Wednesday, November 30, 2011

FA10 Complete Rundown



By now you have read about FashionAFRICANA, you are aware of and have snagged your ticket for this legendary night.  You have learned about the twitterchat with FA10 honoree, designer Lois Samuels (if you didn’t know about the twitter chat refer to the post below).  That is only a portion of the entire storyline of FA10 celebration.  

Below is a timeline of events leading up to FA10 which is NEXT FRIDAY THE 10thbtw.  Follow the appropriate links to the pages that you need to in order to have a full scope of this astonishing celebration of LIFE, CULTURE, and CREATIVITY!

Pittsburgh is gaining ground as it relates to fashion, and in particular the fashion business.  However it is rare that this level of fashion and flare come to our door step here in the burgh.  So if you LOVE fashion, art, and creativity then THIS IS FOR YOU!

-This Wednesday the 30th from 6p-8p is the FA10 Happy Hour Mixer at Ava Lounge (come and meet models, and artists that are a part of the show!)

-This Wednesday the 30th from 8p-8:30p is the LIVE TWITTER CHAT with Lois Samuels @VESSELBYLOIS (if you are on Twitter you must join us and ask some questions of your own)

-Next Friday the 9th @8pm @The Kelly Strayhorn Theater FashionAFRICANA 10 year celebration (give yourself the gift of full fabulosity!  Don’t miss the show! )    This event is generously sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Eden Hall Foundation.

       o Musician Kadiatou opens the show which includes the showing of new works of art – commissioned by FashionAFRICANA – by Pittsburgh-based artists: Vanessa German, David Pohl, Mary Martin, Terrance Hayes, Isabelle Strollo, Karen Page and Laverne Kemp.

     o Solo dance performance by Dwana A. Smallwood; dancer, choreographer and Director of Student Affairs at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa.  Dwana is the Honorary Chair of the FA10 event.

     oJamaican-born supermodel turned designer Lois Samuels will showcase some of her creations from the Vessel by Lois collection.

Use your smarty pants phone to purchase tickets J


Advance $25 | Door $30
To purchase 10 or more tickets at a special discounted rate, please call 412.363.3000. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is located at 5941 Penn Avenue in East Liberty.


-The following day on next  Saturday the 10th  @11am-5pm,
 the celebration continues with Kelly Strayhorn’s  Annual Holiday Bazaar, an in-door festival that is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (great time to get some holiday shopping in!). Twelve local artists and the West African Dance Ensemble will create a festive atmosphere for this annual bazaar where  one-of-a-kind treasures abound, including: jewelry; handbags made of fabric from Ethiopia; soaps; decorative items for the home, food, table linens and tickets and gift certificates to upcoming Kelly Strayhorn productions and Dance Alloy Theater classes and much more. 

          o   At 2 pm the West African Dance Ensemble will perform.



There, you are fully caught up!  Purchase your ticket now if you have not yet done so.  Join everyone tonight at AVA and also the LIVE TWITTERCHAT with Lois Samuels after!  Then lets meet  NEXT FRIDAY at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater for FashionAFRICANA 10!  Don’t forget to get your holiday shopping in the following day at the KST BAZAAR!  

I am looking forward to ALL of the happenings surrounding FA10, and I will see you there!


Join the conversation about FA10by Liking them on FB
Join the Twitter chat by following @fashionAFRICANA and @VESSELBYLOIS

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Twitterchat w/ Lois Samules



You have learned about fashionAFRICANA you have learned a bit about Lois Samuels and her beautiful designs.  Join us on Monday November 28th for a Twitterchat with Lois Samules.  Follow @fashionAFRICANA  on Twitter  for time details.  Feel free to also follow on FB for up to the minute details about all the happenings surronding fashionAFRICANA.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Wu-Tang Classic Material


"TRIUMPH-A Wu-Tang Story" Edition
W/ CM Residents Selecta + SMI

Hosted by Gene Stovall

Saturday, September 19th

Shadow Lounge
5972 Baum Blvd
East Lib

10pm-2am

Simply put. A night chock of full of tracks from RZA, GZA, Method Man,
Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and
ODB, collectively known as the Wu-Tang Clan. Remixes, Features, Side
Projects, Affiliates (Cappadona, Remedy, Killah Priest, 5th Disciple,
etc...) and the backdrops used for some of Rza's most lush
masterpieces. 

www.shadowlounge.net

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Lois Samuels @ FashionAFRICAN


 FashionAFRICANA is proud to present the first annual FashionAFRICANA award to Jamaican born fashion model turned designer Lois Samuels for broadening the standard in fashion and beauty.


LOIS SAMUELS
Lois Samuels’ introduction to fashion began as a model where she had the opportunity to work with amazing designers and publications in the fashion capitals of the world.  Signed to New York’s Q Agency, Lois’ career as a model has spanned over 16 years.  She has worked with agencies throughout Europe including Marilyn in Paris and IMG in the US. She has also worked with designers from Lacroix, Miyake and Mugler in Paris, Armani, Ralph Lauren and Rucci in New York and shot for magazines as German and Italian Vogue, Essence and Harpers Bazaar.

THE VESSEL. BY LOIS
... urban, bold, effortless, chic, sexy with a modern minimalist twist.

Lois Samuels started the Vessel. by Lois in the Spring of 2009 during New York’s Fashion Week. The collections present a clean, simple slate of tailored basics which she believes are the foundation of what fashion should represent.

Drawing inspiration from traditional tailoring as well as the utilitarian lines of the uniform she has created a blend of style with streamlined comfort and ease. Her work has been featured in Vogue Italia, The New York Times, L’Officiel, Elle and WWD. The Collection tantalizes customers with tailored suits, cocooning capes, simple and transitional dresses and overalls that flatter and enhance the women who wear them. These collections have an aesthetic that reflects the confidence and versatility of the brands global customer.

"Lois Samuels worked suiting and shirting fabrics into a serene collection with a Puritan bent, the highlights of which were beautifully tailored long dresses and coats." - Womens Wear Daily

Lois’ Collection are all made in the heart of the garment district of New York City where she resides with her son Malo.
  
View the Vessel. by lois 2010 collection below and get prepared for a great fashion show at FashionAFRICANA.






Ms. Samuels is also a published author of two books:
Jamaica through My Eyes, Mcmillan Publishers (2005)
 A Glow in the Dark, LMH Publishers (1999


In Loving Memory of 2004 FashionAFRICANA Cover model, Marquetta Grate.


 


2004 FashionAFRICANA: Tribute to Lost Boys of Sudan, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Model:  Marquetta
Credit:  Photograph © Frank Walsh







Monday, November 7, 2011

FashionAFRICANA @ Kelly Strayhorn Theater


FashionAFRICANA and The Kelly Strayhorn Theater will present FashionAFRICANA’s 10thAnniversary event on December 9, 2011.

Established in 2001, FashionAFRICANA celebrates the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora through Design, Dance, Music and curated exhibitions.  FashionAFRICANA is one of the leading African-inspired Fashion and Art events in Pittsburgh. The intent of FashionAFRICANA is to share the breadth and richness of African textures, ethos and history through the language of fashion.

This year FashionAFRICANA will commemorate its 10th anniversary celebrating Women of the Diaspora with a multi-media presentation of African-inspired design, dance and music. The event will highlight a Fashion Presentation by Jamaican-born fashion supermodel turned designer Lois Samuels; live entertainment; and new work – commissioned by FashionAFRICANA – by Pittsburgh-based artists including: Vanessa German, David Pohl, Mary Martin, Terrance Hayes, Isabelle Strollo, Karen Page and LaVerne Kemp.

Dwana A. Smallwood, dancer, choreographer and Director of Student Affairs at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa will be the Honorary Chair of FashionAFRICANA’s 10thAnniversary event on December 9, 2011 at Pittsburgh’s Kelly Strayhorn Theater. 
Tickets are available online in advance for only $25. To purchase tickets visit: www.kelly-strayhorn.org. On Saturday, December 10th, the celebration will continue with an in-door festival opened to the public as part of Kelly’s Strayhorn’s Holiday Bazaar. 



The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a unique and vibrant community performance arts center located in the heart of East Liberty, one of Pittsburgh’s most historic neighborhoods. Drawing audiences from throughout the city, the theater offers original and eclectic programming year-round.





Concerts Coming Soon to the City



Pittsburgh has many venues to hear great music, see your favorite band perform live, and also enjoy a night of theater within the cultural district and beyond. It may be cold outside but don’t let that keep you inside and miss out on these great concert events in Pittsburgh. Here is a list of events that are as varied as the venues. I’m sure that you will find something that will motivate you! 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Wed In Style at SpringHill Suites

Please join ABC Event Planning and Style & Steel Event Planning for Wed In Style

Getting married in the next year?  Know someone who is?  Every service that you need in order to have a successful will be represented!  A great way to spend a Saturday  afternoon.  Free Admission.   11am-4pm



Monday, September 26, 2011

Pittsburgh Fashion Week Begins!


Its that time of year again everyone!! Every show will be something for the eye.  You will be inspired and dazzled   The back to back shows on Friday and Saturday are NOT to be missed!! I hope to see you there!

Pittsburgh Fashion Week

Schedule of events 2011 Pittsburgh Fashion Week:

Monday Sept. 26, 2011
Opening Night Extravaganza – “Under the Tent at Market Square” –
Featuring: Doncaster
Location: – downtown
7pm

Tuesday Sept. 27, 2011
“ManStyle” Jos A Banks, Suited 4 Work, Brush Footwear
Location: John Senator Heinz History Center – Strip District
Ticket holder will receive a FREE tour of the Men’s Sports Museum          
7pm

Wednesday Sept. 28, 2011
“Radiant in Red!”– Presenting the Mall at Robinson “Defining a Decade” 10 yr. anniversary and benefitting American Heart Association “Go Red” Campaign and Auction (Red gown designed by local designer - 80% of the proceed will go to the American Heart Association)
Location: Mall at Robinson – Pittsburgh
7pm

Friday Sept. 30, 2011
Back-to-Back runway shows and vendor’s fair – featuring local designers and retailers
Location: Clarion Hotel (Foster Plaza) – GreenTree
2pm-9pm

Saturday Oct. 1, 2011
Back-to-Back runway shows and vendor’s fair – featuring local designers and retailers          
Location: Clarion Hotel (Foster Plaza) – GreenTree
1pm-9pm

Sunday Oct. 2, 2011
Second Pittsburgh Fashion Hall of Fame – Honoring six fashion icons devoted to fashion, style and beauty
Special Appearance: performance by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
Location: Onmi Wiliam Penn Hotel – downtown
11:00am
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I am a feature Makeup Artist for a number of the shows during the back to back runway shows.  For up to the minute information about fashion week and the back to back shows specifically, go to Defacemakeupart

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Walk of Excellence



On Friday October 14, 2011 The Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier
Development Council (WPMSDC), will honor top regional minority businesses
and corporations at their seventh annual “Walk of Excellence” Awards Gala at the
Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh and is proudly sponsored by
Highmark and PNC.


Former Pittsburgh Steelers, Jason Gildon, and his wife, Joy, lead
the charitable auction to raise scholarship money for WPMSDC certified
minority business enterprises (MBEs). Edmund C. Nelson, Steelers’ Analyst
for KDKA TV- Channel 2, will return for his third year as the Gala’s
Master of Ceremony. This year’s Honorary Event Chairman is Charles
Sanders, President of Urban Lending Solutions.

WPMSDC info

Monday, August 29, 2011

Cloud 9



The Investment Club
(Jai Legacy, Tee Jay Vision & Savvy Lifestyle)
Welcome you to...
CLOUD 9
"The Exclusive Labor Day Weekend Kick-off DAY PARTY!"

Friday, Sept. 2nd,

Hosted by Elise Wims of Hell's Kitchen

@The Investment Club's private SKY LOUNGE
-204 5th Ave. Downtown
 Overlooking Market Square
(Entrance across from the Fairmont)

Doors open @ 7pm

Doors close @ 12am


https://www.facebook.com/SavvyMarketing

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Exposed Loft Party


Summer is not over yet!  There is still plenty of exciting sexy nights left before we all have to layer up our cloths and turn the air conditioners off.  This Friday August 26th@ 7pm Classic 1824 and Social-Lite present… EXPOSED  Loft Party.

Featuring live Performance by Gene Stovall
Free Wine
Hors D' Oeuvre
also, DJ Chill Cosby aka Madd Buddha
 
Art work presented by D.S. Kinsel .  D.S. Kinsel will be showing three series of artwork:
 Fragments Eclats Colores (abstract)
 Days with Nature (landscape)
MY ROOM (installation)





Exposed Loft Party
Tomorrow August 25, 2011
 4406 Butler Street Lawrenceville (720 cafĂ©)
7:00 til 12:00 AM

$12

Friday, August 19, 2011

FASHION FEVER: A NIGHT OUT FOR PITTSBURGH FASHION


 On Wednesday September 21, 2011 Style & Steel Event Planning presents Fashion Fever, a night out for Pittsburgh fashion and a celebration of the 2nd Annual Pittsburgh Fashion Week.

Fashion Fever will take place at Savoy Restaurant, Pittsburgh’s premiere upscale dining and nightlife destination. It will feature fashion shows of both local and national designers; trunk shows; and live entertainment and will also bring together many of the city's industry insiders, fashion lovers, and socialites.

Miyoshi Anderson, the Founder and Executive Director of Pittsburgh Fashion Week, says, “Fashion is fierce and together, we will continue to highlight fashion, beauty, and style in Pittsburgh.”  “Fashion Fever is a celebration of the often overlooked contributions of Pittsburgh’s designers and retailers to style and fashion world,” explains Wadria Taylor, Event Director of Style & Steel Event Planning.

Everyone 21+ is encouraged to attend. Tickets are available online for only $15  http://fashionfever.eventbrite.com.

I will post more information in the coming weeks about Pittsburgh’s 2nd Annual Fashion Week which  is September 26th-October 2nd.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

PFW Fashion on Fith


From the producers of  Pittsburgh Fashion Week presents, ‘Fashions on Fifth’   Fashion on Fifth street team simulates a photo shoot for one exciting hour during Pittsburgh’s lunch rush in several locations to promote the second annual Pittsburgh Fashion Week. Attracting the attention of what was recognized as the worst dressed city, will prove once and for all that Pittsburgh has Style, Beauty and Fashion. The tour will start promptly at high noon on Fifth Ave. and Grant St., moving to Fifth Ave. and Smithfield St., Fifth Ave. and Wood St., and ending at Fifth and Liberty Avenues near the Fairmont Hotel.



Showcasing their creativity in our fair city, PFW will be highlighting very talented student designers: Skyy Golden and Tammy Jackson – The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Cary D. Heard- attending Kent State University this fall to study fashion design and all are showing in our back to back runway shows during fashion week. Aspiring models from various areas: Breanne Williams, Deonna Anne, Keira Hardy, Chanell Renee, Linsey Coffey, and Abbie Heigel. Our PGH Style correspondent: Elena LaQuatra was Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen 2008 and Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA 2010, will reel the crowds in with her witting conversations and sparkling smile. And performing the photo shoot, local photographer Bruce M. Straka.

In addition to all the action, style and beauty must wrap it all together. Salons Harmony and Pretty Hair will do the trick; designing looks to fit the flair. Styling Wed. Aug. 17, Harmony Salon - is one of the premiere salons in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. The unpretentious stylist and support staff provide clients with an experience unparalleled in the area. The team at Harmony Salon consists of the regions’ most talented salon professionals that include national level educators and platform artist. Styling Wed. Aug. 24, Pretty Hair Salon - is an innovative and trendy full-service salon located in the heart of the North Hills. Pretty specializes in everything beauty. 

Stay connected to Pittsburgh Fashion Week 2011! Buy your tickets NOW! 

Visit www.pittsburghfashionweek.com or call ShowClix customer care at 1888-71TICKETS  and stay in the excitement of fashion!

Visit PFW on the web: www.pittsburghfashionweek.com
Follow them on Twitter: @PghFashionWeek
Like them on Facebook: Friends of Pittsburgh Fashion Week