Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo - DC

September 10, 2011 - In an interview by Andrew Ramos of photographer Nigel Barker who is also a judge on America's Next Top Model, Nigel was asked why he came back to the Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle (FBL) Expo a second time. He basically iterated that it's because it was a fun day of style, fashion and beauty where he can meet the fans, and hang out. Nigel continued on saying that he enjoys sharing and of course these subjects are things that he's passionate about. There are lots of questions people have about the industry and there are answers to be found there in the six hours of the event, and there are also lots of experts there.

FBL is in it's third year now and we can see how many people in Washington DC have a growing interest in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industry. Consumers and vendors alike are very involved in this event and many other events related to it. Along with Nigel being the host, Project Runway Season 5 Runner-up Korto Momolu was a featured guest designer and co-host. One of the featured models who walked in the runway shows of the day was America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 Winner Jaslene Gonzales, and the crowd cheered every time she appeared. DJ Neekola was there providing some energetic tunes to rev up the atmosphere and add to the high energy of the runway shows.

Another noted person there was sports personality and former Redskins linebacker Lavar Arrington, who currently hosts a WJFK radio talk show and DC50’s “SportsWeek with LaVar Arrington.” Arrington was featured in an afternoon seminar about wellness and fitness, and it was also an inspirational time of sharing.

One of DC's style icons Paul Wharton was also at FBL throughout the day. He met fans and had a booth at FBL to share about his new television pilot he is producing called “Paul Wharton Style.”

The event was produced by WDCW-TV, Tribune Broadcasting (the CW affiliate in Washington, DC) and the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. FBL 2011 presenting sponsors were Cole Stevens, Med Tech and Salon Virage, and there were many other FBL Sponsors that helped to make FBL 2011 a success.

FBL 2011 Schedule

12:00 PM-FBL Doors Open

12:45 PM-Meet and Greet w/Miss Virginia

1:00 PM-Designer: Tsyndyma

1:30 PM-Seminar - Sports is a Lifestyle with Lavar Arrington

1:45 PM-Meet and Greet w/Jaslene- ANTM

2:00PM-Designers: Bridal Designer- Vanessa Mason- Layne Corban

2:30PM-Seminar: Healthy Eating with Celebrity Chef - Chef Huda

2:45PM-Meet and Greet w/ Lavar Arrington

3:00PM-Designers: Korto Collection Spring 2012

3:30 pm-Seminar: Zumba! - Denny Montas

3:45 pm-Meet and greet w/ Nigel Barker

4:00 PM-Men's Wear Designer- Andrew Nowell

4:30 PM-Seminar: Beauty Equation with Nigel Barker

4:30 PM-What not to Wear: Monica Barnett of Blueprint for Style- (on the Stage) and the Runway Walk-off (from stage)- contest

4:45PM-Meet and Greet w/Korto Momolu

5:00PM-Fashion Show- Vendor Boutiques (Hush Boutique, La'Q, Catwalk, Stella Dot)

5:00PM-Seminar: Hair Therapy with Cole Stevens Salon & Spa

5:30PM-Grand Finale Fashion Show: Bebe

5:45PM-Meet and Greet w/Paul Wharton

6:00PM-FBL Doors Close

It was a another great year and hopefully you'll be able to attend next year.