On June 22, 2013, April Smith—founder and designer of Butterfly Cosmetics—pre-launched her new summer fashion line Laschon Kouture. This event was held at the beautiful Future Vision’s venue on 1212 Fowler Street. Laschon Kouture is a new high-end summer clothing line that consists of floral dresses, cover-ups, tops, and swimsuits. Some impressive productions help sponsor the event including Moda Imaging, CFOX Productions, Algernon Johnson of Sir Algernon and Markel’s Mobile Make-Up. It was a nice atmosphere. The models looked fierce as they began to strut the new fashions down the runway. Smith speaks more in depth about her fashion line. She says her inspiration for starting her new line came when she was trying to find cloths for herself. Smith explains, “You always go and see something that you like and buy. It’s not until you buy it that you realize that you really don’t like it after all. Along with my cosmetic line, this is what really motivated me in starting my own fashion line.” Smith’s new line includes pieces custom made for the body. When ordering, one must give specific body measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Laschon Kouture will go to a size 12 in women. However, Smith knows that not all women are between the sizes of 0-12. When asked about plus sizes she said, “Many people ask me, why you cannot go higher in the sizes. I am working on that!” To all the plus size boo’s, do not worry! In addition to Smith’s regular line, she is also working on a plus size line. A portion of the proceeds from Laschon Kouture fashion show will go to the JV Outreach. The JV Outreach program is a non-profit organization that focuses on making a difference with young people through dance. Shoni Hymes, the assistant coordinator behind the fashion show, says that the partnership with the organization was mainly here idea. She believes that diversity should be seen in people’s music, dance, and their lives. Hymes says it was the outreaches belief in diversity that ultimately influenced her and Smith’s decision in partnering with JV outreach:
“I met Jacqueline Vargas, the founder of JV Outreach, through a salsa friend of mine. JV Outreach teaches children different cultures of dance. And I love to dance! The beauty of her organization is that it started in an after school program. Now Metro Atlanta school district is thinking about putting the JV Outreach program in all the schools. I think that it is awesome!”
So what’s the 411 on April Smith and her line? Let’s just say keep an eye for Laschon Koutour fashion line fashion lovers! Laschon Koutour will make its full launch in September. And as always, Y.U.L. radio will be right there to keep you posted.
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