Experiential Event Projects
2018
The Core Fashion Kenya #CFKNY2018
Melissa Henderson teamed up with Nairobi based fashion executive Linda Murithi ( producer of fashion events in Ethiopia, and Kenya, as well as a former radio broadcaster) on brand building workshops that aimed to strengthen Kenya's fashion market. The workshops attracted over 100 attendees, ranging from local fashion students ( Mcensal University and Evelyn College of Design) to young designers, stylists, and photographers. Aside from the workshops, New York creatives were able to collaborate with up & coming designers in the region, including Anyango Mpinga. Participants were also able to explore the lush city of Nairobi with local Kenyans, getting an authentic and genuine experience.
#Overheard from a student attendee: "The world has come to us."
From Left: Tanya Christian ( Editor), Melissa Henderson ( Me), Brian Babu ( Stylist), De’Von Johnson (Publisher), Bellamy Brewster (Visual Artist), Mimi Plange (Designer), Linda Murithi ( Founder of CFK), Iris Barbee Bonner (Designer), Claudia Rondon Torres (Fashion Director), Suzie Wokabi ( Beauty Entrepreneur ), Natasha Roberts ( Brand Executive), Mariana Cantu ( Producer), Jamel Daniels ( Designer).
Project Recap: #CFKNY2018 garnered over 200+ posts online & 500k impressions in 4 days.
Responsible for curating, inviting and managing 10 New York based influencers and executives in the fashion and media industries.
PHONOLOGY by Anyango Mpinga
During the week long excursion, New York creatives Bellamy Brewster, Claudia Rondon Torres and Melissa Henderson teamed up with Nairobi creatives Anyango Mpinga, Brian Babu and Suzie Wakobi to capture Anyango’s Spring 2019 collection “PHONOLOGY.” The campaign images are currently being used as the official visuals for www.anyangompinga.com.
Explore Nairobi via Kenya Airways
The trip was largely made possible by Kenya Airways, who was the presenting sponsor for The Core Fashion Kenya & New York takeover. October 30, 2018 marked the first direct route from New York to Nairobi.
Collaboration
Vogue Producer Mariana Cantu breaks down the basics of organizing and producing a successful photoshoot to Kenyan students.
Inspire & Uplift
Kenyan students ask thought - provoking questions about how to navigate and excel at their budding fashion careers.
Educate
Designer Mimi Plange talks about the beginnings of her career as a creative director for Rocawear to Melissa Henderson. One takeaway, take risks and negotiate your worth as a employee.
Check out link to the official program.
New York to Nairobi
Melissa Henderson designed the official program and printed marketing material for the workshop.
2017
A Complete Presents: The Art of Beauty
Art Basel Miami 2017
Melissa Henderson and A Complete Skincare commissioned Los Angeles based photographer Karlo Gomez to create a exhibition involving women of all different ages and sizes. The exhibition was inspired by the brand’s mission, Beauty Comes From Within. What resulted was truly inspirational. The experiential exhibit consisted of large scale photographs of every day women feeling beautiful in whatever they chose to wear ( clothes or go naked). Each woman was asked the question, “What makes you a complete woman?” and recorded responses were included as a supplemental audio content to listen (with headphones) to beside their portraits shot by Karlo Gomez. Natalia Lorenzo, one of the influencers and models of The Art of Beauty, was featured in front page spread on Yahoo Beauty.com for highlighting and celebrating the natural curves of a woman.
Project Recap: The Art of Beauty attracted more than 2,000 art loving attendees in the beautiful and very busy Wynnwood section of Miami
Responsible for copy editing and approving all marketing and event content. Also responsible for writing artist statement and