Steve Hightower's Thriving Children Gala at the FOX

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thriving children gala

I've had the pleasure of attending Steve Hightower's Thriving Children Gala event in the past so I can attest that this is one night of fashion and philanthropy not to be missed! The Fox Theater is fabulous enough, but on this night, it's over-the-top. The silent auction offers a wide selection of the most desirable products and exclusive packages. The fashion show is truly a SHOW! It goes beyond clothes, at times pulls at your heart strings and always entertaining, exceeding the boundaries of creativity.

I must say a few words about Steve Hightower. Steve is one of the kindest people I know. He's a sweet, compassionate and generous man with a heart of gold. Guests of the Thriving Children Gala are there to support Steve as much as they're there to support the cause. He's a good man doing great things.

Join the festivities on Friday, April 29th at the Fox Theatre for another wonderful night of entertainment and giving back! The event will begin at 7 p.m. with a silent auction along with music played by Sentimental Journey Orchestra followed by the fashion and hair show. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Thriving Children Gala benefits Lost n Found Youth - Purchase Tickets HERE!

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Featured Designers: Charleston Fashion Week 2016

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Charleston Fashion Week got a heavy dose of New York runway chic through designers Cadet, Creatures of the Wind, and Tracy Reese. The three "featured designers" rocked the fashion week tents with modern, elegant and sophisticated collections.

Tracy Reese brought "A Detroit Love Song" to Charleston. This collection was an homage to her hometown of Detroit. Lively colors and prints provided a fluidity that was balanced off with structured coats and the casual chic of slacks and dresses. There was a slight nostalgic quality to the collection which was no accident. 

Creatures of the Wind blew the crowd away, no pun intended! A series of jaw-dropping A-line top coats came down the runway leaving everyone mesmerized. Creatures of the Wind are all about textiles and it was evident. Furs, wools, silks, chiffons - all so rich and beautiful. The collection left me wanting more. Everything moved so well. It was feminine and powerful at the same time.

Cadet presented an impressive collection of menswear and womenswear looks. Cadet epitomizes what I consider to be a modern-chic approach to fashion and style. This is how I want to dress. Crisp. Sharp. And even though Cadet looks to the past, they offer a fresh perspective and sensibility to design. They have achieved a near seamless aesthetic (and balance) to menswear and womenswear.

Cadet designers, Raul Arevalo and Brad Schmidt, who I met a couple of times while at Charleston Fashion Week - they travelled with their precious doggie, so you know they're good guys - are currently on a TV show. Cadet is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and right now, you can catch them on The Fashion Fund airing on Amazon.

Charleston Fashion Week celebrated their 10th anniversary. It was my first but certainly not my last. It was a truly spectacular week. I looked over from my runway seat and sitting across from me every night were Ayoka Lucas- CFW founder, Fern Mallis!!, Tracy Reese and Cadet... not too shabby - at all. Rock on Charleston Fashion Week!

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Emerging Designers Ruled the Charleston Fashion Week Runway

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I lived for the Emerging Designer collections at Charleston Fashion Week. They are undeniably a major component to the DNA of the event. Charleston Fashion Week only showcases the best. The Emerging Designers are a lively, bold and daring crop of young designers who are bringing innovation, a fresh perspective and/or pushing the limits of fashion design. They are the ones to look out for. They are the ones who are taking fashion to new levels and shaping the industry.

The Emerging Designers ruled the Charleston Fashion Week runway with creative ideas, avant-garde concepts and ready-to-wear looks with a vision. Men, womenswear and kidswear were treated and showcased with artistic integrity and visionary style. Some designers had statements to make and used their platform to voice opinions while others created looks that could walk right off the runway an onto your back. They were dynamic, chic and sophisticated.

Some say that youth is wasted on the young... well they obviously never attended Charleston Fashion Week. As a blogger I've seen many things and as an educator, I can attest, that if you let it - them, the young with keep you young. 

Congratulations to all the Emerging Designers, many whom are still in college and kudos to Charleston Fashion Week for showcasing such talent.

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Art Hearts Fashion VH1 Save the Music with JoJo & Day 3 Recap

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The runway of Art Hearts Fashion was thriving last night with the high energy kids shows kicking off the day in partnership with VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Art Hearts Fashion debuted the kid's collections of Lil Jewels, Shout Out! Clothing, Victoria Atelier and Hollywood Doll by Kaya Jones. Celebrity VH1 Save the Music Alumni Ambassador JoJo captured all eyes with a closing performance on the runway. JoJo sang her breakout hit "Get Out" as well as some of her soulful new material. The evening shows featured Joey Galon Atelier, Czarina, and House of Ccuoco with a closing show by Merline Labissiere and celebrity favorite Walter Mendez. Photographers flooded the red carpet taking photos of the Hollywood stars who came out to celebrate the talented artists and designers including Jon Lovitz, NFL Player James Anderson, Cory Feldman, Peter Madrigal, Jessica Parido, Phoebe Price, Michael Kuluva, Hazel-E of Love and Hip Hop, Chiqui Rivera, Cynthia Basinet, and many more!

The kid's shows kicked off with VH1 Save The Music Opening Performance by Colony Boys. Lil Jewels released their F/W 2016 "Spread your Wings" high end ready-to-wear collection by Yana Rostomyan. The vibrant collection featured velour, lace, tulle, silk, feathers, pearls and, of course, the bling bling. Shout Out! Clothing returned to the AHF runway this season with their line of customizable t-shirts that allow kids ages 4-10 to create completely customizable messages on the front and back with the included detachable Velcro® letters, numbers and symbols. Shout Out! Clothing is designed by actor Colin Egglesfield. Victoria Atelier debuted "The Pearl Collection". Delightful designs made their way down the runway in pieces decked out in pearls and lace. Hollywood Doll Fall/Winter Collection launched a European inspired back to school collection. The bright and lively pieces designed by Kaya Jones were a smash hit on the runway.

Joey Galon ATELIER Reality TV Personality, Joey Galon launched for his is very first time at fashion week. The "Once Upon a Dream" themed collection of regal evening gowns and swimsuit wraps made their way down the runway to cheers and excitement. Czarina collection of jewel encrusted silk resort wear burst with color. Animal prints came alive as the models flowed down the runway. Headpieces by What a Betty accessorized the collection. House of Ccuoco's impeccable construction and colored detailing brought pieces to life with fierce and raw emotional energy. Pops of color and innovative lines set the silhouettes apart in this memorable and captivating collection.

Merline Labissiere opened the evening show with a collection inspired by the traveled roads in Haiti. Each architectural detail and geographic image inspired the new silhouettes and shapes that both accent and contour the female form appropriately for both work and play. Walter Mendez closed the show with an epic collection transitioning from deep reds to dark navy hues and finally culminating in romantic golds. The stunning collection remained darkly seductive yet youthful with impeccable embellishment and lace detailing. The collection debuted never before seen bridal looks from Mendez eliciting cheers, emotion and a standing ovation.

FHI Brands returned as Official Hair Sponsor of Art Hearts Fashion, working behind the scenes to create the diverse and innovative looks seen on the runway. Cadillac Concierge joins Art Hearts Fashion this season as Official Car Sponsor. A special thanks to AIDS Healthcare Foundation, April Love Pro Makeup Academy, SoyJoy, Monster Energy, FHI Brands, Lunabar, Whole Foods Market, Nescafe, Hint Water, Cadillac Concierge, Fotopod, Mosaic floral.event.design, Portraits of Hope, Make a Wish, The Daily Front Row, Illy Issimo, Skinny Pop, Santa Monica Healing, Skintech Studios, Jessie Liu, Exhale Spa, For the Stars Showroom, Creativ PR Showroom and VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

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The Art Institutes Rocked the Runway at Charleston Fashion Week!

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When Charleston Fashion Week founder, Ayoka Lucas, introduced the Art Institute show, she said that this was the "future of fashion." Well, I couldn't agree with her more. These talented student designers will become emerging designers and move on to be featured designers. The caliber of the work on the runway was skillfully produced but equally important was the plethora of ideas presented. There was vision and thought, manipulated through textiles and fitted to the body.

The runway show opened with four looks from Art Institute of Atlanta students, Karimah Ali and Zuri Zander (first four looks in slideshow above). Zuri worked with chiffon and an African print, layering the two and creating structure with horsehair. Karimah delivered a modern and youthful twist to classic styles. Ai Atlanta Director of Fashion, Dr. Hammonds and President Myvett were gleaming with pride, as was Ms. English and myself who worked closely with Karimah and Zuri. 

Allow me to explain something - the process. Atlanta / Charleston student designers presented sketches which were created in muslin and fit to the models of their choice. Later, the looks were made in their respective fabrics. Students also worked independently with members of the hair and make-up teams to create the overall looks of their collections. Students were responsible for every detail and decision-making aspect throughout this entire process. It's these "real-world" experiences that are so crucial and instrumental to success and I commend all the parties involved for providing them to our young designers.

The Charleston students gave an impressive runway as well. From ready-to-wear to conceptual and sculptural looks, Ai Charleston rocked the runway with a dynamic level of modernity and sophistication. The fashion faculty, led by Ms. Dominca Baird, is as supportive and vested as we are. Two teams working for the same cause is a winning combination!

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Art Hearts Fashion Brings Ready-To-Wear Collections Center Stage at LA Fashion Week

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Art Hearts Fashion's second day of renowned fashion shows brought edge, bold prints, and playful silhouettes to Los Angeles at The Taglyan Complex. Sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Tuesday's shows featured men and womenswear with a 6 designer showcase including: RESPONSIVE TEXTILES, Yhta'k Designs, Rene Tyler, Koco Blaq, Joshua Christensen, and Mister Triple X. Celebrities came out in style to support the designers and walk the red carpet including: Janice Dickenson, Colleen Shannon, Amber Smith, Angelica Bridges, Najee De-Tiege, Efren Ramirez, Phoebe Price, Sham Ibrahim, Amanda Joy and countless more. Supermodel Janice Dickenson made an epic return to the runway closing out the evening in Mister Triple X. Celebrity models Jimmy Q, Alex Minksy, ANTM Alumni Mame Adjei and Kiara Belen also walked the runway for Art Hearts Fashion founder Erik Rosete for Mister Triple X.

RESPONSIVE TEXTILES opened the showcase with their AW16 collection that explores the world of Fritz Lang's silent film Metropolis (1927). With the stark drama that is characteristic of German Expressionism, this collection pays homage to the cinematic masterpiece. Next to the runway, Katherine Walker of Yhta'k Designs showcased a timeless collection in memory of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  The edgy pieces combined lace, leather, and satin silhouettes. Rene Tyler launched their new eveningwear collection "Premiere". Rene' Tyler is a sophisticated brand that gives plus-size women glamorous, red carpet designs in sizes 14 and above. The "Premiere" collection offers women with curves an upscale, high fashion alternative.

Koco Blaq, presented the brand's latest collection for Fall '16 titled "Paradise Moana Collection". The collection made a splash presenting a new tropical twist on its signature island-inspired line. Antonella Commatteo debuted an animalistic collection for men and women featuring an array of diverse fabrics and textures. The bold looks were accentuated by pops of color and unexpected lines. Joshua Christensen hit the runway with his FW16 collection titled, "Sugarcoated" - A menswear concept collection using lighthearted pastels and playful designs. Mister Triple X closed out day 2 of Art Hearts Fashion with "X ColleXion" featuring the brands signature metallic and bold prints. The collection features Adam and Eve printed jackets, camo pants, and the signature feminine silhouettes that set Mister Triple X apart as one of the names to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. Supermodel Janice Dickinson closed the show returning to the runway as only the "first" supermodel could. (Photo Credit Albert Urso.)

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Art Hearts Fashion Springs Forward into Los Angeles Fashion Week

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Art Hearts Fashion began an all-encompassing takeover of Los Angeles Fashion Week Monday night with an exceptional designer showcase to launch the week of events at the Taglyan Complex. Sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the premiere showcase featured Designers YAS Couture by Elie Madi, Sir Isaac Newton, Kentaro, Kate's Couture, Jaime Elyse Couture, and Willfredo Gerardo. Opening night was attended by stars including: NFL Giants Player Myles White, Matt and Mark Harris of Storage Wars, Krista Keller Stodden of the Mother Daughter Project, Michelle Epps of Basketball Wives, Annie Ilonzeh of Empire, Host Amy Paffrath who walked for designer Jaime Elyse Couture, Renee Lawless, actresses Andrea Anders, Torri Anders, Tehmina Sunney, Vanessa Cloke, Phoebe Price, Mame Adje of ANTM, Drew Seeley and many more.

Opening the show was Lebanese line YAS Couture by Elie Madi. The collection brought a palate of gold and white to the runway featuring romantic busts and crowns. The elegance and ingenuity of the collection elicited cheers from the audience. Sir Isaac Newton introduced his Vine of New Orleans Collection, taking design to a higher level, with posh styled cuts, colors, and textures. Kentaro's piercing and provocative collection of black and white pieces mesmerized the crowd. The innovative collection brought a somber and sophisticated edge to the runway.

Kate's Couture combined timeless elegance with modern edge in her collection this season. Nearly all of the materials used for the collection are sourced from thrifted garments and end of the bolt fabrics. Jaime Elyse Couture took center stage with her collection inspired by the classic architecture of London, Paris, and New York. Strong necklines took this collection to the next level of classic, while pops of color and embellished belts maintained a high playful energy. Willfredo Gerardo closed the evening with a collection of embellished pieces defining feminine beauty. Plunging necklines on the gold and black designs embodied sensual strength and red carpet glamour.

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