Vernell Washington brings FASHION and FLAIR from Nigeria to the US in GRAND DIVA STYLE!
No matter what your destination – from Paris to Peru – a show-stopping hat assures you’ll be arriving in style, according to globetrotting apparel representative Vernell Washington. And, she should know. Always smartly clad in boldly hued apparel with sophisticated silhouettes, typically accessorized with a flamboyant hat, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) graduate roams the world – on one whirlwind adventure after the next. As a highly attentive personal shopper, she traipses the planet for unique clothes, accessories and home furnishings. But it’s her stylish hats that have made her known to many as the Grand Diva.
When the Philadelphia native found herself in faraway exotic Nigeria, her enthusiastic and fun-loving nature caught the attention of Grace Mark, one of Africa’s most renowned milliners. Mark saw the dazzling diva as the key to open doors in the United States and beyond. Simultaneously, Vernell had put on her own “thinking cap.” As she eyed the wondrous millinery collection she visualized a booming global market for the haute headgear. The pair bonded by a mutual respect for creativity and craftsmanship – and a love for chic couture chapeaux.
The former owner of Lady Beale’s School of Modeling possessed the finesse and flair to not only model Grace’s hats, but also a history of producing jaw dropping fashion shows. Under the representation of Grand Diva Enterprises Mark’s fanciful hats have made their rounds at the Atlanta Steeplechase, the Kentucky Derby, European Royal Ascot, Alpha Kappa Alpha & Delta Sorrority Conventions, Jack and Jill of America Conventions, fashion shows in the Caribbean, exhibits at historic venues such as Archibald Smith Plantation and teas and cultural events. Grace Mark even received nods and a special letter from The First Lady, Michelle Obama, who Grace had the honor of styling with one of her unique chapeaux recently. The noted clotheshorse finds inspiration as she treks distant ports of call – piping into social happenings with A-list audiences where she can showcase Grace’s hats.
With heads thrust high – Grand Diva Enterprises’ models strut catwalks from charity events to fireworks festivals. Whimsy and elegance stamp each hat show – as every style imaginable – from sculpted plumed hats to those that look like giant woven baskets – parade the runway. And, oh yes, the Grand Diva herself performs in every production. Vernell Washington is turning heads at a phenomenal pace – launching international shows slated to roll into Los Angeles, London and New York and other hot spots on the map.
When she’s not logging frequent flier miles, Vernell is firmly grounded – volunteering and devoting her time to community service. Among the many organizations she is involved in, Hat Ladies of Roswell is known for its social activism. Vernell’s compassionate drive also nurtures programs for Childkind, an organization dedicated o the plight of medically fragile children, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Fund-raising efforts that elevate breast cancer, lung cancer and autism awareness are also paramount to Vernell’s mission. The Grand Diva’s bright aura and equally colorful chapeaux uplifts the spirits of everyone whose lives she touches. For more information on Vernell Washington and GrandDiva Enterprises, visit www.granddivaenterprises.com.