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"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
The Fashion Experience: Where Elegance Meets (DE-FI)ance
It's More Than A Fashion Show...It's An Experience!
From the creative architects of one of the most influential fashion organizations in the country comes a world-class event that redefines what it means to be bold, stylish, and unforgettable. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the energy and magic of one of the world’s most inclusive fashion experiences with an exclusive edge?
Grab your squad, dress to slay, and step into a celebration that proves why Southwest Ohio is the ultimate fashion capital for developing raw, fashion-based talent across multiple disciplines. This isn’t just another runway show—it’s the ultimate style fest of the year.
The Original Fashion Experience
In 2013, (DE-FI) coined the term “fashion experience,” a phrase now widely used to promote events worldwide. But make no mistake—we’re the originators, and our signature experiences remain unmatched. We’ve inspired similar events locally and nationwide, yet no one delivers the magic, intentionality, and innovation that (DE-FI)ne a (DE-FI) Fashion Experience.
Exclusive, Intentional, Unforgettable
(DE-FI) Fashion Experiences are intentionally crafted for an audience that matters. The majority of our events are intimate and invite-only to ensure that aspiring and emerging talent who are genuinely interested in pursuing careers in fashion are not lost among the crowd. Our goal is to connect those with passion and purpose to the industry professionals who can amplify their dreams.
But don’t get it twisted—there’s room for fashion enthusiasts too. For select events, passes and registration are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to those who want to experience the glitz, glamour, and energy that only (DE-FI) can deliver.
Your Invitation Awaits
Learn more about our signature experiences below and request your exclusive invitation today. This is your chance to witness the magic, make connections, and experience firsthand why (DE-FI)'s fashion experiences are in a league of their own.
Because at (DE-FI), we don’t just set the standard—we shatter it.
The Signature Experience
Dayton Fashion Week Est. 2012
#DFWByDEFI
Did you know that the owner and director of (DE-FI) Global INC, Caressa L. Brown, along with many of (DE-FI)s advisors, played pivotal roles in planning and producing the inaugural Dayton Fashion Week in 2012? In fact, Caressa served as the Director of Logistics and Model Coordinator for the original DFW, rallying her network of friends and allies to ensure the event succeeded despite numerous roadblocks that were beyond their control.
Fast forward to 2016, when the former owner of Dayton Fashion Week decided to step away from the brand, (DE-FI) didn’t hesitate. We saw the opportunity to reclaim its legacy, restore its name, and deliver a bold, open, and transparent vision for what Dayton Fashion Week could and should be.
What to Expect at DFW by (DE-FI)
Are you ready for a weekend like no other? Dayton Fashion Week is more than just a showcase of style—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and growth. Here’s what you’ll experience:
Support for Local Small Businesses: Discover and shop from emerging designers and creative entrepreneurs in the Dayton area.
Community Outreach Initiatives: Fashion with a purpose—every event ties back to making a positive impact.
Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with industry professionals, creatives, and other like-minded individuals.
Education and Empowerment: From workshops to panel discussions, learn from the best to take your fashion career to the next level.
Fun and Inspiration: Enjoy a dynamic, engaging environment that celebrates all aspects of fashion.
Showcasing Talent: Watch designers from our incubators launch their careers on the runway and welcome back alumni designers for a true homecoming experience.
Be Part of the Legacy
Dayton Fashion Week by (DE-FI) isn’t just an event—it’s a movement to honor and elevate the fashion community in Dayton and beyond. So, request your invite, show up in style, and get ready to witness the magic as we continue to (DE-FI) expectations and re(DE-FI)ne what Dayton Fashion Week truly means.
This isn’t just fashion. This is Dayton. This is (DE-FI).
The 937 Street Style Festival Est. 2012
#StreetStyle #937StreetStyle
Get ready to own the streets of style. The 937 Street Style Festival is not just an event—it’s the ultimate celebration of community, culture, and fashion. From curated experiences to unforgettable moments, this is your day to immerse yourself in the bold, vibrant, and stylish energy of the 937.
What’s in Store?
- Immersive Photo Shoots: Step in front of the camera for Defiance Magazine and be part of the magic.
- Style Boss Honorees: Celebrate the region’s most influential and stylish leaders.
- A Taste of Defiance: Where fashion meets food in the most delicious way possible.
- Live Performances: Local artists take the stage to bring the vibes.
- Silent Disco: Dance to the beats of two of the area’s top DJs while embracing the street-style scene.
- Live Fashion Shows: Featuring the best looks pulled straight from the crowd—so dress to impress!
- Curated Conversations: Engage with regional fashion professionals who are shaking up the industry.
- Interactive Moments: Get up close with influencers and impactors making waves in the world of style.
- Kids Zone: Exciting activities for our fashionable minis to keep them engaged and inspired.
- Instagrammable Moments: Capture the perfect shot with creative setups designed for the gram.
- Clothing Swaps: Trade in your wardrobe treasures and find new-to-you pieces.
- Interactive Vendors: Shop, connect, and discover unique finds from local makers.
Join the Ultimate Style Fest
Whether you’re a fashion fanatic, a style icon in the making, or just here for the vibes, the 937 Street Style Festival is where you want to be. It’s a day to celebrate bold looks, diverse voices, and the power of community—all while having the time of your life.
Mark your calendar, grab your crew, and let’s slay the streets of style together.
Fashion in the Mystic Garden Est. 2013
#FashionInTheMysticGarden
Step into a world of elegance, mystery, and style. Set against the ancient, majestic backdrop of one of the Miami Valley’s hidden gems, Fashion in the Mystic Garden is the hottest fashion event of the summer and the ultimate place to see and be seen.
A Night to Remember
- Mix and Mingle: Network with the region’s top professionals, community leaders, and fashion enthusiasts in an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Unique Runway Presentation: Witness a fiercely bold runway show featuring talented designers ready to take special orders and turn dreams into reality.
- Dance Under the Moonlight: As the runway lights dim, the night transforms into a moonlit celebration with music and dancing that will keep you enchanted.
- A Night at the Museum: Explore the mystic setting and experience an evening of culture, fashion, and unparalleled magic.
Be a Witness
Fashion in the Mystic Garden is more than an event—it’s an immersive experience that combines the best of fashion, networking, and entertainment. This is your chance to connect, celebrate, and make memories in an environment like no other.
Dress to impress, embrace the mystery, and prepare for a night that will leave you breathless.
First Flight Now Fashion Est. 2014
#FirstFlightNowFashion
Where innovation takes off and fashion soars. Celebrate the fusion of Dayton’s rich aviation history, groundbreaking innovation, and the emergence of its vibrant fashion community at First Flight, Now Fashion.
A Tribute to Dayton’s Legacy
Come dressed in your favorite vintage attire and pay homage to the city that sparked flight and now fuels fashion. This elegant event honors Dayton’s innovative spirit while showcasing the talent and creativity of our growing fashion scene.
Support the Future of Fashion
All proceeds benefit the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting fashion-based talent and creating opportunities for emerging designers.
Step into the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future of fashion. Bringing Dayton’s legacy to life.
Stylish Mom Runway Est. 2014
#StylishMomRunway
Because every good mom deserves her moment to shine.
We don’t need to wait until Mother’s Day to celebrate the strong, inspiring, and deserving moms of Southwest Ohio. The Stylish Mom Runway is all about honoring motherhood in style.
A Celebration of Moms
Nominated mothers will receive stunning makeovers before hitting the runway to strut their stuff like the queens they are. This event isn’t just a fashion show—it’s a tribute to the power, grace, and resilience of mothers who inspire us every day.
Support a Cause That Matters
Proceeds from the Stylish Mom Runway show benefit the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund, supporting emerging fashion talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of designers.
Join us as we uplift and celebrate the incredible women who make it all possible. This isn’t about fashion—it’s about love, empowerment, and community.
A Taste of (DE-FI)ance: Where Fashion Meets Food Est. 2014
#FashionMeetsFood #TasteTheRunway
Q. What Happens When Fashion Meets Food?
A. Take one of the hottest chefs in Southwest Ohio and pair them with the most talented fashion designers, and you get a Fashion Meets Food experience like no other.
Q. So, What Is A Taste of (DE-FI)ance?
A. We’re glad you asked. Fashion has never looked—or tasted—this good. Inspired by Italian designer and chef Anna Marconi’s Taste of Runway, A Taste of (DE-FI)ance is a creative fusion of culinary and fashion artistry.
Here’s how it works:
- A skilled chef is paired with a designer to create a multi-course meal inspired by the designer’s collection.
- Each dish complements the origin of the fabric and/or reflects the artistic elements of the designs, from color to texture.
- Example? If the design uses silk, expect a Chinese-inspired appetizer crafted to mimic the elegance and details of the runway look.
What Else Can You Expect?
- Designer Trunk Show: Shop the collections of local designers and support their craft.
- Hands-On Immersive Experience: Participate in the cooking process and play a role in bringing the artistic dishes to life.
- Fashion and Food Fusion: Watch as runway designs and culinary masterpieces collide in a dazzling display of creativity.
Are You Ready to Taste the Runway?
Come hungry because we're to serve it. Shop till you drop, and then fuel up with a one-of-a-kind culinary and fashion journey. This isn’t just about fashion, and it’s not just about food—it’s about creating an experience that’s bold, innovative, and completely unforgettable.
Art, Wine, & Fashion Est.2015
#ArtWineFashion
Where creativity meets elegance.
Art, Wine, and Fashion is an intimate and immersive event designed to blend storytelling, artistry, and culinary excellence into a one-of-a-kind fashion experience.
What to Expect
Storytelling Through Art: Designers from our incubator will share their journeys and an artist will guide guests through creative painting exercises to help them tell their own stories on canvas.
Custom Culinary Creations: A skilled chef will work individually with each guest to create a customized entrée inspired by their personal story, prepared fresh on location.
Mini Runway Presentation: The evening concludes with a stunning runway presentation, tying together the creative expressions of both guests and designers.
An Exclusive Experience
Due to the intimate and intricate nature of this event, tickets are limited. This is more than a fashion event—it’s an opportunity to connect, create, and celebrate your personal story in a setting that’s as elegant as it is inspiring.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the perfect fusion of art, wine, and fashion.
Fashion, Mission, Mingle Est. 2019
#FashionMissionMingle
Answering the call. Make an impact.
Fashion Mission Mingle is more than an event—it’s a celebration of fashion, community, and purpose. This unique experience highlights the work of local grassroots organizations dedicated to making the Southwest Ohio better places to live while blending the energy of fashion with the power of connection.
What to Expect
- Immersive Outreach Experiences: Collaborate with grassroots organizations and contribute to meaningful causes in an engaging and fashionable way.
- Brain Dayton: Connect with like-minded individuals for inspiring one-on-one conversations and collaborations.
- Mini Charcuterie Board Parties: Indulge in delicious bites while mingling with designers and attendees.
- Headlining Designers and Runway Showcases: Witness the creativity of standout designers as they showcase their latest collections.
- Silent Discos: Groove to your own beat with music from top DJs.
- Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with fashion professionals, community leaders, and changemakers.
- Inspirational Speakers: Be inspired by thought-provoking talks from industry and community leaders.
Join the Movement
Fashion Mission Mingle brings together the fashion community and grassroots organizations for a night of impact, style, and connection. It’s an event where purpose meets passion and everyone has the chance to contribute to meaningful change.
Are you ready to make a difference and look good doing it? Let’s mingle with a mission.
Modelpalooza Sand Volleyball Est. 2017
#Modelpalooza #DEFIVolleyball
Bump, set, spike—and slay!
Modelpalooza Sand Volleyball is where competition meets connection in a way only (DE-FI) can deliver. This co-ed sand volleyball experience is not just about the game—it’s about bringing together the best of fashion, media, retail, creatives, community outreach organizations, and more for a day of fun, networking, and unforgettable moments.
What to Expect
Round-Robin Bracket Style: Teams face off in a thrilling battle, with only one squad emerging victorious to claim the ultimate bragging rights.
Networking with a Twist: Connect with industry professionals and community leaders while enjoying some friendly competition.
Team or Solo Sign-Ups: Gather your squad or sign up solo and be placed on a team for this unforgettable event.
Community and Fun: It’s more than volleyball—it’s about celebrating creativity via Collapetive Collabetation.
Modelpalooza Sand Volleyball is your chance to showcase your skills, expand your network, and have a blast while doing it. Are you ready to dig deep and serve up some serious fun?
Let’s play.
Fashion Night Out Est. 2019
#FashionNightOut
Shop. Network. Give. Slay.
Fashion Night Out is a curated evening designed to bring together the best of style, community, and connection. This isn’t your average night out—it’s an experience that celebrates fashion in every form.
What’s in Store?
Curated Crawls: Explore exclusive pop-ups, boutiques, and local gems.
Shopping Experiences: Discover unique finds from emerging designers and top retailers.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with creatives, professionals, and fashion lovers.
Giving Back: Support meaningful causes while indulging in the world of fashion.
Fashion Night Out is your chance to experience a night where style meets purpose in a vibrant, engaging atmosphere.
Grab your crew, dress to impress, and let’s re(DE-FI)ne the night out—(DE-FI) style.
Design House Power Hub Est. 2019
Moment of Transparency: The images you see are not from one of our events—they’re from the Saks Fifth Avenue Talk of the Town Fashion Penthouse, a groundbreaking experience that merged fashion, interior design, and retail into a one-of-a-kind fashion event. (DE-FI)'s owner and director, Caressa L. Brown (pictured), had the privilege of experiencing this iconic space during New York Fashion Week 2018.
Our Vision, (DE-FI) Style
Inspired by the Talk of the Town Fashion Penthouse, our goal in 2020 was to bring a similar, yet uniquely (DE-FI) experience to Dayton Fashion Week. The Design House Power Hub was set to merge the worlds of high fashion, curated interior design, and immersive retail into an unforgettable showcase during The Collections and potentially Fashion Week of Cincinnati.
A Dream Deferred but Not Denied
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio went into lockdown the week before Dayton Fashion Week 2020, forcing us to cancel the event. But at (DE-FI), setbacks are only stepping stones.
The Power Hub’s Future
Our vision remains intact: to bring this immersive, design-focused experience to life during a future Dayton Fashion Week:The Collections or Fashion Week of Cincinnati. With (DE-FI) signature twist, the Design House Power Hub will elevate fashion, interior design, and retail to create a next-level experience that will be worth the wait.
Stay tuned—because when the time comes, this will be an experience like no other. (DE-FI) never forgets a promise.
Art, Fashion, & Networking Social EST. 2019
#ArtFashionNetworking
Where creativity meets connection.
The Art, Fashion, and Networking Social is the ultimate experience for the people who make the regional fashion industry thrive. Whether you’re a designer, model, HMUA, blogger, sewist, brand owner, retailer, marketer, producer, or simply a fashion enthusiast, this event is for you—no matter your zip code or area code.
What’s in It for You?
This is more than a social—it’s your chance to:
- Learn how to get involved in the local fashion scene.
- Explore opportunities to participate in Dayton Fashion Week, Fashion Week of Cincinnati, or one of (DE-FI) incubators.
- Promote your brand and increase exposure.
- Find talent for your photo shoots, fashion shows, or projects.
- Announce new launches like brands, events, or collections.
- Get advice on new ideas or projects.
- Maximize your time by making authentic, meaningful connections.
- Engage in conversations with like-minded fashion creatives.
- Discover new resources to take your fashion endeavors to the next level.
Your Next Move Starts Here
Whether you’re looking to grow your network, find collaborators, or simply be inspired, the Art, Fashion, and Networking Social is your platform. This is where innovation begins, connections are made, and the future of fashion takes shape.
Come ready to connect, create, and take your place in the fashion community.