ANN LEISTER
Ann Leister is the owner and director of
Splash Model Management and has produced
or co-produced muliple fashion shows; including a show for Operation Smile featuring designers including Versace, Missoni, Moschino and others.
In addition, she has cast actors and models in regional and national commercials, TV shows, magazines and ad campaigns. She has a BA from The College of William & Mary and experience in real estate, advertising, human resources, video production, and the arts.
Having attended and studied fashion events in New York including Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, as well as shows in Washington DC, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami, Ann created the concept that has become VA Fashion Week as a way to bring NY style fashion shows to the Hampton Roads area and to spotlight the design talent, models, and creative talent that call this region home.
For 2010, Ann is working with each designer to make every show a unique experience and every featured designer a "star"!
RON COOKE
Ron Cooke is a nationally recognized fashion coordinator and stylist to
the celebrities having produced fashion shows during New York’s Fashion Week as well as in DC, Atlanta, Miami, and other regions. His
company Rogue Productions has worked with world renown designers, politicians, athletes, musicians, and actors. Ron is also an established stylist having dressed an assortment of
today’s hottest celebrities including Alicia Keys, Danny Glover, Lela Rashon and many others for various magazines, commercials, and events. Ron has worked with Ann on VA Fashion Week from the first show on.
Ron will be coordinating many of the boutique shows, several designer shows, as well as organizing many of the backstage activities in VA Fashion Week.
PATRICK MAMOU
Patrick Nolan Mamou heads The Marketing Group, LLC (TMG). Mamou serves the 2010 VAFW team as Marketing Director for state-wide events and as Event Producer for the Richmond segment. Previously, Patrick assisted
Ann as Event Producer for the 2008 VAFW Kick-Off Fashion Show at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The surname, Mamou, derives from the name of a Louisiana town. Informally, the phrase the big ma·mou [b́g m? moo ]
signifies ‘the key element’ or ‘most crucial thing’. TMG has positioned itself as a key element in achieving larger-than-life branding and exposure for a broad spectrum of world-class organizations, products, and
events in the region including Crown Royal, Virginia First Financial, YMCA, and The Big Apple Classic.
LILLY RUSCO
Lilly Ruscois founder and CEO of ECS Events Limited, a full-service marketing and special events firm.
"We service clients throughout Hampton Roads and the Common-wealth, and other states, offering special event design and production-for large scale production and smaller gatherings-including corporate affairs and meetings, product launches, charity galas
and private social events, all with imaginative decor, customized gourmet cuisine and unparalleled service."
Lilly and Ann have worked together on previous fashion events including the 2007 and 2009 VA Fashion Week. As the event coordinator, Lilly will be involved in the marketing, set-up and planning as well as the backstage organization.
KIM ALLEY
Kim Alley was scouted by the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City, and stayed with Eileen Ford for several months to compile her portfolio.
Traveling through Europe as a fashion model, Kim set the stage for her success by landing high profile campaigns for Lancôme, Evian, and Benetton and was featured in such top
fashion magazines as French Vogue, Italian Vogue, Italian Bazaar, and American Elle. Her modeling career took her all over the world: from Europe to the Mediterranean, from
Japan to Australia. In 1993, using her vast experience of the fashion industry, Kim helped start a Richmond, VA modeling and talent agency.
Kim's career transformed in 1995, when she was asked to work at Paris USA Models in New York, this time as an agent. She continued to work as an agent for other well-established
companies in New York, such as Bryan Bantry, APM Models and Elite for another ten years. Currently Kim specializes in scouting and placing models with top NY, LA, and FL agencies.
Kim will be a judge and co-coordinator of the "Catwalk Competition" as well as working with Ann on the Richmond show during VA Fashion Week.
TIM REID
Tim Reid Emmy-nominated actor, director and producer, has been a mainstay in the entertainment industry. He came to fame as "Venus Flytrap," on "WKRP in Cincinnati“ and in many
other television series, including "Simon & Simon," "Frank's Place," and "Sister, Sister.“ In addition Reid has written, directed and produced for TV and film.
In 1997, Reid took a giant step as Founder and President of New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia, becoming a major player in the business of independent movie making.
DAWNITA XAMILIA ALSTON
Photographer Dawnita Xamilia Alston Having over 15 years experience and completing courses at the CACVA, Xamilia has adapted her own style and has become one of Virginia's most renowned
fashion,commercial and high impact portrait photographers her style and expertise in lighting has won her numerous awards for her work which was featured in today's photographer magazine.
Her style and expertise sets her apart from the rest. Being a former model herself gives her and edge in relating to models and creating some of the most prolific model portfolios ever.
Her work from various ad campaigns include such as Discount Auto Sounds Mobile Electronics, MA audio, and many more. IN THE WORDS OF FAMED PHOTOGRAPHER SANT'E D'ORAZIO whose client list include celebrities like Lisa Marie Presley, Naomi Campbell, Janet Jackson, John Travolta and a host of many more has stated "XAMILIA HAS A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHIC EYE".
"I LOVE THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF MAKING AN IMAGE AND SEEING THE BEAUTY IN ALL THINGS BRINGING IT THROUGH IN AN IMAGE CONVEYING WHAT THE IMAGE SAYS IS FASCINATING !"
CHRIS WILMER
Chris Wilmer has been in the entertainment and fashion industry for over 20 years, working and residing in over 26 cities around the world.
He has appeared in movies, television, magazines, catalogs, billboards, store fronts, commercials, music videos, and runways worldwide. He is also Style
Editor for “V Magazine for Women” and Director of Miss Virginia United States. Chris will be coordinating individual shows in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Roanoke during VA Fashion Week.
TIA MARIA
Tia Maria is a makeup artist and hair stylist, her free-lance work consisting of print, television, theater, runway, bridal, teaching as well as working with some of Boston, NY, & VB top salons, modeling agencies, and social lights.
"My goal is to maintain a level in my profession at which I will continue to create new opportunities & looks for celebrities and the world of high fashion. As well as, making a difference for the everyday client and those in need."
She has accomplished the effect in creating a diverse range of looks from clean and classic to cutting edge. As a multi-versed artist, Tia has truly become an expert at blending colors to produce a smooth, airbrushed look. With a collaborated approach, a natural joi de vivre, and a passion for the art of cosmetics, Tia is a favorite amongst her clients who include
Lady GaGa, Cyndy Lauper, Cher, Ashanti, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, Ashlee Simpson, and many others from the worlds of media, sports, politics, and entertainment.
SNAIL MAIL:
Splash Model Management
3419 Virginia Beach Blvd. # 149
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
