Before we delve into the business aspect of your company, give our readers some insight into the man behind the brand. Are you originally from New York?
Yes, I was born and raised in Harlem, New York. I also lived in Los Angeles from 1988-1995, which is where I learned a lot about fashion, music, film television, press/media, and more.
Q: What is your professional background?
As a child growing up, I always expressed a desire to become a world-renowned architect. I once imagined that I would have an impact on my hometown’s world-famous skyline by designing a magnificent office tower or, better yet, a sports and entertainment complex. However, after attending college in Los Angeles, I began to take on new and exciting interests, one of which evolved into the designing and subsequent building of a first-class business.
Q: You are both a Brand Producer and Publicist. Do you view this as a hobby or a lifestyle?
First, and foremost, as a Producer and Publicist, I consider it to be a major lifestyle commitment that carries an exceptional level of focus, dedication, and responsibility in terms of leading by example, whether it be to a group of talented people, or for an event, that requires a certain level of skill and ability.
Q: How did you come up with the unique name of Xpozure for your company?
Now THAT’S a great question! While living in L.A., I had the privilege of learning the landscape of the sports and entertainment industry. It was during that time that I chose to start up my very own event management and marketing company, Xpozure Entertainment, Inc. The name “Xpozure” came about as an idea of wanting to “open doors of opportunities” for people trying to break into the business, and by giving them a chance to become successful in an industry of their choice. Of course, with myself playing an instrumental role in providing all the necessary professional guidance and support needed to make it all come together.
Q: What was it like producing your first fashion show, and did you immediately get the “This is for Me” vibe?
Well, my first-ever produced show was very stressful on me, as I worked tirelessly to make sure everything had to be absolutely perfect! As the show date was steadily approaching, I can remember staying up late at night regularly checking my “things to do” list — stage/runway setup, lighting and sound, designers’ collections, model rehearsals, creative looks for makeup and hair, and then right before the show — seating arrangements, which is, by no means, a very easy thing to do. After the show was over, and with all the positive and supportive feedback I received … I knew that producing shows was going to be something I could see myself doing as a professional career for a very long time.
Q: What are your thoughts on helping emerging designers?
I truly love watching emerging designers start out in the fashion industry. I look for qualities such as the ability to stay humble, patient, and committed to their craft. Trust me, from what I’ve seen with many designers … It’s a very competitive field for one to establish oneself. It requires not just talent, but plenty of resources to maintain relevancy, including financial.
Q: What are the ups and downs of working with aspiring models trying to break into the industry?
Well, I can tell you from my 10 years of being a Talent Manager, it was not always a great day at the office — having to deal with plenty of egos and insecurities amongst models whom, at most times, wanted to be the number one option. However, I was still willing to invest the necessary time, energy, and resources into scheduling photo shoots for use with portfolio books and comp cards, sending out memos for castings, and in several cases having to be a counselor to give all my clients equal opportunities to do well. Then again, when I look back on everything, I’ve had several good experiences with all of them, which makes it all worth it in the end.
Q: Do you like to collaborate with other producers?
Yes, I sure do. I’ll tell you why: I’ve always taken a lot pride in watching very carefully how other producers work, prior to or on day of show, so that I may be able to learn the many different aspects of their production in real-time. Then, when it’s time for me to take on the role of primary Producer, I’ll take those experiences and find ways of applying them into my own shows.
Q: What are your views on digital fashion?
I’ve not yet fully tested the growing landscape that is “digital fashion”. However, it’s definitely something I plan to become more familiar with as it becomes more universally common, and find opportunities to implement it into my repertoire.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration for your locations?
I’m very much into classy, elegant, and intimate venues that best represent my show’s brand, image, and likeness. Case in point, look no further than my selection in choosing the location for my upcoming March 7th show for Paris Fashion Week 2025 … Hôtel Napoléon Champs-Élysées Paris.
Q: Can you share a bit about the selection process for the designers, and what qualities you look for in their work?
I’ve always maintained a very thoughtful and respectful approach towards selecting designers that I believe truly represent the world of High Fashion, with a look and style that appeals to an audience, such as my own, both on a domestic and now international level.
Q: Since the runway is basically a competition, how do you select designers and do you have designers flooding your emails for opportunities to showcase their collections in your shows?
Over the years, when it comes to the runway and backstage, I’ve experienced various levels of intense competition amongst designers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists, etc. … with all of them bringing their own personality and passion into full-focus for everyone to take notice of.
Q: How do you make your shows memorable for both the designers and the audience?
By ensuring that every person that participates, attends, and covers my shows has a great experience, and that everyone is to be treated with professional courtesy and respect. That has always been my goal.
Q: What are the difficulties that come with being a Producer?
Very simple: Having full involvement in every aspect of the production, from start to finish. It is a huge responsibility, and not made for just anyone. In my opinion, one must possess a special desire and mental capacity to walk into the fire and possibly having to put out that fire. Especially when the heat of that very same fire becomes so hot and intense that it only takes a battle-tested person to really know how to handle it.
Q: How do you see your brand evolving in the future, and what are your hopes for its impact on the fashion scene?
Right now, after producing many shows in the United States, I’m very interested in taking our show’s brand on the road to global markets around the world, and to explore more opportunities for us to appeal to an international audience.
Q: If you could collaborate on a show with a group of designers or fashion icon, past or present, who would it be and why?
My future plans are to assemble a group of designers whom I’ve worked with regularly over the years, and then partner up with fashion iconic names/brands like The Oscars, The Met Gala, Cannes Film Festival, and Vogue Magazine. It’s hard to say whom a specific individual I would want for this area of interest, so I’m just gonna leave that part to be determined.
Q: I know if I ask you this next question you are going to pull out a scroll. What shows have you produced?
NYC Live! @ Fashion Week, Miami Splash: Dive Into Fashion, L.A. Live! @ 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend, San Francisco Live! @ Super Bowl 50 Weekend, and just recently, An Olympic Night of Fashion – Paris 2024, just to name a few.
Q: NYC Live! @ Fashion Week just recently expanded to Paris, and is now an international brand. What’s the level of excitement?
Yes indeed. Absolutely! I can honestly tell you that an abundance of hard work has been put in over the years in order for us to take our show to a brand new level … After producing a show during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics this past August, it was indeed a jump-start to where we’re now headed … right back to Europe on March 7th for Paris Fashion Week 2025.
Q: What’s your best tip for any aspiring entrepreneur who wants to launch a business on a shoestring budget?
First and foremost, you must take into account the need to be fiscally responsible for any known or unknown production costs that will come with any venture that you decide to take part in.
Q: How and when do you start preparing for NYFW?
Over the years, in between the two (2) seasons in New York City — September (Spring/Summer) and February (Fall/Winter), respectively … I’ve usually started working on our S/S show in early Spring (April), and for our F/W show in late Fall (November).
Q: Do you have a team who assists you in preparing for a showcase to coordinate with the designers models, makeup/hair, sponsors, DJ and PR agencies?
Yes indeed. Thankfully, I’ve got a great group of talented and dedicated people whom have been part of our Production Team for nearly twenty (20) years.
Q: So what goes into producing a runway show?
A lot of preparation: First, a review and selection of a great venue. Then proceed with a process of determining the caliber of talent and show preparation needed — designers, models, creative looks, runway setup, advertising, etc.
Q: Designers like to use celebrity, aka professional models. How does that affect your job?
Yes, I’m familiar with that initial idea that’s considered at first. But it does not always come to fruition, as most celebrities are not always readily available when requested or invited to participate.
Q: So in general, what’s the model selection like?
I ALWAYS look for a Model Presentation Package that includes a Comp Card, Portfolio Book, Runway Video, and of course, preferably an in-person audition at one of our castings. That way, I can see for myself that such a candidate has the look, ability, charisma, and salesmanship to truly “bring it to the runway”, which is most important.
Q: Everyone’s thinking of that Instagram moment. How do you ensure the designers that the models will not post their garments before the show?
It is part of my policy, if you will, to instruct model participants to put their camera phones away, further ensuring no photos are taken whatsoever of themselves or others, while wearing a designer’s garment before it’s even shown on the runway. Their Instagram moment is strictly for the audience, and for the most part, the Press/Media there in attendance to take highlight photos and video of the show.
Q: What is FASHION WEEK like for a runway show producer in New York, as opposed to other cities?
It’s distinguished only by geography in terms of the energy and fashion-forward makeup of that particular city. However, in New York, it’s magnified many times over because it’s the media capital of the world.
Q: What are some typical challenges that arise for you during Fashion Week?
Just knowing that there are so many other shows that are sometimes going on at the same time, on the same day. That can become a little hectic for Press/Media members that do their very best to cover multiple shows a day all across the city.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working in PR?
Just knowing that you fulfilled a promise to get your clients and show participants the type of quality exposure they deserve. Especially after all of the hard work that you and everyone else put into reaching a common goal: success!
Q: Do you come up with the looks in collaboration with the designer and stylist(s)? Or is it left to your discretion? If so, what is that collaborative process like?
Not at all. I always leave the level of creativity and sole discretion to the designer. That keeps things in a good place.
Q: What types of challenges arise in styling hair for fashion shows?
Only in the case of whether there may be a potential discrepancy in the preferred hair styling looks for other designers that are participating in the same show.
Q: What’s something about production that many of us might not know?
There’s always an opportunity for one to learn the true ins and outs of a show by being there behind the scenes to see them all play out in real-time.
Q: You’ve worked on many shows until now. Are there any in particular that have left a lasting impression?
Yes. The one show I think of most times is actually our inaugural season of NYC Live! @ Fashion Week — February 13th, 2015, which took place during the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend in New York City.
Q: What do you think is the value of a fashion show?
To get full value of the production by making sure that all of the essential show components are in the right place, before and on the day of show. This will ensure a smooth and well-run event.
Q: What’s next for NYC Live! show after Paris?
Not too sure just yet, as it may be too early to tell. But please stay tuned!
Q: The best part of your job?
Total success for everyone involved.
Q: How do you see yourself continuing in the fashion world as it consistently evolves? AI, for example.
Well, for me, I’ve always focused my energy on staying true to my beliefs as a talented writer, and a Show Producer, with a major emphasis being placed on structure, organization, and execution. As a Publicist, I’m very big on ensuring event information is accurate, concise, and most importantly, interesting. Knowing the fashion industry trends and seasons are always changing with the times, I make it my business to constantly stay in the know, and go with the flow. Yes indeed. Absolutely!
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Tickets: https://nycliveatfashionweekinparis-fallwinter2025.eventbrite.com
