Written By Staff writer: Tiffany Johnson
On May 27th, 2023 The fashion event of the year sponsored by LimeLife By Alcone in a dazzling celebration of fashion and style, the Carolina Fashion Awards honored Ohavia Phillips with the prestigious Andre’ Leon Talley Fashion Icon Award. Before his passing in 2022 Andre’ was a Durham NC native and former Vogue editor who worked closely with Anna Wintour. This coveted accolade recognizes individuals who embody creativity, influence, and innovation in the fashion industry. Phillips, a rising media maven, has not only carved her own path but also become an inspiring figure for aspiring journalists, particularly among minority communities. With her positive and uplifting talk show, “The Oh Show,” Phillips is reshaping media narratives for the next generation. Let us delve into the significance of Phillips receiving this award and the highlights from the Carolina Fashion Awards, a night of glamour and inspiration.
Event Theme: Welcome To The Jungle
Blazing Her Own Trail
From a journey that began with homelessness to becoming a prominent media personality, Ohavia Phillips has emerged as a true force in the industry. Driven by her quest to find her voice and make a positive impact, Phillips launched her talk show, “The Oh Show.” This dynamic platform serves as a beacon of positivity, featuring uplifting news stories from Charlotte and beyond. Proudly embracing her Afro-Latina heritage, Phillips is breaking barriers and promoting diversity and representation within the media landscape. Her commitment to sharing uplifting narratives resonates deeply with audiences, positioning her as a role model for aspiring journalists.
A Fashionable Collaboration
On the illustrious red carpet of the Carolina Fashion Awards, all eyes were on Ohavia Phillips as she graced the event in a breathtaking gown designed by the visionary Isiah Miller. The ethereal creation perfectly encapsulated Phillips’s unique style, adding an extra layer of allure to her presence. Renowned for his creativity and craftsmanship, Miller demonstrated his talent once again through this memorable collaboration. Phillips’s ensemble radiated elegance and individuality, making a bold fashion statement and reflecting her personal brand.
Photography By Evanna Milea
Celebrating Excellence
The Carolina Fashion Awards not only honored Ohavia Phillips but also celebrated a diverse range of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the fashion industry. Among the esteemed honorees was Quiana Gee, recognized for her outstanding community excellence in fashion. Dr. Tehara Bryant, on the other hand, was commended for her glamorous fashion excellence in the realm of women’s fashion. Crystal Jennings received the Fashion Fighter Honoree award for her relentless commitment to advocating for change, while Tracy Gray Models & Talent was acknowledged for their exceptional talent management. Other notable honorees included Jameka Whitten for her remarkable achievements in media excellence and Prince Lopez-Bond for his representation of child models. The Charlotte Fashion Collective was also recognized with the Fashion Foundation Award, solidifying their valuable contributions to the industry.
Unveiling the Winners
The awards ceremony unveiled a lineup of exceptionally talented fashion professionals who were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Kendrick Nelson and Brooke Lehmann claimed the titles of Model of the Year, capturing the essence of style and sophistication. Alejandra Torregrosa Jimenez was bestowed with the Teen Model of the Year award, while Adam Douglas and Tatyana Braxton were celebrated as Emerging Models of the Year, representing the new wave of talent. Other winners included makeup artist of the year April Hill, Marjorie Brifil for her impeccable skills as a Wardrobe Stylist of the Year and Andrew Burgess, who was acknowledged as the Designer of the Year, amongst many other well-deserved recipients.
HONOREES
Ohavia Phillips – Andre’ Leon Talley Fashion Icon Award
Quiana Gee – Community Excellence In Fashion
Dr. Tehara Bryant – Fashion Excellence Glam Life For Woman
Crystal Jennings – Fashion Fighter Honoree
Gray Models & Talent – Talent Management Honoree
Jameka Whitten -Media Excellence
Prince -Lopez-Bond -Child Model ages 3-12 Honoree
Charlotte Fashion Collective – Fashion Foundation Award
AWARD WINNERS
Model Of The Year (Male)
Kendrick Nelson
Model Of The Year (Female)
Brooke Lehmann
Teen Model Of The Year
Alejandra Torregrosa Jimenez
Emerging Model Of The Year
Adam Douglas (Male)
Tatyana Braxton ( Female)
Wardrobe Stylist Of The Year
Marjorie Brifil
Fashion Producer Of The Year
High Point Fashion Week
Emerging Designer Of The Year
Tevin Baskerville
Emerging Stylist Of The Year
Lakera Woodberry
Designer Of The Year
Andrew Burgess
UpCycle Designer Of The Year
Paige Sechrist
Hair Stylist Of The Year
Christian Cline
Makeup Artist Of The Year
April Hill
Boutique Of The Year
Blue Hydrangea Boutique
Boutique Of The Year ( Male)
Nyoni Couture
Fashion Blog Of The Year
Regan Kenny
Fashion Photographer Of The Year
Nikon Don
Creative Director Of The Year
Mr. Soc
Agency Of The Year
Mae Vee -Reggie Thomasson
Model Coach Of The Year
Rachel Lauren
NOMINEES
Alison Walk
Kendrick Nelson
Brooke Lehmann
Amy Iannarella
Alejandra Torregrosa Jimenez
Adam Douglas
Tatyana Braxton
Lindsey Locklear
Marjorie Brifil
Direction USA
Tracy Gray Models & Talent
Greenville Fashion Week
Charleston Fashion Week
High Point Fashion Week
Tevin Baskerville
Dayquan Crawford
.Lakera Woodberry
Andrew Burgess
Paige Sechrist
Christian Cliene
Lauren ( Hair By Lodoo)
April Hill
Crystal Jennings
Blue Hydrangea Boutique
Nyoni Couture
Regan Kenny
Nikon Don
Tira Johnson
Lesley Armstrong
Jessica Harris
Tye Downs
