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New York, New York (September 2011) — Celebrated emerging designer HVS by Bukola Are will be revealing its new collection at 2 events during New York fashion week. The first showing will be on September 10 at the Mercedes Benz Buffalo fashion week at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center with a pop up shop at 4 pm, and a runway show at 6 pm. The second showing will be on September 16, 7 pm during New York fashion week featuring the“HVS Rhythm” collection. She will be showing with new West African emerging designer, Toju Foyeh at 320 Studio, 320 West 37th St 14th Floor, NY, NY 10018 7pm. The 4,000 sq. ft loft at 320 Studio has hosted top brands such as MTV, HBO, American Express, Puma, Wendy Williams, Sport Illustrated, Disney and more.

The HVS exciting new collection for Spring/Summer 2012; includes fabrics ranging from Satin Lame, Sequence, chiffon and prints from West Africa. Each new HVS by Bukola collection being showcased during fashion week will stay true to the brands tradition of top quality fabrics, and exceptional hand tailoring for the modern fashionista. The shows will highlight a new collection of accessories inspired by Bukola’s many world influences and fashion.

“..Nothing short of sassy, the HVS aesthetic serves every woman, from those who adore high fashion to those who crave contemporary flair- Upscale magazine

 HVS by Bukola Are has been featured in Iconography magazine, The Fashion journal, Upscale magazine, Bellanaija and more. Since its first New York Fashion week showcase, HVS by Bukola Are has worked with and styled other emerging celebrities in her brand. The Runway show on September 16 will include Aminat Ayinde and Keenyah Hill from Americas Next Top Model. All the models will be wearing make-up from glitzy lips, one of the sponsors of the event.

About House of Versatile Styles

House of Versatile Styles (HVS) is inspired by various cities and the travels of Bukola Are. The HVS Collection includes the finest fabrics from around the globe influenced by American, African and European cultures.  The HVS collection is for the modern day fashionista; classic yet chic with the use of fabrics ranging from satin lame, ankara, sequence and silk. Well tailored and contemporary, Bukola’s designs style up the modern day fashionista in top quality fashion with a flair for the classics. Daring hemlines, plunging necklines, and the use of sequences characterize her women’s wear. For more information on HVS by Bukola Are, please visit HVS online at www.houseofversatilestyles.com.

About Designer Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku

Fashion Designer Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku is the owner and head designer for Toju Foyeh. The new choice for elegant and glamorous cocktail and evening dresses, Toju Foyeh launched her first collection in Lagos, Nigeria at Arise Fashion Week in December 2010 and has since then styled magazine covers including; Thisday, WoW and FAB magazine, and A-list West African celebrities. A graduate of from Istituto Marangoni Milan, Italy with a diploma in Fashion Design, Toluwaloju also holds a Bachelors of Law (LLB) degree from the University of Reading, England and a Masters in Intellectual Property Law (LLM) from the University of Manchester. Her desire to be in the fashion industry began at a very early age as she was surrounded by her stylish fashion conscious family and many seamstresses. Growing up Toluwaloju was inspired by Elie Saab, Valetino, Alexander Mcqueen, Armani, Deola Sagoe, Bunmi Koko. Her innate ability to study trends and then develop a unique trend of her own is what sets her apart. Toluwaloju’s goals include opening a flag ship store in Lagos, New York and London with a roaster of A-list celebrities around the world as her clients.

About Glitzylips

Lips that pop make the party rock! GlitzyLips is an infallible lip foil that won’t fade, flake or foul for up to eight hours. GlitzyGirls can dance, dip, kiss and sip; this fabulous foil won’t leave their lips until they want it to. GlitzyLips is available in eight show-stopping shades with 20 to 25 applications on each roll: PinkRosa, PinkCouture, CoCoGoddess, RainbowDar, Don’tCopperMe, SmokySilver, ZunigaBlue and WineMeOva. Each roll includes 60 inches of GlitzyFoil and 1/4 ounce of GlitzyStix adhesive. The product is easy to apply with official tutorials available for free online. GlitzyLips was created by AthenA Elliott, President of SPAthena. Elliott is nationally known as a cover artist for trade magazines, an industry consultant, speaker, educator and host of Nail Talk Radio. GlitzyLips can be purchased online at www.glitzylips.com or via distributor. Retail discussions are underway.

For press credentials to attend the September 16, 2011 fashion week event at 320 Studio, 320 West 37th St 14th Floor, NY, NY 10018 7 pm, or more information/press material on Toju Foyeh and HVS by Bukola Are, please contact us at info@icypr.com

Press/Media Contact

 YetundeTaiwo

ICY Public Relations

(T): 305.549.3676

info@icypr.com

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Our luckiest team mates were out on the floor browsing through the aisles and aisles of designers’ fashion and meeting all kinds of amazing people.  We scanned the show from POOL to Platform and have the tweets to prove it.

While always hard to leave after such a fun few days in Vegas, there is always February! Plus, we get to keep in touch with our new designer and retailer friends once they create a profile!  Below are a few of our favorites from the show.

These high fashion photos are on t-shirts at Eleon. BOLD statements here and some very hot photography.

I immediately missed my little niece when I saw these tiny peacoats from Shyla. I want one for me and a matching tiny one for her!

Color Your Life was the tagline from Cartise, this BEAUTIFUL collection with select pieces and how to use them at any event.

Found Kolae at Project with their bright spring colors, and amazing shapes.

Amy Matto had two great representatives who were so excited to show off their products. Beautiful shapes and colors for each piece. I wouldn't mind getting caught in one of these numbers.

Track suits from California Christiania Republic look so comfortable and versatile with their array of customizeable colors. I can't wait to own one.

Sportique Apparel had some great, soft tees with famous sayings and landmarks on them. Immediately intriqued by a model wearing something about Bubba's in New York City.

J75 shoes had a fierce look to them and obviously stood out with their original hardware and colors.

Buckaroo Jeans drew our attention right away at Project. They have incredible washes and worn-looking jeans that scream out for comfort.

Aum-Couture had georgous mix and match pieces to layer and assemble together. The lounge-wear is perfect for the resort life.

Civic Duty had some amazing crinkly shoes that caught my attention right away. They're made from the same material as used in packaging and shipping materials from FedEx. Apparently they're super comfy too!

Who says curvy women need to wear bland, strait-cut frocks to try and hide their shape?  Why cover up your hips and “not-emphasize” your waist or bust?  Ladies, welcome to your new best friend.

Marina Zelner, the genius behind Queen Grace Collection, believes women should be dressed in beautiful clothing; simple as that. Zelner, founder and full-figured stylist, has said “inspired, graceful and elegant clothing should no longer be elusive to full-figured women.”

The designs came from Zelner’s desire to show women how to celebrate their bodies, with confidence and the desire to be noticed with natural beauty.  Zelner continues this desire to create empowerment with her charitable work in Russia, her birthplace, working with underprivileged children, women’s organizations, and educating about domestic violence and abuse.

The fresh collection from Naples, Florida has full figured, beautiful women in mind when they assemble look books with their sexy styles; curvy women who stand out and show off their bodies as they are while still exuding sophistication.

While all of Queen Grace’s Collection is tailored and made to create a fabulously flattering presence for every woman who wears a piece of the collection, they’re made to be elegant and have variety to spice up a wardrobe.  The line covers everything from the office pencil skirt
to exquisite evening gowns.

The collection will be available to the public in fall of 2011 and anticipation is already brewing after highly popular reviews at previous shows. Their first showing was in New York in June and has offered rave reviews.

Confidence, strength and beauty for women sizes 12W-24W.

Connect with Queen Grace:  Facebook *    Twitter

Luckily MB now has an invaluable copy of Handbag Designer 101 after meeting the author at WWDMAGIC’s Blogger Lounge.  The newest tool for designers and retailers by Emily Blumenthal. The sweet and smart author has created an empire addressing everything you need to know about designing, making and marketing handbags.

Handbag Designer 101 has been in the making for six years and has been highly anticipated, as reflected in the number left for pre-sale through Amazon.com (that’s zero).

Emily began creating bags of her own when she was working through an MBA program.  She’d been in ad sales and had worked for a small magazine and decided she wanted to get into a different line of work.

MB's newly signed pre-release copy of Handbag Designer 101. A fantastic tool for designers!

Soon after, The Independent Handbag Designer Awards emerged. Now, after five years of successfully celebrating independent designers and their beautiful masterpieces, they are responsible for discovering some of the most exciting designers in the industry.

Her book is meant to be an encouragement for aspiring designers.  Handbag Designer 101 covers everything from the anatomy of a bag and what elements need to be present in one, to how to market your bags once the magnum opus has been assembled.

WWDMAGIC was lucky to have her. Best of luck on the book launch from MB, Emily!

Below are some pictures of designers we loved getting to know. Though, if you check back on our Twitter feed, we have more pictures and info about so many great designers. Follow us for tomorrow as we update you on more MAGIC and POOL happenings.

Amour Vert is a glamorous style that translates to trendy as well as classic. The spring 2012 line is up for view, and I can bet they'll be popular in stores. Something for everyone.

These feminine designs at IZAK had me wanting to take them home. They have everything from handbags, wallets, backpacks, iPad and iPhone cases, etc. I'm definitely going back today!

The five designers from Big Cat all have different tastes and styles, these come out both in personality and design. This means though, that you'll find something for everyone at their booth; day to night, different styles and trends.

Sara from Hydro Chic told me all about her new line of active and swim wear designed for more conservative dressers, or those just not interested in showing off everything when they go to the beach. I know many a lovely lady who would snatch up some of her designs in a minute! Sara is sporting her own line here.

Our friends at Multeepurpose yesterday were so swamped we could barely get close enough to wave. A tribute to how gorgeous their tee shirt line is!

Fell in love with the Nila Anthony bags! The people there are so fabulous and their quality product really stood out.

A husband and wife team with southern charm from Duckie and Grackle, an art gallery gone fashion with their scarves.

The colors at Obscene Jeans drew us in immediately from the floor. Their jeans really jazz up the standard light, medium and dark colors you usually see. Plus, the lightweight fabric would be so much more comfortable in fall and spring.

Frenzii had dresses that looked out of this world comfortable. The designer described them as clothes to put on whenever, but still look fashionable while throwing something on. No need to keep pushing the UGG and yoga pants look with something like this!

We loved the colorful jewelry from Zap that was so affordable and had something fun and funky for everyone.

At Cherish there was something on every rack to take home. Their clothes are colorful, fun and obviously well made.

Dating Apparel had some great day to night clothes that really do seem aptly named for their ability to translate from work to out on the town.

Color and Color Import had some great wallets and colorful iPhone cases that take into consideration the size of a phone with the shell on. Everything was cute and fun.

The sparkly stuff drew us in at Rings and Bling yesterday. The fantastic display has oversized fashion rings with a "one size" band around each. I love those for giving gifts or on evenings out!

The belts at Gigi Look had some unique styles I've never seen before with belts, but I wanted one!

Brand: Smoochies Tees

Briefly describe Smoochies Tees: Smoochies Tees was created to provide a fun, fresh and fashionable twist to women’s casual wear. We offer women a new perspective on comfortable pieces with versatility that keeps them looking terrific at the grocery store or out on the town.

Eskimo Kiss Drawcord V-Neck Hoodie: This sporty, feminine, lightweight hoodie will add a touch of class to your wardrobe.

What kind of woman was Smoochies Tees designed for and where did the name come from? Our line was designed for women that are constantly stretched in every conceivable direction. We want to encourage women to feel feminine and fabulous in their journey through life, so they can nurture their beauty from within.

Sometimes the strongest women need prompting to always believe in ourselves because we have the power to create our own path in life and reach the dreams that we desire. That’s why each and every piece of our line is adorned with the lips from our Smoochies Tees logo.

A close friend from London would always use the expression “Smoochies” when it was time to say goodbye. Our U.S-based ears had never heard this phrase and we loved how it was casual, yet charming. We also saw how easily it captures the signature feature of femininity, a woman’s lips, the essence of her beautiful smile. And thus, the name of Smoochies Tees was born!

What inspired you to create and launch the brand? As high school friends who lost touch for years and reconnected later in life, we fell into a partnership as strong as our teenage friendship. The Smoochies Tees concept naturally fell into place for us.

With the seed of an idea in our entrepreneurial hearts we launched our company that allows us to expand our love of fashion, give back to the community and spend more quality time with our families.

Friendship Kiss High Scoop Tee: This Fashion-length tee has cotton, spandex blend that makes for a perfect fit.

What makes Smoochies Tees different from other brands? Smoochies Tees is unique in that each piece is carefully designed for comfort and versatility, but is also feminine, with a hint of sophistication to attract women of all ages. Each piece in our full line of apparel and jewelry is given a unique name to empower the wearer to promote beauty from the inside out – on an everyday basis.

Our hand-crafted jewelry is infused with deeper meaning. Each piece makes use of genuine gems, pearls and crystals with emotional and healing properties that are outlined on our website. We put the utmost care and thought into each design.

What’s your greatest challenge? Designs change each season, so it is crucial that we keep up with trends, but at the same time stay true to a comfortable fit that remains feminine and functional for our customers.

What’s your greatest reward? Our greatest reward is giving back to our community by donating a portion of each sale to the non-profit organization, Share Touch Inspire. They offer self-care related services to women and children who are faced with abuse.

And, of course we love to satisfy our customers. We continually hear how our customers wear their Smoochies tees day after day feeling stylish and comfortable.

Kiss Girls Tank Top and Cover Me With Kisses Cap: Fun, girlish appeal. Wear it in the sun for lots of fun!

What improvements would you like to see in the industry? We’d like to see more fashion that has meaning and substance, reaching people on a personal level. There’s definitely room for more work that sends positive messages to others, reminds us to be grateful each and every day.

Are there any future trade shows, trunk shows, or other appearances coming up soon? CRAVE Summer Spa Party (Seattle market) – August 17th, 6pm-9pm at The Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA

Wisdom from Within Bracelet: An absolutely stunning combination of Sterling Silver, Freshwater Pearls and Swarovski Crystals.

If there was one “golden” piece of business advice you would share with other designers, what would it be?

Develop a group of women that are your target audience who will give you honest feedback on your line before you go to market. However, always remember… you won’t please everyone.

Where do you see Smoochies Tees 3 years from now? It would be great to see Smoochies Tees become more recognized in the industry; and to have our brand embraced by U.S. women as an inspiring apparel and jewelry line that was created with them in mind.

Connect with Smoochies Tees:   Facebook *  Website *  Twitter * Marbella Day Spa & Boutique * Studio 202

Briefly describe Twilight & Filigree:

Twilight & Filigree is a romantic and colorful collection of laser cut leather necklaces, earrings, and accessories. The designs are all original, and are inspired by art nouveau and art deco styles, as well as organic forms found in nature. The leather is vegetable tanned and hand painted, and finished with sterling silver findings. We are located in Portland, Oregon.

Dahlia Necklace in Blue Eyes with Labradorite

Where did the name come from and what makes Twilight & Filigree different from other brands?

The words ‘twilight’ and ‘filigree’ have been two of my favorite words for as long as I can remember- and definitely before the books! To me, twilight evokes images of silhouettes and feelings of mystery and romance. I felt that my work evoked these qualities as well, so it seemed like the perfect fit. The filigree part refers to my ornate designs and the intricate cut work of the laser. Though the term usually refers to metalworking techniques, for me it was always the word that encompassed the magic of swirls and elaborate decoration, and I cannot imagine ever not using and loving these things.

There are a number of things that set Twilight & Filigree apart from other brands. There is plenty of laser cut jewelry out there, but most of it is made from wood or Lucite; there is not much leather. It is amazingly lightweight, and it will not crack, splinter or crush. Leather is a natural material, and there are many people who do not like to wear plastic or rubber on their skin or in their ears. Though my designs are vintage inspired, they are not replications of vintage jewelry; they have a fresh, modern look. Also, I am committed to the integrity of my line, and do not cut corners to create a cheaper product.

What inspired you to create and launch such a unique line of leather accessories?

It really was an evolution, beginning with designing and sewing leather courier bags and purses which featured hand cut leather appliques. The technique of laser cutting leather was suggested to me by a friend who was laser cutting wood pendants. My painstakingly hand cut appliques were soon cut by a laser and were much more intricate, precise, and impressive. While exploring this technique, I became incredibly inspired by the many creative possibilities, and ended up landing on the idea for laser cutting leather jewelry. The combination of the leather and the laser cutting was so truly interesting and the outcome so stunning, there was no way I couldn’t pursue this path.

Swirl Necklace in Dusty Purple: The simple, elegant design can be worn with jeans or dress-up.

For those of us that don’t know, what does “vegetable tanned leather” mean?

I make all of my pieces out of “vegetable tanned leather”. Tanning is the process of stabilizing and preserving leather, and with this specific kind of leather this step is done with astringent acids (tannins) from organic sources like oak and hemlock bark. The quality of this leather is different than the leather used on most other garments and accessories, which would be “chrome tanned” or “oil tanned” leather. Vegetable tanned leather is un-dyed and sturdier, ready for dye, paint, tooling, or molding. It is the same leather that is used for horse saddles and cowboy boots. Though all leather is primarily imported, the leather I use is produced here in the US, which means that the farms and tanneries have higher environmental standards then other leading leather producing countries. I made the choice to work with this type of leather because of its lower environmental impact, and because it is a better option for wearing on skin.

As a designer, what’s your greatest challenge?

I am both a perfectionist and a procrastinator, and I find myself feeling overwhelmed often. I am constantly reminding myself that baby steps are okay, and are a great way to actually dig into a seemingly huge amount of work. Getting even a little something on the page is better than nothing, and once that first step is made the second will be that much easier.

What’s your greatest reward?

Being a perfectionist, it can be hard to accept the feeling of accomplishment, because there always seems to be something unfinished. The greatest reward for me is seeing my pieces presented together as a collection and story, whether it is at a show, in a store or online. When everything is laid out and beautifully displayed, then I feel that I have really accomplished something, and that it is truly real.

What improvements would you like to see in the industry?

I would love to see more effort put into environmental and social responsibility. Every person has the choice and the power to make a small difference, whether it is purchasing eco-friendly/ friendlier materials, supporting local producers and suppliers which in turn reduces fuel consumption, or donating a percentage of profits to a trustworthy non-profit. Even if it is tiny, at least it is something, and you are setting an example for others.

PEACOCK Leather Headband in Pumpkin: This peacock headband evokes both modern and vintage, in this deliciously saturated pumpkin hue.

Are there any future trade shows, trunk shows, or other appearances coming up soon?

I will be at the San Francisco International Gift Fair August 6-9. It will be my first big show and I am very excited!

If there was one “golden” piece of business advice you would share with other designers, what would it be?

Pursue your wildest dreams (but do your research first)! Everyone has at least one great dream, and we are lucky enough to live in an extraordinary time where so many things are possible. Forget fears and be courageous. But a successful journey requires research and preparation: I have found the most valuable advice from other artists, designers, business owners and especially business classes (as boring as they sound, they can be mind-blowing!).

Where do you see Twilight & Filigree 3 years from now?

I see us growing of course, though not into a mega-line. I love the idea of staying small and being able to keep the handmade feel and personal touch to all transactions. I would like to see bigger collections, and to bring back the purses. I would love to explore some other materials as well, perhaps cork and/or felt.

Connect with Twilight & Filigree:  Facebook

Why did you start Boutiquing.com? Erin and I met while managing a chain of boutiques (Erin actually hired me!). Prior to working in the boutique, we had each thought we would like to own a boutique and figured it would be smart to work in one and see what it was like from day to day. After 5 years of experience running the stores we saw how difficult it was to run a boutique and also maintain an online presence. When we started, if you googled Orange County Boutiques all you got was a long list of boutique hotels…now when shoppers search for a boutique in Orange County, they find Boutiquing.com which lists over 100 of the best of them. We have over 200 boutiques in California on our site and are currently expanding nationwide, including Miami, Portland, and Dallas!

We are bringing the best parts of boutique shopping into the age of technology. We give consumers the ability to peek inside a new boutique by checking out their store pictures and price points, and we let them see each boutique’s New Arrivals conveniently from their laptop or phone. Over 80% of in store sales begin online, if a boutique can’t be found online, they are missing sales. The fashion industry depends on the thousands of independently owned boutiques across the country as the meat of their business. With tech on the rise and online shopping experiencing a full up swing, boutiques need to be online in order to compete. Our platform gives them everything they need to create their web presence and gives shoppers the ease of finding it all in one place.