New Orleans Fashion Week Featuring Stevie Boi, Kids Runway Spotlight, and The Evolution of Fashion 300 Tricentennial Event

Today, New Orleans Fashion Week (NOFW) announces its 2018 schedule of events. The exclusive affair is slated to deliver its audience an exciting program with authentic New Orleans flair that artistically connects fashion, culture, art, history and more.

Since its inception in 2011, NOFW has been setting the stage for style along the Gulf Coast by ushering in the Southern region’s premier fashion tastemakers. The weeklong event aims to establish a strong awareness of local designers, models and beauty artisans, as well as to increase economic growth by creating a sustainable fashion community. This year, as the city celebrates its Tricentennial, NOFW will add an element of history to its body of work by presenting “300 Years of Fashion in New Orleans,” an event dedicated to highlighting the evolution of fashion in the region.

“In New Orleans we take great pride in our diverse culture and heritage, and that plays such a big part in the fashion scene,” said NOFW founder Tracee Dundas. “The fashion industry is inspired and motivated by the unique cultural attributes of our city. We are so excited to incorporate select iconic traditions that lend to the evolution of fashion, not only in New Orleans, but around the world.”

Each year, NOFW strives to bring attention to the Southern fashion community using this event as the catalyst of brand exposure, industry education, and resource sharing. NOFW attendees can expect to see a diverse range of fashion from local and internationally known designers including the accomplished talent, Stevie Boi.
New Orleans Fashion Week Schedule of Events:
Sunday, March 18: Let’s Talk Fashion
Monday, March 19: Beauty and the Ritz ft. Stevie Boi
Tuesday, March 20: The Evolution of Fashion, an official NOLA 300 Tricentennial event
Wednesday, March 21: Kids Runway Spotlight
Thursday, March 22 – Saturday, March 24: New Orleans Fashion Week Runway Shows
Friday, March 23: Career Day at the New Orleans Museum of Art

Mimi Holaday, Designer and Milliner at Halo Mimi said, “New Orleans Fashion Week is a great networking experience and tool for anyone in the fashion and beauty world. The event is the culmination of emerging and existing Southern talent – from designers of all types and hair and makeup artists to amazing photographers and young aspiring models.”

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This year, New Orleans Fashion Week is partnering with New Orleans Entrepreneur Week to add a fashion pitch component to the Top Design Competition. “Fashion designers are creative individuals with a natural entrepreneurial spirit,” said Dundas. “The ten Top Design Competition finalists will have the opportunity to compete their collections on the NOFW runway, as well as further their business goals by taking their concept from the runway to retail.”

NOFW has seamlessly elevated the brands of Gulf Coast designers with runway shows, presentations, and events infused with New Orleans culture. In its eighth year, NOFW promises to deliver world-class couture, connect designers with opportunities and impress event attendees with fashion-forward designs, while paying homage to a city renowned and celebrated for its unique, eclectic style.

More information about NOFW can be found on www.neworleansfashionweek.com.

About New Orleans Fashion Week
New Orleans Fashion Week launched in 2011 with the objective of providing a platform for Louisiana and Southern-based designers to showcase their fashions to global tastemakers. Over the years, the Southern Region’s fashion and apparel industry has consistently received national exposure and sustainable growth. New Orleans Fashion Week has provided a viable platform for more than 250 members of the fashion industry, and even more impressive is the continuum of retailers that have acknowledged the talents of the New Orleans design community by including such brands in their store inventory strategies.

2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL – Weekend Getaway

Essence today announced the official dates for the 2018 Essence Festival® presented by Coca-Cola®, which will take place from July 5 – 8, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Limited advance tickets for the 24th annual event’s nightly concert series will be available starting August 10 at 10:00am ET.

On the heels of a record-breaking 2017 Festival, the highly anticipated event is expected to feature a diverse, all-star roster of musicians and speakers for its nightly concert series and daytime empowerment programming respectively. The 2017 “party with a purpose” drew over 470,000 attendees and featured first-time performances by Diana Ross and Chance The Rapper, plus keynote conversations with Ava Duvernay, Mary J. Blige, the cast of the critically acclaimed film “Girls Trip” – Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish – and many more.

Festivalgoers can start planning their ‘girl’s trip’ and weekend getaways by visiting Essence Festival for a recap of the 2017 Festival, information about advance ticket sales, the latest news about the Festival and to sign up for Festival-related newsletters.

Join the Essence Festival community by following us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2018 Essence Festival on Facebook for additional updates.

Sponsors of the 2018 Essence Festival® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola® and major sponsor State Farm.

What I Wore: African Print Midi Flare Skirt and Accessories

I have not moved beyond the excitement centered around Essence Fest 2017.  The iconic “party with a purpose” is a must-attend experience!

When packing for such an event there are a few rules to consider.  Always plan for the weather in that region and review the itinerary in terms of walking.

I couldn’t cover the festival without packing my favorite African-Print (Ankara) midi skirt. Several people stopped and inquired about this particular piece. Here’s the secret:  it was purchased at a flea market in Alabama.

The style photo was taken in the New Orleans, Central Business District. Against my better judgement, I stood in the middle of street traffic to capture a decent shot.

Was this a little scary?  The answer is yes.  Was this mind-blowing?  The answer is definitely a strong yes!

 

TIME INC.¹S 2017 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA® ATTRACTS MORE THAN 470,000 ATTENDEES

Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® attracted more than 470,000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend for its annual cultural celebration featuring more than 200 performing artists and speakers—which included first-time appearances by Halle Berry, Diana Ross, Chance The Rapper and many more.  Recognized as one of the country’s largest live events, the 2017 ESSENCE Festival extended its reach worldwide by generating a record-breaking 4 billion social media impressions.

The annual 4-day Festival, which took place June 29-July 2, features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and a state-of-the-art concert series with the world’s best performers each night.

Highlights of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival include:

  • Over 100 performing artists across the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry such as Diana Ross, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Chance The Rapper, Master P. and Solange performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring Cissy Houston.
  • More than 100 speakers, authors, leaders and celebrities participated in the Festival’s free daytime experience –including a first-ever appearance by Halle Berry.  Other powerhouse speakers included Ava DuVernay, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and the return of favorites Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Iyanla Vanzant, among others, drew packed crowds.
  • #EssenceFest social media posts driving more than 4 billion impressions with daily trending status on Twitter.
  • The launch of ESSENCE’s newly expanded ‘Path to Power’ business and entrepreneurship conference, as well as the return of consumer Expos focused on ‘Beauty & Style’ and ‘Entertainment All Access’ which drew crowds of thousands each day to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
  • Artist collaborations resulted in new Festival initiatives, including a first-time ‘Ladies Night’ featuring all female performers across five stages on Saturday night, and a first-ever celebrity basketball game to raise money for local youth scholarships in partnership with Master P. and his foundation, Team Hope NOLA.

For a full recap of all the exciting moments from the 2017 ESSENCE Festival, visit ESSENCE.com and log in to the ESSENCE Festival News Center for photo and footage highlights.

The 2017 ESSENCE Festival is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar is the executive producer of the 2017 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience

Sponsors of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&TFord, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.  Superlounge sponsors include Coca-Cola, Ford and Walmart. The All Star Gospel Tribute is sponsored by Walmart.

 

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a brand reach of 21.2 million. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online, ECI is comprised of Essence magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; the ESSENCE Festival®; Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music events; Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series; Essence.com; and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD).

ABOUT TIME INC.

Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is a leading multi-platform consumer media company that engages over 170 million consumers globally every month. The company’s influential brands include PEOPLE, TIME, FORTUNE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, INSTYLE, REAL SIMPLE, SOUTHERN LIVING and TRAVEL + LEISURE, as well as more than 60 diverse international brands. Time Inc. offers marketers a differentiated proposition in the marketplace by combining its powerful brands, trusted content, audience scale, direct relationships with consumers and unique first-party data. The company is home to growing media and platforms, including digital video, OTT, television, licensing, paid products and services and celebrated live events, such as the TIME 100, FORTUNE Most Powerful Women, PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED’s Sportsperson of the Year, the ESSENCE Festival and the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.

Essence Festival 2017 – Media Passes & Lineup

Essence Festival 2017 is only a few weeks away and we have received official media passes.  What does that mean?  Style + Life + Fashion will share behind the scenes style photos, celebrity interviews, and video clips.

Aside from real-time micro blogging via social media (don’t forget to follow the hashtag #EssenceFestSLF ) there will be an official event recap sharing details from the Beauty and Style Expo, Entertainment Access, and much more.

The 2017 Lineup will include:

If you like this post, click here – What To Wear:  6 Tips For Music Festival Season

Essence Festival 2017

Excited to announce I will be attending Essence Festival 2017.  This will be a fun weekend of music, beauty, and fashion!  Stay connected to our adventures by following the hashtag #EssenceFestSLF

More info coming soon!

Since 1994 the festival has been the official party with a purpose, and this year we continue the legacy with four days of music, empowerment, community and entertainment.  Whether you’re partying the night away at the Superdome or attending our free daytime experiences at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, you’ll leave the weekend with a fresh outlook on how to build a better future for yourself and for your community.

Here’s the 2017 Lineup:

Diana Ross – John Legend – Mary J. Blige – Chance the Rapper – Solange – Chaka Khan – Jill Scott – Master P – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – India.Arie – Monica – Jazmine Sullivan – Mystikal – Silkk the Shocker – Mia X – Rhonda Ross – Ari Lennox – BJ the Chicago Kid – Daley – Doug E. Fresh – Elle Varner – Emily Estefan – Gallant – Jhené Aiko – June’s Diary – Kelly Price – Lalah Hathaway – Leela James – Lizzo – Michel’le – Moses Sumney – PJ – PJ Morton – Remy Ma – Ro James – Shaggy – Sir the Baptist – Teyana Taylor – The Jones Girls featuring Shirley Jones – Tweet – Yuna

Essence Festival – My Black Is Beautiful Platform

My Black Is Beautiful (MBIB), an African-American community-building platform created by Procter & Gamble (P&G), celebrated 10 successful years of initiating and sustaining a broad dialogue around black beauty at Essence Festival in New Orleans. As the Official Sponsor of the Beauty and Style Expo within Essence Festival, MBIB galvanized thousands of African-American women and encouraged them to continue to fuel conversations around beauty and pride.

Jordin Sparks stopped by the My Black is Beautiful booth at Essence Festival 2016 (1) Keke Wyatt stopped by the My Black is Beautiful Booth at Essence Festival 2016 Kenny Lattimore at the My Black is Beautiful Booth at Essence Festival 2016 Popular hair and beauty vloggers Glam Twinz at the MBIB booth at Essence FestivalClaudia Jordan stopped by the My Black is Beautiful Booth at Essence Festival 2016

During the weekend leading into the 4th of July, MBIB offered festival-goers with interactive, educational and engaging experiences that inspired them to be #BeautyEmpowered, while connecting them with P&G products with benefits for their hair and skin.

LeToya Luckett at the My Black is Beautiful Booth at Essence Festival in 2016Christian Keyes star of Saints & Sinners on Bounce TV stopped by the My Black is Beautiful booth at Essence Festival 2016Dj D-Nice keeping the My Black is Beautiful at Essence Festival 2016Kenny Lattimore Stopped by the My Black is Beautiful Booth at Essence Festival 2016Letoya Luckett and Danielle James of Hello Beautiful at the My Black is Beautiful Booth at Essence Festival 2016LeToya Luckett as a My Black is Beautiful Ambassador at Essence Festival 2016My Black is Beautiful Giveaway Samples at the Booth in Essence FestivalPopular Vloggers Glam Twinz trying out some Olay at the MBIB booth at Essence Festival 2016Dj D-Nice keeping the My Black is Beautiful at Essence Festival 2016

New Orleans Cuisine Experience – Maison Dupuy

If you’ve been intrigued with Cajun and Creole-inspired cooking, you won’t want to miss “The Ultimate New Orleans Cuisine Experience”. This unique tour immerses you in the southern hospitality, charm and scrumptious food that personifies

New Orleans. You’ll be a guest in the luxurious in the heart of the French Quarter.

The tours are available in 2016 on June 5-9, June 26-30, July 10-14, August 21-25, September 11-15 and November 27-December 1.  This is a turnkey vacation tailor-made for foodies, home chefs who want to sharpen their skills, and couples and girlfriends seeking an unusual getaway. Prices start at $2,271.00 (double shared accommodation).

You’ll experience the cuisine firsthand in two private, highly interactive cooking classes at the respected New Orleans School of Cooking. The vibrant atmosphere of this perfectly equipped instruction kitchen will leave you excited to learn how to cook Southern favorites and buzz-worthy new dishes. Join your small group in preparing—and enjoying–a delicious Louisiana lunch one day and dinner the next, all with locally sourced ingredients.

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During a food tour through the French Quarter, you’ll meet chefs of some of the most popular restaurants in town, hear their take on food trends and taste several of their offerings.

You’ll be captivated by the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, a 38-acre estate reminiscent of the stately mansions in “Gone with the Wind.” In a private tour of this “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road” you’ll explore the grandly furnished house, outbuildings and verdant gardens. Then it’s a stop at the Turtle Bar where the bartender will make a classic Southern cocktail for everyone. Finally, linger over a creole-inspired lunch in a gracious setting.

And as a special treat, join New Orleans’ food critic Tom Fitzmorris for a private dinner in one of the city’s finest restaurants. Lively discussion, foodie wisdom and complex wines make for an unforgettable evening. Fitzmorris knows of what he speaks, as he proves with his popular restaurant blog and radio show.

To prepare for each day, you can opt for a morning yoga class and breakfast in the hotels’ picturesque courtyard surround by five stories of wrought iron balconies overlooking a lush garden, outdoor pool and fountain.

The Retreat: What to Expect

  • Morning yoga and breakfast in Maison Dupuy’s charming courtyard
  • Free time to explore the historic French Quarter
  • Courtyard Welcome Reception
  • Visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens with luxury transportation
  • Dinner with local food critic Tom Fitzpatrick

The Retreat Includes:

  • 5 days – 4 nights at historic Maison Dupuy in the French Quarter
  • Meal plan which includes breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (additional meals outside of hotel are not included)
  • Shuttle service to and from the airport
  • Houmas House Plantation excursion
  • 2 cooking classes (lunch and dinner) at the New Orleans School of Cooking
  • All taxes, tips and service at the hotel restaurants
  • Retreats Unlimited daily gift bag

These tours are being offered by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation, review this itinerary or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat and tour  announcements, promotions and discount offers.

About the Masion Dupuy

Come and experience one of the few, and most unique New Orleans hotels in the French Quarter, the Maison Dupuy. This elegant hotel is situated just a couple of blocks from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street. This luxurious property offers guests a distinct mixture of history and pampering unlike any other and beckons you to relax and escape the hustle of modern life. The hotel’s Bistreaux is a casual concept restaurant that delivers a comprehensive dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other amenities include a fitness center and outdoor pool in a lush courtyard. Business facilities include a business center and 5,697 square feet of function space.

Tabitha Bethune and La Playbill Collection

Tabitha Bethune, longtime actress and award-winning playwright, is releasing her new evening wear collection, La Playbill. With the desire to reignite interest in elegant formal wear, Tabitha Bethune of The Wild Life Reserve, decided to create beautiful, timeless clothing under the LA PLAYBILL brand. Looks from the collection will be previewed at the Bal des Artistes event presented by the Creative Alliance of New Orleans.

About LA PLAYBILL:

Tabitha is a lover of the arts, and for this reason, LA PLAYBILL is a tribute to the arts. A LA PLAYBILL gown is the perfect marriage of timeless beauty and comfort. LA PLAYBILL’s signature is 18 Karat gold stitching at the hem of the gown to accentuate its level of excellence. Therefore, a LA PLAYBILL gown is to be handed down to the next generation. Because Tabitha is a New Orleans native and NOCCA alum, her fabric choices tell a story with an exquisite voice. A LA PLAYBILL gown celebrates all the important moments in a woman’s life while allowing her to feel confident, beautiful, and splendid. LA PLAYBILL gowns don’t just make statements but tell stories.

About Tabitha Bethune:

Tabitha Bethune, designed LA PLAYBILL to pay homage to the arts and her undying love for the theater. Making use of rich, smoldering fabrics, Bethune constructed remarkable gowns each inspired by some of the world’s favorite plays, artists and movies from both the present and past. In addition to the 18 karat gold stitching found in every hem of LA PLAYBILL gowns, Bethune’s signature line contains dramatic cuts and tailoring.

The daughter of a seamstress, Tabitha Bethune was introduced to sewing at an early age. Beginning when she was five, Bethune regularly assisted her mother by threading needles and cutting patterns for her as she sewed clothing for her seven children. Bethune soon recognized her passion for designing garments, which flourished in her adult years.

In 2006 Tabitha married Micaiah Bethune, designer and owner of the locally renowned men’s clothing line, The Wild Life Reserve. Collectively under the umbrella of The Wild Life Reserve LA PLAYBILL’s mission seeks to preserve elements of raw fashion that have been eliminated by mass production void of personal style. Bethune’s LA PLAYBILL comes to fruition as a result of today’s relaxed fashion culture that has been stripped of black-tie standards and has lost sight of the respect once paid to the stage by simply dressing up.

Tabitha Bethune would like to thank her two wonderful children Jasmine and Olivia Bethune as well as her husband Micaiah Bethune .

For more information on LA PLAYBILL:

www.laplaybill.com  

 
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