MY New York Fashion Week Experience

Lisa, Moni, Jenny, Toy- The Glam Squad

By Toy Taylor - I'm packing my makeup bag checking and rechecking making sure everything is perfect. For those of you who don't know me....I am somewhat of a perfectionist. Gotta keep things in order, you know? 

Anyhoo, I started thinking, um more like reflecting on my career as a hair stylist and makeup artist. From the beginning to present day it has been a pretty cool journey I have to say. And look at me now, I am headed to New York to do what I love to do...makeup! makeup!makeup! 
I had the pleasure of being part of the creative team for the Plitzs NY Fashion Week show. Yep, I was screaming inside and out.

Designer Lana May

Designer Lousy Rich

This is it. All the hard work with early morning call times, long days on set, and missing family time has led me to this very moment. I am beyond humbled and blessed at this opportunity to not only utilize my craft but to represent for

an incredible accessory designer Lana May of Art Bead Circle and Phoenix' very own fashion designer Breanna "Breazy" Skoon of Lousy Rich  who also brought her fabulous collection to

the New York runway. Their artistic pieces would be showing first on the runway, yikes!  There were over 20 designers showing that night which meant backstage was going to be a

wee bit busy. I was ready! 

First models up were Lana May's and then it was off and running. There were hair and makeup artists from everywhere. They had us neatly lined up ready to take on a ridiculous amount of models. 15-20 minutes application time was it. My squad worked their butts off. Jenny Alton and Lisa Dozier-Bonnington did their thing in the hair styling department. While my partner-in-crime Moni Monique Barrett and I were beautifying faces and chatting it up with anyone we could. She was the networking guru. This was our element!

Moni

For the next 5 hours or so we applied makeup for designers Lana May, City and Sky (Dallas) and whoever else popped up in our chair. And it went just like that. I loved every minute of it. The energy was high and pumping. It was as if we were all working together in one big salon. Hair and makeup going back and forth on one side of the conference room and the first showcase of designers on the other.

Maddening!

It was that moment when it hit me that all hell was about to break loose. It was close to showtime and things picked up real REAL quick. It was exhilaratingly maddening!

Model

I quickly learned my stage name "makeup"! We were on red lip detail for what seemed like an hour. Listen up fellow makeup artists, when a designer request a bold red lip, give them a bold red lip. Orange does not count. And neither does pink. For those of you who don't know me, I always come prepared. I had every  designers looks printed out. It clearly stated a BOLD RED LIP. I'm done.

Assistant to Creative Team Director
Katie

This NYFW experience has been the best 72  hours of my career. We all work so hard to get to that next level and now I feel like (a silly cliche) sky's the limit. To give the trip a five star rating, I got the opportunity to meet with local handbag designer Lynn Rosetti at her gallery in the Tribeca area. I was very lucky to catch her in between meetings. She had accessories designer Vanessa Lianne in house, so you know I snagged a few pics. Vanessa also had some juicy-ness to share with us. But you will have to check out my full interview with these ladies in my next blog. Ugh, what a highlight! I will never forget this experience. 

Oh and did I tell you? I rode the subway all by myself WITHOUT getting lost. Woohoo!!!
                

Lana May and Lousy Rich lineup at Plitzs New York Fashion Wee

Hope you enjoyed my New York Fashion Week experience. I know I sure did. Stay tune for our own Phoenix Fashion Week to kick off their Spring Into Style event on March 12. Ohhhhh you know how I love the runway! Come out and support our local stylists.

See you on the runway!



PHOTOS COURTESY OF MY GALAXY NOTE 5 aka MY BIBLE

Battle Royale With Cheese Needs You

Our good friends from Bristol, England need a little help!!  I'm sharing their story to see if you might consider helping our collaborators from Europe!!  Let's spread the love worldwide, can we? Lets...

Website - http://battleroyalewithcheese.com
Indiegogo Campaign - http://igg.me/at/brwc/x/630486

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We’re the film website with the memorable name that needs your help to redesign the site!  

(and we are one of the Top 10 UK Film Blogs!)

Our Story.

Let’s go back in time - way back to 2008 when battleroyalewithcheese.com was created as a film review and feature website for anyone who loved watching and talking about films.  The aim - to cover it all: cinema releases, indie flicks, documentaries and online shorts - we’ll take a look.

We’ve continued to grow from one person writing and a handful of mates visiting the site, to 12 regular contributors, over 25k unique visitors a month, more than 5k Twitter followers and 1k Facebook fans.  We’ve just launched on Instagram and we have an iOS app - check to out.

Add to the mix monthly FiLMiXes hosted on our SoundCloud and (every second month) Vimeo pages.  These are 30min mixes with a film weaved in.  Over 19k have enjoyed those.

Some of the BRWC Team:

Alton Williams 

Alton loves film. He started this here blog a few years back as a bit of fun, but has grown into what you see today.  Some of the films he loves are Rear Window, Superman 2, The Man With The Two Brains, Clockwise, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Trading Places, Stir Crazy and Punch-Drunk Love.

Pablo D’Stair 

Pablo D’Stair is a novelist, essayist, and interviewer.  Co-founder of the art house press KUBOA, he is also a regular contributor to the Montage: Cultural Paradigm (Sri Lanka). His current ongoing prose project 'cigarette miscellany' can be found atwww.cigarettemisc.wordpress.com

Natalie Jane

Natalie has always been a film lover since she can remember. Watching anything from comedies to thrillers its all an adventure for her.  Having been an extra on film and stage Natalie loves the buzz of it all.  Her favourite films amongst many are Fight Club, Bridesmaids and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as a whole) to name but a few.  And if she's not enjoying time watching films you'll always see her listening to music with a kindle in her hand. 

Ben Gummery 

Ben started out as a Technology blogger before branching out into writing about Film & TV. An obsessive fan of indie film & dark comedies you will probably find him waxing lyrical about the movies of Kevin Smith, The Coen Brothers, Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino. He also loves to discover cult, low-budget indie gems that no-one has heard of. Favourite films include Clerks, Dogma, From Dusk Till Dawn, Pulp Fiction, Office Space, Shallow Grave & Blood Simple. Find more of his writing at his own blog IndieMacUser.

Daryl Bar 

Regular type person by day, film vigilante by night. Spent years as a 35mm projectionist and now he gets to watch and wax lyrical about all manner of motion pictures. Daryl has got a soft spot for naff Horror and he’d consider Anime to be his kryptonite. For the record, he would probably live in The Prince Charles Cinema if his wife would let him.  Reviewed every film he’s seen since May 29th 2012. It’s not a boast, it’s a sickness. Top 5 films are currently Top Hat (1935), Alien (1979), Cinema Paradiso (1988), Fight Club (1999) and Super (2010).

Alex Cole 

Films, games, Godzilla and Scott Pilgrim; these are the things that Alex loves. As he tries to make use of the fact he’s always staring at a screen or a book, you’ll hopefully be treated to some good reviews along the way (though he doesn’t promise anything).  

Some of his favourite films are; O Brother Where Art Thou, 50/50, Cool Runnings, Harold and Kumar Get the Munchies, , The Fighter, A Story of Yonusuke, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World and Godzilla: The Final Wars.

Last Caress 

Lived in or around Basildon in Essex all his life, and at 43 years of age he can best be described as an "ageing punk".  Enjoys a wide range of musical styles but generally his tastes skew towards the loud and aggressive. Likes to read Stephen King, HP Lovecraft and similar. Also enjoys despairing at the WWE alongside his wonderful young son and fretting over the tenuous fortunes of West Ham United, but what he enjoys most is film. And his appreciation for the classics hasn't refined his palate whatsoever. The Dekalog sits right alongside The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie on his shelf. He’s tolerated and supported through his obsessions, quirks and eccentricities every step of the way by his wife, who is also his best friend, his soul mate, and his Princess.

Ben Hooper

Having previously written for Junxion17 and the Big Issue, Ben is now a film PR & Marketing Manager.  When he's not watching or working on movies, Ben plays guitar in his band Ghosts As Alibis.

A Shiny New Website.

We need a sleeker, sharper website.  We want to update the website and make it the place you want to spend time checking on the commute to work, downtime at work or just your nightly read.  We want it to be the website with the memorable name and awesome content that works on mobiles, tablets as well as computers.

What We Need.

We at BRWC love everything film related: interviews, reviews, features...  

We’ve covered so many festivals too.  Name drop time: The London, Polish, Jewish, Asian, Leeds and Edinburgh Film Festivals.  We’ve interviewed actors and directors like Liam Neeson, Christopher Ecclestone, Kevin Allen, and Naji Abu Nowa.  The latter is nominated for a BAFTA and Academy Award this year for THEEB.  Oh and yes, we were invited to the World Premiere of season 5 of Game Of Thrones!

Yep, we’re doing pretty well.  

We could do even better with your help!

All we need is £500 and we can start work on the site redesign!

Pledge whatever you can and the faster we get to £500 the quicker the new website will be up and running.  If you can’t pledge, and we know times are hard, then spread the word for free and tell your friends, family, colleagues, whoever that BRWC is enhancing its look and needs help from all you lovely people out there!

Have a look at the fantastic range of perks too!

BRWC

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Huge thanks to the following supporters for donating film treats:

Terracotta, Fetch Publicity, Premier PR, John Blake Publishing, 101 Films, Third Window Films, Porter Firth PR, Aim Publicity, Bounty Films,

Artsploitation, Second Sight, October Coast PR and Arrow Films.

'The State of the Union A-dress', Fashion in Arizona

2016 so far has shown me that many individuals are hustling and making a scene, in a good way that is.  We cover transformations and focus on artists of all types.  I was able to attend a meeting related to the 'State of the Union A-dress' highlighting the facts of the fashion industry and some of its leaders as it relates to presence, organization, commitments, development, and future.  Within the last three years, there are have enormous leaps and bounds in several areas of fashion and it was good to hear some history about one of the individuals working for the last 15 years to make a change and evolve the industry here in Arizona.  

There are many unsung heroes that are making a difference that you would never know about because worlds do not collide that often in certain industries.  However, I must exclaim this year, I am seeing individuals leap from one industry to another and bridge gaps that are now causing the merging of philosophies, systems, communications, exposure, and awareness of what more people are doing.

Two such individuals that have come together to make a difference are Amelia Walsh, President of Diego Milano (located in Scottsdale, New York, Milan) and Angela Johnson, Creator & Founder of labelhorde (located in Arizona).  Both of them had a chance to speak today and share their vision, what they've done to contribute to the industry footprint of fashion, and what their ideas and dreams are for the future.  They have opened up their diaries and their doors to their life in business and put their foot down to say they are in this with those who have a desire to grow an industry to be viable, supportive, expansive, and focused on sustainability.  labelhorde is located in the Sew Haus of Diego Milano.  You can find out more about what's coming by subscribing and connecting to the labelhorde newsletter.  They are looking for community support,  volunteers, and fashion individuals to check out their services.  To be listed in the labelhorde fashion directory, just go to the website and sign-up.  To have a basic listing is FREE. Yes, I said free.  You'll want to upgrade to the standard listing however because the benefits are so good!!  Check out the details below for more information on Diego Milano and their fabulous Sew Haus.  

I could go on and on about everything they talked about, but because they are becoming more and more technology savvy, they actually videoed the presentation and will have it available on-line.  I'd rather you hear their story and vision straight from them, you will get it.  Both are giving back to the community.  They have both put skin in the game and made investments for the long term.

As a fellow entrepreneur, I have mad respect for the hustle and the tenacity these women have.  Obstacles and challenges I am positive have been part of their daily life.  Their deliberate programming and planning and decisions not to move forward fast and to make sure their foundation is solid at every step is evident in their development and how they work with others.  They are smart and strategic in every area realizing that adjustments have to be made along the way, but willing to also take specific chances that will more than likely bring incredible gains as the momentum builds and boy is it building.

I'm excited to see what happens over the next year.  Every month it seems a new announcement is coming from these groups, so keep your eyes posted for more news to share.  

Amelia Walsh, Diego Milano
From Diego Milano Website: "Amelia Walsh is the President of Diego Milano. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ at the factory and showroom of DM, she leads the team throughout the design and development process for the collection. With a background in all things fashion and an eduction in fashion design and business, Amelia has helped DM establish their roots in the valley of the sun. Her editing eye and keen sense of marketing helps drive Diego Milano’s vision as a disruptive denim force to be reckoned with."

Sew Haus, Scottsdale, AZ
About:  An exclusive, luxury denim collection inspired by rock and roll, designed with pure sophistication. A true art form.

What makes a denim line unique? Combining an eclectic, worldly, rock n’ roll founder, a chic designer and a team of brilliant artisans.  Using the beau monde in fabric and supplies each pair is handcrafted in trend-setting Scottsdale, Arizona.

Today, Diego Milano stands out in the often-predictable luxury denim market with its combination of rebellious, Rock n Roll edge, incredibly sophisticated construction and utterly unique designs. An exceptionally innovative brand, they surprise us with provocative seams, intricate pleats and washes that have never before been seen on denim. The attention to detail is impeccable. Designed in New York, the highest quality, incredibly luxurious materials and sensuously sleek hardware are transformed by our designers to create these works of art. The first sketch to the final fitting is a mesmerizing, alluring and magical process.
 The Diego Milano brand has mastered the art of making one feel special. These exclusive luxurious jeans change how you feel inside. They exude confidence, pleasure, power, and an exceptionally iconic personality. One doesn't just wear these jeans they experience them.

The brands philosophy encompasses incomparable aesthetics and a truly conscious commitment to philanthropy. Diego Milano donates a large portion of their profits to help children remain in school, and stay out of the shackles of child labor worldwide. Forced to work in awful conditions in sweatshops and clothing factories around their country. The funds are invested in re-building and providing quality education to these children.

Handcrafted, each pair of jeans is made with meticulous care and passion. Alterations and custom modifications are included in your investment (limitations apply). The Diego Milano brand has taken luxury denim to a whole new level.

Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson is a fashion designer, fashion educator, Arizona fashion industry leader and insider, fashion business consultant and fashion show coordinator with 17 years in the fashion industry. Her “Angela Johnson” clothing line is an award winning, eco-friendly line best known for its elaborately constructed “T-shirt Ballgowns” and other garments made from “thrifted” and recycled T-shirts.

labelhorde, Scottsdale, AZ
About:  LabelHorde is a directory of fashion businesses operating outside of typical fashion industry cities. It is a place for fashion businesses to network, collaborate and share resources.