The backdrop of this networking event goes beyond the fashion of new and veteran designers. Each line has a message. Each designer has a story. And through Fashion Fete NYC, they’ll be making bold statements that demand attention.

Alison Minott-Seales of Timeless Elegance demanded attention on the runway as she modeled for some time before claiming her badge as a designer.

“As time progressed I took an interest in the craft of the clothes and decided to create my own,” she said. “I got my sewing machine in December of 2011, did my first fashion show for my church in June of 2012 and then my first official big show in April of 2013 where there was over 250 people. The response I got was overwhelming.”

Most recently, Seales constructed two looks for a sweet 16 and was asked to create a look for the mother of the birthday girl.

The New Jersey resident was invited to Fashion Fete NYC by co-coordinator Wardell Duncan, CEO of ZionSociety.com and The Vision 3 Group.

“I received a phone call from Mr. Wardell...I went on the website and was interested to see what would come out of participating in it,” she said. “As a new and upcoming designer it is and can be difficult to get noticed so I know that the experience will be great and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of a growing networking team.”

The name of her fashion line, Timeless Elegance, comes from her desire to “make my clothes with the understanding that some things can be worn all year round and for those who intend on looking classy and elegant without over doing it, going from high fashion to simple with one look.”

Also a first timer to Fashion Fete NYC, Crystal Council of Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry will be dressing models with all the jewelry accessories needed including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and watches.

Since every ensemble requires accessories to make it pop, she will be assisted by the event’s official stylist 17-year-old ingénue Kayla Mosegi.

Council and Mosegi were present at the Fashion Fete promo shoot in June where they styled models in her accessories with an outfit of choice.

“My expectations for this event is to expose Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry to another audience base which could potentially increase my customer base,” said Council. “And expose those in attendance to a great entrepreneurial opportunity.”

Sealess shared similar sentiments regarding her line.

“My expectations are to attract a group of business minded women/men of God with a sense of style and class whom are willing to step outside the box and win souls for the body of Christ; one outfit, one garment, one style at time,” she said.

The fact that Fashion Fete is faith-based event highlighting the works of Christian entrepreneurs is what has sealed the deal for many of the participating designers.

“I wanted to be a part of something that stood out from the norm,” said Kerry-Ann Donaldson of Rebirth by Kerry Donald. “Christians aren't everyone's biggest fans so it is always hard to establish yourself as Christian without feeling the pressure to conform to the worldly or majority standard of living and dressing.”

Donaldson, a NYC resident, has worked as an assistant designer at Bespoke Tie Company for Men, at the showrooms of Viktor and Rolf, Dsquared, Maison Martin Margiela, and as a Showroom Assistant for Marc by Marc Jacobs. She also has experience as an intern for the assistant sweater designer at Brooks Brothers. Her past experience also include working with companies including Diane Von Furstenberg during Market Week, ready to wear Couture company Chocheng and Bonpoint, a high end French Children’s Company.

“I liked Fashion Fete because it is exclusive to Christians. It’s an outlet for Christians to model, to design, to photograph, to produce or curate, to DJ and just to evolve in an environment that isn't inconvenient to their Christian lifestyle,” said Donaldson. “Being a part of this gives me confidence that I am not the only one that chooses to stand out the way God designed me to. Fashion Fete is the platform I believe that will take me into my new season.”

She  describes her line as designed for faith-driven women: “a contemporary line, very sophisticated, very bespoke and still has an edge that gives you personal style”

“It is for the hard working women that still has a social life. Fun and outgoing. The colors I chose for this season are dark but the statement is very bright. Clean lines and shapes fit for any woman.”

Donaldson is looking forward to doing her first fashion show as a Christian designer and add that to her accomplishments.

Designer Karl Brown of Khalil’s Hatitude knows what it’s like to see the fruits of hard work as he’s been designing for the past 3 years. He’s a veteran to designer Donna Weeke’s Caribbean Extravaganza and was featured on Smile, a program on TV Jamaica, as a result of his participating in Style Week Jamaica.  Most recently, his hat line was showcased in the Caribbean Catwalk at Hotel Pennylvania in NYC.

The Jamaican hat designer will be featuring his work at Fashion Fete NYC for the first time. It was through his connection with Fashion Fete NYC co-coordinator and NEWD CEO Tiffani Knowles that led him to be part of this year’s event.

“[Fashion Fete] is another opportunity to get the brand known and give exposure,” he said. “It’s multipurpose; I want to make myself available to customers in the states and get new customers.”

Brown’s hat designs have graced the heads of politicians and church wives. He boasts international customers in Antigua, Canada and London, to name a few. 

Angola native Ariane Fonseca also desired a change of scenery to expose her designs.

Fonseca has been involved with the fashion industry in Miami, Florida,  participating in a few fashion shows. She was also part of a special feature at the 5SUR5 TV show, a TV show from the islands.

“I feel that I know enough of Miami fashion industry,” said the Fonseca. “Now I want to experience the fashion life in New York.”

Her Yhaniqua Lopes line will display African-inspired attire that highlights the elegance of a woman.

“The main purpose of my line is to follow Proverbs 31:10-31 by inspiring women to become strong and successful,” said Fonseca.

Simply stated, Fashion Fete designers not only desire for patrons to look their best, but to feel and be their best.

Other participating designers of Fashion Fete’s 3rd annual networking event include West African designer Terri Cann of RoyalT Wear, Virginia resident Debra Rogers of ADD FlaVor Boutique, Dariaus Enlow of B. Nathaniel Bespoke and Kay Laurore of JK Experience.

Fashion Fete NYC 2013 will be held at Tribeca’s M1-5 Lounge on August 19th. The third annual event is powered by The Vision 3 Group/ZionSociety.com and NEWDMagazine/NEWDradio.