Fashion Fete 2013 Interview #1: Dennis Arnold of The Lewis Butu Collection

According to Dennis that 'L' ain't for loser
it's for Lewis Butu! Recognize. -_-

Meet Dennis Arnold of The Lewis Butu Collection(I like the name. It sounds fancy). Dennis hails from Washington D.C. and specializes in Men's and unisex beaded jewelry. He established his company in 2008. First he started making jewelry for himself and eventually stumbled into making it a business. By following his passion he has made men's beaded jewelry his niche. Dennis had his own display booth at
Fashion Fete and also teamed up on the runway with RoyalT Wear and Team Africa.

Dennis told me that inspiration for his designs comes from God first and foremost. Ideas may come randomly when he starts stringing beads or he might make a mistake on something, start over and end up creating something even more awesome. Being a creative person myself I can totally relate to this. From browsing his website some of the beads he uses include Onyx stone beads, black Ebony wood beads, silver accent beadcaps, Bayong wood and bone beads. 

It was a pleasure interviewing Dennis. He was very cool, friendly and laid back with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Awesome characteristics for a small business owner to have. I'm sure his customers absolutely love him. 

The Lewis Butu Collection is currently available at LewisButu.com. To learn more about the brand visit: 

Instagram: @lewisbutucollection 

Facebook.com/lewisbutu

Recap: Fashion Fete NYC 2013

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Dress: Mandee

Shoes: JcPenney, Call it Spring

Purse: Moruka Designs

Jewelry: Forever 21

On Monday August 19th I attended Fashion Fete NYC 2013 at M1-5 Lounge, 52 Walker Street, NYC. Now what is Fashion Fete? Here's a little excerpt from their website:

"Fashion Fete is one of the most anticipated largest fashion and networking parties to hit the East Coast! In its 3 year tenure, it has quickly becoming the hottest summer events to grace the City that never sleeps. This year, the event is slated for August 19.



Fashion Fete NYC is the ultimate event for young urban professionals (21-45 years old) to mix, mingle, network and enjoy a mature atmosphere set to the backdrop of fashion at a swanky downtown venue where they encounter products and services that fulfill a life need or want.

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The event is attended by some of the tri-state area's top influencers and socialites, fashion and music industry execs, financiers, editors, models, photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, designer/stylists, entrepreneurs, etc.



If you're IN the fashion industry, this is the event for you.
If you're a business owner and would like to increase exposure for your business, this is the event for you. If you're simply a socialite and love to have a great time, this is the event for you."

It is coordinated by Tiffani Knowles(Executive Producer and Managing Editor of Newd Magazine), Wardell Duncan(Executive Producer and Pres/CEO of The Vision 3 Group and the founder of ZionSociety.Com), and Alicia Ramsay(Executive Assistant). I attended as a press blogger representing Moruka Designs and Fash Plus & had a great experience. Alicia was super attentive. I spotted her almost immediately upon entering M1-5 and she ushered me over to the Press/VIP area where she showed me around and gave me a rundown of the set up & press blogger duties. Additionally, she ushered interviewees over to the VIP section for interviews, making sure that needs were met. (Oh and she's Guyanese too. A+ Lady!!)


There were vendors,event sponsors, and giveaway sponsors which included Full 5 Media Group, B-Design Drafting Services, Smooth Contours, The Lewis Butu Collection, Cuff Em, 127 East makeup, Moruka Designs, Ministry New York and others, Designers included Rebirth by Kerry Donald, Yhanique Lopes, Khalil's Hatitude, B. Nathaniel BeSpoke, Timeless Elegance, B. Pretty Inc. and RoyalT Wear featuring Team Africa and The Lewis Butu Collection. I was able to interview 4 participants as well as take photos. I really enjoyed interviewing everyone and hearing their stories. They each impacted me in very different ways. 


All of the designs were wonderful but my favourite was Rebirth by Kerry Donald, I loved her neon dress and was so happy that I was able to interview her. Dennis Arnold of The Lewis Butu Collection was also a really awesome guy. I enjoyed interviewing him about his jewelry.

Me and Kerry Donald of Rebirth

I was accompanied by my home girl Latoya Ramos of Ministry New York & fellow press blogger for Fashion Fete. I loved her outfit. Thank you Divine for being our personal photographer!

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Now unto the threads...

Wobble wobble

Testing my lighting. My camera doesn't do too well in low light situations but that ain't gonna stop me. -_-

I will be doing four separate posts for each interviewee so they all get the shine they deserve. So stay tuned for the first one next week. Check out some more from Fashion Fete NYC 2013 here & here.