"Once Upon A Time" Proves Dreams DO Come True!

"I'm a go-getter."

These are the words of Jarmal Harris, creator of The Jarmal Harris Project, and they couldn't be more true. The DC Native is a visionary and one who not only reaches up, but reaches back. Currently gaining momentum in NYC, he returned to guide the production of the 8th annual fashion event held at THEARC.

I attended the event last Sunday and can honestly attest to the slogan that it was "not your average fashion show". That's because it's the youth who put on this event! With his 501(c)3, and support from the Summer Employment Youth Program, Jarmal has created an opportunity for youth to have a creative outlet where they can both collaborate and gain work experience. This summer, Monday through Friday, the youth of Wards 1-8 dedicated their time to building and choreographing this show; and on Sunday, I was witness to their success.

The show began with a young girl dreaming of making it to the "Big Show". Tucking her sky-high heels away, her fairy god-mother appears and guides her to put on her heels and make her dream a reality. True Cinderella form, expect one thing: a crew to kick-off her dream to reality like this:

Swim by Jeri Wood

"Anything you want, go out and get it. Shoot for the moon." - Jarmal Harris

The show, in a way, is like Jarmal's message to the youth. When he speaks of them, he can't help but tear up. After 8 shows, you'd think some of that emotion would wane, but it doesn't. His affinity for the youth, his calling, and this project is just as authentic as his words which tells me one thing, Jarmal's passion is fueled to the max. When speaking with him, I found it to be like talking to a favorite cousin. He's so personable; it's hard not to root for Jarmal! And, when speaking to some of the youth and hearing that they want to continue to persue their creative craft, I know his message of encouragement has been made clear.

As for the runway, some of my favorite looks came from Cesar Galindo (paired with the DC political scene on back screen was on point!), Richard Kim (I love plaid!), Jeri Wood, and draping gowns covered in gold sequins from the event's namesake (catch a glimpse from the finale below).

Congratulations to Jarmal and the crew of Once Upon A Time for your commitment and success. Looking forward to seeing your work on future runways!

xo | din

photos | The Jarmal Harris Project (more photos to come!)
videos | code name: drédin (finale look here)

Back Stage @ Sara Roka | Vancouver Fashion Week

They tell you it's the second biggest fashion show in North America. Well, it didn't hit me until I saw the runway.

I've always seen the runway of NYFW through photos and videos, and dreamed of sitting there alongside the likes of Anna Wintour as the world's best fashion walked by.

Even though I've walked the runway before, the rush I felt yesterday was amazing. The set up in Vancouver at the Chinese Cultural Center is so well done.

These are behind the scenes photos of the opening show, Sara Roka. You can see my final look coming down the runway here.

Now, I'm off to my next fitting! You've got the code to the backstage pass-- more to come!

XOXO dré

[ Model Call ]

Hello to all my fashionistas! I'm heading out the door right now for a model call in Seattle, for a hair show for Matrix! I know you will all be waiting anxiously to see what my hair ends up looking like! As soon as that show ends I'll be heading up to Vancouver, B.C. for fashion week! Stay tuned for upcoming photos from both events, and behind the scenes!

Do you see my large black suitcase? That would be 12 pairs of shoes for my 9 day extravaganza! The sad part is, that was me trying to pack lightly! Ahh! What's a heel lover to do??

XOXO dré 

[ August deCODEd ]

Today in DC, the sun's out and it's super warm. GW and Georgetown students are coming in sight by the handful. There's no denying that a new season is upon us.

[ Summer Evenings ] | read more

But is it possible to hold onto summer just a liiitle bit longer? Code keepers know that drédin has an affinity for the possibility of an infinite summer. Where we can frolic like children and twirl in dresses that make us feel alive. One might even say it's a feeling of enchantment.

August Heat | read more

So, surely we don't have to say goodbye to soirées in the park and hours poolside!

Seattle Art Museum REMIX | read more

 

Don't You Wanna? | read more

Surely there's a way to keep our bright and bold colors present in an impending wardrobe of cashmere and wool.

Ay, Ay Capt'n! | read more

[ Inspire Me ] | read more

Alas, the month of our Frien-iversary has come to an end. Truth be told, there is a lot to look forward to come fall. This is the first year I'm actually looking forward to the layering trend and boot shopping.

And whipping out transitional pieces like my red cuff from Lilac Bijoux (above) and painting my nails orange. Perhaps even a little Hair Rx: blonde edition to keep the feeling of walkin' on sunshine...

[ Summer Chill ] | read more

Hmm.. come to think of it. We've got a pretty good transition in our future! dré's got a few more fashion shows (stay tuned!), we're styling, and (yay!) another reunion! Let's be honest, nothing beats summer. Still, the kick-off to fall isn't lookin' too shabby.

Thanks for reading!

xo | din

Get It Right | Get It Tight

The time has come to really whip things back into shape! I received an opportunity a couple days ago to walk in a show for local Seattle designer, Jersey Virago, in a few weeks, for a benefit fashion show!

Along with eating ACAP ( As Clean As Possible! ), I'm amping up my workout routine! And I thought what better way to keep it fun then to bring back my childhood fav, the Hoola Hoop!

Keep your eye out for pics from the show! I hope to be looking svelte!

Top | ambiance apparel

Pants | Forever 21

Wedges | Nordstrom (old )

Headband | Lululemon

Sunglasses | white elephant gift exchange


XOXO Dré