New York City, NY –Design the Dream, philanthropic fashion collaboration between fashion
designer, Gwen Beloti, and fashion editor/handbag designer, Eboyné Jackson, wraps photo
shoot for publicity campaign with Amanda Seales (formally Amanda Diva). Better known in the
industry as “Renaissance woman,” Amanda Seales is the first face to represent the Design the
Dream initiative. She successfully made a career out of creating quality work rooted in class,
humor and hip-hop. Amanda has been the face of hip-hop on MTV2, interviewing many relevant
R&B artists, was in the musical group Floetry, and has been a poetic lyricist on Def Jam Poetry.
“I am honored to be a part of the Design the Dream campaign. I knew right away that it
was definitely a cause I would support. I also LOVE Gwen’s work! It is the perfect combo of
feminine and fly, sexy and subtle,” Amanda says.
Amanda Seales is featured in an exclusive DTD piece created by Gwen Beloti, a free flowing
cocktail dress with sequin trimming and checkered strap back detail, along with a Daughter of
Zion Luxury handbag, an exotic peacock inspired handbag made from fine leather, festooned in
iridescent trim. The DTD dress is now available for purchase at Smashing Darling
((http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/gwen-beloti-collection), and select boutiques in
NYC. The dress will also debut live in Gwen Beloti’s spring 2012 collection, along with a luxury
handbag from Daughter of Zion by Eboyné Jackson during New Jersey Fashion Week Oct 9th-
13th. A portion of the proceeds will benefit two organizations near and dear to the creators’ hearts;
Little Dresses for Africa and Adonai Partners. Both Gwen and Eboyné are passionate beyond
measure about this collaboration and project. In keeping with the goal of DTD, these two women
want to do their part in helping those in need. Their mission throughout the Design the Dream
campaign is to bring awareness to their prospective charities.
All pre-order purchases of the dress will get an automatic 10% off the regular sale price, and will
receive an additional 10% online with the following promo code: DTD12AD. In addition, regular
orders will be available online and in select stores in spring 2012.
The Design the Dream campaign photo shoot was creatively directed by DTD organizers, Gwen
and Eboyne’ and was photographed by Larry Wright, along with Videographer, Initital Wesley
The glam squad consisted of hair stylist, Latifah Adbur; make-up artist, Kellie Muse; and
wardrobe (accessory stylist) Yanni J.
ABOUT THE CHARITIES:
Little Dresses for Africa (LDFA) a non-profit 501c3, Christian-based organization that provides
relief to children in Africa. LDFA distributes dresses made out of pillowcases to orphanages;
churches and schools to bring promise and hope to the young girls of Africa. To date, LDFA has
received 300,000 little dresses and distributed to 28 countries in Africa. The organization now
distributes britches to boys and much more.
Adonai Partners both a mission and development agency dedicated to working with churches
and missionaries to begin church movements in regions of Africa least exposed to the gospel and
love of Jesus Christ. Adonai provides medical outreach for those affected by HIV/AIDS and
mobilizes prayer movements to show the love of Jesus to vulnerable families and children.
Image credit Larry Wright and text: Dorcey Kuti of Gazelle PR
