Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eduardo Khawam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eduardo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

From $200 to a Fashion Empire: How a Chance Encounter with President Obama Changed Eduardo Khawam’s Life

On the day Eduardo Khawam was ready to give up on his American dream, fate had other plans. Feeling defeated and searching for a sign, Eduardo walked into a gym in Seattle—and ran into none other than President Barack Obama. A brief conversation with the former president rekindled Eduardo’s hope and determination, inspiring him to stay in America and pursue his dreams.

With only $200 left to his name, Eduardo decided to give his dream one last shot. Drawing on his passion for production he founded Metropolitan Fashion Week, which has since grown to become the longest privately-owned fashion week on the West Coast. Eduardo’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the impact of chance encounters, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams against all odds.

Eduardo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Eduardo Khawam, Fashion Expert, Producer and TV Personality for Telemundo and KTLA. His credits include Founder and President of Metropolitan Fashion Week, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Palm Springs. Caracas & Mexico.

For the past 20 years, Eduardo has created imaginative sporting, movie, theatrical, concert, fundraising, private and corporate events. He’s arranged countless receptions, press conferences, art exhibits, fashion shows, red carpet movie premieres, and green events as well. Eduardo Khawam was born in Venezuela to parents from Greece and Syria, & 3rd generation Armenian.

Eduardo has collaborated with some of the most recognizable entertainment organizations including Cirque Du Soleil, Dancing with the Stars, King Tut, The Getty Museum, Warner Bros Studios, Pasadena City Hall, Los Angeles Cit Hall, Boeing & collaborated with: Steve Carell, Ana Barbara, Alicia Machado, Mary Murphy, Project Runway Dimitry Sholcoholv, Lawrence Zarian, Jomari Goyso, Christine Devine, Stephanie Himonidis, Bebe Coronel, Jacqui Rivera, Vivica Fox, Lou Eyrich Elton John, Ryan Seacrest, Nicole Kidman, Michael Douglas, Gene Hickman, Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, Demi Moore, Kevin Spacey, Billy Bush, Nancy O’Dell, Jaclyn Smith, Macaulay Culkin, Andy Garcia, Celia Cruz, Paulina Rubio, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias & 3 Time Academy Awards Winner Makeup Artist Ve Neil.

Eduardo’s fundraising activities have raised over 16 million dollars for various charitable organizations across the United States. A tree that included more than 1,000 donated toys fetched a whopping $50,000 at the 26th annual Providence O’Christmas Trees’ gala dinner and auction.

About Metropolitan Fashion Week: Metropolitan Fashion Week is one of the fastest-growing fashion weeks in the United States, with shows in Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and soon, New York and Miami. Metropolitan Fashion Week has made a global impact on the fashion scene by presenting events held in dramatic, non-traditional venues that showcase not only fashion designers and costume designs, but also the most beautiful venues each city has to offer. Celebrating the world of fashion and costume designers in the categories of Avant Garde and Couture Gowns, Metropolitan Fashion Week spotlights over 750 works of art created by international fashion and costume designers and are original “one-of-a-kind” creation

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A Full Circle Moment: From Rejection to Collaboration with Cirque du Soleil**

Back in 2005, I was filled with hope and dreams of working with one of the most renowned creative teams in the world: Cirque du Soleil. I applied to be a part of their creative team, convinced that my passion and vision would help me secure a spot. Working with Cirque du Soleil was my ultimate dream, a pinnacle I aspired to reach in my career. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as I had hoped. My application was declined, and my dream of working with them seemed to slip away.

Fast forward to 2016, and life had come full circle in the most unexpected way. By this time, I had founded Metropolitan Fashion Week, which had grown to become a significant event on the West Coast fashion calendar. To my surprise and excitement, I received a call from Cirque du Soleil’s team. This time, they were reaching out to us! They wanted to collaborate and perform at our event, not just once but across three different shows at Metropolitan Fashion Week.

It was an incredible moment of validation and a true testament to the idea that sometimes dreams come true in ways we least expect. Standing backstage, watching Cirque du Soleil perform at an event I created, was beyond surreal. It reminded me that while our paths may take unexpected turns, staying true to our passions and continuing to move forward can lead us to places we never imagined.

That collaboration wasn’t just a professional achievement; it was a personal milestone that proved how resilience and perseverance can turn rejection into opportunity. What once seemed like a closed door had opened up in a way that exceeded my wildest dreams. Working with Cirque du Soleil was more than a highlight for Metropolitan Fashion Week; it was the realization of a dream that had come full circle.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have a fantastic team, ZERO tolerance for drama. respect everyone

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theMetropolitanFashion.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metropolitanfashionweek/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdI56kCn24A&t=10s
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/eduardokhawam/