I initially went to support my talented stylist friend, Ariella Faith (who won in the Stylist category!!) Ariella gave a very touching speech which led me to tears, but furthermore I was happy to support all of my DC fashion peers. It’s refreshing to see buzz worthy talent in my hometown.

I could not be happy for the winners and nominees. Congrats to all of the talented winners!
The winners of the 2014 FGI DC Inaugural Rising Star Awards are: Camille Gabriele, JoElle Lee (JoElle Skin Care), William McGovern (McGovern Design Studio), Sophie Blake, Pranov Vora & Philip Soriano (Hugh & Crye), Violetta Markelou (VM Photography), All Things Fashion DC, Ariella Toloza (Ariella Faith) and Tashia Senn.
Check out more of the categories and nominees here.
Special thanks to the Aba agency.
Thanks to FGI DC board members!This event would not have been possible without the following: Aba Kwawu, Lauren Rothman, Linda Lee, Carrie Keelty, Katherine Limon, Maurisa Potts, Natasha Bryson, Elaine Mensah, Ashley Arias, Maggy Francois, Marissa Schneider and Nancy Miyahira
Photography by Christine Shepherd