
the
fashion laboratory.
The Fashion Lab was created for the legacy of the fierce 13 year old warrior, Journey Bessai GyeNyame Butler.

READY TO WERK?
Every pro was once an ametuer. However, to become the best, pros have guides. And that’s what the fashion laboratory is. Your inside guide to all things fashion, business and growth. With over 25+ combined years in the fashion and entertainment industry The Fashion Lab Pros are now using that experience to educate and properly equip the next generation of fashion trailblazers and icons. Our primary courses are below, but you can also check out our full line of offerings below.
We’re ready to werk! Are you?
PRODIGY
By the end of the Prodigy Course
You’ll Know:
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The “ins and outs” of the fashion industry, business and careers
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How to identify and cultivate relationships to expand business networks
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The basics of fashion theory and fashion history and how music, fashion and art are inextricably tied together
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How to produce an industry-level fashion show
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The basic competency of beginning fashion illustration and fashion/garment construction
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How to develop targeted brand strategies that align with brand goals and vision
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How to use proven public relations strategies to highlight and get your brand featured in the news
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The steps to create dynamic digital and social campaigns to build cult brand followings
Through project-based learning, each participant will learn to design and construct garments, develop strategic brand plans and marketing strategies, plan fashion events and sales, and learn about the career paths of fashion industry professionals. Both programs allow every participant to get real world experience from Fashion Design Director, Maggy François; and Creative Brand Strategist, Alechia Reese.
MASTERS
By the end of the Masters Course
You’ll Know:
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The process of scaling up in the fashion industry and business
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Outline and manage the fiscal responsibilities in building a reputable brand and business
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Interpret pattern instructions for layout, marking, cutting and fabricating textile projects
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How to fund industry-level fashion shows
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The advanced competency of fashion illustration and fashion/garment construction
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How to utilize relationships to increase business capital
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How to develop and execute targeted brand strategies that align with brand goals and vision
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How to use proven public relations strategies to highlight and get your brand featured in the news
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How to partner with corporations and industry influencers to expand brand awareness
-
The steps to create dynamic digital and social campaigns to build cult brand followings
Through project-based learning, each participant will learn to design and construct garments, develop strategic brand plans and marketing strategies, plan fashion events and sales, and learn about the career paths of fashion industry professionals. Both programs allow every participant to get real world experience from Fashion Design Director, Maggy François; and Creative Brand Strategist, Alechia Reese.
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WHO WE ARE.

Maggy "Fancy" François, creative director of Maggy Francois, LLC, a boutique fashion and event design firm that focuses on the comprehensive planning and design of fashion, social, corporate and non-profit events, activations, image consulting and styling for over 20 years. With unmatched talent and vision, she has been committed to “creating the unimaginable” with fashion’s biggest names, Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung Chee & Christian Siriano, Korto Momolu, NBC Fashion Star, Nikki Poulos, Betsey Johnson, Amsale Aberra, Francis Hendy, Jerell Scott, Reco Chapple, Tyra Banks, Carol Hannah Whitfield & well known local designers. Her ultimate goal was to always increase awareness and bring visibility to the fashion design industry through productions and education. From humble beginnings to soaring above and beyond to achieve her clients her wildest dreams, she continues to turn fantasy into reality and is instrumental in the selection, planning and development of every production. Francois is a visionary with unmatched talent and genius. With more than 20 years in the event planning, public relations and marketing industry, she draws people to brands, causes, events and ideas, by weaving in her certain "je ne sais quoi".
Maggy also brings visibility to the fashion and design industry as a stylist and casting director for commercials, productions and feature films. She’s the curator behind many successful young notable fashion hopefuls by education through design, and she’s also put together the looks for a plethora of other behind the scenes productions, designers and artists. The stylish beauty has worked the set of events & photo shoots for an array of magazine publications, CW Television, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fox 5, WUSA 9, Old Town Alexandria, Juicebox Communications and more. In addition, she has worked in collaboration with Monte Durham from "Say Yes to the Dress" for TLC Networks & Discovery Communications "Say Yes to the Prom" styling & overseeing designs for underprivileged youth. Maggy is also a part of Glamour Magazine for Glamour’s Popularizer 100 community and has been featured in a number of publications including Glamour Magazine, AOL City’s Best, Ebony Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Washington Post among many others.
MAGGY FRANÇOIS

A media personality, certified professional speaker and humanitarian she has hosted and curated award-winning entertainment and corporate activations. With a Master’s degree and ScrumMaster certification
Alechia’s skilled, fun, and energetic creative collaboration style has afforded her the opportunity to partner with and speak for a myriad of corporations & organizations from the entertainment stage to the corporate boardroom including Vogue Italia, UPS, the Miami Marlins, Grey Goose, Verizon, BET and more.
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She believes beyond empowerment it is necessary to properly equip all people to succeed and she's made it her lifelong mission to do so.
ALECHIA REESE
