Luxurious and vibrant designs lit up the runway of the fifth annual Ebony Fashion Week with Estee Lauder on Nov. 12 at Washington Hall in Seattle.

The event brought together designers, hairstylists and fashion lovers to celebrate Black beauty and expression.

This year’s event also launched the Fostering Fashion campaign that “will grant foster/at-risk youth access to mentorship and mainstream fashion opportunities.” The campaign plans to feature one family a month, the first of which shared some of their story at the Nov. 12 event.

Recipients Josey and Felicia Dennis have been foster parents for over five years and live in Lakewood, Washington. They currently have five foster children in their care between the ages of 8 to 12.

In an interview with the Mirror, Felicia Dennis explained why fashion is such a uniquely powerful vehicle for foster children: “Our kids feel like there’s so much that they don’t have control over … with the fashion part … they have control.”

She added that foster kids often receive clothing through community resources, but might have to take what they can get. With opportunities to engage in programs like this one, “they can show who they are and express who they are through fashion.”

Photo by: Prince Davis. (@princedavis.work) Models line up for a photo taken by designer Donnika Jackson before hitting the catwalk dressed in ANIK Designs.

This mission aligns with the life story of founder and host of Ebony Fashion Week, De’Vaughnn Williams.

Williams moved to Federal Way and reunited with her biological family when she was 11 years old after spending time in foster care. She and her family have lived here ever since.

“I’ve owned my first and only residence here, raised my son here,” Williams said of her deep ties to Federal Way. “It is such an underestimated city. It used to be just a little stop on I-5, but now it is this mainstream movement, and it’s a pleasure to bring awareness to what we have to offer.”

Ebony Fashion week was also a Federal Way family affair, with Williams’ brother, son and parents present and supporting the night’s festivities. Williams’ brother Darryl Williams has been a supervisor/bartender at Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse in Federal Way for the past 10 years, and guests of the event got a taste of his bartending skills if they ordered a drink.

In reflecting on the event in an interview with The Mirror, Williams expressed her gratitude for the many people it took to make the night happen: “Overall when the community cares about something it always comes together in a way that benefits everyone.”

Ebony Fashion Week Founder, Hostess and Designer De’Vaughnn Williams, Ms. Washington Global Continental ‘23/24 Photo by: Victor Jones (@genericvik)

Williams has represented Federal Way on many other stages, including her current title as Ms. Washington Global Continental 2023-2024. She has also held the titles of Miss Black Washington USA in 2015 and 2016 and Miss Black America Washington for 2018.

The show featured designers Sierra Jackson of Real Deal Fashions, Donnika Jackson of ANIK Designs (She-Rose Collection) and CEO and Founder De’Vaughnn Williams launching her new brand, Audacious By Vaughnnie.

Williams’ brand launched with couture fascinators and hats, although Williams hinted at more to come.

Ebony Fashion Week’s mission is to normalize the exaltation of Black culture, history, art, and fashion in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. David Jackson of the Seattle Connected podcast was the black carpet correspondent, highlighting guests, models and designers.

Felicia Dennis said that she was “blown away” by the entire event: “It’s moving fashion foward, providing opportunities for those who are just coming straight into the industry and saying here’s a way you can express this, you can share your design.”

The event was bittersweet for model Jenei Mayberry from Tacoma. Her sister Niesha Zimmerman died from breast cancer four years ago, but before she did, they walked the Ebony Fashion Week runway together. Before the event she posted “this is for you” and “I love you and will continue to represent!!!!!” Ebony Fashion Week was Zimmerman’s last modeling role.

Guest Amanda Scott-Thomas said the event was a proud moment for her and the organization Community Aunties in Tacoma. She shared in a social media post that “two of our Miss Juneteenth participants applied and were chosen by local Seattle designers to showcase their fashions and walk the runway!”

The Miss Juneteenth participants who were chosen Imani Hunt and Chrystal Killebrew.

Williams is looking forward to her current project of launching her brand and expanding the Fostering Fashion campaign.

Dennis added that “I truly appreciate the opportunity, and I think what she’s doing is honestly beautiful and very unique because there’s not enough of us. There’s not enough people that are providing opportunities for people to share their stories and experiences that are real with foster kids in the community.”

Photo by: Victor Jones (@genericvik) Model Jenei Mayberry (@jenei_themodel_) on the runway wearing Audacious by Vaughnnie by designer De’Vaughnn Williams.

Ebony Fashion Week Founder introduces Felicia and Josey Dennis, EFW’s first Fostering Fashion family. Photo by: Victor Jones (@genericvick)

Model Osheea Davis (@osheeameriah) walks the runway at Ebony Fashion Week wearing ANIK Designs by Donnika Jackson. Photo by: Prince Davis. (@princedavis.work)

The Fostering Fashion family Josey and Felicia Dennis at Ebony Fashion Week. Photo by: Victor Jones (@genericvik)

De’Vaughnn Williams (top right) was honored with other prominent Black leaders in Federal Way at a Juneteenth event at the Knutzen Family Theatre this year. Photo provided by De’Vaughnn Williams.