There is something electric about being right in the thick of the action, camera in hand, freezing moments of pure artistry. This year, FTM Fashion Week Season 13: "Fashion Around the World" at the Jacksonville Country Club raised the bar higher than ever, uniting global cultures, bold runway designs, and unforgettable creative personalities under one roof.
As the photographer and videographer capturing the visuals from high-stakes runway looks to the vibrant artist interviews conducted by Lanatria I had a front-row seat to an absolute masterpiece of an event.
Setting the Tone: Hosted by Caribbean Cowgirl
Every great showcase needs a steady captain, and Season 13 found its heartbeat on stage with our host, the one and only Lanatria Ellis aka Caribbean Cowgirl. Bringing her signature charisma, style, and unmatched energy, she kept the crowd locked in and the momentum flowing seamlessly from the red carpet to the final walk. Watching her command the room and vibe with the audience is always a highlight, and she brought an extra layer of sparkle to an already dazzling night.
Star-Studded Energy and Creative Powerhouses
Spotlight on the Visionary: Latoya Scott
Behind every successful season is an unstoppable drive. Latoya Scott—founder and CEO of FTM Fashion Week and Editor-in-Chief of Farbe Magazine—is the heartbeat of this movement. As an award-winning military spouse, business strategist, and passionate advocate for the arts, Latoya has built FTM from the ground up into Eastern North Carolina's premier fashion platform. Her vision goes far beyond the runway; she creates a launching pad for emerging models,designers, and creatives, proving season after season what happens when vision and community align.
Special Shoutout to DeNelle Lunsford for delivering incredible artistry on hair and makeup, creating polished, show-stopping looks that brought every designer's visual vision to life under the stage lights.
The Salt and Pepper Gang
Bringing unmatched flavor, presence, and timeless sophistication to the event. Shoutout to Timmy Riley, Charles "Pictureman" Harris, Kevin Robinson (aka Chief Big Fella), Rico Davis, and John Cunningham Jr. for setting the standard on style and atmosphere
Michelle Collins-Windle:
A phenomenal force of creativity who added immense grace and inspiration to the lineup. Michelle is a celebrity fashion designer known for her bold, vibrant work with MCWOriginal. She is particularly celebrated for her striking Ankara African attire, abstract color palettes, and distinct runway silhouettes that blend comfort, elegance, and confidence.
Sergio Delavicci:
Bringing Hollywood star power and top-tier runway experience, SAG-AFTRA actor (John Wick 3) and international model Sergio Delavicci elevated the night with his commanding presence on the red carpet.
Marcellus Walters: Showcasing exceptional design work that truly embodied the global, boundary-pushing theme of the season.
Najee of Street Corner Fashions: Bringing unforgettable runway flavor with designs that perfectly captured raw style, edge, and high-energy fashion.
Capturing the Culture Behind the Lens
From the meticulous styling of the backstage glam team to the vibrant international threads commanding the runway, Season 13 was a true testament to what happens when community and high fashion collide.
I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of the magic we captured. Take a moment to enjoy the recap videos below, and if you love what you see, please share this post with your friends, family, and fellow creatives!