Tag: fashion

How to Prepare for Your Dream Wedding

There’s nothing more special to a man and woman’s life than their wedding day. It should be something that couples work hard for, plan for, and of course, strive for.  In this day and age where standards have never been higher, it might be tough trying to achieve that dream wedding. There are just so many things to think about now.

How To Prepare For Your Dream Wedding

A lot of couples end up getting in petty fights during the pre-wedding planning. It’s a stressful part of their relationship, so it’s not surprising that things can get heated. If your wedding day is coming up, you’ll need to begin preparing as well. That special day only comes once in a lifetime, so it must be as perfect as possible. How does one plan the perfect wedding anyway?

Set A Budget

Weddings can get expensive if you don’t carefully plan them. According to Forbes, weddings are getting more expensive than ever. Just in 2016, the average price for a wedding was up at a high of over $35,000. Within the succeeding years, weddings became more and more expensive due to the increasing costs of services and goods needed.

Even if you have money to spend, you should be wise about how you spend it at your wedding. Work with your significant other to create the budget you need for the special day. Although going all out is enticing for a wedding, keep in mind that you guys still have a future and a family to build ahead of you.

Some of the expenses include wedding rings, dresses, food, and much more. This makes budgeting more essential.

At this part of the wedding planning, you should begin creating a guest list as well. Invite all of your close friends and family to the wedding. By creating a guest list, you can check early on just how much you need for the wedding. If you have some guests flying in from other parts of the world, then you might need to help them get accommodations as well.

Great weddings can be achieved even if you are on a budget. As such, you really need to plan things out first if you are hoping to have a wedding that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

Handle The Wedding Dress Early On

The wedding dress is one of the highlights of a wedding ceremony. The bride only walks down the aisle once, so it is a must to have her wearing the best wedding dress possible. Wedding dresses are delicate and hard to create. As such, it should be one of the things you should account for first.

Wedding dresses take a long time to make, so it should already be in the works months before the wedding. Of course, you should also consider that the bride might want to make some alterations as the months go on, so it is really important to get work on it started right away.

It’s not just the wedding dress you have to worry about. You’ll also have to account for the dresses of the bridesmaids attending the event. Usually, these are made alongside the wedding dress, so they complement the bride well. To make sure that things run smoothly, it’s best to have all of the bridesmaids attend the fitting for the dress.

The wedding dress industry is a $40 billion market. Make sure to take your pick as there’s a lot of stiff competition.

Pick The Date And Location

One of the things you have to contend with is the date and location of your wedding. Keep in mind that you guys aren’t the only couple tying the knot. It’s imperative that you head to the wedding location right away to check their schedule within the coming months. Wedding dates tend to get fully booked fast.

The last thing you’d want is to have your wedding postponed again and again because of scheduling problems. One way you can avoid such matters is by simply scheduling months or even a year before the special day finally arrives.

Of course, the wedding and date of the event are very important which is why scheduling the date ahead is essential for any successful wedding ceremony.

How To Prepare For Your Dream Wedding

Ready Up The Reception

The reception is where the fun begins at the wedding. It’s basically the party that occurs after you say your I dos. This is one part of the wedding that most couples have a hard time planning because there are a lot of things involved in organizing this fun part of the ceremony. It first begins with the location of the reception.

The reception should not be far from the location of the wedding. In most cases, the wedding and the reception venues are one and the same. You’ll be tasked with picking the design, food, and program for the reception. Ideally, you’d want to hire an organizer for this part of the planning as they could have a better handle on things here.

One aspect of the wedding that you should be hands-on with is the selection of food. You have to take note of preferences, allergies, and whether or not some of your guests are vegan. It’s imperative that you ask for these to ensure that everyone gets to have their tummies filled by the end of the day.

Consider Getting Help

You and your significant other don’t have to be alone when planning a wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends or family. If you have the budget for it, hire a professional wedding planner! You don’t have to worry about things not going your way as wedding planners will organize the wedding based solely on your preference.

Wedding planners will also ensure that your wedding stays within your preferred budget. It’s often the better choice to hire a wedding planner because they already have a ton of contacts to help you out.

At the end of the day, you need to remind yourself and your significant other that the wedding is more than about amazing dresses, delicious food, and extravagant designs. It’s also the special day when you are both bonded in holy matrimony and that is perhaps the most important part. Enjoy the planning process as it’s only the beginning of a fruitful relationship.

Top Tips to Dress For Your Body Type

Top Tips to Dress For Your Body TypeYou tried the dress, which looked incredible in the store window, but when you wear it for yourself, it doesn’t look very good. Does this situation seem familiar to you? What could it be? Well, for starters, it in no way means there is anything wrong with your body. What if you are just not dressing according to your ideal body shape?

Here are some useful tips that can help you dress for your body type and still look your best.

An apple-shaped body

Your body shape will fall into this category if your upper body is on the heavier side than your lower body. Usually, people with this shape have broad shoulders and a more prominent bust line, which gives the impression that the person’s entire weight has gathered around the midriff.

How to dress right?

Pick clothes which draw attention away from your waist and mid-section. The V-neck empire tops and waist dresses, A-line dresses, and wrap dresses are the best for you. Pick tops that conceal your belly area. If it covers the hips, too, it is better. Jasmine, an associate with TFTH, says “I have an apple-shaped body and I avoid double-breasted jackets which make my upper body look heavier.”

Also, avoid clingy silhouettes and bulky tops. Instead, opt for layered tops, tunics, or ruched tops.

Further, if your top is heavy, you should avoid straight-leg pants and skinny jeans. Boot cut pants and flared pants with a back pocket are just the right pick for you.

Instead of going with a belt around the waist, you should instead wear it below the bust. It will help you minimize the waist and create curves.

A pear-shaped body

This is the body type where everything is in your lower body. So your thighs and butt seem bigger than the upper body. However, this body is quite a hit, all thanks to the gorgeous Kim Kardashian. If you have achieved this body naturally by working out, you are lucky!

How to dress right?

Strive to create a balance. For this, you can highlight your shoulders to balance your figure. Try wearing pashminas, scarves, and colourful necklaces. Go with embellished dresses and tops or the patterned ones. Make your shoulders look broader with puff sleeves, cap sleeves, or a bateau neckline. “I have a pear-shaped body type and I go for flared tailored pants or A-line skirts; they suit me best,” shares Jessica, who works with TopAssignmentExperts.

Avoid pencil skirts, short skirts, capri pants, and tight pants. Always go with solid and dark colours for your lower half. As for the top, you can go with lighter, brightly hued tops.

Top Tips to Dress For Your Body Type

A rectangular body shape

This is a more well-balanced body shape. It goes well from the shoulders to your hips. But, unfortunately, you may not have a definition for the silhouette. So, yes, it may be a bit straightforward, if that is how we can put it.

How to dress right?

If you lack natural curves, you can use the accessories and clothes to create them. You can wear a belt on the narrow part of the waist to accentuate it. Choose wrap and empire-waist dresses as they will look the best on you. Accentuate your bust line and shoulders with pleated or ruffled tops and pick accessories to add more volume to your upper body.

Do choose good quality underwear, which offers fine breast support and makes the waist more defined. Peplum tops, jackets, skirts, and dresses help you create an illusion of a nice hourglass shape.

An hourglass shape

Lastly, you will just know when you have an hourglass body type and trust us, so will everyone around you. It is the most balanced and proportionate body type. In this, you have a proportionate top and an equally proportional bottom.

Further, your waistline is quite defined. So, when you go shopping for dresses, you can pick ones that flaunt your lovely figure and bring it to the forefront.

How to dress right?

The idea is to highlight your curves. It is vital to pick clothes, which grab the attention towards your midriff. Avoid baggy clothes. “I am an hourglass body type, and I pick clothes that focus more on my waist because then my bust and hips are automatically highlighted,” shares Chloe, an educator with EduWorldUSA.

Next, you need to be careful with your choice of undergarments. If you have a proportioned bosom, be cautious with the kind of bra you opt for. In general, do not go with padded or unstructured ones. The latter usually makes the cleavage look unattractive. Opt for shirts which highlight your bust. Pencil skirts and V-neck tops and dresses will look great.

Whatever your body type, and regardless of what you wear, make sure you carry your clothes with confidence for maximum eye appeal.

Amethyst Rings – How to Find the Most Flattering for Your Finger

There is a lot to love about amethyst rings, but like any type of jewelry you will have a lot of different options to consider when choosing between the available products.

To help you on your way, here is a quick guide to finding an amethyst ring that will suit you down to the ground.

Amethyst Rings - How to Find the Most Flattering Ring for Your Finger
Image Source: Pixabay

Stone size & shape matter

One of the best things about amethysts in general is that they are typically a beautiful deep purple in color and so will match the majority of people’s skin tones. However, this means that the major consideration should be the size of the stone itself; go too big and it will look cumbersome, while too small a stone will leave your finger looking a bit bare and barren.

Finger length and overall hand size will be key to your decision-making at this point. If you have compact hands and slender fingers, a smaller stone will be fitting and will enhance your natural attributes without overwhelming them. In terms of stone shape, those with daintier digits should opt for oval or pear-shaped amethysts set in rings, since these will give the impression that your fingers are a little longer.

Of course you also need to think about your usual nail length, as this will also impact the look of your hands and determine which ring is right for you. For example, even if you have fingers that are on the shorter end of the scale, they may appear longer if you wear longer nails on a daily basis.

Band thickness is significant

The size and shape of the amethyst is certainly going to take the lion’s share of your attention when choosing rings, but the band itself will also have a part to play.

Those with larger hands and longer fingers can opt for thicker, chunkier bands overall, since they will not look out of place in this context. Meanwhile if you have more petite mitts then a slender band will potentially be a better option. Of course if your fingers are slender without being especially short, a thick band can also make sense, and you may need to experiment a little with different thicknesses to get the right size for you.

Mounting material

By far and away the most popular metals used in the production of amethyst rings are silver and white gold, and for good reason. They really help to offset the dazzling purples that reflect and refract from the gemstone, meaning that unless you are feeling a particular urge to stand out from the crowd, a silver-colored amethyst ring is definitely the way to go.

That is not to say that you cannot find gold amethyst rings; if this floats your boat then do give it a try, especially if the rest of your style is more closely oriented around this type of jewelry.

If you are still uncertain which is the right amethyst ring for you, keep an eye on the variety of options available from top designers and get expert advice before you commit to a purchase.

 

Tips to Pull Off Tunics Effortlessly

A tunic is one of the most versatile items of clothing you can own. And there is a wide variety of different designs, lengths, and fits available. Check out the following tips so you can pull off wearing your tunics effortlessly.

Styling Tips to Pull Off Tunics Effortlessly
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/kamB4UHlcAE

Layer and Tuck

Figure-flattering and sophisticated designer luxury tunics can turn an everyday look into a statement. You can easily layer a tunic with a top and have the tunic untucked or strategically tucked-in to accentuate the part of your body you want to focus on. There are no steadfast rules. It’s all about what works for your body shape. So, be creative! Tunics are great to layer with long cardigans or cropped jackets on top.

Accessorize

Layering doesn’t just include other items of clothing. You can add accessories like long scarves and hanging necklaces to add more depth to your outfit. A chunky statement necklace is ideal for simple boat neck tunics. If you prefer V-neck or scoop tunics, then a scarf looped around your neck or gently draped over your shoulder works really well.

Choose the Best Neckline for You

If you are petite, high-neck tunics are the way to go. But if you have a large bust, V-neck and scoop-neck tunics will complement it well.

Choose Curved-hem Tunics for Fuller Figures

Regardless of your size and shape, tunics with curved hems are very flattering. But curved-hem tunics look especially lovely on ladies with fuller bottom halves.

Accentuate Your Waist

By wearing a tunic that is nipped in at the middle, you can accentuate your waist. Alternatively, you can wear a belt with a billowing tunic to achieve the same effect. Belts also help to keep full-figured silhouettes from swallowing your shape. Braided belts are perfect for tunics that fall straight and have little shape, and wide belts help to make you look slimmer.

Pair Your Tunic with Fitted Pants

A tunic adds volume to your upper body, so you need to avoid wide-leg pants or jeans because they will add bulk to your lower body. The best leg-wear to pair with a tunic is leggings, chinos, tapered trousers, or other slim-fit pants. The combination will make your style look casual yet polished. And it will keep your figure in proportion and balance your silhouette for a flattering effect.

Choose a Tunic for Your Specific Body Shape

There are a wide variety of tunics available, so it’s simple to find the best type to compliment your body shape. For example, if you are:

  • Pear-shaped, look for a tunic with a slight taper at the waist, a wide neck to broaden your shoulder, and side vents to prevent the tunic from clinging to your rear or thighs.
  • Hourglass-shaped, find a fitted tunic to show off your body. Sleeveless tunics are also excellent choices for women with hourglass figures.
  • Apple-shaped, choose a tunic that is not too long and has a nice V-neck so that the focus is on your legs, neckline, and face. And choose a dark-colored tunic or a tunic with a small pattern to create the illusion that you are smaller on top.

A Look at Fashion in Horse Racing

Fashion in Horse RacingGoing to a horse racing event is a hugely exciting occasion for anyone to enjoy. Yet, if you haven’t been to races before, you might wonder what clothes you should wear.

Look at Guidelines for the Specific Event

Not all horse racing events are the same in terms of how spectators are expected to dress. Therefore, it makes sense to look into the details of the race you are planning to watch.

The truth is that most racecourses are more relaxed about the clothing that they permit than you might think. However, some of the biggest events do have certain guidelines. For example, the Royal Ascot Style Guide for 2020 explains the elegant, formal clothing that they expect to see.

If you look at the Kentucky Derby, you will see that there are no set rules for what you need to wear. However, female spectators tend to use spring dresses and Southern Belle-style headwear. Men wear bold, spring clothing in tropical or pastel colors. You didn’t need to know anything about the types of bets for Kentucky Derby horses to enjoy a stylish day out here.

The Dubai World Cup is another major horse racing event where spectators go to a lot of effort to look great. The official guideline here is for a smart-casual look, which leaves you with quite a lot of leeway in what you decide to wear. Jeans and sneakers are among the items you shouldn’t wear here, though.

Another chance to look stylish comes at the annual Pegasus World Cup. This glamorous event in Florida is a terrific showcase for cool hats and fresh, colorful dresses in cool fabrics. The men who attend can stay cool in the warm weather by choosing the likes of lightweight suits in tropical colors and short-sleeved shirts.

Stay Comfortable

Exotic hats, high heels, and extravagant dresses make for eye-catching photos of a special day like this, but not everyone feels comfortable with this sort of clothing. Remember that many of these events involve several races that are spread out over several hours. You may also dine there and enjoy a few drinks.

Thankfully, you can still look great with a more practical and comfortable look. For instance, ladies may choose a smaller hat and a fresh, pastel-colored dress for the Kentucky Derby. Gents going to a race in Dubai might like to stay cool in a short-sleeved but elegant shirt. They may also like a flexible outfit that makes it easy to take off their jacket and tie if the weather gets too hot.

Your footwear is also important. In some racecourses, you could be on your feet for several hours or have to walk across uneven grass or dirt surfaces. If you want to look good in high heels then it makes sense to pack a pair of flats in your bag just in case you need them.

Check the Weather Forecast

Many of the most exciting horse racing meetings around the world are scheduled for spring and summer. There is something undeniably exciting about heading to an event like this in your best spring fashionwear and enjoying the sun while the horses run.

However, it is also worth remembering that unpredictable weather can cause you to regret your fashion choices. The horses will still run if it rains, so taking along an umbrella with you is a wise move.

The 2018 Kentucky Derby was run in heavy, persistent rain but it will only be called off if lightning strikes the area. British races are also highly susceptible to rain at any time of year, while in Dubai you may be more concerned about taking precautions due to the sun.

The combination of strong sun and possible rain helps to explain why wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas are essential accessories at many meetings. Rather than try to sneak them in without anyone noticing, it is best to design your outfit with these things in mind.

Famous Sports Stars Who Have Created Their Own Fashion Lines

Michael Jordan Air Jordans fashion lines sports starsMany of the world’s most famous athletes also love the world of fashion. This is why you will see a variety of fashion lines that are owned or designed by top sports stars.

The following are some of the players who have created their own clothing lines and made a success of it.

LeBron James

This NBA player joined forces with Nike in a deal that has been massively successful for both parties. It was reported that sales of the LeBron James sneakers brought in $400 million in revenue in 2015. This level of sales led to him signing a lifetime deal with Nike later on in the same year.

Some reports suggest that the Los Angeles Lakers forward could earn as much as $1 billion from the deal.  When he first turned pro, a bidding war between Nike and their main rivals meant that he was able to get around $90 million on his first deal. Since then, James has produced hugely successful activewear and sneakers with the brand.

Serena Williams

Possibly the greatest tennis player in recent history, Williams has won 23 Grand Slam titles and was ranked as the world number one for a total of 319 weeks. Given the incredible success of her sporting career, it is no surprise to see that she has signed numerous endorsement deals over the years.

In terms of the fashion world, Williams has launched a number of lines, including Aneres and Serena. Most recently, the S by Serena collection is a sustainable clothing line that features a wide range of sizes and that has been inspired by 90s street wear.

Russell Westbrook

Another NBA player who clearly has an eye for fashion, Westbrook has had a hugely successful career in sport. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and the most valuable player for the 2016-17 season who is well-known to BetAmerica.com basketball betting fans for his triple-doubles. He loves fashion too, and has signed up for many clothing endorsements.

The Houston Rockets point guard has a lucrative deal with the Jordan Brand, but also works with Kings & Jax Boxer Briefs. In addition, Westbrook is a Marketing Creative Director with the denim brand True Religion. Perhaps his most significant move was the creation of the Westbrook XO Barneys’ collection that was launched in Paris.

Roger Federer

This Swiss tennis player has won 20 Grand Slam titles during an extraordinary career, an impressive haul that no other male player has ever reached in the history of the sport. A huge array of endorsements also make him one of the best-paid athletes on the planet, with many of the deals focusing on his elegant, stylish image.

His most eye-catching fashion tie-in is the one he signed with UNIQLO. His New York 2019 collection for this brand contained a selection of varied sportswear such as shorts, caps, and t-shirts. It was reported that he will earn $300 million over 10 years from this deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo

One of the most famous soccer stars on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo launched his CR7 brand of clothing in 2006, in his hometown of Funchal (Madeira, Portugal). The business grew and two years later he was opening another store in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. In 2013, the athlete partnered with New York fashion designer Richard Chai, launching a line of socks and underwear.

The Portuguese 5-time Champions League winner has expanded the brand to the design of shirts and footwear. In 2015, he also launched a fragrance called “Legacy”. This is just one of the many investments Ronaldo made during his career, as he also co-founded a chain of hotels with the company Pestana, present in Funchal and Lisbon. The CR7 Pestana hotels have plans to expand to Madrid this year.

Michel Jordan

Jordan became the very first NBA billionaire a few years ago, as the cash he rakes in from multiple endorsements has dwarfed the amount that he earned from playing contracts. Now retired from the game, he is widely considered to be the best basketball player the world has ever seen.

Of course, Air Jordan was one of the first and best-known fashion brands based on a sports star. These sneakers were launched in 1994 and are still hugely popular. Indeed, the success was so great that Nike decided to make the Jordan Brand, with several other top athletes signing up to it.

5 Poker Pros Who Could Easily Be Mistaken for Runway Models

5 Poker Pros Who Could Easily Be Mistaken for Runway ModelsSeeing past their poker faces, you may never have even guessed that some of the best women in the game are also the most striking in several other aspects. They’re definitely more than just their looks; if anything, this is but an asset supplementing their skills. While they’re often compared to runway models, they are also role models for anyone looking to make it in this competitive field. Who says that poker is a man’s game? These women bring much-needed class, flair, glamour, and more to the table, setting the bar (and stakes) high for anyone –– regardless of gender.

Liv Boeree via Instagram

Liv Boeree

On a visit to the US World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, Kent native Liv Boeree was enthralled by the game and determined to be as skilled as her poker heroes. Her interest in poker came after she graduated from theUniversityof Manchester with first-class honors with an astrophysics degree, which helps her play with logic and a methodical strategy. Nicknamed ‘Iron Maiden,’ she wears many other hats as a television presenter and model and is currently the only woman to hold championship titles in both the European Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker. While these were important personal feats, Boeree says that she’s happy to be representing women who are either underrepresented or often patronized in the game.

Vanessa Rousso via Instagram

Vanessa Rousso

Known as ‘Lady Maverick,’ Vanessa Rousso has 17 World Series of Poker money finishes, two final tables at the World Poker Tour, among many other poker-related achievements like shutting down obnoxious competitor Tony G on live television. She was a Dean’s lister at DukeUniversitywhere she took up game theory and took an interest in other critical thinking hobbies like chess and Rubik’s cubes. This introduced her to poker, as she was likewise drawn to the psychology behind the game. She finished her degree in economics and political science in a record-breaking 2.5 years. She continued to break even more records, pursuing poker and further studies in law at theUniversityof Miami School of Law where she graduated magna cum laude. While she was rated as one of the sexiest poker players in the world by both Bleacher Report and Maxim, she’s also taught poker to some of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women.

Melanie Weisner via Instagram

Melanie Weisner

Aside from being a beautiful face and a fierce competitor, Melanie Weisner also has one of the most active and thriving Twitter accounts among poker pros. The businesswoman-slash-poker strategy coach regularly engages with her fans, which isn’t surprising at all considering how the game as a whole is now more socially-driven. One look at the PPPoker Twitter hashtag and you can see that players from the US, Mexico, and even Japan, tweet about topics ranging from upcoming major events, high stakes online tournaments, and expert strategies. It appears that Weisner has noted these strategies, together with her stint as a heads-up Sit & Go specialist for most of her online poker career, and all of which have likely attributed to her online success.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6OdG54hkk0/
Fatima Moreira de Melo via Instagram

Fatima Moreira de Melo

At 41, Fatima Moreira de Melo has accomplished more than anyone could ever hope to in their lifetime. As a member of the Dutch National Field Hockey Team, de Melo is an Olympic medalist with bronze, silver, and gold medals under her belt. In between snagging these accolades, she graduated with a Master’s degree in law while also maintaining her status as a well-renowned Dutch television personality, model, singer, and winner of the Dutch version of the reality show Survivor. Now, she adds ‘professional poker player’ to her long list of credentials, as a member of Team PokerStars: Sportstars. She once even said that she leveraged her “petiteness” as a bluff in the game especially when her opponents dismissed her as just a little girl. She’s an outspoken advocate of the global organization Right to Play, which empowers vulnerable young children through sports.

Maria Ho via Instagram

Maria Ho

Chinese poker maven Maria Ho is one of the highest-ranking female poker players in the world and has been inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. When she graduated from UCSD with a major in communications and minor in law, Ho had also graduated from playing low limits cash games to those with higher stakes. This granted her the confidence to pursue poker as a full-timecareerand she now has upwards of $2.9 million in live poker tournament earnings. She is noted as the only one to have ever made it to the World Series of Poker Main Event Last Woman Standing on four separate occasions. She’s also the first woman to have been made a strategic commentator on a poker TV broadcast team. Her endearing and bubbly personality has made her relatable with many fans.

Previously, ‘7 Wardrobe Essentials Every Fashionable Woman Should Own’ featured a number of staples every woman should own to make them look and feel their best, for any important occasion. Power dressing may even catapult you into performing your very best, similar to the way these women have. But ultimately, what goes without mentioning is that the best trick up your sleeve and the best thing to wear is unbridled confidence.

Emerging Fashion Design Star Rashad Calhoun Brings Uplifting Collection to CFW

Rashad Calhoun fashion show at Couture Fashion Week NYEmerging design star Rashad Calhoun will present his latest collection for his Dahsar by Rashad label on the Couture Fashion Week New York runway during the prestigious event’s 21st season. The fashion show will be held at 8:00 pm on Friday February 13, 2015 in the Broadway Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway in the heart of the city.

A self-taught designer, Rashad Calhound is a native of Chester, Pennsylvania who started creating his distinctive fashions at age 13. He launched his Dahsar by Rashad label in 2007, catering to women of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, including prominent socialites and reality stars. Among his clientele are reality stars Syleena Johnson and Lil’ Mo (TV One’s hit show R & B Divas), and Diamond Strawberry (Love and Hip Hop New York), as well as Rain Pryor (daughter of legendary comedian Richard Pryor), and Mike McCluney (Day 26, formerly of MTV’s Making the Band). Mr. Calhoun has been requested to style singer Brittany Holmes for the Grammy Awards in February 2015. His designs have been featured in such publications as Vibe, 10 and Amina.

In 2013 Mr. Calhoun gained national recognition in the fashion world for his trending designs when he was invited to be part of New York Fashion Week’s “The Black Collection”. He went on to show his designs during Paris Fashion Week in 2014, and he will again show in Paris in 2015.

Through his designs, Rashad Calhoun aims to inspire his contemporaries and future generations to be themselves, celebrate their uniqueness, and not conform to the masses. In February 2015 Mr. Calhoun is embarking on his “Blood on The Runway” tour starting during Couture Fashion Week in New York, and set to travel throughout various cities in the United States. “Blood on The Runway” means blood, sweat and tears, which is meant to inspire the younger generation to be fearless and express themselves as individuals.

Click for tickets and more information.

11 Reasons to Participate in Couture Fashion Week New York

11 Reasons to Participate in Couture Fashion Week New York

by Producer Andres Aquino

new york fashion week

1. CFW was the first to introduce an organized, professional, international couture and luxury designer event in New York.

Bringing new and seasoned designers from countries around the world.

2. First to introduce professional entertainers on a regular basis as part of New York Fashion Week.

Ranging from opera to Broadway tunes, from ballroom dancers to street dance.

3. First fashion event to feature fine art exhibits as part of the event on a regular basis.

Showcasing established painters, sculptors and craft artists.

4. First to make fashion shows accessible to consumers who buy clothes, not just “industry insiders.”

Prior to CFW, New York fashion shows were limited to “the industry,” leaving consumers–the very people who buy luxury garments and accessories–out in the cold.

In addition to the press and fashion buyers, CFW allows a number of tickets for each show to be sold to consumers.

Tickets can easily be purchased online on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone can get a good seat and enjoy the shows.

Amal Sarieddine at Couture Fashion Week

5. First to create a prestigious and friendly atmosphere for press, fashionistas and designers.

Attendees have the opportunity to meet press and designers by appointment to get custom-made garments, or to place orders for their boutiques.

In the past, the press was treated poorly. CFW has continuously shown appreciation for the press and attendees can easily meet editors and photographers at parties and get-togethers.

6. First to introduce a full range of models from different countries and ethnic groups.

Including Asian, Latin American, African, East European and others representing the diversity of New York City’s melting pot.

But not only has CFW revolutionized the industry by breaking the barriers of just one ethnic group.

It also introduced the concept of healthy, fit, and even curvy models, moving away from traditional super-thin models, creating a positive image for young girls everywhere.

7. First to create fabulous parties accessible to both consumers and members of the industry.

Attendees can enjoy parties with models, designers and press that used to be reserved for fashion industry insiders only.

performers at couture fashion week

8. First to provide a consistent unique experience ranging from General Seating to Platinum VIP.

Including guaranteed seats, gourmet dinner, lavish parties, red carpet photo-ops and special fashion tours. Each attendee has a good view of the shows.

9. CFW shows are centrally located in Times Square.

Easily accessible from anywhere by train, bus or taxi. It’s a location where fashion meets entertainment: right next to the Fashion District, Theater District and Restaurant Row.

10. CFW is a hair and makeup trend-setter.

An amazing team of top makeup artists and hair stylists create unique artistic looks for each collection, setting trends that later appear in publications and other shows around the world.

11. CFW is in its 21st season of successful fashion shows.

Established in 2005, the event has continuously featured two major seasons: Spring/ Summer and Fall/ Winter.

The event is recognized around the world and is featured in magazines and media on all continents. During the event, a large billboard in Times Square shows beautiful images from both designers and sponsors.

Tickets for February 2015 Now On Sale — Valentine’s Weekend!

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Tickets for the 21st season of Couture Fashion Week in New York City are now on sale. February 13-15, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, at the crossroads of the world. Get your tickets and mark your calendar for an unforgettable experience of exquisite fashion shows, entertainment, parties and more during Valentine’s Weekend. Don’t miss the after parties, including the Valentine’s Ball on Saturday night.

Recent participating designers above (L-R): Andres Aquino, Narine Tovmasyan, Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar, Vo Viet Chung, Dawn Sunflower. Click for more photos.