The Big Apple: Hard but Sweet.

Recently, I was afforded an editorial internship with lookbooks.com posting fashion reviews for the homepage. What appealed to me the most about Lookbooks was the actual location. Founded in NYC, Lookbooks is right in the heart of everything. I decided to travel bi-weekly to attend the editorial staff meetings, to make sure that I gain as much experience as possible from this great opportunity. Meeting with the editorial staff for the first time on June 7th didn’t exactly go as planned. Instead of Le Pain Quotidien in the West Village being our venue of choice, I was informed via e-mail while already en route, that I would be attending the Forever 21 “Walk On Water” Fashion Show, sponsored by Smashbox Cosmetics at Frying Pan/Pier 66 instead.

Runway

Forever 21 teamed up with a reality show, To Be A Star Academy, to celebrate the opening of their brand new flagship store in Times Square. As thrilled as I was to attend, I immediately became overwhelmed. Traveling alone to a function in a city you’re still not quite accustomed to is a headache! But I quickly fixed my attitude and set out to find my way to Chelsea Pier. When I finally arrived, the show had already began, yet I had a feeling that I hadn’t missed much. I was in awe of the crowd, the beautiful view of the Hudson River, the setup of the runway, but not so much the styling and choreography of the show.

Red Carpet Ready look

Exec. Producer Jason Metz and models

Red Carpet Ready look

Twelve models who were mediocre at best, graced the runway in Forever 21 outfits. The show had rather unoriginal scene titles: Fitness, Beach with the Girls, Party at the Club, and Red Carpet Ready. Kimmie Smith-Kitten Lounge Editor in Chief and Jeannine Morris – Beauty Sweet Spot Editor in Chief were the hosts of the “Walk On Water” event. Morris was quoted on her site stating, “Even though I’ve done on-air work, this was my first time hosting a live event and I loved it!” In my opinion, Forever21 would’ve been better off choosing a B or C list celebrity to host the event instead.

Hosts of the event: Kimmie Smith and Jeannine Morris

Needless to say, I never got the chance to meet with my fellow interns that day. I missed them upon arrival. Apparently, the show started an hour late and for many, that’s an unacceptable mishap. Fortunately, I mingled with many people, took several professional photos, and enjoyed the perks of my press pass, (and gift bag). All of which are the fruitful experiences I had hoped to leave away with.

Me; Forever 21 Walk On Water Fashion Show

F.A.M.E

My last official blog on Feb. 25th was a model call announcement for the Dexterity Fashion Show hosted by LiveStyle Entertainment, a company established to promote and provide creative expression through fashion, art, music, and entertainment. LiveStyle, composed of a seven member committee: Bridget Nistico, Kelli Lemon, Darryl Ward, Doug Bass, Jason Ford, Jameson Deloatch, and myself worked diligently to bring an event aesthetically pleasing to Station 9 in DC. Since the model call, 23 wonderful models were chosen and the show turned out to be a memorable experience for all in attendance.

LiveStyle Committee (L to R) Bridget, Doug, Kelli, Me, and Jameson (missing from pic:Jason Ford)

On Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Station 9 in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor, LiveStyle Productions hosted the Dexterity Art and Fashion Showcase. The doors opened at 3pm as attendees made their way to the second level to view contemporary art from several talented local artists. Body painted live models gave the showcase an artistic edge as complimentary appetizers were provided. Specialized cocktails sponsored by Tanqueray, were a favorite among guests as Tanqueray models passed them out to guests during the event. UpInTheMix media portal photographers captured attendees socializing, networking and happily posing in front of the Tanqueray back drop. SHY Magazine who featured a detailed article on LiveStyle and the Dexterity event prior to the show, were in attendance as well <–See article.

Dexterity Art Showcase

Artwork by Nosaj Authentics

The art showcase wrapped-up at 6pm and the Dexterity Fashion Show began at approximately 6:30. FOJO-The Fashion Dojo filmed models and the styling committee backstage preparing to start the first scene. Seated audience members watched the eclectic and art driven fashion show that displayed fashion looks channeling the four epic eras of art history: Surrealism, Cubism, Abstract, and Pop Art.

Scene - Surrealism/ Designer - Krystal Vaquerano/ Model - Toria

Scene- Abstract/ Designer - ILLIENZ/ Model - Andrew Chung

Scene - Cubism/ Stylist - Myself /Model - Kristia Brown

Scene - Pop Art/ Artist - Jason Ford (Nosaj Authentics)/ Model - Tiffany Williams

Many were impressed by the extraordinary fashion designs by several up in coming designers: ATE Clothing, Candice Parrish Originals, Designs by Vaquerano, Forever K.Michael Collection, ILLIENZ, Nosaj Authentics, Xllent shoes, and not to forget stores H&M and Urban Outfitters. Also, performances between scenes by a dance group, an MC, a singer, and a live band set Dexterity apart from many shows being held in the DC Metropolitan area. Overall, Dexterity Fashion Show was a huge success!

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT VISIT – http://www.upinthemix.net/2010/05/02/livestyle-productions-presents-dexterity-fashion-show-art-showcase-station-9-dc/

Thank you to our sponsors:
Studio 54
Tanqueray
Paul Mitchell
Forward Vision Group
The support staff, entertainment, media partners, and the attendees!!

Keep Your Mind On your Grind!

Dear Reader,
I would personally like to apologize for neglecting Model·City·Zen within the past three months. I’ve sought after a few great job openings out-of-state, began thinking of ways to expand my venture, became obsessed with twitter, and of course trying to stay on top of an abundant amount of responsibilities. But I’m back on track, and ready to start anew! In hopes of gaining more appeal AND new readers.. *smile.., the next few blogs will pertain to recent events that have quite honestly molded my vision for the future of this site. There’s also various opportunities I’ve seized since my last post in February that I’d like to ponder on. And amazingly they all correlate with fashion, awareness, and spiritual growth. Once again, Model·City·Zen isn’t just a blog to me, it’s a lifestyle!

Sincerely,

S. Christian