Designer Aidah Fontenot Spotlighted in JET Magazine

May 26, 2012 by fashionaidah

Designer Aidah Fontenot is featured in the May 14, 2012 edition of JET Magazine for her “flexible fashions” for Maternity. Aidah Fontenot: Designer’s looks translate from bump to post-baby body By Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond JET Magazine May 14, 2012 Issue (Wendy Williams cover) Necessity was literally the mother of invention for Aidah Fontenot. It all began in 2008 when the expectant designer, based out of Washington, DC and San Diego, CA, couldn’t find clothing versatile enough for her tastes. She noted […]

Categories: Maternity, Press • Tags: aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, color blocking, cotton, couture, dc fashion week, eco fashion, essence magazine, fashion design, full-figured, gabrielle union, gold design, gowns, handmade fashion, handpainted, high fashion, jet magazine, maternity designer, maternity fashion, maternity style, painted design, red carpet, runway, san diego designer, san diego fashion, shane and shawn, spring 2012, spring dress, summer dress, sun dress, tsubo, up and coming designer, washington dc designer

about the collection

May 24, 2012 by fashionaidah

Aidah is an ethical, eco-chic fashion line that unites urban flair with coastal cool in timeless style. The collection features unique, comfortable designs that fit by wrapping or tying, in versatile looks for brunch, business and soiree. Each garment is handmade in rich, nature-inspired hues and distinctly brushed with Aidah’s signature golden emblem. Aidah’s ethical green mission is to empower women and protect the environment through versatile, eco-friendly designs and the support of charitable organizations. The collection includes women’s brunch, […]

Categories: About • Tags: african american designers, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, beach, black designers, brunch, color blocking, cotton, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, designer, designer spotlight, dj neekola, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, elaine swann, essence magazine, fashion design, full-figured, gabrielle union, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, kate michael, maggy francois, maternity, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, mother daughter tea, painted design, petite, plus size, purple gown, red carpet, runway, san diego designer, san diego fashion, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc, washington dc designer, washington post, washingtonian

Maternity Collection

April 30, 2012 by fashionaidah

Designer (and mom) Aidah Fontenot loves clothing that is both comfortable and beautiful, even through pregnancy. It is part of her ethical mission to empower women with designs that flatter all shapes. She has designed a maternity collection free of zippers and buttons, that adjusts with your body and stylish tote (or diaper) bags that fit your lifestyle. Slideshow from Baby Bash and Bling Expo  |  October 2011  | Photos by Phil Kogan

Categories: Maternity

Future of DC Fashion Panel

November 9, 2011 by fashionaidah

On November 9, 2011, Merin Guthrie and Emma Fischer of Birds of a Pleather brought together 9 panelists who are catalysts for a bigger and better DC fashion community (read more about The Future of DC Fashion panel). I was lucky enough to be chosen as a panelist. Here are my post-panel thoughts on where the industry is going and what we can do to help grow it. Let me start by saying how excited I was to participate! I […]

Categories: Press

Aidah Spring 2012 at DC Fashion Week Eco-Fashion Show

September 19, 2011 by fashionaidah

The Spring 2012 Collection, in shades of aubergine, taupe and turquoise, is inspired by the desert hills of the Aidah’s native San Diego. The style is bohemian chic with dresses, shorts, blouses and accessories in richly colored cotton. Photos below are from the DC Fashion Week Eco Fashion Show on September 19, 2011 by Phelan Marc for Shy Magazine See more photos from the Crystal Couture Show RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/283407761669947/ From Left to right: Paul Wharton of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of […]

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Essence Magazine: Gabrielle Union “Chic and Classic” in gown by Aidah

January 1, 2011 by fashionaidah

On October 16, 2010 Actress Gabrielle Union attended the Susan G. Komen “Honoring the Promise” Gala wearing the Goddess Gown from Aidah Collection Spring 2011. This look is described as “chic and classic” in the January 2011 issue of Essence Magazine. “I enjoyed meeting Gabrielle, she is very down to earth. When I visited to show her the gowns, she was radiantly beautiful without any makeup. She tried on a couple designs, but seemed immediately drawn to the purple gown. […]

Categories: Press, Red Carpet, Scene • Tags: african american designers, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, black designers, brunch, cocktail dress, color blocking, couture, designer, designer spotlight, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, essence magazine, fashion design, fashion shows, gabrielle union, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, mother daughter tea, nightlife, painted design, petite, philanthropy, plus size, purple gown, red carpet, runway, runway shows, satin, spring 2012, style, up and coming, washington dc

Internships

September 7, 2009 by webmanager

For years designer Aidah Fontenot has been educating and encouraging talented youth pursuing creative careers. Her innovative methods help them understand individuality and sharpen their abilities into an applicable skill. She offers fashion internships that provide training, encouragement and real world experience. Since 2008, Aidah has worked with over 25 college students, some of which have been awarded academic credits at Marymount University, Elicott College and the University of Maryland. In addition to applied skill instruction, interns receive an overview […]

Categories: About

Philanthropy

April 1, 2009 by fashionaidah

Aidah’s ethical green mission is to empower women and protect the environment through the support of charitable organizations and artists.  The Pink Collection: Breast cancer sufferers and survivors endure emotional and physical scars. Every woman should be given the strength to feel beautiful regardless of size, color and health. Please help us fund raise for the continued strength and beauty of women. The Pink Collection supports non-profits for the awareness, prevention and treatment of breast cancer and related issues. Charitable Works: Aidah has participated […]

Categories: About • Tags: african american designers, agency, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, beach, black designers, brunch, club wear, cocktail dress, color blocking, cotton, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, designer, designer spotlight, dj neekola, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, elaine swann, essence magazine, fashion design, fashion shows, full-figured, gabrielle union, giving back, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, irma fajardo, janine clay, jet magazine, juelles chester, kate michael, maggy francois, maternity, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, modeling, models, mother daughter tea, nightlife, nora sommerkamp, painted design, petite, philanthropy, plus size, purple gown, red carpet, runway, runway shows, san diego designer, san diego fashion, satin, shop for a cause, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc, washington dc designer, washington dc events, washington post, washingtonian

Aidah Spring 2013 at Fashion Beauty Lifestyle Expo

October 16, 2012 by webmanager

Dear Friends and Supporters, It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my participation in the 4th Annual Fashion Beauty & Lifestyle Expo by the CW DC50! I launched my ethical fashion line in Spring 2008 and ten seasons later I am excited to showcase my Spring 2013 Collection at this fabulous event. My Story (the short version): When I was about 5 years old my mother started teaching me to hand stitch, but I didn’t start making dresses until […]

Categories: Shows • Tags: aidah collection, aidah fontenot, cw dc50, dj neekola, fashion beauty lifestyle expo, fashion show, fbl dc, kate michael, maggy francois, miss jay, paul wharton, runway show, spring 2013, washington dc designer

Marilyn Halter Dress in Cotton

July 13, 2012 by webmanager

Super sexy and vivacious. This form-fitting halter dress wraps and ties around the waist and neck. ($95) Handmade with 100% cotton.

Categories: Cocktails, Spring 2012 • Tags: african american designers, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, beach, black designers, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, fashion design, fashion shows, full-figured, giving back, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, painted design, petite, philanthropy, plus size, red carpet, runway, runway shows, san diego designer, san diego fashion, satin, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc designer

City Girl Tote

July 5, 2012 by webmanager

Always on the go? Add some flare to your daily commute with this carryall tote bag. Both professional and stylish, this deceivingly large bag can fit an extra outfit, shoes, and even your laptop. Also great for beaches and picnics! Handmade in durable polyester wool with satin lining, and embellished with Aidah’s signature painted emblem. ($35) Dimensions: Width 12″; Depth 3″; Length 29″ for shoulder; Length 39″ for cross-body; Care: Machine Wash cold

Categories: Accessories • Tags: african american designers, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, beach, black designers, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, fashion design, fashion shows, full-figured, giving back, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, painted design, petite, philanthropy, plus size, red carpet, runway, runway shows, san diego designer, san diego fashion, satin, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc designer

Island Sundress

June 30, 2012 by fashionaidah

This cotton sundress is easy, flirty and flattering on all shapes. Aubergine with hot pink side stripe and pink braided belt. Very comfortable in the summer heat. ($75) 100% natural materials. Handmade to order. In her hair: Flower pin handcrafted from remnant fabric A fantastic maternity dress.

Categories: Brunch, Full-Figured, Maternity, Spring 2012 • Tags: african american designers, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, baby bash and bling, beach, black designers, brunch, club wear, cocktail dress, color blocking, cotton, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, designer, designer spotlight, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, essence magazine, fashion design, fashion shows, full-figured, giving back, gold design, gowns, halter dress, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, irma fajardo, jet magazine, maternity, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, modeling, models, painted design, petite, phelan marc, phil kogan, philanthropy, plus size, red carpet, runway, runway shows, san diego designer, san diego fashion, satin, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc, washington dc designer

Bloggers Who Love Aidah

June 17, 2012 by fashionaidah

…I love them back and so should you! xo K Street Kate Oh My Goff The Capitol Fashionista Examiner.com (writers Kate Michael, Katherine Limon, Sandra Oulmas, Weatherly Hulsey) Gregslist DC

Categories: Press • Tags: aidah collection, aidah fontenot, blogger, eco, ethical, fashion, handmade, san diego, sustainable, washington dc

Grecian Gown

May 30, 2012 by fashionaidah

Great as a maternity gown  

Categories: Gowns, Maternity, Spring 2012 • Tags: african american designers, aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, beach, black designers, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, fashion design, fashion shows, full-figured, giving back, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, painted design, petite, philanthropy, plus size, red carpet, runway, runway shows, san diego designer, san diego fashion, satin, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc designer

Boheme Dress

May 26, 2012 by fashionaidah

Bohemian and unique, this cotton halter dress features braided ties and belt, and rounded side split. The rich aubergine and peach color combination is inspired by the sunset over desert hills. Handmade to order. Contact us for information.

Categories: Brunch, Full-Figured, Maternity, Spring 2012 • Tags: african american designers, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, ​aidah, beach, black designers, brunch, color blocking, cotton, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, designer, designer spotlight, dj neekola, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, elaine swann, essence magazine, fashion design, full-figured, gabrielle union, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, kate michael, maggy francois, maternity, maternity designer, maternity dress, maternity fashion, maternity gowns, mother daughter tea, painted design, petite, plus size, purple gown, red carpet, runway, san diego designer, san diego fashion, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc, washington dc designer, washington post, washingtonian

Pleated Skirt & Satin Tank

May 26, 2012 by fashionaidah

This cotton pleated skirt fits by wrapping around the hips. The rich aubergine color is accented by a pop of aqua. $175 Satin Boy Tank is a basic design in silky satin that feels smooth on your skin, includes handmade flower brooch pin. $55 Handmade to order. Custom color and fabric available.

Categories: Brunch, Spring 2012 • Tags: aidah, aidah fashion, aidah fontenot, color blocking, cotton, couture, crystal couture 2012, dc designers, dc fashion week, designer, eco-chic, eco-friendly designer, elaine swann, essence magazine, fashion design, full-figured, gabrielle union, gold design, gowns, handmade, handpainted, haute couture, high fashion, jet magazine, maggy francois, maternity, maternity dress, maternity fashion, mother daughter tea, painted design, petite, purple gown, red carpet, runway, san diego designer, san diego fashion, spring 2012, spring dress, style, summer dress, sun dress, up and coming, washington dc, washington dc designer, washington post, washingtonian