MogulCon is an annual conference dedicated to bringing entrepreneurs, influencers, and emerging leaders together. This year’s three-day event focused on honoring the moguls who have put in the work over the years and continue to help others along the way. Although there were several workshops over the week, the conference ended in a night full of fashion.
The Fashion Showdown was founded by Chekesha Johnson and was hosted this year by Berry Dynamic. Sponsored by MogulCon, guests were able to enjoy a fashion event which showcased clothing designs from various up-and-coming designers. The winner could walk away with a cash prize and a major opportunity at New York Fashion Week.
Several participating designers took their creations to the next level by creating a story behind each design. Each item of clothing was modeled on the runway and scored by celebrity judges such as Jiggy Jones, Cristyl Kimbrough, Alani Taylor, and Gary With Da Tea.
Rolling out caught up with Rashaad Burghalie, the winner of the fashion showdown to find out more about the inspiration behind his designs.
How does it feel to win a cash prize and an opportunity to NYFW for your fashion designs?
Rashaad Burghalie: It’s a surreal feeling to watch something start as an idea, actually make it, and then see it on stage exactly how you imagined it. I truly can’t put it into words.
Please describe the inspiration behind one of your favorite designs?
Burghalie: This look is called “heavenly bodies.” In 2018, the Met Gala theme was Heavenly Bodies so I didn’t get to design for anyone, but if I would have gotten a call last minute, this would be the design that I would make. It took me eight hours to make this. I decided to use the color brown because in biblical times the peasants would wear brown dirty rags, so I wanted to contradict that with something more royal with gold, crosses, and elegance.
When did you know being a fashion designer was your passion?
Burghalie: Honestly, I tried sports, and I was okay at all the sports, but I was never good at a particular sport. I couldn’t even run; couldn’t do track or cross country. So, then I started designing and I saw how I felt when I made things and I saw how I made other people feel. It was very satisfying, and I just wanted to keep doing it.
