“Thou anointest mine head with oil; my cup runneth over,” Psalm 23:5.
Sunday March 13, 2022, the city of Atlanta witnessed something that rocked the core of the fashion industry. What is usually seen on the runways and catwalks most times lack diversity and is often stuck on wash, rinse and repeat. However, what was e
xhibited at the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta on this wonderful date brought an electric charge that informed you that everything was orchestrated by the divine will of God. That divine act was the Burghalie Resort fashion show.
The energy within the Biltmore hotel was buzzing with both excitement and anticipation, as people from all walks and backgrounds had gathered together to witness the creative eye and mind of Rashaad Burghalie, the visionary of Burghalie Ensemble. A platform that he built to not only showcase his genius, but the talent of other designers and models as well. With the look of excitement plastered over this incredible icon’s face, he graced through the lobby area in a tailored blue suit, commanding everyone’s attention because his presence electrified the room and shifted the atmosphere. His personality was down-to-earth, yet his energy spoke in a strong whisper that simply said ,’you are in the presence of royalty.’ Like royalty, he hand picked other royals to showcase and bedazzle the audience with talented works of art from their own collections.
“It was all a dream, I used to read WordUp! Magazine,” The Notorious B.I.G
It was almost as if it was a dream that had manifested into the realm of reality. Beyond the busy Atlanta traffic and the illuminating skyline, the buzz of Burghalie was vibrating through the corridors of the midtown Atlanta area. The natural decor mixed with the creative works of the designers pleased every visual and gustatory senses of the audience. The crafted
clothing, the gliding of the models as if they were ascending and descending from clouds made of pure gold. This was a show that not only entertained and amazed, but also hypnotized the audience. With the elite designs from: SMURNA, Mainly Razedabar, Cacosh Kids, Alone U.$.A, Life After Earth, Alani Taylor, Original Kurrencci, Ordiefly Apparel, Blue Hill and Burghalie. These ten designers brought the anointing and grace of their gift and showed us that fashion is how you design it to be.
With the show being divided into two acts, the intermission allowed the audience to see a side of the fashion industry that is borderline non-existent. Unlike other major brands, Burghalie Resort rallied the attention of everyone with a gentle yet powerful voice, and championed for the charity, Atlanta Angels. A non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Atlanta Angels specialize in matching foster kids with foster homes with the ultimate goal of helping each child find a forever home. This act of charity wasn’t done for hype, nor was it pandering for clout; this act of charity was an act of the heart that showed that the epi-center of this show was human kindness, love and creativity.
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With the vision being manifested from the mind of Rashaad Burghalie to the halls of the Biltmore Hotel, the show was absolutely delicious. Never dropping the attention of the onlookers, both models and designers delivered a level of excellence that is unrivaled and unmatched. With that much talent, we can be sure to see more great things from each designer and especially from Rashaad Burghalie and Burghalie Ensemble.