah Collection, a new fashion line by Aidah Fontenot, includes clingy, body conscious dresses in neutral colors, mostly dusty pinks and greens. Aidah’s fashion show, started with casual day dresses in muted colors and moved to dresses that would be more appropriate for cocktails after work, ending with a long red satin gown. The highlight of the line was a green kimono inspired dressed that was cinched at the waist with a black lace ribbon that would be great day to night.The majority of the pieces are made with a stretch cotton jersey. The pieces can fit anywhere from a size two model to a size 10 or 12. “It just happened that way,” Aidah Said. “I studied a woman’s body and made the clothing so that it would be flattering for everyone.” Aidah, who is from San Diego, was inspired by nature and the surroundings in that area. The pieces are done in subtle and natural colors that enhance, instead of compete with, a woman’s natural beauty. Aidah, who used to be a graphic designer, designed the patterns and graphics that are on just about all of her pieces. They were organically inspired, and are oftentimes hand painted on. “I wanted to do something that was relaxed but that you could still feel great in,” Aidah said. “You can sleep in it and still be comfortable.” Aidah is shopping for boutiques to sell her line and has a new website starting up from which you can place an order. She also wants to get into yoga and loungewear and men’s wear as well, starting with ties.
aidah collection :: on the scene
Events in 2008 :: Official Unveiling of Aidah Collection at Ibiza Nightclub Fashion & Fine Art exhibition at the Park at Fourteenth Stop Traffick VIP Fashion Benefit sponsored by News Channel 8 Carnaval Masquerade to benefit the Carma Foundation
Events in 2009 :: Inaugural Celebration by Lettie Gooch Boutique DC Crystal Couture by Crystal City BID Shop-O-Nomics hosted by Uptown Girl Entertainment Fashion Takes Flight to benefit Luke’s Wings Deacon Does DC Launch Party National Cherry Blossom Festival Official Merchandise Luxe, Lips & Literacy to benefit the Lady Legacy Foundation Washington Life Magazine Young & the Guestlist Party sponsor Velvet Allegro Cocktail Contest by On Tap Magazine & Grey Goose Youth Fashion Show to benefit DC Health and Family Services Couture for a Cure to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Aidah Collection First Anniversary Fete to benefit Interstages Pink Collection to benefit Breastcancer Research Pop Noir Runway Show San diego hosted by May Star Fall Collection Show at Confidential Lounge San diego Summer Promotion at Prospect Lounge La Jolla Beauty Night Out by Sin PR to benefit Through the Kitchen Door Shop for Success to benefit Dress for Success CW DC Network Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo Elements Organic Collection to benefit Earth Echo International Fashion Fights Poverty Charity Runway Show
The Homme Collection for Men is robust and unique, embodying the image of a confident man with effortless distinction. The very masculine line includes casual pants, turtle necks, and tees highlighted with hand brushed designs.
The Noire Collection :: Evening & Bridal Gowns Be unique. Be confident. Be ELEGANT. The couture gowns in stretch satin are made to order and handbrushed in one of a kind design.
aidah collection :: be unique. be confident. be sexy.
Aidah Collection 209 19th Street NE #2, Washington DC 20002 (202) 506-4423 studio info@aidah.com :: www.aidah.com
Aidah Fontenot :: CEO / Designer :: fashion@aidah.com Charlene Louis :: Media Relations & Marketing :: marketing@aidah.com Jeffery Wilkins :: Eastern Representative :: jeff@aidah.com Charda Fontenot :: Western Representative :: charda@aidah.com Kadrieka Maiden :: PR & Events :: kmaiden@gmail.com
Fabulous Affiliations :: Kura Design Handbags :: www.kuradesign.com Shoes by Kymyla :: www.shoesbykymyla.com 1st Seed Recordings :: www.1stseedmusic.com Aude Guerrucci Photography :: www.audeguerrucci.com Sophizticated Ladyz Salon :: sophizticatedladyz35@yahoo.com