TOMMY HILFIGER CELEBRATES THE CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND AMERICANS IN PARIS PROGRAM

Tommy Hilfiger and the designers

On September 27, Tommy Hilfiger hosted a round table discussion with the designers to provide mentorship and answer questions regarding the global nature of the industry today and expanding their business internationally. Following the discussion, Mr. Hilfiger hosted a dinner in honor of the designers at acclaimed restaurant Monsieur Bleu in Paris, France.  Participants included A.L.C. - Andrea Lieberman, Esquivel Shoes - George Esquivel, Giulietta - Sofia Sizzi, Illesteva - Daniel Silberman & Justin Salguero, Jennifer Fisher - Jennifer Fisher, Jennifer Meyer - Jennifer Meyer, JC Obando - Juan Carlos Obando, Patrik Ervell - Patrik Ervell, The Elder Statesman - Greg Chait, and Wes Gordon - Wes Gordon.

Tommy Hilfiger, Steven Kolb and the designers at the round table discussion

"It has been an honor to be a part of the growth of the Americans in Paris program and to watch the success of participating designers over the past five seasons,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “My own experiences at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentoring, and my strong belief that supporting emerging designers in building sustainable global businesses contributes to the continued success and excitement of our industry.”

The initiative will be supported by a comprehensive program on Tommy Hilfiger’s social media channels, aggregated by the #AmericansinParis hashtag. For the first time, the program will include an Instagram contest run by the CFDA, inviting followers to post photos sharing their interpretations of the themes “Americans in Paris” and “red, white and blue” using #AmericanInParis. The winner of the contest will receive tickets to the Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2014 runway show during New York Fashion Week in February, 2014.

A very special thanks to Evan Tye for making this coverage possible for Ideal PR Media.

Virginia Smith and Cynthia Smith

Kate Foley and Chelsea Leyland

Haute and Modesty Fashion Show Was a Hit at DC Fashion Week Fall 2013

This year, Ean Williams, fashion creative and director of  DC Fashion Week (#DCFW) Fall 2013 introduced a new segment in fashion called "Haute & Modesty" produced by Areej Fashions. 

Ideal PR Media host Valeta Sutton with the always fabulous Ean Williams of DC Fashion Week

While the majority of the designers designed with Muslim women in mind, many of the outfits are suitable for women all across the globe that prefer to be modest and covered. There were fabulous styles for every day wear to formal attire. The Haute and Modesty Show, organized by Areej Fashions, featured the following designers: Mali Rose Designs, Sabika Seattle, Nahda Designs, Cover Me Beautiful, Lia Wear Action, Sanriq Stylz and M'Squared Clothing.

Designers from the Haute and Modest Fashion show DC Fashion Week Fall 2013

While we enjoyed all of the designers, there were three in particular that stood out for their edgy styles, creative fabrics, bold colors and global attractiveness beyond the Muslim community. These designers included M’Squared Clothing, Cover Me Beautiful and Nahda Designs.The versitility of these three collections as well as the choice of fabrics, patterns, textures and color choices solidified these as our top three of the evening. I could see myself in at least 3 outfits from each designer, which is of major importance when determining if I truly love a line...there MUST be three. 

M'Squared clothing image courtesy of Areej Fashions

Hahda Designs image courtesy of Areej Fashions

Here are some of the additional fashions that graced the runway by some of the designers:

Ideal PR Media Host Valeta Sutton with Ideal PR Media Stylist Tahira Mohamed of StyleByTahira

A very special thanks to Areej Fashions, Ean Williams and the entire DC Fashion Week staff. We look forward to the 20th Anniversary show in Feb 2014!

Stars Celebrate the ALMA Awards with Target's Bullseye the Dog!

Actress Roselyn Sanchez was flawless from head to toe...as usual
Photo: John Sciulli/Wireimage for Target

All images are courtesy of John Sciulli/Wireimage for Target

Celebrities stopped to pose with Target’s bull terrier mascot Bullseye on the red carpet at the 2013 NCLR ALMA Awards on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013. As an extension of their ongoing commitment to the Hispanic community and culture, Target returned as a sponsor of the NCLR ALMA Awards for the sixth year.

Actress Eva Longoria was stunning in red
Photo: John Sciulli/Wireimage for Target

Some of the Celebrities who stopped to say hello to Bullseye included actresses Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sanchez, Alexa Vega, singer Christina Milian, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, TV personality Mario Lopez, and singer Aloe Blacc among others.

Actor Rico Rodriguez is growing up quite nicely!Photo: John Sciulli/Wireimage for Targe

Ideal PR Media absolutely loves Target and the diverse brands they offer throughout the store. It is our favorite place to buy our fruit smoothie drinks and natural/ethnic hair products as their prices beat anyone else around, even the specialty stores. So we were very happy to hear about Target continuing their support of ethnic diversity and maintaining their sponsorship of the ALMA awards which supports Latinos (Ideal PR Media's editor's heritage includes Latino origins). A very special thanks to Brenda Camberos of Rogers & Cowen for making this media coverage possible.

Actress Justina Machado looked radiantPhoto: John Sciulli/Wireimage for Target

Christina Milian looked great in white
Photo: John Sciulli/Wireimage for Target

A very pregnant and glowing Dania Ramirez was in attendance Photo: John Sciulli/Wireimage for Target

(Video Inside) Victoria Rowell Speaks on New Soap Opera Series and Published Books

Ideal PR Media host Valeta Sutton with Victoria Rowell

Ideal PR Media caught up with actress and executive producer Victoria Rowell in Washington, DC while attending the Congressional Black Caucus Annual  Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. She took some time to speak with Ideal PR Media's TV host Valeta Sutton about her new soap opera (The Rich and the Ruthless on www.indiegogo.com) and published books. See the video below and be sure to support Victoria and all of her efforts. She is the reason the Young and the Restless expanded it's African American viewers and she deserves the recognition and respect.

Essence Magazine's CBC Party...Off The Chain

I could start with BBD (Bell Biv DeVoe)performed, place a period and the story be completely awesome. I mean...when you have Ron DeVoe, Mike Bivens and Ricky Bell in the house who the heck can think about or see anything else...oooo-lawd.

However, Essence Magazine always out does the competition...not because they are trying, just because they excel at being great. Out of all of the evening events I attending over the long stretch of Congressional Black Caucus week/weekend, The Essence Magazine party at the Ronald Reagan building in Washington, DC was one of my two favorites.

Could it be the endless food, drinks and sweets (yes! at the sweets)? The DJ who rocked all night long? The amazing hospitality that Candace and her staff always provide? The beautiful celebrity faces in the room? The wonderful picture booth provided by Google? The amazing company I kept...or all of the above? I check all of the above!

We enjoyed running into Roland Martin, whom we had run into the night before while attending the reception honoring Marcia Fudge. He made sure to hand us an invitation to his event he was having the next day.

Activist Jeff Johnson is always a ball of positive energy whenever we see him. 

Actress Keisha Knight-Pullium is just as kind and sweet now as her character on the Cosby Show...although she is 10x more beautiful and sophisticated.

Running into actress and executive producer Victoria Rowell was an added bonus since she had spent quality time with Ideal PR Media earlier that day speaking about her books and new soap opera project. While my friend Dr. Eric Sadler made sure my hands were never empty and TV host Valeta Sutton made sure my night was filled with adventure. Actor and former VH1 TV show personality Wil "Onix" Lash was in the house and shared with us pictures of his beautiful newborn (whom he missed and could not wait to get back home to...awwww). Seeing tons of beautiful faces from the DC political scene and Hampton University rounded the night out on a high note.

I had a great time in my fabulous dress provided by Vintage and Charmed in Washington, DC and I was accessorized by Alqamar Malik's "Malik's Fashions," wearing my favorite pair of black Boutique 9 shoes. The night was great.

I love seeing beautiful, successful, Black people in large crowds, and this Essence Magazine party had a perfect blend of successful and beautiful men and women. This definitely was the talk of the 2013 CBC. If I do nothing else next year, I will be sure to be at the Essence Magazine CBC celebration.

Green Day's Documentary Film ¡Cuatro!

Reprise Records' Green Day today announced that their documentary film ¡Cuatro! will be released via iTunes, Amazon, Qello, and on DVD. ¡Cuatro! pulls back the curtain and takes fans inside the world of Green Day, from the various spontaneous live performances in select cities around the U.S. to the chronicling of their creative process while conceptualizing and recording their recent trilogy of albums: Green Day ¡Uno!,Green Day ¡Dos!, Green Day ¡Tré! ¡Cuatro! was directed by Tim Wheeler and produced by Tim Lynch for Farm League. Highlights from the documentary originally premiered last fall on MTV2 and Palladia and the film premiered in full at the 20th Anniversary South By Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and opened this year's Newport Film Festival.

"Over the last year while we were recording our trilogy, we posted multiple clips every week so fans can see parts of the recording process of ¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré!," said bassist Mike Dirnt. "¡Cuatro! brings our fans one step closer by giving them even more access and revealing what it was like for us to make these records."

Green Day spent the summer touring the world, including performances at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK and a show at London's Emirates Stadium that set a concert attendance record by selling all 60,000 of the venue's tickets for the first time.

Green Day is vocalist/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tré Cool. 

Thanks Sam!

We are Loving the Soundtrack featuing Jennifer Hudson!

Image courtesy of RCA Records

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We just love this new soundtrack! Sending a very special thanks to RCA.

RCA Records released Winnie Mandela – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on September 3, 2013 via digital music providers. The soundtrack and film features the poignant song “Bleed for Love” performed by Grammy and Academy Award winner and RCA recording artist Jennifer Hudson and the Soweto Gospel Choir. “Bleed for Love” was written by Grammy winner and six-time Academy Award nominee Diane Warren, and produced by multi-Grammy award winner Harvey Mason Jr., Laurent Eyquem and David Franco.

“‘Bleed for Love’ has such an incredible and meaningful message about the power of love and the extension of the human heart,” comments Hudson. “Diane wrote a beautiful song and it was an honor to work with her and the rest of the team to create this powerful piece of music.”

“When I wrote ‘Bleed for Love’ for the film Winnie Mandela, I imagined how amazing it would be when Jennifer sang it,” says Warren, one of the most prolific and successful songwriters of our time. “It went far beyond anything I could ever have imagined. I remember the chills I had being in the room when she was hitting some of those notes! She put her entire heart and soul into this performance. It is as if she is singing it not just as Jennifer Hudson but also as Winnie Mandela.”

Winnie Mandela – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was produced by award winning composer Laurent Eyquem and David Franco and features a score composed and directed by Laurent Eyquem that reflects Winnie Mandela’s perseverance during times of turbulence and tremendous love. St. Teresa’s Intermediate School Choir, Ben Amato, Ipeleng Moshe, Twalamato and the Manhattan Brothers are also featured on the soundtrack.

Winnie Mandela, the film adaptation of Anné Mariè du Preez Bezdrob’s biography Winnie Mandela: A Life, released on September 6, 2013. Written and directed by Darrell J. Roodt, Winnie Mandela stars Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls; Sex in the City) and Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow; Red Tails; Iron Man). Winnie Mandela is presented by TD Jakes (TDJ Enterprises), and produced by André Pieterse (Ironwood Films) and Michael Mosca (Equinoxe Films).

Winnie Mandela explores the personal and political life of the wife of renowned activist and revered former South African President, Nelson Mandela. The film tells the compelling story of one woman’s journey as she fights for the freedom of the man she loves and for the freedom of her people during the Apartheid era. Winnie Mandela depicts the struggle to keep the Mandela dream alive amidst her husband’s life imprisonment, her own time in solitary confinement, and her battle to overcome controversies that followed her through the years.

Winnie Mandela – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack track listing:

1. Bleed for Love – performed by Jennifer Hudson with Soweto Gospel Choir

Written by Diane Warren, Produced by Harvey Mason Jr., Laurent Eyquem, David Franco

2. Sunrise
3. A New Season
4. Halleluja (La Passionata) – performed by St. Teresa’s Intermediate School Choir
   Music & Lyrics by Ralph Siegel
5. Sound of Hope
6. Enchantment
7. You Could

Written by Sidney James (ASCAP)

8. Jozi Jive ‘55 – performed by Ben Amato

Music by Ben Amato

9. Dreams
10. A Wedding Song
11. Lakutshon Ilanga – performed by Manhattan Brothers

Music by Mackay Davashe

12. On the Run
13. Anxious Moments
14. Death Sentence
15. Passing of Time
16. Lovers in Prison – performed by Ipeleng Moshe
17. Freedom
18. Nguye Lo- peformed by Twalamato

Music and Lyrics by Ben Amato and Aveline Twala

19. Separation
20. Winter Clouds
21. Separation/Isolation

Composed by Laurent Eyquem

22. Memories

Don't You Just LOVE a Great Pair of Boots or Shoes?

We love the new store Vintage and Charmed CC in Washington, DC! Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/idealprmedia

Kill Your Darling's...Based on a True Story Starring Daniel Radcliffe

(Official Trailer Below)

In Theaters October 16, 2013 "KILL YOUR DARLINGS" is the previously untold story of murder that brought together a young Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) and William Burroughs (Ben Foster) at Columbia University in 1944, providing the spark that would lead to their Beat Revolution. This is the true story of friendship and murder that led to the birth of an entire generation. Caution is advised before watching the trailer. This is not suitable for young children or teens as it is Rated R by the Motion Picture Society. Be sure to come back for Ideal PR Media's exclusive interviews with the cast which will take place at the end of the month.

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Ben Foster, Michael C. Hall, 

Jack Huston, Jennifer Jason Leigh & Elizabeth Olsen and directed by John Krokidas, 

this feature film will hit theaters on October 16, 2013!

Everyone Awaits To See "I Dream of NeNe" Premiering Tonight on BRAVO

NeNe and Gregg Leakes Photo by: Wilford Harewood/Bravo

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Everyone is waiting to see what NeNe and Gregg will do on the premiere episode tonight on BRAVO.

“I Dream of Nene: The Wedding” proves that the second time around is a charm as the new 
docu-series features the nuptials of former spouses NeNe and Gregg Leakes.  Fans have gotten up close and personal with the couple during “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” watching their happy marriage, devastating divorce and romantic re-connection  The stars align as the Leakes are ready to tie the knot once again in an extravagant wedding fit for a larger-than-life personality like NeNe. 

Each episode follows NeNe as she plans the wedding of a lifetime and puts her team of experts to the test in executing her dream vision.  Alongside NeNe is her bridal party, including Cynthia Bailey and Marlo Hampton, who bring a fair share of drama and "fabulous-ness" to the classy affair.

“I Dream of Nene: The Wedding” is produced by  True Entertainment and NeNe Leakes Productions for Bravo. Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh, Lauren Eskelin, Carlos King, Megan Sanchez-Warner and NeNe Leakes serve as Executive Producers.

NEW HGTV SERIES COUSINS UNDERCOVER GIVES COMMUNITY HEROES SURPRISE HOME RENOVATIONS

Cousins John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino; Image courtesy of HGTV

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Surprises and life-changing home renovations happen when America’s favorite “Kitchen Cousins,” John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino, return to HGTV in their new series, Cousins Undercover, premiering on Sunday, October 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The hunky duo rallies whole communities to complete home renovations for one favorite neighbor. While the unsuspecting homeowner is spirited away on a short trip with friends or family, John, Anthony and the entire neighborhood work around the clock to complete an astonishing transformation that delivers  the biggest surprise of the homeowner’s life.

“There’s something very special about seeing the goodwill of a community in action and watching John and Anthony’s enthusiasm inspire others to unite and give someone else the home of their dreams,” said Steven Lerner, svp, programming and production HGTV and DIY Network. We think viewers will be inspired by these stories and awestruck by how these renovations can change someone’s life. ”

In the premiere episode, Cousins Undercover partners with The Ellen DeGeneres show to surprise single mom and popular teacher, Elizabeth Brehm, with a total home renovation. Since buying the house as a fixer-upper, Elizabeth envisioned her dream bedroom and young daughter’s nursery, but larger and more expensive renovations loomed--including the unfinished and uninhabitable second floor. In order to complete the job, the Cousins must enlist help from Elizabeth’s neighborhood, family, friends and students who excitedly roll up their sleeves to give her the beautiful home she deserves. As the team of more than 50 volunteers looks on, the Cousins go room to room with Elizabeth to reveal the stunning makeover that is one of the network’s biggest overhauls.

Cousins Undercover is fast-paced and emotionally charged as the Cousins find homeowners who can use a helping hand. From building an in-home wrestling gym for a favorite coach to tearing out walls to accommodate amazing outdoor spaces for those who love to entertain, the Cousins inspire team work, big results and a reignited sense of community. 

Be sure to tune in and tell a friend. Ideal PR LOVES HGTV and we are sure everyone will love this new show.

Thanks Jade!

Vintage and Charmed Classic Clothing Comes To DC

Ideal PR Media enjoyed attending this fashion forward event this past Saturday. Boutique owner Lynette Voss opened a second location for Vintage and Charmed Classic Clothing on Saturday September 14, 2013 in Washington, DC. Located in the Newly renovated Anacostia Arts Center, this second location features the Malik's Fashion Jewelry line.

The event was an amazing success. I enjoyed speaking with an male patron who stated that the store was very welcoming and he would definitely come back since the male section will be expanding in the near future.  A female patron who just happened to walk by the store said would be putting this store on her list of favorite new places to shop. 

The diversity in the clothing options were just as impressive as the diversity in the patrons. The beauty of the Indian, African, Caucasian, Haitian, African-American, and Caribbean patrons in the store...and that's just during the hour I was there was very inspiring. Everyone loves great clothing at a great price; two guarantees when you visit Vintage and Charmed CC.

One of my goals was to find a dress to attend the Roland Martin party for the Congressional Black Caucus taking place later this week in Washington, DC. I spoke with the store owner, Lynette, just a few days prior to let her know I would be attending and looking for a dress for #CBC. When I arrived, Lynette had great options waiting for me in just the right size. Oh...and did I mention that this store has Great stylist who have styled for magazines? So of course they hooked me up! 

They paired the dresses with Malik's Fashion Jewelry and pointed out different shoe options based on the look I was going for. Needless to say I waked out of the store with two dresses and jewelry to match (look out for the CBC event coverage story). 

After I tried on the clothing, and decided yes on both of the dresses specifically pulled and styled for me, I decided the partake in the delicious food and candy spread throughout the location.

 On my way out I enjoyed the sounds of the band playing at the entrance of the building.

Be sure to check out the new location Tuesdays through Saturdays 11am-7pm located inside the Anacostia Arts Center located at 1231 Good Hope Road, S.E.  Gallery D; Washington, DC 20020. Lynette, Aqamar and their staff will be very good to you!