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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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! :-)
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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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.