(DE-FI) Global INC
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  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • Our Why
      • Mission and Vision
      • Impact & Audience
      • Alumni Success
      • Annual Reports
      • The Story Behind (DE-FI)
      • Meet The Team
      • Testimonials & Reviews
      • Contact Us
    • The House
      • House of (DE-FI)ance
      • Membership
    • Programs
      • Farm to Fashion
      • STEM Atelier
      • Workforce Development
      • The Garment District
      • The Fashion Incubator
      • Youth Fashion Incubator
      • Model Incubator
      • Threads Boutiques
      • Fashion Design School
    • Events
      • Upcoming (DE-FI) Events
      • The Fashion Calendar
      • Fashion Week
      • The Signature Experience
      • Invitation Requests
      • FAQ
    • Press
      • (DE-FI)ance Magazine
      • Press Room
      • Newsletter
      • Blog
      • Videos
    • Engage
      • Ways to Get Involved
      • Become A Partner
      • Our Strategic Partners
      • Fashion Directory
      • Vetted Industry Resources
      • The Art of (DE-FI)ance
      • Style Boss Honors
      • The (DE-FI) Guild Honors
      • (DE-FI) Gives Back
(DE-FI) Global INC
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Why
    • Mission and Vision
    • Impact & Audience
    • Alumni Success
    • Annual Reports
    • The Story Behind (DE-FI)
    • Meet The Team
    • Testimonials & Reviews
    • Contact Us
  • The House
    • House of (DE-FI)ance
    • Membership
  • Programs
    • Farm to Fashion
    • STEM Atelier
    • Workforce Development
    • The Garment District
    • The Fashion Incubator
    • Youth Fashion Incubator
    • Model Incubator
    • Threads Boutiques
    • Fashion Design School
  • Events
    • Upcoming (DE-FI) Events
    • The Fashion Calendar
    • Fashion Week
    • The Signature Experience
    • Invitation Requests
    • FAQ
  • Press
    • (DE-FI)ance Magazine
    • Press Room
    • Newsletter
    • Blog
    • Videos
  • Engage
    • Ways to Get Involved
    • Become A Partner
    • Our Strategic Partners
    • Fashion Directory
    • Vetted Industry Resources
    • The Art of (DE-FI)ance
    • Style Boss Honors
    • The (DE-FI) Guild Honors
    • (DE-FI) Gives Back

Raw. Real. Unfiltered. Dayton & Cincinnati Fashion in Motion

From candid Facebook Lives to unedited cell phone these videos capture the experiences shaping our incubator talent and essence, community, authenticity that (DE-FI)ne Midwest fashion bringing our (DE-FI)ant journey in the Midwest to life.  Step inside the world of (DE-FI) through our curated video collection.

From Dayton to the Runway: NYFW Adventures

From Struggles to Success: A Night at Gracie Mansion

This video captures a (DE-FI)ning moment at the official New York Fashion Week kickoff party at Gracie Mansion. (DE-FI) owner and  director Caressa Brown was invited by New York Mayor Eric Adams,  Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, and legendary designer Thom  Browne, the current chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America  (CFDA).


As a plus one, Caressa invited (DE-FI) designer alum Sa-Shai Daniels to join her for this monumental occasion. In a full-circle moment, Caressa wore a design by Sa-Shai to the event—a look that both of them would  later see featured in Vogue.


During the evening, Thom Browne delivered an inspiring message about his early struggles in the fashion industry and the journey that led him to  become one of the most influential figures in American fashion. Twenty  years ago, he started with a vision, and today, he’s dressing the world’s elite and leading the nation’s most powerful fashion  organization.


(DE-FI) is just stepping into its 12th year, and this moment serves as a glimpse into what’s possible. Imagine what the next decade holds for a brand that has already re(DE-FI)ned the game. This is only the beginning.

Reflections of a Dream: Sa-Shai’s NYFW Journey

In this heartfelt video, Sa-Shai Daniels shares her reflections after attending the official New York Fashion Week kickoff  party at Gracie Mansion. As a (DE-FI) designer alum, Sa-Shai opens up about the incredible experience of being part of such a prestigious event and what it meant to see her work featured on this global stage.


She also takes a moment to reflect on her journey with (DE-FI), which began when she joined the incubator as a high school junior. From her early days learning the ins and outs of the fashion industry to becoming a  designer for White House Black Market, Sa-Shai’s story is a testament to  the transformative impact of opportunity, mentorship, and hard work.

This clip captures not only her gratitude but also the pride and confidence  she’s gained through her journey—proving that dreams really can come  true with the right support and determination.

Life’s a Beach When You (DE-FI) Decompressing During NYFW

After an unforgettable night at the official New York Fashion Week launch party at Gracie Mansion, designer alum Sa-Shai Daniels and current incubator designers took some much-needed time to  unwind. This clip captures a serene walk on the beach, a perfect moment of relaxation and reflection amidst the fast-paced energy of NYFW.  Because when you (DE-FI), life really is a beach—balancing hard work with well-deserved moments of calm.

Steps of Growth: Walking Toward Wisdom

This clip captures a meaningful moment during our  journey from Queens to meet (DE-FI) alum Megan Antkoviak and Sa-Shai  Daniels, who joined the incubator as teens and have grown into  accomplished professionals.


At  (DE-FI), our trips to New York are more than just business—they're  about learning, building relationships, and fostering conversations that  empower self-worth and growth. This is the essence of a true fashion  community: knowing when to step up, step back, and support one another.


Our designers and incubators don’t just hear from one voice—they learn  directly from industry professionals living and thriving in a constantly  evolving field. These moments are filled with invaluable insights and  connections that can’t be bought, only experienced. This is what it  means to (DE-FI) life and success.

Layers of Growth: Lessons from (DE-FI) Designer Alum turned Industry Insiders

This clip offers a sneak peek into a powerful  conversation between current Dayton Fashion Week Design Incubator participants and two alum designers who joined our incubator as teens and now work in the fashion industry.


These critical discussions reveal what our alum wish they had known during their early days in the incubator, the resources they now value, and how our incubator has evolved to offer more connections and tools for success. Sa-shai, who has navigated roles as a model, magazine editor during her time in the (DE-FI) incubator as a teen and now a designer for White House Black Market, highlights the dynamic, layered nature of the industry. Meanwhile, Megan Antkoviak emphasizes the challenges and  opportunities of bridging the resource gap between cities like Dayton  and major fashion hubs like Columbus and New York.


This is what it means to build community, network, and learn outside the  classroom. Our trips to New York Fashion Week go beyond shows and  high-profile events—they're about real conversations, authentic  connections, and navigating career paths in a constantly evolving  industry. It’s about peeling back the layers to discover what works best for each individual's goals and dreams. This is the essence of the (DE-FI) way.

From Dream to Reality: Making It in Vogue

This unforgettable moment captures the excitement when Caressa and Sa-Shai discovered that they were featured in Vogue by name for the official New York Fashion Week kickoff at Gracie Mansion. For Sa-Shai, this was a milestone that echoed her earliest dreams. When she first joined (DE-FI), she declared her goal of becoming the  Editor-in-Chief of Vogue.


Through (DE-FI), Sa-Shai was given the tools and opportunities to grow—editing A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Magazine, landing on (DE-FI)ance magazine’s cover, conducting behind-the-scenes interviews, and gaining industry experience  through internships during college. These experiences equipped her with  the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to step into the rooms where it all happens.


This milestone moment didn’t just validate Sa-Shai’s hard work—it showcased the impact of (DE-FI)’s dedication to empowering talent to rise. With her image and name in Vogue and interviews with publications like The New York Times, Sa-Shai’s journey is proof of what happens when dreams meet opportunity. This is the moment where the designer truly arrived.

An Intimate Look at the (DE-FI) Fashion Experience

Stories in Stitches: An Intimate Look at Art, Wine, and Fashion

Step behind the curtain and experience the heart of our more intimate fashion experiences, like Art, Wine, and Fashion. This exclusive event highlights the creative journey of designer Erika Bertie, who crafts couture pieces that tell deeply personal stories. Unlike mass-market approaches, Erika’s vision is bespoke and intentional—she seeks only two new clients per year, specifically second-time brides looking for meaningful, story-driven designs.


Witness Erika’s process as she blends art, emotion, and fashion, creating  one-of-a-kind dresses that embody her clients' unique journeys. These  intimate settings are not just events; they are bridges connecting  designers to their niche customers, offering a glimpse into the artistry that makes fashion more than just clothing—it’s a narrative.

#StoriesInStitches

#ArtWineAndFashion

#EricaBerthierCouture

#IntimateFashionExperience

#NicheDesigns

#WhatDoYouDEFI

#FashionWithPurpose

#BridalStories

#BespokeDesigns

#SecondTimeBrides

Where Stories Become Style: The Art Behind Erika Berthie's Wearable Creations

Step into the creative world of Erika Berthier, where fashion and storytelling collide in an unforgettable Art, Wine, and Fashion experience. Guests explored their own narratives through words, drawings, and paint—embracing the human experience, imperfections and all. Every brushstroke and word became part of Erika's unique process,  transforming personal stories into wearable art that speaks volumes.  Watch as Erika guides attendees through her journey of creativity and  connection, crafting not just garments but meaningful pieces of art.

#TheHumanExperience #BeTrueToYourself #BeCreative #OvercomeYourFears #EmbraceYourMistakes #WhatDoYouDEFI #FirstFlightNowFashion

Igniting Inner Passion: The Story Behind the Design

Here’s another captivating clip from Art, Wine, and Fashion featuring  Erika Bertier, the visionary behind Gowns by Bertier. In this segment,  Erika shares the heartfelt story behind the evening's featured piece, Inner Passion. Dive into her creative process and discover how this stunning design embodies the journey of finding and igniting one's true passion.

#FindingYourPassion

#LightYourFire

#WhatDoYouDEFI

#FirstFlightNowFashion

Art, Wine, and Fashion: The Creative Debut of Walt Leigh's Hand-Painted Designs Pt. 1

Take an exclusive peek into Art, Wine, and Fashion with Walt Leigh as  Miss and her son, King, unveil their stunning collaboration—a brand-new line of hand-painted designs. This creative duo combined artistry and fashion to craft pieces that are as bold as they are  meaningful. Premiering during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, their debut captured the essence of creativity, family, and self-expression. Adding to the experience, every guest walked away with their own unique painting that they created during this one-of-a-kind event. Witness the magic of their process and the heartfelt story behind their designs

#ArtMeetsFashion

#CreativeCollaboration

#HandPaintedDesigns

#FamilyAndFashion

#WhatDoYouDEFI

#FirstFlightNowFashion

#BeBold

Art, Wine, and Fashion: The Creative Debut of Walt Leigh's Hand-Painted Designs Pt. 2

Take an exclusive peek into Art, Wine, and Fashion with Walt Leigh as  Miss and her son, King, unveil their stunning collaboration—a brand-new line of hand-painted designs. This creative duo combined artistry and fashion to craft pieces that are as bold as they are  meaningful. Premiering during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, their debut captured the essence of creativity, family, and self-expression. Adding to the experience, every guest walked away with their own unique painting that they created during this one-of-a-kind event. Witness the magic of their process and the heartfelt story behind their designs

#ArtMeetsFashion

#CreativeCollaboration

#HandPaintedDesigns

#FamilyAndFashion

#WhatDoYouDEFI

#FirstFlightNowFashion

#BeBold

Art, Wine, and Fashion: The Creative Debut of Walt Leigh's Hand-Painted Designs Pt. 3

Take an exclusive peek into Art, Wine, and Fashion with Walt Leigh as  Miss and her son, King, unveil their stunning collaboration—a brand-new line of hand-painted designs. This creative duo combined artistry and fashion to craft pieces that are as bold as they are  meaningful. Premiering during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, their debut captured the essence of creativity, family, and self-expression. Adding to the experience, every guest walked away with their own unique painting that they created during this one-of-a-kind event. Witness the magic of their process and the heartfelt story behind their designs

#ArtMeetsFashion

#CreativeCollaboration

#HandPaintedDesigns

#FamilyAndFashion

#WhatDoYouDEFI

#FirstFlightNowFashion

#BeBold

(DE-FI)antly Random: The Fun Behind the Fashion

From the 937 to the 212: Turning Dreams into Reality in the Concrete Jungle

After the official New York Fashion Week kickoff, (DE-FI) Designer alum and Incubator participants gathered in the heart of Time Square to celebrate their journey. From the 937 to the 212, this moment was about more than food and dancing—it was about embracing the energy of New York City, reflecting on how far we’ve come, and turning dreams into reality in the iconic concrete jungle. Watch as we celebrate fashion, creativity, and community in one of the world’s most electrifying settings. FYI Bradley doesn't dance! lol But we love her anyway! :-)

A Taste of (DE-FI)ance: Intermission Vibes and Celebration

During the intermission of the Taste of (DE-FI)ance and the (DE-FI)ance  Magazine Cover Reveal event, the energy in the room was electric. Guests danced together, mingling, laughing, and soaking in the moment. The scene captures the essence of celebration—elegant fashion, vibrant  conversations, and a shared excitement for the artistry and creativity  being showcased. This was more than just a pause in the program—it was a  reflection of the connections, joy, and bold spirit that (DE-FI)ne  (DE-FI). Watch as attendees embrace the intermission with style and  unforgettable vibes. 

Who Dey Spirit: Random Icky Shuffle at the House of (DE-FI)ance

 In the lead-up to Super Bowl 2022, the Bengals’ excitement was  contagious—and so was the spirit at the House of (DE-FI)ance! Watch as  Caressa breaks out into the iconic Icky Shuffle, celebrating in true  “Who Dey” fashion. Just a random, fun moment of pure joy, energy, and Southwest Ohio pride ahead of the big game. Sometimes, it’s the little  things—like a little dance—that remind us to celebrate the journey! 

From Mentorship to Masterpiece: Making a Statement at Gracie Mansion

On the terrace of Gracie Mansion during the official New York Fashion Week kickoff, Caressa shines in a stunning dress designed by Jessica Cruz, a student she mentored. What started as a moment of admiration for Jessica’s design became a full-circle moment when Caressa received an invitation to the prestigious event hosted by Anna Wintour, Mayor Eric  Adams, and the CFDA. The dress was an undeniable hit, catching the  attention of photographers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Watch as  Caressa celebrates mentorship, creativity, and style in this impromptu  photo shoot at one of fashion’s most iconic events.

Fire, Ice, and a Night to Remember: Dancing with the Honorees

It was a night of celebration and recognition at the Better Business  Bureau Women in Business Networking Annual Gala, themed Fire and Ice.  Watch as (DE-FI) Business Advisor Cindy Gabori and Caressa Brown let loose and hit the dance floor, showing off their moves in style. Cindy was honored with the Jeannie Porter Lifetime Achievement Award, and Caressa was named to the 2024 class of Top Women to Watch. This video captures the joy, energy, and camaraderie of two women making waves while having fun along the way. A true celebration of achievement and sisterhood! 

(DE-FI)antly Unscripted: Where Fashion Meets Fumbles

(DE-FI) vs Doors: The Ultimate Struggle

We’ve got the keys to unlock opportunities, but if  there’s an actual locked door involved, well... let’s just say that’s  why we’re known for kicking them down. This time? One door, one key, 45  attempts, and a team determined to figure out the mystical art of  locking a door. Spoiler alert: it took a village, 25 minutes, a dead  phone, and a victory dance to get it done. Current Score: Doors 301 (DE-FI) 1.

#BlessOurHearts  #Witchcraft #ThreeDifferentPeople #45DifferentAttempts #OneDoor #OneKey  #ItShouldntBeThisComplicated #ButItWas #ItTookUs25Minutes #WeStartedRecordingAfter15Minutes #MyCellPhoneEventuallyDied #WeFinallyGotItLocked #DidAVictoryDance #TheyMadeItLookEasy #ButItWasnt #ImGoingToNeedWrittenInstructionsNextTime #WhatDoYouDefy #ApparentlyLockingDoors #Ha

When Your Models Can’t Dance… and Neither Can You

Sometimes you’ve just got to lead by example—or at least  try. Watch as the (DE-FI) Owner and Director, Caressa L. Brown, takes  matters into her own hands (and feet) when the models couldn’t quite hit  the rhythm during a shoot. Let’s just say… no one’s winning “Dancing  with the Stars” anytime soon. And that post-dance interview? We’re still  trying to figure out what she said—so is she.

#BlessHerHeart

#ModelsGoneMild

#DanceLikeNoOneIsWatching

#ButWeWere

#LeadByExample

#OrSomethingLikeThat

#TheMovesWeMake

#WhatDoYouDEFI

#DefinitelyNotDancing

#ItWasAScene

#DirectorGoals

#SomeoneCallABackupDancer

Videos | Dayton & Cincinnati Fashion Stories by (DE-FI)

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Fashion Week of Cincinnati...You're on Deck!

The inaugural Fashion Week of Cincinnati is here and we’re doing things differently. This isn’t a traditional runway-heavy fashion week. This is the foundational year that's taking a bold, unorthodox step toward amplifying Cincinnati’s incredible fashion talent and laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

We’re building bridges, elevating voices, and weaving together the fabric of the industry one designer, collaboration, and one moment at a time.

Invitation requests are now open. Space is limited, and this is where it all begins.

Be part of the foundation.  

Be Part of Fashion Week