Teen Vogue University 2012

The Millennium hotel in New York City played host for a three day seminar for young men and women seeking to gain knowledge in the fashion industry and learn more about there craft. Over 1600 applications were submitted to attend and only 500 where chosen for this important life changing event.

This seasons speakers included Grace Coddington, Olivier Theyskens, Chris Benz, Prabal Gurung, Nicole Richie, Nicole & Michael Colovos of Helmut Lang, Peter Som, Erin Featherston, Christian Siriano, Phillip Lim, Rachel Roy and Bryanboy & Rumi Neely.

This is by far one of the great fashion gifts Teen Vogue has offered young aspiring fashionistas which is now in it's seventh year. The classes covered most if not all aspects of the industry and allowed students a first hand view on how the industry functions.

Overall, Teen Vogue University is an important program for young people to find direction and confidence regarding a ever changing business. For more information head over to http://teenvoguefashionuniversity.com/

Teen Vogue University Logo: courtesy DKC PR
Event photos: R. Spiegel

Cat Footwear 2013

When most people see the word CAT they think of the massive earth movers roaming the world, but alas they also make shoes? Well, this was news to this editor and a happy surprise as well. For their 2013 launch there are both styles for men and women and a price point below $200.

Styles range from chic rugged to semi formal but what is most impressive is the construction of the shoes. These boots are make for walking and that just what they do, the soles alone look like they could log 3,000 miles! More information can be found at www.catfootwear.com

Photos:R.Spiegel

Feel Good Celebrity Style: Celebrities Sign On To Join Patricia Nash in The Fight Against Breast Cancer

By Phillip D. Johnson/Contributing Editor

Images provided by the Company

This OCTOBER, get a piece of your favorite celebrity’s style and feel good doing it by joining celebrated handbag designer PATRICIA NASH along with celebrities including JANUARY JONES, LIV TYLER, GIULIANA RANCIC, LEANN RIMES, KRISTIN CHENOWETH, VANESSA HUDGENS, ELIZABETH HURLEY, MARIA MENOUNOS, JENNA DEWAN TATUM, JESSICA LOWNDES, JENNIE GARTH, BRITTANY SNOW, GARCELLE BEAUVAIS, ALISON SWEENEY, TORI SPELLING, KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON, ALI LANDRY and KATHY WAKILE to raise money in the fight against breast cancer. To kick off BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, Nash will be auctioning off 19 of her signature BARCELLONA SADDLE BAGS signed by these stars and the designer, benefitting THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION® (BCRF). 

The BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION®, founded by the late (and still very much-missed) EVELYN H. LAUDER in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.  In October 2012, BCRF will award at least $40 million to more than 190 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and China. With 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF continues to remain –and is recognized as—one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

The quintessential embodiment of style, form and function, PATRICIA NASH’s casual-chic accessories are made of 100% leather sourced from Italy, and pay homage to Old World craftsmanship through delicate, hand-finished detailing. The coveted collections are inspired by Nash’s extensive, international travels, and are at once timeless and contemporary.

The UBID AUCTION (www.PatriciaNashDesigns.com/uBid ) will go live on OCTOBER 1ST THROUGH THE 31ST with 100% of the final bids going toward BCRF, dedicated to the prevention of and finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. BCRF offers essential funding for groundbreaking research at leading medical centers around the world, in addition to supporting initiatives that educate the public on maintaining good breast health. Currently, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. There are an estimated 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone, and Miss Nash sought to do her part to take a stand against this disease and show her solidarity with women all over the world. 

FORD WARRIORS IN PINK CELEBRATES BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS WITH ‘MODELS OF COURAGE’ CAMPAIGN

2012 Ford Warriors in Pink’s Collection of Apparel and Accessories Now Available At www.fordcares.com; All Proceeds Benefit Breast Cancer Charities. 

For The Past 18 Years, Ford Has Fought the Battle against Breast Cancer 365 Days a Year, Raising More than $115 Million 

By Phillip D. Johnson

Images Provided by the Company 

FORD WARRIORS IN PINK®, the program created by FORD MOTOR COMPANY to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer, is launching a new campaign that highlights the stories of breast cancer survivors with “MODELS OF COURAGE.” Eleven women and men were selected for the MODELS OF COURAGE CAMPAIGN to serve as FORD WARRIORS IN PINK role models and inspire everyone involved in the fight against breast cancer.

The FORD MOTOR COMPANY, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY. The Ford commitment runs well beyond raising funds. The company is dedicated to making a difference 365 days a year by encouraging women to become informed and visit their doctors, educating them that early detection saves lives. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support, dedicating more than $115 million to the cause to date. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com. 

In its 18th year of raising awareness of breast cancer, FORD WARRIORS IN PINK created the MODELS OF COURAGE CAMPAIGN to celebrate breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle. 

“The Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the daily challenges of fighting breast cancer,” said TRACY MAGEE, Ford’s primary brand experiential manager. “We are so thrilled to highlight these inspirational women and men as our Models of Courage. We hope their personal stories and experiences with breast cancer will help raise awareness and serve to inspire those on the front lines battling breast cancer.” 

The MODELS OF COURAGE will also appear nationally as models for the 2012 LINE OF WARRIORS IN PINK wear and gear. The 2012 COLLECTION of FORD WARRIORS IN PINK apparel and accessories is created for women, men and children, and features important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer. The 2012 collection is now available at www.fordcares.com, with 100 percent of net proceeds going directly to the fight against breast cancer. Supporters can learn more about the campaign and each of these individuals on the FORD WARRIORS IN PINK Facebook page, under Models of Courage. 

This year, Warriors in Pink shoppers will be given the opportunity to choose the breast cancer charity to support with their apparel purchase at checkout. The four organizations highlighted include:

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® - Komen promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing science to find the cures. 

DR. SUSAN LOVE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (DSLRF) - With over 365,000 grassroots volunteers from around the country, DR. SUSAN LOVE RESEARCH FOUNDATION conducts research, funds research, and fast tracks research with the unique mission of moving breast cancer beyond a cure by understanding the causes and ways to prevent it. 

THE PINK FUND - Provides financial aid in the form of direct bill payment on behalf of breast cancer patients in active treatment.  Many patients are unable to work during treatment.  Others lose their jobs.  With mounting bills and either no income or severely limited income, they quickly find themselves in dire financial distress.  The PINK FUND provides Real Help Now. 

YOUNG SURVIVAL COALITION (YSC) - The YOUNG SURVIVAL COALITION directly improves the lives of thousands of young women with breast cancer. 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45 years old. YSC provides free resources and programs to support, educate and empower these women. 

FORD WARRIORS IN PINK is also giving breast cancer supporters the chance to win a new 2013 WARRIORS IN PINK FORD ESCAPE. The all-new Escape – the most fuel-efficient small SUV – is the smarter way to get there, with two available, powerful yet efficient ECOBOOST® engines, eco-friendly interior, hands-free technology and custom Warriors in Pink styling featuring the campaign’s inspirational symbols.

Alvin Valley "The king of Pants" Returns...Online

After a four year break from the fashion industry Alvin Valley returns with a revamped website to sell his new collection to the masses.

Mr.Valley staked his fashion acclaim back in 2001 and was the go to designer to celebrities and society girls for a number of years. His iconic pants revolutionized the cut and silhouette via enhancing a woman's behind, thusly gaining the catch phrase "Wonder Butt".

His new website www.AlvinValley.com offers all the classic style which made him famous as well fresh new designs.

What makes this launch interesting is that while the luxury forecast is pointed downward Mr. Valley is coming it at price points around $400.00 which lands him in the Affordable Luxury category.

Some might view this as expensive, but my view is that it's investment dressing and well worth the money. He might have taken a four year vacation, but from this designers past performance he may just come in and win it all!

Photos: Alvin Valley courtesy of Zimbio.com
collection shots: Laforce&Stevens