Summer Solstice Fashion Show

On Friday July 19, 2013, I was booked to cover a fashion show in a nightclub called Opera Ultra Lounge. The hosts were Nikolas R. Groshans and Claire Connelly and this event was their inaugural Friday Night Party at this venue. The MC was Jessica Frith, Miss District of Columbia USA 2013. It's not always easy photographing a fashion show in a nightclub. This venue has low ceilings, highly reflective surfaces and has low amounts of lighting. I brought along a couple softboxes to help light the models and clothes in the fashion show.

There was a NY designer featured for this show and here's the description of the designer from the invite: "LinOza stands as an emergent brand unifying the unique talents of Nelson Lin and Carmen Ortiz of Parsons Fashion. In bringing together their visions of grace and luxury with clean lines and decadent textures, they take established tradition as a stepping-off point to explore innovative and alternative paths toward the next era of high fashion."

I've been to many fashion shows, and I was very impressed when I saw the clothing designs and how the models were styled. The look and feel of this show had a futuristic appeal to it. The hair designs were by Barry Smythers. Make up was done by Lizzeth G LG Skin Muse and Saba Barekzoy.

I've posted several photos from this fashion show and my full coverage is on the Guest of a Guest DC website. Exclusiva Eventi will be having a fashion event at Opera Ultra Lounge once a month. So there's more fashion to come in DC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AT&T Best of Washington Party in DC

All Aboard! Guests, celebrities and restaurateurs came together at the National Building Museum in Washington DC to celebrate at the AT&T Best of Washington Party on July 17, 2013. Every year there seems to be a theme to the party with matching decor and entertainment, and every year guests enjoy all the party has to offer.   

For over 30 years, readers of Washingtonian magazine have been invited to vote for the best people, places, and services in the area. With these selections, the winners are invited to set up booths and serve up fine offerings to sample and sip in an environment that is entertaining and social. All funds from the silent auction and a portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This sold-out event features more than 60 of Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants. It's best to get to the event as early as possible, as there is so much to see and sample. With so many food and drinks offered, it becomes a very fulfilling night. Here are some highlight photos from the event and more photos are on my Vithaya Photography page on Facebook. Can't wait to see what's in store for next year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urban Escapes at The Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, DC

July 11, 2013 - It was a night to escape to the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown for a cocktail reception featuring models from THE Artist Agency, designer fashion by Bethesda based Take5 Boutique. The event was hosted by Aston Martin Washington DC, Ketel One, DC Modern Luxury and THE Artist Agency.

The event was originally supposed to be in the Urban Garden outside the Ritz-Carlton, yet with concern about the weather conditions, the event was moved indoors in the beautiful lobby, and it was still a very fitting location for this reception. Around 6pm guests made their way into the lobby and it was soon crowded. This event was the first in a series of cocktail receptions to connect DC area professionals allowing them to mix and mingle weekly in July at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, featuring Ketel One with Ketel One summer cocktails.

As I walked around the lobby I recognized several people I know and many that I did not know, yet this was an event to meet new people, and I was introduced to people while talking with acquaintances. Once the models in the dresses walked in and onto stand on the black boxes in the middle of the lobby, all eyes turned toward them. Some guests drew closer to the middle to see the dresses up closer and camera phones were snapping away. They are gorgeous dresses. Two by two the models came out and then all four models were in full presentation mode toward the end of the evening. I had a chance to go outside and take pictures of the models near two Aston Martin cars. The night continued with more picture-taking and around 8pm the event ended, and everyone dispersed to their other activities, yet for two hours, guests experienced a fashionable and elegant excursion.