Click for NEWDshots at Fashion Fete

Nestled at the edge of New York City's Greenwich Village, the exclusive Le Souk Lounge and Restaurant presented an inviting energy as dimmed lights gleamed from medieval-like lamps suspended from the ceilings at Fashion Fête on Thursday, June 30 from 6:30 p.m to 10 p.m.

Small businesses ranging from the fashion industry to the art and entertainment industries in the NYC/NJ area glowed under Le Souk's limelight at this free networking party.

About an hour into the show, the facility was bursting at the seams; yet, guests dressed in cocktail dresses and urban chic attire continued to make entrances. Even nearby locals nursed their curiosity as they made their way into the event. They were warmly greeted by host-models Krystal Taylor, Rokhaya Mbacke, Jada Vegas and Charles Scott.

Fashion Fête was derived from the French word meaning party or celebration. It was sponsored by NEWD Magazine, Pampered Kisses and Zion Society/The Vision 3 Group.

NEWD's Managing Editor, Tiffani Knowles, co-hosted alongside Steven Strickland of Strickly Hosting - who boasted his comedic flair for the evening.

Strickland would eventually take the event back to the '90s era as he demonstrated his dance skills doing "The Running Man," "The Carlton" and several other old school favorites.

As the show took off, guests were able to indulge in exquisite Moroccan cuisine as they networked.

The models, coordinated by Dominique McPherson of DominiqueChanelEdition.com, Mellessa Headley, Jemima Bonadie and Ejiro Enaohwo, Neena Brown, Charnele Ashlee, Alexus Jegede, Veronica Chamlee, Jemima Bonadie, Tamla John, Meisue Francis, Haneefah Mitchell and Alicia Williams were drenched in confidence, sophistication and class. They ripped the runway to the musical selections of DJ Rev Drizza.

The collections of JK Experience, Ethel Fashion, Pauline Asmah Designs and Aya Morrison were highlighted that evening.

"It was an excellent experience," said Kay Laroure of JK Experience, satisfied with the overall event. "Everybody working together, that was the biggest thing...everybody's attitude."

Over 30 businesses in the NY/NJ area that uphold Biblical principles joined forces to promote and execute the event.

Kay Laroure, a native of New York City, has been designing for most of her life, focusing on women's fashion with the goal of portraying a woman's confidence in Christ.

Laroure's "I Am" collection was featured, grabbing the attention of many attendees with embroidered proclamations such as "I Am blessed" and " I Am free."

She was present with her husband Jonah Laroure who is the music producer that served up the tracks that were heard during JK's showcase and as the background for the spoken word performance. The two started their business in 2010.

Dois Dublin, a representative for Ethel Fashion based in Brooklyn, New York, was also pleased with the way the designs of Donna Weekes - Ethel Fashion's designer - were presented.

Weekes has always designed her own styles, but launched the fashion line a mere 3 years ago.

The collection of designer Pauline Asmah was one of the favorites during Fashion Fête as models cat-walked in bright colors, bold West African prints, and sassy contours fashionable for any summer event. Her designs are custom-made and aim to serve up modern African cocktail dresses, gowns and summer wear.

The final pieces down the runway were the vibrant, exotic and trendy swimwear of Aya Morrison.

Also a West African native, Aya Morrison specializes in presenting a line "for the contemporary woman who expresses her inner style and confidence by embracing femininity, color and culture."

Morrison's passion for fashion began in her childhood and led her to craft purses and belts as a hobby at the age of 16. Her business has since flourished with the addition of her swimwear line.

Aya Morrison is currently based in Ghana, West Africa.

Besides the fashionistas presented that night, attendees were soothed by the Neo-Soul serenade of Tanisha Renee Brown of D2lal Management, energized by the musical performance of Ishmael Rouse of Nikeo Music Group and elevated by the spoken word of Remyx'd.

Brown's music, while it contains spiritual undertones, can address both mainstream and Christian audiences as it did that night.

"I think it's just about being aware that yes you're in entertainment, yes people want to hear music and yes I am Christian so I represent God first, but at the same time realizing that every song that I have, every note that I'm given, every word that I write is coming from God..." she said.

Although all the performers that evening were Christians, their music communicated universal message of love, hope and self-confidence.

Ish aka Ishmael is a Christian rap artist and producer who also graced the Fashion Fête stage.

He has always produced music and later acquired a passion for writing. About two years ago, he was inspired to start his own company, which resulted in the formation of the Nikeo Music Group - one of the evening's sponsors.

Christian rap has historically been shunned by the Church because it drifts away from the down-tempo hymns that many are so familiar with. Ishmael claims that the words are what matter in his God-inspired lyrics.

"It's all about relevance. Any audience that you deal with, any genre, it's about the relevance and the ability to relate to people," he said. "So as long as you keep that in the forefront, no matter what area you come from, whatever your target is, you'll always hit it dead on."

His sentiments echoed that night as small Biblically-based businesses, that ordinarily have narrow markets and low marketing budgets, met their goal of showcasing products and services to a larger, mainstream audience.

As the event concluded, a silent drawing took place of luxury raffle items contributed by hair stylist Felicia Fulton, aesthetician Lorna Thomas, vocalist Danielle Lewis, Pretty Brwn Grl Cakes n Things, Nomi Network, Allen Gabriel, Style...Unleashed! and others.

While the winners were being selected, one attendee exhibited his dance moves to the instrumentals of "Teach Me how to Dougie."

Guests of Fashion Fête left with a surplus of networking items from the various entrepreneurs highlighted that evening as well as a new appreciation of businesses that use biblically based principles as their foundation.

Fashion Fête was sponsored by Bea's Royal Salon Spa, Nikeo Music Group, Cheek-2-Cheek Graphics, DominiqueChanelEdition.com, House of Renee, Aya Morrison, DJ Rev Drizza, Zionimages, Ethel Fashion, JK Experience, Pauline Asmah Designs, Beauty by Kawana.