Think Ink...Cosmetics

INK Cosmetics Launch Party & Fashion Industry Network Event (August 20, 2011)

It was highly anticipated evening and how exciting it is to have a launch party with much to celebrate. There was also much to do in preparing for the event and having many things come into place. A fashion show was a highlight of the evening and Ink Cosmetics had their crew there early along with staff from the W Salon. Earlier this year Ink Cosmetics started working out of the W Salon to complement one another and offer more to customers.

Celebrity Makeup Artista Anna Castillo was born in Brooklyn, NY but was raised all over the world due to her father's military service. Anna has always had a love for makeup and practiced on her friends in high school. At 19 Anna moved out on her own and entered the Air Force, and Anna continues to serve active duty in the military. Anna now resides in DC and has made a lot of press regarding her work. Launching her cosmetics line has been a dream and is now a reality, and she's done a lot of amazing work over the years to bring her to this place. The philosophy of Ink Cosmetics "is to help everyone achieve their beauty goals and to make them feel fabulous in every way."

There was a crowd waiting to get into L2 and when the doors opened at 8pm, people streamed in and the first 100 guests received "I ♥ ink...cosmetics" swag bag filled with a large size cosmetics/tools plus hair care samples and special sponsor surprises. Red Carpet Interviews were done with DC on Heels Host Markette Smith Sheppard and Emcee DC on Heels Host Vanessa Camozzi welcomed guests. One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by Grammy Nominated Recording Artist Carolyn Malachi who sang for the audience. Vanessa Camozzi got back on the mic and introduced Anna Castillo, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Owner of Ink Cosmetics. Anna introduced sponsors and thanked them and guests for being there.

Then it was fashion show time with models showcasing designs by WELLTA, hair styled by W Salon and makeup by the different faces of ink...cosmetics. The fashion show started out with Miss Maryland USA 2011 Allyn Rose and followed by seven other models, and the guests were crowded all about the space of L2 as the models walked the perimeter of the lounge. It was wonderful to have Allyn Rose open the fashion show and she loved the dress she wore. We were also blessed to have two other beauty queens in attendance: Miss Virginia US 2011 Katie Barrie and Miss DC USA 2011 Heather Swann.

Guests admired the clothing designs, as they were a new take on the timeless and classic little black dress. Fashion designer Wellta moved to NYC in 2001 and attended FIT, graduating with a fashion design degree. In early 2011 Wellta decided to launch a collection of her label WELLTA. It's a new women's wear line that will offer unique and exclusive hand-made dresses. Wellta now resides in DC with plans to offer something unique to the area and we saw a taste of that with this fashion show.

After the show pictures were taken and interviews done, guests were invited to stay and continue networking at this industry event while DJ Neekola spun some hip tunes. It was a great evening as guests enjoyed the ambiance, mingling and even a little dancing. After all, it's a launch party. Congratulations.

View my entire Ink Cosmetics Launch Party & Fashion Industry Network Event gallery of photos from the event.

Event SPONSORED BY www.inkcosmetics.com, W Salon VA, and L2 Lounge.

LAUNCH SPONSORS:
Launch Location: L2 Lounge - www.L2Lounge.com
Traci Allen Inc. - National Marketing, Event, and PR Firm www.traciallen.com
HAIR (and first ink...cosmetics retail location): W Salon VA - www.wsalonva.com
Grammy Nominated Recording Artist: Carolyn Malachi - www.carolynmalachi.com
MC/Host: DC on Heels - Vanessa and Markette - www.dconheels.com
Production: Triana Woodard & Vance Gamble of Purple District - www.pdistrict.com
Designer: (Perfect Black Dress) WELLTA - www.WELL-TA.com
Stylist: (Shoes/Accessories for Launch Models) Ayanna Scott www.scottnco.com
Model Appearance: Allyn Rose - Miss Maryland USA 2011 http://www.missmarylandusa.com/maryland.html
Photographer: Naiffer Romero - www.naifferphoto.com
Photographer/Video: www.mundovisiononline.com
Fashion Photographer: Leonard Poteat - www.leonardpoteat.com
Fashion Photographer: Todd Willis - www.toddwillisphoto.com
DC Life Magazine: www.dclifemagazine.com
L2 Lounge DJ: MOOSE

Pictures in the slideshow taken by Vithaya Photography.