Corhinn Bruno could gloat if she wanted to, but modesty lies in her breast. The media mogul and fashion industry entrepreneur is the mastermind behind the CCWC Trunk Show, a fashion showcase extravaganza that has been taking place in South Florida in the past three years. She’s successfully molded it from start-up level to an event that many consider to be a staple in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami fashion scene. Emerging fashion designers from Miami, LA, Port-au-Prince—and as far as West Africa—assembled at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale last month, and showed off their collection of jewelry, accessories, men and women’s wear.
Above: Fashion and media entrepreneur Corhinn Bruno (with black top) on stage at the CCWC Trunk Show.
One of the factors that makes the CCWC Trunk Show standout is that each year, the entrepreneur hand-picks a cause to which she donates part of the proceeds from the show. This year’s edition of the CCWC Trunk show, for example, benefited the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc and the year before that Free Yourself Women’s Foundation, an organization that financially helps women fleeing domestic violence–was the beneficiary. The show’s attendees are also treated to a musical performance. The group Dat7 provided entertainment for this year’s event.
Now that Corhinn has had the chance to breathe after putting on yet another spectacular show for her fans, she’s able to give me a rundown of how things went down. And most of all, how it all started.
Kreyolicious: Now, what made you start the CCWC trunk show?
I was looking to create a platform where women who were part of my club were able to expose their small businesses to the world at an affordable price. The CCWC Trunk Show was created out of pure necessity, really. I will never forget our first one in 2012. It was small. However, everyone enjoyed themselves, and it has become what it is today because of the support of my community. Moreover, I can proudly say that I never do anything without giving back to my community. Since day one we have donated to causes that the world can relate to and this year we’ve honored the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention Inc.
Kreyolicious: What surprised you about this year’s edition?
Well, the only surprise really was the award that I received for Outstanding Leadership from South Florida’s Top Models Inc. I knew about the nomination. However, I had no idea about the whole speech and award. I can’t thank them enough for making me feel special on that day. I knew that I was going into business with the sole purpose of helping others with no expectation of being recognized or awarded for what I do—but I have to tell you when your peers do acknowledge your work—it is the best feeling ever.
Above: Corhinn Bruno hands over the check to the representatives of the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc, the cause of this year’s CCWC Trunk Show.
Kreyolicious: What does it take to organize a fashion event of that caliber?
Faith. Yes it takes a lot of faith. As an event planner I already anticipate that whatever can go wrong will go wrong. The key is to be prepared to the best of your ability and to have faith that your event will turn out the way it was anticipated. The organization of that event was not easy, especially when I had designers coming all the way from Ghana [in] Africa. Sally Torpey, a designer from Ghana, specifically flew in for that purpose. She sacrificed a lot to be able to expose her line in America. I only wanted to give her the best, and with that mind frame, the event evolved to what you saw.
Kreyolicious: Let’s talk about your other love…broadcasting…Will you be bringing back the Corhinn show?​
[Laughter] I don’t know how many times I have been asked that question. I can’t say for sure that I will. However, when I become financially free, I would definitely explore that possibility.
Kreyolicious: What can your fans expect from next year’s edition?
What I love with my trunk shows is that I get to explore my own creativity. I already have my theme for next year however I can’t reveal it at this point, you will have to stay tuned for this one.
Kreyolicious: What would you say to other aspiring entrepreneurs who’d like to get into events?
For those who would like to get into events, know that it’s not easy and that you can’t do it alone. You will need a strong team behind you that understands how you work and are willing to sacrifice as much as you do. On that note, I definitely would like to take this moment to thank my team S and C Events By Design, Metallic Bubbles and Bibi KonneXtion and BBP. I have to tell you that without them this beautiful show could not have been possible.
Photos: Sony Laventure/LMI Design Group
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