Downtown Los Angeles is home to major art institutions, sports facilities, and a variety of beautiful skyscrapers. LA is an explorer’s dream come true. There are many adventures and memories waiting to be fulfilled in a city filled with excitement. A sightseer will never get bored, truly a tourists’ paradise. The area is covered with large corporate buildings, a vast selection of public art work, and stores filled with fashion. Downtown LA is where fashion is created; within this city new trends are made daily and spread throughout the world.

On Sunday August 1st, in the middle of downtown LA, in a beautiful historical building a designer was getting ready to show off her amazing talent. A small office space had been turned into a runway. Models were getting ready for their close ups; the hair was big and fierce, the make-up was simply stunning, and the clothes had every female in the room asking one question: How could I get that outfit? Fortunately, Runway Icon had the great pleasure of photographing the new, never-before-seen line of a very talented designer, Dena Burton. Unfortunately, the clothes were not on sale yet and I was unable to buy the outfits I knew for sure would fit in my closet perfectly.

Meeting Dena Burton was truly inspirational. For all those who want to go into the field of fashion, Dena Burton serves as a great role model. Working hard and making sacrifices have served as key elements for her success. Runway Icon was not only able to get the inside-look on her new Fall line, but also interview the lovely artist. When I complimented the artist on her accomplishment and her edgy line, she blushed and thanked me in her low reserved voice. I thought to myself, successful yet also humble? How could this be? Truly two traits that are hard to coexist together. The more time I spent with her, Burton did not cease to amaze me.

Throughout the interview I realized her success is a result of her well roundedness. Burton started off as a pre-med with inspirations to save the world. But quickly she realized studying the field of Science was not her passion. Her love for music led her towards a field in entertainment, so she got a BA in English Radio Television and Film Production. After conquering the field of education she started to look more into fashion design; it was there where she found her true calling.

What makes Dena Burton so different? Her clothes are made for every woman; no matter what shape, size, or height, her line does not discriminate. In her interview she made clear she wanted to include every woman, “whether you are a size 0 or a 22, I want there to be a place for every woman in my line.” Looking through her line, that was exactly what she did.

For some people keeping up with fashion is too hard, for others putting together an outfit is impossible, but for Dena Burton, designing fashion come naturally – her fall line serves as enough evidence. According to model Jesyka Harris, “I love her style. You can wear her stuff day and night. It’s very classy and elegant but still funky. What I like the most is its very comfortable every day clothes.” As an experienced shopaholic, I can truly state that it’s hard to find clothes that are fashionable yet comfortable and Dena Burton accomplishes that feat. Saima Bhamani a make-up artist at the shoot claimed, “ Dena’s stuff is amazing. A lot of stuff is really pretty now days but her fall line is very unique.” Burton’s stuff is different. She makes everything from jumpers to bathing suits. Model Nikki Durand-Sewer tried on some cute shorts and a 70’s inspired tube-top and was ecstatic about the comfortable material. When I asked her what she thought of the new Fall line, she quickly replied, “It’s very flattering on every woman. I love her stuff!” Everyone at the studio loved Burton’s creativity. I believe her past and her passion for design keeps her on top of the game. Her innate talent and diverse background place her on a different level –but her line speaks for itself.

My favorite part of the day was the roof top photo shoot. Model Jocell Villa wore a very sexy chic one sleeved gown as she posed 15 stories in the air capturing the beautiful Los Angeles skyline. The shot was simply breath taking. With the help of her remarkable personal assistant Gwen Stephens, Dena Burton’s line came together beautifully; everything had gone according to plan. Effortlessly she pulled off a phenomenal shoot seeming as if Burton had done this many times before. After seeing her fall line, Dena Burton is a designer every fashionista should have in their closet.

Article by Elsa Sheikhpour

Special thanks to our elite fashion photographer Raphael Maglonzo & AC. More pictures and behind the scenes video to follow shortly