Breaking Into Fashion..............

forum panel lto r: Derek Blanks, Blu Brewster, Drexina Nelson, Cristal Stervenson, Toni Acey, Candice Hood, Reco Chapple, Odnair and front Cotrice

I was in attendance for the Breaking Into Fashion, Atlanta 101 workshop. Although, I am not really a fashion designer, model or actor. I could not miss the chance to attend this event and network with some of Atlanta’s own talented designers, photographers, makeup artist, image consultants and models. Spearheaded by the ultra glamorous fashion designer Reco Chapple of House of Chapple, (www.myspace.com/thehouseofchappleinc) , along with Chapple the forum panelist consisted of Candice Hood, owner of Lifestyles by Candy, Lifestyle Mogul, The flawless and fabulous Toni Acey, Celebrity Make-up artist(www.toniacey.com), Drexina Nelson , Photographer (www.nstylonline.com), Derek Blanks , Celebrity Photographer(www.dblanks.com), Cotrice, Fashion Designer/Stylist for NY and Atlanta, Blu Brewster, Creative Director/Fashion Designer for CP Time Outfiddars, LLC.(www.myspace.com/cptimeclothing) , Odnair, Model, and rounding out the panel Cristal Sterverson aka Serious, From Charm School/Model (www.myspace.com/soserious07).
With this all star line up and the nature of the event I was surprisingly amazed that this forum was not filled to capacity, especially with all the A-town aspiring models, actors, photographers, stylist and so on. They surely did not know what vital information they missed out on. Threw topic of discussion I found the forum to be very informative and eye opening for any business minded individual. So if you were not in attendance because your desire is not for fashion, I found the information provided would help any entrepreneur stay ahead of their game.

Let’s run down some of the following topics for breaking into the industry.

Create Relationships: For all industry type individuals creating relationships with other knowledgeable industry folk will and can help you build a team and hopefully offer opportunity to open doors for yourself and others in your circle. If you’re a model looking to build your portfolio introduce yourself to a photographer or makeup artist that is also trying to build a name for them selves. Build a team, help each other. As Candice Woods put it, “Even Business Exchange”, bring something to the table.

Follow your dreams: Surround yourself with like minded individuals. If you’re working your way up in fashion design then hangout with fashion designers with your same interest in mind. Surround yourself with people that can take you to the level you desire or higher. Keep elevating yourself.

Find Direction: A simple tip given by Cotrice, Fashion Stylists was to get a notebook, list all the things you like and what you want to do in the industry. If it is acting list what types of rolls you would like to play. Research that area. Work on your ideas everyday add to that area and check off which ones you have completed. Set some goals for your ideas.

Say what you are and believe you are it: Stand firm on what you’re doing at that particular moment. If you are a makeup artist then introduce and carry yourself as a makeup artist. Know how to sale yourself. Have a presence for your service by having a website, portfolio, business cards, press kits, and a reliable business number with a professional voice mail box. Network, network and network. At every opportunity sale your self and your service and have passion in doing so.

For more information or to sign up for updates visit the forum’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/breakingintofashion. Hopefully The Social Scene has enlightened and inspired all my fashionistas out there to attend the next seminar. I will also keep you posted on upcoming events of course.

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If you’re a trendsetter in Atlanta then I am sure you attended the Icon Style Trunk Show and Sample Sale event last Thursday. The event was held at Defoor Centre this was an excellent platform for hot designers and vendors to showcase their goods. Among the showcases were Lachelle Morris of Joia Style Studio, a -commerce retailer delivering an online shopping experience, , Pondur (http://www.pondur.com/), Couturiette Custom Clothing (couturiette.com),Faveur clothing(getfaveur.com).
Shouts out to ICON STYle for giving these designers some shine and the opportunity to share their work.
ICON STYLE is always on the look out for new designers. If you are a designer and wanting to participate in their next trunk show apply via website(http://www.iconstyleinc.com) or visit their my space page www.myspace.com/iconnstyleinc.

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I also made my way over to one of my new fav restraints Hot Stix Stir Fry Kitchen. I have been dying to try this place for sometime. The concept is a dining experience that allows you to create your own stir-fry bowl. You have your pick of rice or noodles, vegetables, sauces, spices and meats. You can pile them as high as the bowl can handle, then your mixture is cooked on a 700-degree Mongolian grill-in-the-round, and then brought to your table by the HotStix staff. I was amazed to learn that one of owners for this restaurant it the same owner of Thrive in downtown Atlanta another one of my favorites and part owner of The Compound night club. My Food was delivered fast and fresh. On Thursday nights they offer socializing drink specials like $5 Sake Bombs, $5 Jagger Bombs and my personal favorite to help complement the Socialista in me, the Geisha House. A little Sophia Mini champagne in can served with a champagne flute and a pink straw. How cute is that. So if you’re in the new Lindbergh City Center be sure to check out them out.

Hot Stix Stir-Fry Kitchen, 570 Main Street, Lindbergh City Center, Buckhead (404-844-2000 or (hotstixstirfry.com).

Insider tip: Valet Parking, Prompt Seating and Buffet style dining.

Till next time my socialites......The Urbansocilista the socializing trendsetter.