James Cornwell, PR AT Partners, Suited for Change, New York Fashion Week

D.C. Stylist James Cornwell Dishes on Being Backstage With Betsey Johnson

D.C. Stylist James Cornwell Dishes on Being Backstage With Betsey Johnson
Joi-Marie McKenzie

Stylist-to-the-stars James Cornwell, of rural Middleburg, Va., said last night he never thought he'd be working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, let alone rubbing elbows with fashion royalty.

"It's been an absolute whirlwind," Cornwell said Monday night at the Hair to Heart benefit.

"At New York Fashion Week, I did Betsey Johnson, which was beyond phenomenal. ... My station was right next to Betsey Johnson backstage so I was with her the entire time. She, like, borrowed scissors from me."

For nearly 10 years, Cornwell has provided local celebrities and Washington D.C.'s power players with fresh looks and unique styles. Ted Koppel, Dominique Dawes, Angie Goff and television personality Paul Wharton are among those who have graced his salon chair.

Customers enjoyed champagne and desserts while...

Rescheduled due to the blizzard, many area women...

Cornwell, art director for PR AT Partners, was also one of the stylists at last night's Hair to Heart fundraiser benefiting Suited for Change, a non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and education to low-income women.

"It doesn't matter if I work with the big celebrities at New York Fashion Week," explained Cornwell. "Coming back and working with a charity like Suited for Change is like the icing on the cake. It really is a great feeling when you can use your craft to enrich people's lives and really make people feel beautiful."

Cornwell has plenty to look forward to as PR AT Partners sends local stylists to events like Miami Fashion Week, the Oscars and the Teen Choice Awards.

"I haven't been to those yet," Cornwell said. "But that's the next step."

BY Joi-Marie McKenzie // Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010 at 07:12 EST

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      About the Authors

      Kate Michael

      Even before she was Miss DC (2006) and a New Media Personality, Kate Michael was active on the social and charitable scene in DC. She contributes her community, nightlife and philanthropic event coverage to Niteside -- and if you just can't get enough, follow her on her personal site at www.KStreetKate.net.

      Janet Donovan

      Janet is president of publicity firm Creative Enterprises Int'l and a columnist for “Hollywood on the Potomac.” She covers Georgetown for The Georgetown Dish and hosts the radio talk show The Beltway Broads.

      Mia Fields-Hall

      Mia Fields-Hall is the founder and CEO of M.F.H. Productions, LLC., and a head writer for thefabempire.com, a nightlife and society site covering cities across the U.S. Mia works in marketing and creative for the worlds No. 1 non-fiction media company.

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