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Esé Azénabor reviewing pieces of her
20013 collection as inspiration for
Phantom of the Runway |
Esé Azénabor debuted her 2014 collection, which included 45 looks, at the Phantom of the Runway Fashion show held Friday, June 13th at the Fashion Industry Gallery. Phantom of the Runway delighted a packed house of some of the most beautiful people in Dallas. With PR from VOLK PR and show coordination and management by Harriet Kelly Gibbee, we say thank you for choosing Dallas Light and Sound as the production resource for this event for audio, video, lighting and decor!
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Executive Show Director
Harriet Kelly Gibbee |
Under the direction of Gibbee, a well timed show presented the beaded masterworks of Azenabor to an eclectic selection of popular and classically inspired tunes. The paparazzi had plenty to photograph before, during and after the show, with Azenabor;s collection sparkling as it walked the runway with model supplied by The Campbell Agency and The Dragonfly Agency. Dear CLark provided styling services, with Juan Lerma managing backstage.
The inspiration for the Phantom themed runway fashion show originated when her father brought six-year-old Azénabor to see Phantom of the Opera in London, England. The draping of the backdrop, set design, rich materials, and elaborate costumes visually stimulated and mesmerized her. The opportunity to platform this noteworthy designer’s pieces with the theme that initiated her pursuit of fashion marks a milestone in her career.
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A custom designed modelling tableau from
Dallas Light and Sound
photo by Danny Campbell |
Nigeria-born
Esé Azénabor grew up with grandmother and mother beading with African prints.
That cultural tradition has transcended into her designs by conceptualizing her
fascination for heavy beading, crocheted lace, and embroidery. Inspired by a
combination of vintage, African, Egyptian, and contemporary European influences,
she merged cultures to create her luxurious, signature collection bearing her
full name, talent and personality.
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DJ Nikki Nicole spins some
stellar tunes over a DLS sound system
and on a mirrored DLS DJ Booth |
VIP Guests for Phantom of the Runway arrived early to enjoy delicious bites served by Food Glorious food and an open vodka and wine bar. Casual modeling of fashionable pieces from prior Azenabor collections greeted guests at the top of the stairs at FIG in a thematic tableau designed and installed by Dallas Light and Sound. The beats of DJ Nikki Nicole welcomed guests before the show and served as part of the fuel for a fun-filled post show party.
During the show, the paparazzi and the audience could not get enough of the gorgeous creations walking the runway, with a standing room only press and photography area strategically positioned at the end of the runway. Author, actress and television personality LeeAnne Locken served as mistress of ceremonies for the event, and provided a unique viewpoint on the talent of Esé Azénabor to the audience during her welcome speech.
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Author, actress and television
personality LeeAnne Locken
serves as Mistress of Ceremonies |
100% of the proceeds from the event are pledged to benefit Our Hearts Day Center. Our Hearts Day Habilitation Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that focuses on providing a safe, fun environment for teens and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities such as Autism, Aspergers, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and others. When school is closed or when an individual with special needs graduates high school, many families find themselves in a dilemma. They are faced with choices of work versus caring for their family member.
Our Hearts Day Habilitation Center was founded to give families of people with special needs another option. A safe, loving, family like atmosphere where the educational gains that have been made in school continue to be reinforced and socialization with their peers using art, outings, activities, music, games and more are a focus... an environment where they are accepted and loved for the special individuals they are.
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The crowd has filled the Reception area at FIG in anticipation of Phantom of the Runway
featuring the designs of Esé Azénabor |
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The excitement is palpable as black curtaining installed by Dallas Light and Sound
parts and guests are allowed to enter the main show space for Phantom of the Runway. |
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| The runway is set for Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Erik Sandoval at Light Image |
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Alison Volk with VOLK PR has seat assignments ready and a great swag bag in the offing for
VIP Guests attending Phantom of the Runway. |
A branded video backdrop from Dallas Light and Sound incorporates black and crystal candelabras from our
decor inventory to help set the mood for Phantom of the Runway.
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| The Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Relive Photography |
The Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Relive Photography
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| Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Danny Campbell |
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| Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Danny Campbell |
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| Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Danny Campbell |
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| The finale of Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Relive Photography |
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| The finale of Phantom of the Runway - Photo by Danny Campbell |
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Designer Ese Azenabor enjoys a victory lap to conclude Phantom of the Runway before a rapturous crowd.
Photo by Danny Campbell |
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| Man about town Jarrod Fresquez flashes his approval following Phantom of the Runway |
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| Show Director Harriett Gibbee and Designer Ese Azenabor have a wonderful moment following Phantom of the Runway. |
Additional images from this event are available to view on Facebook in the Dallas Light and Sound photo Galleries.
