press kit27 july 2009

be unique. be confident. be sexy. ™

Design Philosophy :: Aidah Collection brings eastern chic

to west coast fashion. It is a creatively chic line inspired by

natural elements. Each garment is handmade and adorned

in hand brushed design, making every piece truly one of

a kind. The versatile style unites urban flair and coastal

cool with timeless appeal. Go effortlessly from beach, to

business, to cocktails in comfort and in vogue.

An Ethical Mission :: Aidah wants every woman to feel

confident and sexy and thus embraces womanly curves

with stretch cottons and satins that flatter women of all

shapes. The collection uses ethical practices by shunning

dishonest factories and instead employing professionals

who are passionate about their craft. Aidah Collection also

believes in giving back, a percentage of sales revenue

throughout the year is donated to non-profit organizations.

Upcoming collections include the Pink Collection for

breast cancer research and Elements Organic Collection

for earth preservation.

Eco-Friendly :: Each garment is made to order, eliminating

material waste. Remnant pieces leftover from production

are saved for future projects. Periodically the collection

releases limited edition items from rescued fabrics and

remnants. The upcoming Elements Organic Collection is

made from 100% certified organic cotton.

Looking Ahead :: Aidah Collection is currently available in

California and Washington, DC and will soon be active on

the international fashion scene and available in Canada and

Europe. Aidah is also developing the collection to grow into

a dynamic, artsy boutique location that will feature not only

unique fashions, but also fine art, home décor, furniture and

spa products.

about :: the collection

“Art is an expression of the soul. Skill is an expression of the mind. Passion is their fuel.”

Philosophy :: Aidah Fontenot has redefined the face of fashion.

The culmination of her creative inspirations have lead to her rise

as an emerging talent in fine art and fashion design. Her innate

eye for balance and bold design is inspired by the organic beauty

of nature in contrast with the structure of an urban existence.

Aidah struggled as an adolescent to balance her free-spirited

perspectives with the social mandates of society. This inspired

her involvement in programs to facilitate understanding in race &

human relations. This theme of finding balance within chaos is the

inspiration behind her work.

Training :: Born and raised in San Diego, California, Aidah’s

artistic career began at nine years old when she began studying

advanced fine arts at the San Diego School of Creative and

Performing Arts. By age 15 her striking works of art were featured

in the San Diego Museum of Art and the Centro Cultural in Tijuana,

Mexico, as well as private exhibits. This strong fine arts training

served as her foundation to explore other mediums of design and,

at age 16, she began her first fashion collection. Aidah went on

to receive her Bachelors of Arts from San Diego State University

with emphasis in graphic design and photography.

Influence :: Aidah’s studies of color theory, typography,

sculpture, art history and humanities have influenced her chic

style. Combined with unhindered artistic ability, it enables Aidah

to unite graphic structure and organic imagery in a way that is

consistently perceived as worldly and timeless.

Future :: Aidah wants to be remember as an artist, and also

a philanthropist. She plans to begin a non-profit youth program

for the training and encouragement of the exceptionally talented

pursuing creative careers.

about :: the designer

Beautiful and bubbly, the incredibly photogenic Nicole

Bock, joined Aidah Collection as the International

Spokesmodel in 2008. Neekola began her career as

a DJ and in less than two years time, took over DC’s

nightlife. She’s held residencies in almost every hot

spot in DC and now regularly tours in Europe. Neekola’s

main passion within music is to help inspire people

through sounds and melodies and wants to make

a difference in the music world. Her music contains

positive messages and body moving beats. Neekola’s

house mixes of Shake Ya Body by Machete Malone

and Grown & Sexy by J-Life are released under 1st

Seed Recordings in 2009.

Photos by Tim Coburn Photography :: Makeup & Hair by James Cornwell

dj neekola ::international spokesmodel

Kate Michael was the covergirl for Aidah Collection

Spring 2008 and is now an official spokesmodel. She

competed in Miss America 2007 as Miss District of

Columbia. Kate works professionally as a model, writer,

and on-air talent. Her media portfolio includes a spread

in Elle magazine and feature on Inside Edition, live

reporting on NewsChannel 8’s Let’s Talk Live, and her

own show, The District Dish. She has written articles

in DC Magazine, the Washington Post, the Atlanta

Journal Constitution, the Washington Examiner, and

her personal blog, KStreetKate.net. This well-educated

beauty earned her BBA in International Business Magna

Cum Laude from the University of Georgia and recently

completed both an MBA and a Masters in Government

from Johns Hopkins University.

Photos by Aude Guerrucci

kate michael ::spokesmodel

Washingtonian Magazine

DC Modern Luxury Magazine

On Tap Magazine

Council Magazine

Georgetowner Newspaper

Oh My Goff by WUSA9 Angie Goff

DC This Week

PamelasPunch.com

TrenDC.tv by Paul Wharton

UrbanSocialite.com

StritclyFab.com

TheGlamazonDiaries.com

ProjectBeltway.com

FashionSavedMyLife.com

KStreetKate.net

Deacon Does DC

Samantha on Style

The District Dish

in the news ::

Washingtonian Magazine

A: My background is in fine art, my for-mal training began in elementary school.I enjoyed working with different medi-ums like paint, plaster, wood, etc., andcombining them in different ways. Sofashion became a new medium of expres-sion. … The swirling hand-painteddesigns which appear on all my gar-ments are inspired by natural elements,like curling vines, wind or flowing water.

Q: Wow! Clothes for full-figuredwomen. How refreshing.A: The fashion world’s image of stick fig-ure beauty is really sickening, very unre-alistic and especially not sexy! We shouldembrace our curves, it’s what makes uswomen. I use stretch fabrics that are veryforgiving and look great not only on slen-der women, but on ALL women.

Q: How did you become a fashiondesigner?A: In high school I had my first runwayshow and was regularly making clothesfor friends and family. But in college myfocus moved to graphic design and pho-tography. It wasn’t until I moved toWashington, D.C., in 2005 that the busi-ness of fashion once again sparked myinterest.

Q: Are there any community causes inparticular that are dear to you?A: Naturally, I am a huge supporter ofarts programs. Two great nonprofits I sup-port are Interstages, an afterschool pro-gram that connects middle school girls tohistory through music, and the DCCollaborative, which provides qualityarts and humanities education to publicschools. In the next couple years, I planto start my own summer camp for thetraining and encouragement of childrenexceptionally gifted in the arts.

Q: What is the Pink Collection?A: The pink ribbon is a symbol of breastcancer awareness and that is exactly whatmy Pink Collection is in support of. Apercentage will be donated to nonprofitsfor awareness and research. I chose thiscause because the numbers are growingdrastically, especially among women ofcolor. Through the Pink Collection, Ihope to increase prevention, and givephysically and emotionally scarred sur-vivors the strength to feel beautiful.

Q: Why is it important to give back? A: My artistic ability is a gift I was bornwith, the hard part is making a business ofit. Although I work hard, I know it’s notpossible without my creative expression.It is completely natural and effortless forme, like the opposite of work. I feelblessed, and honor that gift by using it to

help others. In the end, I want to beremembered as an artist and also a philan-thropist.

Q: Any words of encouragement for up-and-coming designers?A: Never give up! It is a long hard roadand can become discouraging. Expertssay it takes three years to get a fashionline off the ground, so be prepared forthat. … With persistence, goals can beachieved.

Aidah Fontenot is designer of the Aidah Collection

We should embrace our curves, it’s what makes us women.I use stretch fabrics that are very forgiving and look great

not only on slender women, but on ALL women.

”“

GO GETTA Entrepreneurs on the rise

Designsinspiredby naturalelementsQ: Congratulations on cele-brating the first year ofAidah Collection. Whatinspires your creations?

PHOTOS BY J.COUNCIL - COUNCIL MAGAZINE

www.councilmag.com • summer 2009 • council magazine 15

Council Magazine

TheGlamazonDiaries.com

“Limited Edition Inauguration Dress and Topfrom the Aidah Collection” By Makeda Saggau-Sackey January 12, 2009

I had dinner and drinks on Friday night with local designer Aidah Fontenot of Aidah Collection to talk about her latest collection. We had such a fantastic time discussing the fashion landscape in our nation’s capital and how her collection fits into the Washingtonian lifestyle. She gave me a preview of her upcoming spring and summer collections and showed me the special inauguration Kimono dress and top she’s designed just for the historic occasion. The silky frocks feel like butter against the body and looks as lux as it does in these pictures. Each come with a complementary special edition pair of champagne flutes and key chain. If that’s not a sweet deal, I don’t know what is.

“Fashion Event of the Summer”By Leslie A. Bray February 25, 2009

Fashionista’s mark your calendar for a fabulous fashion event hitting the luxe L2 Lounge. DC will get a fresh kick of fashion this summer with an evening filled with fashion, art and good music. The Aidah Collection will celebrate it’s one year anniversary this Wednesday May 27th from 6:30 - 9pm at L2 Lounge located in Georgetown. The designer of the label, Aidah Fontenot is a multi-talented being with a background in design, photography and art. After years of perfecting her skills she put all of her talents together and created the Aidah Collection. After viewing the S/S 09 Collection I know that with the luxe of L2 Lounge mixed with gorgeous pieces featured from the Aidah Collection the ambiance of this event will have an impressive turnout.

DC Examiner

“Aidah Collection’s Unveiling at Ibiza Nightclubby Alexandra Varipapa :: May 28th, 2008

Aidah Collection, a new fashion line by Aidah Fontenot, includes clingy, body conscious dresses in neutral colors, mostly dusty pinks and greens. Aidah’s fashion show, started with casual day dresses in muted colors and moved to dresses that would be more appropriate for cocktails after work, ending with a long red satin gown. The highlight of the line was a green kimono inspired dressed that was cinched at the waist with a black lace ribbon that would be great day to night.The majority of the pieces are made with a stretch cotton jersey. The pieces can fit anywhere from a size two model to a size 10 or 12. “It just happened that way,” Aidah Said. “I studied a woman’s body and made the clothing so that it would be flattering for everyone.”

Aidah, who is from San Diego, was inspired by nature and the surroundings in that area. The pieces are done in subtle and natural colors that enhance, instead of compete with, a woman’s natural beauty. Aidah, who used to be a graphic designer, designed the patterns and graphics that are on just about all of her pieces. They were organically inspired, and are oftentimes hand painted on. “I wanted to do something that was relaxed but that you could still feel great in,” Aidah said. “You can sleep in it and still be comfortable.”

Aidah is shopping for boutiques to sell her line and has a new website starting up from which you can place an order. She also wants to get into yoga and loungewear and men’s wear as well, starting with ties.

The Georgetowner Newspaper

Events in 2008 ::

Official Unveiling of Aidah Collection at Ibiza Nightclub

Fashion & Fine Art exhibition at the Park at Fourteenth

Stop Traffick VIP Fashion Benefit sponsored by News Channel 8

Carnaval Masquerade to benefit the Carma Foundation

Events in 2009 ::

Inaugural Celebration by Lettie Gooch Boutique DC

Crystal Couture by Crystal City BID

Shop-O-Nomics hosted by Uptown Girl Entertainment

Fashion Takes Flight to benefit Luke’s Wings

Deacon Does DC Launch Party

National Cherry Blossom Festival Official Merchandise

Luxe, Lips & Literacy to benefit the Lady Legacy Foundation

Washington Life Magazine Young & the Guestlist Party sponsor

Velvet Allegro Cocktail Contest by On Tap Magazine & Grey Goose

Youth Fashion Show to benefit DC Health and Family Services

Couture for a Cure to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Aidah Collection First Anniversary Fete to benefit Interstages

Pink Collection to benefit Breastcancer Research

Pop Noir Runway Show San diego hosted by May Star

Fall Collection Show at Confidential Lounge San diego

Summer Promotion at Prospect Lounge La Jolla

Beauty Night Out by Sin PR to benefit Through the Kitchen Door

Shop for Success to benefit Dress for Success

CW DC Network Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo

Elements Organic Collection to benefit Earth Echo International

Fashion Fights Poverty Charity Runway Show

aidah collection ::on the scene

The Homme Collection for Men

is robust and unique, embodying the image of a confident man with effortless distinction. The very masculine line includes casual pants, turtle necks, and tees highlighted with hand brushed designs.

The Noire Collection :: Evening & Bridal Gowns

Be unique. Be confident. Be ELEGANT. The couture gowns in stretch satin are made to order and handbrushed in one of a kind design.

aidah collection ::be unique. be confident. be sexy.

Aidah Collection

209 19th Street NE #2, Washington DC 20002

(202) 506-4423 studio

info@aidah.com :: www.aidah.com

Aidah Fontenot :: CEO / Designer :: fashion@aidah.com

Charlene Louis :: Media Relations & Marketing :: marketing@aidah.com

Jeffery Wilkins :: Eastern Representative :: jeff@aidah.com

Charda Fontenot :: Western Representative :: charda@aidah.com

Kadrieka Maiden :: PR & Events :: kmaiden@gmail.com

Fabulous Affiliations ::

Kura Design Handbags :: www.kuradesign.com

Shoes by Kymyla :: www.shoesbykymyla.com

1st Seed Recordings :: www.1stseedmusic.com

Aude Guerrucci Photography :: www.audeguerrucci.com

Sophizticated Ladyz Salon :: sophizticatedladyz35@yahoo.com