Creator & Producer
Dani Oliva
Danielle Wiggins is a self-taught designer, born in North Carolina and raised in Los Angeles, California. In 2009, Danielle created the line Dollface to cater to the young and trendy at heart, specializing in clothing made with comfort in mind. In, 2011 the concept of Dani Oliva was born to bring both high fashion pieces and custom designs specifically catered to the individual. Danielle is also one of the Creators/Producers of Emerge, visualising that one day, the fashion community will recognize the Emerge concept to open doors and bring opportunities to up and coming emerging designers.
For the 3rd annual EMERGE 2012, Danielle will showcase the Dani Oliva Spring/Summer 2012 collection. This collection is inspired by human anatomy and the art of movement, elegant silhouettes and soft airy fabrics.
Creator & Producer
Leluna Star
Since the beginning of EMERGE, Leluna Star has been a mirror image of how self-taught designer Lilu Jael lives her life...full of laughter, joy, excitement and passion. Growing up in New York, fashion has always been a part of her life. Being one of the Producers of EMERGE, Lilu has had the opportunity to showcase her designs as well as provide a stage for emerging designers in the fashion forward city of Raleigh, NC.
With this latest installment of EMERGE, Lilu Jael is showcasing her love for the classic lines from the moments of greatness in the past. Always considered an "old soul", Lilu Jael's accessory line and custom creations have taken a step back in history. Classic and elegant, all with Leluna Star's passionate twist.
Creator & Producer
Julkee
Julie Patel is a self taught designer residing in Raleigh, NC. Julie has managed to create her own clothing line 'Julkee'. Julkee supplies clothing for modern day women by combining a little edge with elegant and chic sophistication. She opened up a boutique in downtown Raleigh called Dapper Style house in 2010 which sells her brand and a handful of other women's and men's designer fashions.
Fashion Designer
LeNeva
Candice has always been interested in fashion since she was in the fourth grade where she started sketching designs that came to mind. That was the time where she was teaching herself how to sew and be creative. Candice could never afford to go out and buy fabric so she repurposed things such as curtains, old jeans, and sheets and made it into something new. Her mother then saw her talent and bought her a sewing machine. She is now continuing her career and studying Fashion Marketing and Management at the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham. She is always looking for opportunities that come her way.
Lead Hair Stylist & Makeup Director
Chablis Lovingood
Paul Mitchell Partner School graduate, Chablis Lovingood and her creative and artistic talent has touched many in North Carolina's local fashion industry. Emerge 2012 welcomes her as their Lead Hair Stylist and Makeup Director. Chablis' stand out professionalism has earned her the pleasure of being a part of multiple fashion shows such as Rebuild the Runway, Beautiful Chaos and Couture for a Cause 2009 and she has worked with local photographers including Mandy Paige, Dimitri Williams, Gus Samarco and Rodent. As an all around creative talent, Chablis not only specializes in artistic up-dos and hair styling, but has also mastered skills in body art, airbrushing and make-up artistry. While showcasing her skills and creativity in pin-up styling as the only hairstylist for Boudoir during Triangle Fashion Week in 2011, she also shines as Creative Director for hair and makeup fashion shows and photo shoots including Paul Mitchell's 2nd annual charity event fashion show.
As she continues to build her portfolio in upcoming shoots in 2012, she fosters her eye for style, art and creative concept and promises to bring this artistic flare to EMERGE 2012!
Creative Director/Stage Manager
Troy Jacques Jermaine
Troy Jacques Jermaine has been Creative Director/Stage Manager of EMERGE since 2009. In this role, Troy has the responsibility to deal with the creative aspects of the show including the communication, interactive design, and concept forward, as well as oversight of the promotions, marketing and advertising to his day-to-day responsibilities, acting as public relations specialists.
Prior to joining the EMERGE family, Troy worked as a freelance PR practitioner and Creative Director for clients that included: Dillards and Saks Fifth Avenue and had the opportunity to work New York Fashion Week, Charlotte Fashion Week.
Media Director
Tom King
Tom King is an interesting fellow. He can wear many hats at the same time. Whether this talent is by choice or by necessity is for someone else to determine. Regardless, Tom has deep roots in design and publication, beginning with basic HTML and his first editorial design at age 11. As the years passed, he refined his design skills and migrated to more advanced development languages, including CSS and Javascript. He also embraces PHP and tries to absorb as much knowledge as can. After all, technology is the field where the learning never ends.
Aside from design, Tom is a bassist/backing vocalist for the blackened death metal band Esoteric Burial. He also contributed with the band Exempt and has a three-EP set to be revealed in due course. With his background in graphic design and font-end development, and unquenchable thirst for artistic expression, Tom is a quick learner with endless creative energy. He's undoubtedly a big believer in following your passions and doing what you love.
DJ KStones
A 2007 Alumna from East Carolina University with a double major in PR and Broadcast Performance, DJ KStones has been described as one of the hottest female DJ's in the nation according to the Carolina Promoter. Many know of DJ KStones and even if you don’t recognize the name, you've likely still danced to her tunes at many venues in North Carolina. With a long list of accolades including serving as the general manager and Hip Hop Director of WZMB 91.3 FM; the recipient of the 2011 Carolina Music Awards DJ of the Year, and the 2011 Raleigh Downtowner Favorite; DJ KStones has been rocking the hottest parties & planning some of the triad’s most elite events including: Soundfest, M.A.D, and Pretty in Pink. In addition, she’s been the driving force behind bringing major artists to the Triangle such as the Nappy Roots.
In 2011 DJ KStones dropped her highly anticipated Mixtape series entitled: 'THE BLACK DRESS' — which showcased her eclectic music taste and talent. The CEO of N The Mix Events, a well rounded event company that specializes in private parties, fundraisers, corporate events, weddings and more with distinct class and new age appeal, DJ KStones breathes personality into every event, whether it is a business conference, a high energy club setting, or anything in between.