BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK 2016 | Madeline Stuart

Birmingham Fashion Week (BFW) welcomes Madeline Stuart, the first globally recognized model with Down syndrome to open the runway shows on Thursday, August 25 at Boutwell Auditorium. The 19-year-old model from Brisbane, Australia says “Down syndrome is a blessing, something to be celebrated,” and has made it her mission is redefine the true meaning of beauty.

Heidi Elnora, TLC’s “Bride by Design” star, Birmingham, AL based bridal designer and founder of Birmingham Fashion Week has created a custom skirt for Madeline to wear during her BFW runway debut. The couture, high-low skirt has been designed exclusively for Madeline using custom patterns with a light pink, duchess satin from Italy featuring a light pink ruffle lining detail.
“I am so honored to have the opportunity to design a custom piece for the inspiring and sweet Madeline,” states Heidi Elnora, founder of Birmingham Fashion Week. “She is a true pioneer in the fashion industry and we are overjoyed to show her the love and support the City of Birmingham has for her as she continues her career in the modeling industry.”

The fresh-faced, flame-haired beauty has previously modeled in New York Fashion Week twice and been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Paper, Women’s Day, Elle, Marie Claire, and People, to name a few. Madeline possesses confidence and is an incredible modern-day, relevant role model in today’s fast changing society.

Birmingham Fashion Week is August 25 – 27, 2016 at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, AL. Sponsors for BFW include: Alabama Power, Savannah College of Art and Design, The University of Alabama, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham, Schaeffer Eye Center and The City of Birmingham. Showcasing nationally recognized designers, emerging designers, retailers and models. For more information on Birmingham Fashion Week, ticket sales, a complete schedule of events, and participating designers and partners, please visit www.bhamfashionweek.com.

About Madeline Stuart:
Madeline has been featured in over 10,000 articles and news stories across the globe and over 500,000 mentions on Google and currently referred to as the world’s first Supermodel with Down syndrome by media outlets around the world. Additionally, she has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Model of the Year Award at international fashion show Mélange in San Francisco, whose partners include Jean Paul Gautier, Sephora and Nicole Miller. On her current trip to America, Madeline received the KultureCity Advocacy Award for her advocacy work in Uganda for people living with disability.

In 2016, Madeline headlined the Caspian Fashion Week in Russia; made her stage debut in London as part of the Culture Device Dance Project; went to Uganda to advocate for people living with Disabilities with Kulture City; she then went on to be the celebrity guest on the 3rd Mission Possible Cruise for Developmental Disability through Canada and Alaska. Currently Madeline is working in America at a series of events and television appearances. Recently finishing modelling in Boston, Ohio, San Francisco and New York. Madeline’s friendly, warm and thoughtful nature makes her immediately relatable. She has over 617,0000 Facebook users and over 142,000 Instagram followers: Facebook.com/madelinesmodelling | @madelinesmodelling_

About Birmingham Fashion Week:

Birmingham Fashion Week was founded on the ideals of bringing unity to the community through fashion. Two childhood best friends, Heidi Elnora (an internationally known fashion designer) and Jeana Lee Thompson (a successful retail business owner and fashionista) created Birmingham Fashion Week (BFW) in April 2011. After 6 years of hard work BFW has proven to be one of the TOP southeastern fashion events. BFW is recognized by local, regional, and national press for bringing in acclaimed designers like Tibi , Show Me Your MuMu, W3 Bespoke, Rebecca Taylor, What Goes Around Comes Around, Project Runway all -stars, and many many more. Not only has BFW hosted a handful of top designers they also support local boutiques, local designers, and the up -and-coming fashion designers in our community. Each year Birmingham Fashion Week showcases the talents of our local make-up artists and hair salons, photographers, models, and artists. BFW has now become the hub for fashion, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the creative talents of Birmingham, Alabama. For more details and a full schedule of events, please visit www.bhamfashionweek.com.

Book Signing at Sobe Restaurant and Lounge – Keesha D. Fox

This past Thursday, Howard and Hampton University alumni of the greater Washington area gathered at the chic Sobe Restaurant and Lounge to sip and meet Keesha D. Fox – contemporary romance novelist. The first installment of the Unthinkable series was on full display as guest were engulfed in conversations surrounding relationships, affairs, and trust.

Light fares of bourbon glazed chicken satay, sliced salmon over cucumber, jerk chicken and asparagus & goat cheese filled wontons were served. The specialty drink of the night, Cointreau Teese – known as the seductive mistress – induced the guest to what the protagonist of Unthinkable, Keena, felt during her rendezvous in Vegas and thereafter. Delicious desserts from The Addicted Bakery consisted of vanilla bean, lemon lovers and berry liquor infused cupcakes.

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Unthinkable explores the life of Keena Robinson after her world is threatened by her overzealous co-worker and her loveless marriage begins to fall apart. To help distract Keena from the tragedies happening on the home front, her two best friends, Lisa and Jasmine, planned a two-week vacation to Sin City. Keena caught the eye of her celebrity crush, Chase Parker, on more than one occasion wearing the show stopping designs of FoxMod and Weird Art Society. What happens in Vegas does not always stay in, at least not fashion.

To stay in the loop with Keesha D. Fox, visit www.KeeshaDFox.com to subscribe and receive updates on the latest news and future events.

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ABOUT KEESHA D. FOX: Keesha D. Fox is an author and owner of J.A.K.A.B. Publications. Fox’s verse collections – Life and Love From My Eyes and Me: Naked – explains the emotions and mental growth a young women experiences when searching for true love. A few years later, one night’s dream ignited the salacious amorousness story that would be her first contemporary romance novel. In 2015, the first installment, Unthinkable was released. The sequel of Keena and Chase’s love affair, Unbreakable, will be unveiled in 2017. Fox currently resides in Maryland with her husband and four children.

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Sally Hansen Mega Manicure Essentials

Nail experts know that the proper foundation is essential for flawless color laydown. Sally Hansen introduces two treatment products designed to prep and prime for the perfect manicure.

Sally Hansen Big Primer Base Coat

Smoother color goes prime time! Big Primer Base Coat™ delivers the smoothest base for the ultimate color experience. The advanced formula fills in ridges and imperfections so color can glide on seamlessly and helps protect nails from chipping. This nail primer is enriched with a silk fiber blend that helps to level out the nail surface for a “just-buffed” nail effect, so you can feel confident wearing it alone or under polish.Take your nail surface to the next level with this formaldehyde- and toluene-free formula.

Sally Hansen Big Primer and Cuticle Oil 2

Sally Hansen Big Cuticle Oil™

Condition and nourish dehydrated cuticles and nails with this luscious Coconut scented oil! Sally Hansen’s Big Cuticle Oil™ provides much needed moisture for ragged nail beds. This quick-absorbing formula leaves cuticles and nails deeply hydrated, soft and healthy-looking while helping to defend against harsh, drying environmental elements faced daily. The formula is enriched with Coconut, Apricot Kernel oils plus Vitamin E.

Sally Hansen Big Primer and Cuticle Oil

The Life of Pablo Pop-Up Shop – Merchandise Launch

Kanye West hosted “The Life of Pablo” Pop-Up Shop at 21 international locations. Merchandise sold at the stores included Basic T-Shirts, Bomber Jackets, Hoodies, Military Jackets, and Baseball Caps.

Several fashion enthusiasts visited the shop.  Potential customers waited outside for several hours to view the merchandise.  Thus, the collection received mixed reviews due to the price, style, and return policy of the clothing.

Visual design of the pop-up shop was reminiscent of a minimalistic style with white walls, mirrors, and a few racks of clothing.

It was an interesting launch for “The Life of Pablo” Collection and sure this is only the beginning for the Music Artist and Fashion Designer.

Treat Yourself — Worry Free Pedi Foot Bath

Who doesn’t love a pedicure? A nail spa’s warm soothing footbath is
a relaxing break from a stressful day that also primps and pampers your
tired, achy, worked feet. But with risk of whirlpool tubs containing
microbacteria that can produce warts, MRSA, athlete’s foot and toenail
fungus, how relaxing can your spa day really be?

Worry Free Pedi™ offers fast, effective sanitizing effervescent
tablets that you add to your pedicure bath. Available in individually
wrapped packs, you simply carry a tablet with you to the salon and drop
it right into the footbath.

Just one tablet eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and fungi.

While most nail salons and spas clean out their whirlpool baths between
clients, they actually are not reaching the major source of the
bacteria. Infection-causing bacteria lurks in the jet blowers of spa
tubs. Some spa baths disassemble for proper sterilization, but many do
not. Worry Free Pedi™ reaches and eliminates those bacteria and brings
you a safe, clean and relaxing pedicure experience.

Using Worry Free Pedi™ could not be simpler. Just bring an
individually wrapped tablet with you to your next pedicure appointment,
drop it into the bath prior to turning on the jets, and the effervescent
tablet goes to work immediately.

So while you may have already come out unscathed from past pedicures,
infection can be picked up very quickly and unknowingly. Common grooming
practices such as shaving your legs before a pedicure open your pores
and make your skin susceptible infection, or a simple cut or nick from a
manicure tool can increases chances for infection. For less than $1.75 a
tablet you eliminate risk and quit the game of staph infection Russian
Roulette.

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Worry Free Pedi™ are available in packs of 8 tablets for $13.99 and
will soon be available at Walmart.com and kmart.com. For more
information, visit www.WorryFreePedi.com.

A Passion for Fashion: Achieving Your Fashion Dreams One Thread at a Time by Nick Verreos

Becoming a notable figure in the ever-changing and exclusive world of modern fashion has become more difficult than ever before. Each year, thousands of new designer labels are launched, and tens of thousands of fashion students and recent graduates vie for internships and jobs. Simply put, competition is stronger than ever before. For modern fashion professionals trying to find their place and differentiate themselves from the pack, standing out from their peers is paramount.

As a way to help aspiring fashion designers and other hopefuls launch their careers and navigate the industry effectively, former Project Runway contestant (turned guest judge), red carpet correspondent, and celebrity fashion designer Nick Verreos – along with partner and colleague David Paul – wrote the forthcoming book, A Passion for Fashion: Achieving Your Fashion Dreams One Thread at a Time (foreword written by pop icon and Project Runway host Tim Gunn, available August 23, 2016, Post Hill Press).

Written in straightforward language and broken down into 10 easy-to-read chapters, Verreos debunks common myths and ultimately reveal the harsh realities of the industry.

This book is a must-read for anyone considering a career as a fashion designer, merchandiser, publicist, blogger, or any other position in the fashion industry.

In this insightful and educational book, Verreos also reveals:

€ The best ways prospective students can prepare for fashion school
€ Fashion sketching essentials
€ Tips to create a portfolio that lands your dream job
€ How to know if fashion is the right career path for you
€ How to launch your new startup label successfully
€ Ways to deal with the press and get your designs on the red carpet
€ Project Runway: The Good, Bad, & Ugly
€ And so much more!

Verreos received worldwide attention after appearing on the television show Project Runway and later became the winning mentor on Under the Gunn. Since then, he has dressed celebrities including Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, Carrie Underwood, and Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin under his label NIKOLAKI. He has also enjoyed impressive success with his NV Nick Verreos sportswear line on major TV shopping networks in the U.S. and Europe.

As a renowned red carpet fashion expert and correspondent, he has reported for E! Entertainment, TV Guide, Style Network, NBC, and CNN International. Verreos is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), and is a guest lecturer and official spokesperson for the college.

Paul is an American fashion designer and co-founder of the high-end fashion line, NIKOLAKI. He built an extensive resume in the world of entertainment and fashion styling, working with André Leon Talley for Vogue magazine and photographers such as Arthur Elgort, and Amanda DeCadanet.

Additionally, he has styled celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Heidi Klum, Vanessa Paradis, and Twiggy. His television credits include costume design and wardrobe for MTV, ABC, FOX, and The WB. Paul is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he received his B.A. in theater arts, and a master¹s degree in costume design.

Connect with Verreos and Paul on:

Website: NickVerreos.com

YouTube.com, Instagram.com, Pinterest.com, Facebook.com, Twitter.com

CostaBaja™ Resort and Spa – Sun-Kissed Yoga Bliss Retreat

One of the nation’s most popular yoga instructors, Kylan Fischer, will host a five-day wellness retreat for those seeking to unwind from everyday stresses and find their bliss.  The retreat will be offered October 5-9, 2016, at the spectacular CostaBaja Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive property just 10 minutes south of downtown La Paz, the capital of Mexico’s Baja California.

“Treat yourself to this opportunity to sweat it out, let it go and relax,” offered Kylan. “This tropical getaway enables you to detox from deadlines and dreary daily routines. You’ll feel the exhilaration and pride of gently pushing your yoga practice to new levels,” she observed.

To take advantage of substantial savings, opt for early bird discounts and book by September 5, 2016. Additional nights can be reserved.

 The five-day, four-night retreat includes:

  • Seaview room accommodations (double or single occupancy available)
  • All meals
    • Vinyasa yoga, Heart Opening yoga, morning yoga and sunset meditation
    • Stretch your practice by performing yoga on a stand up paddleboard, on the beach and blindfolded
    •  Experience a new level of joy as you swim with the seals

 Sea View Room total package price for bookings:

  • 1 person (single occupancy) $2,840.68  USD per person
  • 2 person (double occupancy) $2,544.79 USD per person (shared room)

To make a reservation, review the itinerary or for additional information contact Retreats Unlimited at 312-961-3280 or http://myretreatsunlimited.com/.

About Kylan Fischer

Kylan Fischer’s yoga story began with her extensive background in dance. Once she learned yoga to achieve better alignment for dance stretches, the practice became her passion. Since earning her Yoga Alliance Certification, Kylan has led workshops and retreats nationwide. See her amazing poses by joining her more than 91,000 followers on Instagram: @Yoga_ky

About CostaBaja Resort and Spa

The all-inclusive CostaBaja Resort and Spa is just 10 minutes south of downtown La Paz, the capital of Mexico’s Baja California.  The resort, unmatched in the region, is set on the magnificent Sea of Cortez overlooking a 250 slip marina and a white sand beach.  It is nestled like a jewel within 550 acres of environmentally protected costal lands.  Just north of the hotel lies Isla Espiritu Santo, a designated UNESCO World-Heritage bio-reserve, and adjacent waters that offer the best sport fishing in Baja Sur. CostaBaja offers exclusive access and preferred rates at Mexico’s only Gary Player-designed golf course; the tranquil Espiritu Spa featuring locally-inspired treatments and full spa services; three pools and multiple dining options.

Carolyn Murphy – Sound Bath for Buick Envision

Health and wellbeing are top of mind for more and more Americans today, and for Buick as well. The first ever Buick Envision five passenger compact luxury SUV feature’s signature Quiet Tuning, advanced driver assist technologies, and soft-touch materials, designed to contribute to a more relaxing, calm and happy driving experience.

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Today, Buick is proud to release a new piece of video content inspired by the Buick Envision featuring Carolyn Murphy entitled Buick Envision Quiet Tuning.”

Buick’s signature Quiet Tuning is a process designed to reduce, block and absorb noise to develop a quiet, inviting, and distraction-free cabin. Elements including acoustic laminated glass, triple door seals and active noise cancellation make the Buick Envision one of the quietest SUVs on the market.

Influenced by a sense of wellbeing, calm and comfort, the Buick video explores the vehicle’s connection to the world outside the car. The Buick Envision Quiet Tuning video explores the importance of sound in influencing a sense of wellbeing and focus for the driver and passengers. The video also gives a taster of a special downloadable sound bath created specifically for Buick Envision. Sound specialists Jarrod Mayer and Melody Balczon designed a sound bath with Carolyn Murphy to help alleviate stressful driving situations that can be part of a daily commute.

Download the Buick Envision Quiet Tuning Sound Bath Track. This custom track can be downloaded for use on your next drive. The track supports calming and enhances focus of the mind.

“This sound bath was curated with the intention of creating a calm and focused mind to alleviate the stresses of noisy commutes that cause tension in the body,” said Jarrod Mayer. “Sound waves are absorbed by the body and have the power to aversely or positively affect the mind and body, making sound baths and the Buick Envision’s exceptionally quiet cabin so impactful.”

“I’m on the road a lot and am very sensitive to noise. Stressful sounds from roadwork to horns and the general hustle and bustle of city life take a toll on your well-being,” explained Murphy. “I’ve enjoyed working with the Buick Envision. We all spend so much time in our cars so anything that can help bring comfort to that is a joy.”

Birmingham Restaurant Week 2016 – Local Culinary Cuisine

Birmingham Restaurant Week started on August 12 – 21, 2016 for residents and tourists in the Alabama area.  This is an exciting opportunity for customers to eat and try new dishes for a reasonable price.

Click on the [link] to view a list of lunch, dinner, and brunch options with participating locations.  Prices range between $5 – 30 and the menu varies from down-home Southern cuisine to Puerto Rican-inspired dishes.

This week marks the 7th annual year Birmingham has supported Restaurant Week.

FILA and Jason Wu Reinvent the “Modern Classic” for FW 2016

 Since the launch of his career back in the early 2000s, fashion designer Jason Wu has created a fashion empire that is defined by his ability to combine unique innovations with classic elegance and eclectic energy. Wu’s new collection for FILA Hong Kong seamlessly combines elements of two great designers – drawing inspiration from the clean lines, classic fringe and bold colors found in the FILA archives, and reimagining them with new geometric patterns, stylish cuts, and a bold color pattern that, when combined, makes for a truly unique and sophisticated collection that brings the 1960s into the modern world.
The FILA x Jason Wu women’s collection is defined by its unique combination of asymmetrical cuts, fabrics, and patterns that blend vintage FILA styles with contemporary silhouettes. Included in the collection are four tennis dresses, two tops, a skort, and a pant, which each sport a different color blocked pattern as well as bold lines of varying thickness and color. The show-stopping piece comes in the form of an ultra-feminine interpretation of the classic FILA tennis dress, which combines a smooth, form-fitting top, with a flirty pleated skirt, and an overlapping body piece. The mixture of fabrics and irregular stitching makes for a remarkable silhouette that creates a sense of depth, while keeping a visually optimized ratio.
The men’s FILA x Jason Wu line features a selection of polos, crewnecks, pants, and shorts in various combinations of white, black and grey – a design element that allows users to mix and match different pieces with ease. Various color blocking patterns and added geometric details in red, yellow, and blue gives each item its own unique flair, while remaining sophisticated and versatile. A black jacket with white piping on the wrists and waist rounds out the collection in stylish sophistication, making it the perfect addition to an autumn wardrobe.
The FILA x Jason Wu collection will be available this fall at select retail locations in Hong Kong, as well as online at www.fila.com.hk/. More information and photos about the collaboration may be found on FILA Hong Kong’s official site, as well as their Facebook andInstagram pages.
About FILA:
Founded in 1911, FILA is an Italian sportswear and lifestyle brand with a rich and diverse history. Throughout its 105 years as a brand, FILA has had the opportunity to design athletic wear for some of the finest athletes in tennis, golf, skiing, basketball, and baseball. The brand is especially well known for its ability to produce clothing that combines comfort and aesthetics in one, using high quality materials and expert tailoring. Today, FILA products can be found in over 30 countries including Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, and the United States.
About Jason Wu:
Jason Wu (吴季刚) was born in 1983 in Taiwan. As a student, Wu had the opportunity to learn and study in a number of iconic cities across the world including Tokyo, Canada, and France, before moving to New York City to study at the Parsons School of Design. After graduation, Wu began working at the Narcisco Rodriguez studio. In February 2006, Wu released his first personal collection, which was met with praise by fashion critics and buyers alike. He quickly became one of New York’s most exciting young designers, and was given the opportunity to design a dress for Michelle Obama, America’s first lady. Today, Wu regularly designs for celebrities and political figures alike, and also lends his talents to collaborative collections with international brands. Jason is affectionately known as “the light of Taiwan.”