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4.jpgPamella Roland's spring 2010 collection totally inspired by O'Keeffe's with combinations of bright floral infused with special fabrics and embroideries that bring to mind the artist's iconic paintings.  The pieces are simple and elegant with delicate floral laced patterns and pops of bright color - poppy red, freesia, peony, yellow dahlia and honeydew green  Pale tweeds are accented with gold, copper and oversized floral jacquards reminiscent of the 1950's and 1960's.

At this years Spring 2010 show tons of fabulous celebrities made an appearance to support the designer.  From socialites like Nicky Hilton, reality show stars Kara DioGuardi, Lisa Rinna, Bethenny Frankel, Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, and Hollywood stars Amanda Bynes, Toni Braxton.  Pamella's modern silhouettes are worthy of any red-carpet occasion.

Visit www.pamellaroland.com

Photo courtesy of Alison Brod PR



Dawn Del Russo, Fashion Expert Featured in Print like US Weekly, Life and Style and National TV Fox 5.

Britney Spears in the Circus!

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DSC01224.JPGIf you have not been to a Britney Spears concert it is a must see!

DSC01208.JPGBritney has been in the lime light since the age of 16, she started when she was just a child, but didn't hit pop stardum until her teen years.  She is a spectacular performer and I think she has potential to be the Madonna of the our generation.  The show is filled with real circus freaks from acrobats to hula hooping to trampolines. 

DSC01088.JPGI was lucky enough to go back stage and see what really goes on at the Circus.  I was only back there for a short time, but it was nothing but hussle and bussle from the set designers, wardrobe stylists, tailors, dancers, tour director, security and much more. 

DSC01099.JPGDSC01123.JPGFor more information about the Circus tour go to www.britneyspears.com

Denise Del Russo, a make-up artist, beauty/lifestyle writer, and communications specialist. visit www.DeniseDelRusso.com
Rihanna.jpgIf you are on the lookout for the latest trend hitting the celebrity circuit, look no further. They are showing off more than their winning smiles with the trend of peek-a-boo lingerie.

Rihanna added a pop of color to this casual look by letting her Hanky Panky Bralette peek through. The key to making this trend work - minimal exposure is definitely best. And always be sure to leave something to the imagination! 

Get the look with Hanky Panky's Signature Lace Original Bralette.

$37.00

Visit www.hankypanky.com for a store location near you.

Robyn Stone is a wife and homeschooling stay at home mom. She can be found at Our Homeschool Home and is co-owner of the popular online gift store Snootie Patootie.
n769024643_618731_2545.jpgEvery morning I do my usual routine... wake up, hit the alarm once, and flip to Channel 4 in NY the Today Show.  You know I have to get the latest news scoop, check on the weather, and maybe catch a delicious cooking tip or fashion trend.  Well, when I noticed a sweet girl talking about the latest in Social Media, I just had to find out more. 

Sara Haines, originally behind the scenes, has made the move to "on camera" and really caught my attention.  She has turned into the "go to" girl on the fourth hour with Hoda and Kathy Lee for social media and tech how-to's.  Sara is simply a delightful and knowledgeable rising star.

Sara started on the Today Show in the page program and continued for 7 years as a production coordinator. Two years ago, she needed a new challenge and had the opportunity to produce some segments online called Backstage Pass, a digital series featuring celebrities and musicians chilling behind the scenes chatting about their everyday life. Once it started being teased on air, Kathy Lee and Hoda said to Sara, "You're young and hip! Come show us how to do some computer basics like upload photos and e-mailing on camera."  The big breaking point was when Sara created the Facebook Fan Page on the air and hit the refresh and noticed over 580 people had joined.  Shocked with the demographic of the show, they were impressed with how quickly their Facebook Fan Page took off.  Producers realized they had created a one click way for fans of the show to have their questions answered instantly and get to see behind the scenes.  Sara was able to break down the wall with live TV and give the audience an instant connection.

Sara offered me some great tips for using social media in business.  Have your "screen door up" think "what would my boss think or what would my mom think of this post".  It is a very tactful way to make sure the content posted is appropriate for business.  For pleasure you may be easily judged by your comments, status and tweets, handle yourself as if you were in a conversation at a cocktail party. If you wish to engage in certain topics like religion and politics, it maybe be better to look for a forum where those topics are being discussed.  Always be aware of who is reading, and "think before you post."  Definitely words to live by.  Social media and technology are growing every second, Sara pointed out, and things like e-mail, already seem archaic.  "It is beyond my imagination where social media will go." For now Sara can be found tweeting @sarahaines.

As for Sara's future plans. She states she is living her dream job; she enjoys doing segments for different parts of the show, loves pitching and shooting stories, and looks forward to growing at NBC.  Her advice, "Make the journey the best part, there is never a guarantee in life, the destination is only the frosting."  

Dawn Del Russo, Fashion Expert Featured in Print like US Weekly, Life and Style and National TV Fox 5.
bedoneeye2CR.JPGKatrina Campins is a girl after my own heart, an ambitious go getter, with an amazing passion for life.  Recognized in Realtor's Magazine's "Top 30 under 30" Katrina is the founder of The Campins company, selling real estate to celebrities, and famous athletes.  Staring on the Apprentice at a young age gave her the chance of a life time to work with the true business mogul himself Trump.  So why wouldn't I being the girl who wants it all, take the opportunity to interview another fabulous, confident woman.  Plus, I'm lovin watching her on her new show Miami Social, where we get a peak at her social life, dealing with relationships, and literally having it all.

Name:   KATRINA CAMPINS
URL:     http://www.katrinacampins.com, http://www.thecampinscompany.com and http://tccse.com

Location: Home

DDR: How did you get started as a sports and entertainment Real Estate professional?

KC: Licensed at the age of eighteen, as a college student I experienced great success in the world of real estate.   I graduated from the University of Miami with general honors and a 4.0 grade point average, while majoring in International Finance & Marketing.  The "U" as we call it, had great student-athletes and once drafted into the NFL, I helped them with their real estate needs.  This was really what kicked off the niche I now love and enjoy.

The Sports & Entertainment division within my company was formed in order to better serve the "A" list roster of clientele consisting of celebrities, athletes and entrepreneurs throughout the entire United States. Since 2005, I have had the pleasure of personally representing over 160 athletes and/or entertainers with all of their real estate needs.http:// www.tccse.com

DDR: How has your life changed since becoming a reality star on The Apprentice and Miami Social?

KC: My life changed since my participation on The Apprentice and I am sure that Miami Social will teach me a thing or two.  To elaborate a bit, I really went into The Apprentice for the life experience I knew it would provide.  I also wanted to challenge myself by inserting myself into a situation far outside of my comfort zone.  I knew that would help me evolve as a person and I believed it would be a great experience.  I was not strategic in terms of how I would compete against others on the show itself.  Some participants really thought out their strategy and what they wanted to accomplish.  I really didn't want to win, so for me the result was not as important as the overall experience.  I did manage to stick around for a while though...  The entire experience far surpassed my expectations.   I never thought it would be as popular as it became.  It definitely opened up doors for me professionally, and I have been very strategic about that.  I am forever grateful for being lucky enough to be chosen for the show as it really was an experience of a lifetime.

DDR: What designer do you love to rock for red carpet events?

KC: Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler.  I went to UM with him and admire his creativity.

DDR: Tell us your plans for the future and where you would like to see yourself in 10 years?

KC: In 10 years I see myself as a business woman, philanthropist, empowering people to be the best they can be.I am an extremely driven individual with great dreams and visions I hope to accomplish in the next decade.  Having said that, I am a strong believer in the power of silence which is why I will simply say that I plan to continue doing the many things I love since loving what you do is the only way you will ever be happy.   

DDR:
What fabulous words of wisdom do you live by?

KC: I was brought up in a traditional Cuban-American environment where education, hard work, morals and standards were of the utmost importance.  I was also brought up to believe that absolutely everything was attainable.  It was that foundation that afforded me the mind-set I grew to believe and sustain today.

DDR: Ok we actually have one more question.. Are you a "tweeter" who is your fav to follow and... hit us up with how to follow you?

KC: I love to Twitter!  My personal twitter address is http://twitter.com/KATRINACAMPINS. My company twitter account is http://twitter.com/campins I do not have a "fav to follow" 

Dawn Del Russo, Fashion Expert Featured in Print like US Weekly, Life and Style and National TV Fox 5.

A True Passion

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securedownload.jpegAs season five of So You Think You Can Dance winds down, I thought it would be exciting to take a glimpse at what the past year has been like for top four finalist Courtney Galiano from season four. 

If you're a fan of the show you may remember her  for amazing performances week after week with partner Gev Manoukian.  From day one Courtney was one of my faves maybe because she is a fellow East Coaster (she's from New York, I'm from NJ) and I had this automatic sense to stay loyal to her because she was practically my neighbor or maybe it was her remarkable talent and passion for dance, probably the latter. 

Courtney, 21, is a great example of what a dream, passion and a little energy can do for a young girl or anyone.  She started dancing at a very young age, worked her up way to become a  New York Knicks City Dancer, which led her to audition for the popular show So You Think You Can Dance, where she landed a spot in the top four finalists.  Since the finale of the show she has toured all over the  U.S with the other Top 10 So You Think You Can Dance dancers, which platformed Courtney to go on to work on the famed show Hannah Montana, Jump Arounds (sitcom coming this fall to Nickelodeon) , commericials for JVC and Clearisil, performed on the Spike Guys Choice Awards, and filmed a music video with Daddy Yankee. 

Besides performing and entertaining Courtney has become quite the entrepenuer with her new makeup line Cliché Cosmetics (www.clichecosmetics.com), in which the compacts were designed by her very own dad, and clothing line Heart and Soul Apparel (www.heartandsoulapparel.com).  "I have really fun, colorful, bright and girly clothes that really represent who I am," Courtney said.   True to fit, one of her favorite pieces are the socks!  The best apart about her socks is that when she stands in first position they read her tattoo that says "I walk forward in the certainty that my dance is secure," and it makes a full sentence.

It looks like Courtney has had quite an amazing ride since being on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance Season Four and it doesn't look like the ride will be reaching its destination anytime soon.  She is a true example of what having a dream and a little passion can do for you.  Like Courtney says, "life is a dance from stage to the next."  

Denise Del Russo, a make-up artist, beauty/lifestyle writer, and communications specialist. visit www.DeniseDelRusso.com
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I deem this the sexiest tankini around, as it is a full suit with cutouts surrounding the sexiest parts of a woman's body. I'm talking about the stomach and the hips. Beware: If you do not have trim, firm abs (especially the obliques) and hips, this look shouldn't really be a consideration. I speak from experience! Target has some great, affordable styles; and when I tried one on, I knew from the get-go that I would need to increase my sit-ups and side kicks to the 100th degree if I want to wear such a bathing suit.

So let's admit it - Gretchen Rossi of The Real Housewives of Orange County (on Bravo) looks amazing and the epitome of a California beach babe in this image.  But if you don't fit this mold, no worries! There are specific cuts for every time of shape and size. What works for my pear shape and size 6 body? Two piece solids, with simple bottoms that have no ties or strings on the side. I want to at least appear svelte!

Photo Credit: Jason Mitchell/BuzzFoto.com



For more personal shopping advice, visit Elana Pruitt at Good Girl Gone Shopping.
I am quite open-minded when it comes to challenging fashion "rules" and creatively styling fun pieces with basics. So I am never shocked with Gwen Stefani, my music and fashion role model, making it on lists that denounce her judgment calls, questioning her so-called "misses." I am also never surprised when this same celeb makes it to certain trendsetter lists and appears in lovely designs that showcase her personality.

Both categories that Gwen seems to straddle with nonchalance are kudos to her style. Either she is criticized for her poor choice of fashion sense, which proves her daring and confidence in the world of celebrity, or is praised for her jackpot outfits - proving the exact same thing! So, I ask you - which celeb do you think is also a switch hitter?

Let's see if you can tell which looks Gwen has been criticized for and those which are probably making it to the book of icon status:

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Gwen leopard dress.jpg
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Gwen checkered purse - good.jpgtrenchoat and heels - bad.jpgGwen Stefani - good hair.jpgGwen Stefani - bad hair.jpg
From top to bottom/ my ideas featuring these Gwen images:

Blue hair next to leopard dress: http://www.mtv.com (both imgs)

Pregnant bad and good: http://www.whosdatedwho.com (bad) and http://www.people.com (good)

Trenchchoat good and bad: http://dailyblabber.ivillage.com (bad) and http://www.pursepage.com   (good)

Hair good and bad: http://www.celebrific.com (bad) and http://www.stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com (good)

Want to see Gwen Stefani as a teenage brunette? My website, Good Girl Gone Shopping, leaves little to your imagination with a TMZ.com video that will show you how one girl's passion has made her a star.









For more personal shopping advice, visit Elana Pruitt at Good Girl Gone Shopping.
Samantha Ettus.jpgSamantha Ettus is a best selling author and on-air correspondent who is best known for bringing together a mix of celebrities and industry leaders to impart their wisdom and advice to fans of her broadcast and written endeavors.  Chic Galleria is a HUGE fan of Samantha and her books, The Experts' Guide book series!  Her show Obsessed TV, co-hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk, celebrates the most intriguing personalities of our time.

"I have always been involved in media both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. I have jumped back and forth between the creative and business sides, having worked on the creative side of things at CAA and Nickelodeon and then earning my MBA at Harvard," says Samantha. When I graduated from business school, I was the only entrepreneur in my class. I launched a first of its kind talent agency for personality-driven brands. I then parlayed that into The Experts' Guide book series with Random House. Each book is an anthology combining how-to advice from 100 leading experts. Four books later the books have included advice from everyone from Donald Trump to Rachael Ray to the Holiday Inn Housekeeper of the Year. The irony is that I have always been more interested in the personalities giving the advice, than the advice they were offering. Obsessed TV allows me to showcase the personalities behind these people brands. As both the show's creator/ host and the mother of two girls - ages 1 and 3, there isn't much time for sleep."

"Some people pick wines, others stocks. I pick people. I have always been obsessed with discovering people brands - those among us who have a spark beyond their job title and have become the leaders in their fields. Even though there are so many compelling personalities, many that are even household names, it is only celebrities who are given more than three minutes to tell us about themselves on-air. I wanted to fill this void by creating a sort of Barbara Walters for the web that focuses on experts, bestselling authors,and other luminaries.  When Gary Vaynerchuk and I met, we were bonded by our passion for personal branding and the show was born."


"Every day is fun for me because I am constantly meeting the most fascinating people - every person I interview has a passion for what they do and I find that absolutely infectious. Now that I have become part of the social media world, I am scrambling to keep up. Every day I am learning new things about the space as well as learning new things from the people I interview."

Samantha Ettus(2).jpg"A bad day at work for me is when I open the New York Times and they have discovered somebody wonderful that I am not yet familiar with! I like to be in the know and on top of the rising stars in almost every profession. If I am not, I feel like I haven't done my homework. Once I find someone perfect for Obsessed TV I pursue them! I cold call them to invite them to the show and if they say no I ask again until I get a yes!"

"After months of working on it, we just launched the show at www.obsessedtv.com. Our goal is to make it the leading talk show on the web by making it the most engaging and compelling show possible, satiating our community of curious and passionate viewers with content that makes them look forward to the next episode. Right now, the most intriguing people of our time hit the talk show circuit when they have something to promote. We want Obsessed TV to be their one can't-miss destination on the web."


Visit www.obsessedtv.com and Samanthaettus.com.

Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.

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For the next week, Project Runway alum, designer Jack Mackrenroth, will be dishing up Fashion Week in NYC at NewNowNext.com!  Chic Galleria is thrilled to have the opportunity to share his articles.

After the Duckie Brown collection, next was Charlotte Ronson, who unfortunately has become almost overshadowed by being Samantha Ronson's sister.


Samantha was DJing and backstage was on lock down before the show because Ms. Lohan was in protective custody. Right before the show started she came out with a gang of security and took her front row seat.

I managed to get one decent pic before being trampled by paparazzi. Literally. To death.

She looked great although she is very thin and her hair could use a deep conditioner. Apparently she got up before the show was over and went to kiki with Samantha in the DJ booth. I went backstage after the show but it was mayhem and L and S were swept out in a cloud of security with cameras flashing. It was kind of sad to witness. What a life.

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Anyway-The Charlotte Ronson show was good. It combined post-war decadence, military details and feminine tailoring. Charlotte has this affinity for shoulder cutouts which I don't quite get but for the most part I thought the show was interesting.





















Charlotte was really cute as she took a bow-but maybe she could have dressed up for the occasion just a smidge?

 

Head over to NewNowNext.com and leave Jack a comment!

Photos courtesy of Jack Mackenroth


Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.
niesh2.jpgChic Galleria.com is so pleased to introduce to you one of our new Contributing Editors, Sarah-Jane Adams. Sarah-Jane is currently a fashion editor and the creative founder of teen orientated Cause a Scene magazine, a site fusing high fashion with youth culture which has attracted a global readership of thousands and seen collaborations with industry leading talents. She also offers web design services for young creative professionals and acts as editor in chief and columnist for a variety of publications.  "I started with a degree in fashion pr, specialising in journalism, and became more and more interested in the ideas of self branding and promotion, and so decided to start a business and put them into practice.  Now of course, I'm completely obsessed with entrepreneurialism, and couldn't imagine doing anything else!"

jesshawk3.jpg"I'm in a great position now where I'm approached by some fantastic talents who may pitch an idea for a shoot or submit themselves for feature, so I'm very lucky in that I have that wealth of creative professionals to tap into for inspiration and to be kept in the loop about new projects and trends.  Of course, from a fashion point of view I'm constantly analysing the catwalks and the streets, but personally I take a lot of inspiration from urban culture, particularly in my web design."

I asked Sarah-Jane what she loves about her profession. "I think that right now I'm enjoying my work more than ever as I'm reaping the rewards of all the hard work that goes into building your own brand, so to be in a position of having your work recognised and to be actively approached with new opportunities is really fulfilling.  Receiving new offers and having people who I consider at the top of their game come to me to say they'd like to get involved with my projects is always my favourite experience."

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for sjface.jpg"Right now I'm focusing on getting my name into the public domain and adding as many strings to my bow as possible.  The immediate future sees a big push on web design for me, and also sharing my skills in branding and PR with up and coming talents.  I'm excited about the sheer amount of new projects I have coming up for early 2009, with a move into national press and some additional high profile collaborations.  I've learned not to plan too far ahead, as it's become difficult to envisage where the work will take me as new directions and connections open up."

Visit www.sarahjaneadams.com.  Watch for Sarah-Jane's articles here on Chic Galleria.com.



Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.

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November 9, my business partner (and son) Austin and I flew to New York City to attend the GMHC Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser as guests of Jack Mackenroth.  After a busy day of shopping in Soho and meeting Jack at Starbucks for coffee, the evening was quite a thrill to say the least.

We arrived at the event fashionably early due to the fact that our hotel was close and I wanted to see the silent auction items before it got too crowded.  Jack's PR representatives Rachi Govil and Michelle Ouellette  from Cohn & Wolfe were so gracious and made sure we received one of Jack's signature campaign scarves and tshirts for Living Positive by Design.

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Although Jack was busy doing personal interviews and taking loads of photos, he found us from across the room and greeted us with his warm, gorgeous smile.  As you can see in the picture, Tim Gunn was being interviewed behind us.  Jack was quickly whisked away to prepare for his appearance before the runway show.  He delivered an incredibly moving  speech and had a huge cheering section where I was standing.

 

 

 

 

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 I then had a chance to introduce myself to Tim Gunn.  He was such a gentleman and so kind.  He acknowledged Chic Galleria.com and then asked me who I was wearing and told me that it was stunning. Seriously, I was almost speechless! I immediately told him Alberto Makali.  I had purchased this gorgeous blouse at Donna's two days before my trip never dreaming the fashion guru himself would compliment me on it. My top lip was quivering as photos were taken of the two of us by photographers covering the event. Can you tell how nervous I am in this picture?

I received warm greetings from both Kevin Christiana and Suede. Kevin and I chatted briefly about the collaboration between he and Jack on a new reality TV series.  I wanted him to know that I planned to be first on the list to apply! 

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Seeing Suede was like seeing a long lost friend.  We had talked so many times and finally had the chance to meet face to face.  Unfortunately, he too was quickly swept away by the at fire code crowd. www.perezrevenge.com captured some great crowd pictures including one of me with my back to the camera. It was definitely a packed crowd of supporters for the Gay Men's Health Crisis Fashion Forward fundraiser event.

I was very excited to share this evening with Jack as he launched Living Positive by Design.  Please visit his website to learn more about this educational campaign.

Special thanks to Jack, Rachi and Michelle.  Photos by Austin Anderson/Chic Galleria.com. 

 

Related articles:

GMHC's Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser

The Sights and Sounds of Soho

Chic Galleria Hits New York City For The Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser
       

 



Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.

jack.jpgOn Monday, November 11, I attended the Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser presented by Bank of America benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis.  Project Runway alum, Jack Mackenroth invited me to this event and I was thrilled to be able to attend and represent Chic Galleria.com.

GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  They provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.

Dr. Marjorie Hill, CEO, Gay Men's Health Crisis and Mr. Alan Rappaport, NY President, Bank of America, addressed the SOLD OUT crowd for this event held at Skylight Studios in New York City.  With over 700 in attendance, fashionistas, friends and supporters listened to stunning statistics about the growing numbers of people affected by HIV and AIDS.  Master of Ceremonies, Tim Gunn welcomed everyone and talked briefly about wrapping up Project Runway Season 6 in Los Angeles.  This drew some jeers from the New York based crowd.

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Before the runway show, featuring six of New York's top designers, Betsey Johnson, Michael Bastian, Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani, Charles Nolan, Tim Hamilton and John Varvatos, the crowd browsed the fabulous silent auction items. These included vacations, jewelry, shopping sprees, a Michael Kors mink vest, Madonna concert tickets, and an autographed fashion table book.  U.S.A. Olympic Fencing Silver Medalists, Tim Morehouse and Jason Rogers were in attendance as well as Gretta Monahan, Andrew Buckler, Derek Lam, and Miss USA, Crystle StewartBeverly Johnson was flawless in a dress designed by Project Runway Season 6 finalist, Korto Momolu.  Project Runway alums included Suede, Kevin Christiana and Malan Breton as well as New York stylist, Flavio Gomez

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What a thrill it was to see my friend Jack introduced by Tim Gunn before the runway show.  Jack addressed the crowd with charm and dignity as he talked about living with HIV and how GMHC has helped him over the years.  He spoke of his new campaign Living Positive by Design with such enthusiasm and grace.  I wanted you all to read his passionate speech:

As Tim mentioned, we all know that HIV/AIDS has hit the fashion and arts community disproportionately. I wonder who else might be here tonight if AIDS had not picked so many flowers before their time. It's a thought that should motivate us and inspire us to work harder to combat the disease. That is one of the many reasons I am SO thankful for GMHC.

Some of you may know me from" Project Runway" and some of you know me personally. But what you probably don't know is that I have been a client of GMHC since the early 90's when I first moved to New York. When I was diagnosed with HIV almost 20 years ago I was a young, scared, starving Parsons student. GMHC provided free counseling, patient advocacy and legal services that I desperately needed but could not afford. They were the single bright light in a fairly bleak horizon of my life. So thank you GMHC for possibly saving my life so I could be here tonight.

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"Project Runway" was an amazing tool for national exposure and has brought many amazing opportunities in fashion that I would not have had otherwise. However, I am most proud of the fact that I was open about my positive HIV status on the show and exemplified that a person can manage HIV and live a successful life. Every time a person with HIV is open about his or her status it helps everyone who is living with the disease. That's why I'm here tonight to talk about an inspiring HIV educational campaign I'm working on with Merck and many AIDS service organizations called Living Positive By Design. Living Positive By Design encourages people, both HIV + and HIV -, to engage in thoughtful conversations about HIV. Through these conversations, we hope to help eliminate the stigma still associated with the disease. We encourage people living with HIV to be proactive with their doctors to find a treatment regimen that gets their virus to an undetectable level, one of the most important goals of treatment. For physicians who treat HIV, we want them to consider treatment tolerability so patients are more likely to stay on their medications. In your gift bags tonight you will find a red scarf I have created as my interpretation of the classic red AIDS ribbon, which signifies the points of the Living Positive By Design campaign. I hope you wear it with pride and purpose.

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I am a living testament to what you can accomplish by letting go of shame and being your own advocate. When I had to leave Project Runway prematurely, after hours of crying Tim said to me in the hallway as I left, "You are very talented and everything happens for a reason." At the time I thought he was just comforting me, but now I know it's true. Not everyone has the luxury of a support network like GMHC. We need to support each other. That is why I am so thankful that you all came here tonight to show your support. Please keep up all the amazing work that you are doing and know that every single person can make a difference. Thank you.

I will be dedicating an article within a few days to Jack Mackenroth and Living Positive by Design.  I hope you will take the time to visit his website and show your support.  Thank you Jack for a wonderful evening!

Read the Press Release of this fabulous event!

Photos: Jack Mackenroth and Tim Gunn courtesy of http://blog.jackmackenroth.com.  All other photos by Austin Anderson/Chic Galleria.com.

Related Articles:

Compliments From Fashion Guru Tim Gunn

The Sights and Sounds of Soho

Chic Galleria Hits New York City For The Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser

Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.
jessica simpson black tights.jpgThis photo of Jessica Simpson, pop-star-gone-country singer and the business savvy girlfriend of NFL quarterback Tony Romo, brings back the class and sophistication of black tights. Leggings have become a debatable topic amongst fashionistas everywhere. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, and some are so indifferent because they deem leggings (worn with dresses or as pants) as soooo last year.

And while I am still loving the comfort and practicality of leggings, I enjoy the femininity and sophistication that black tights - like the middle ground between sheer and opaque that Jessica's wearing - delivers. Wearing black tights (or "stockings" as my mother refers to them) can be tricky for some people (What kind of shoe can I wear with them? How do I pull them up without making a run?). In this picture, at least it appears so, Jessica has it just right. The black and silver theme of her outfit is perfect for a night out, as she is caught on camera here, with her hairstylist  Ken Paves.

Due to chillier nights in Hollywood, thanks to the Fall/Winter season, these tights may have been chosen due to keeping her legs toasty while at the same time giving her a subtle sexy approach. What do you want to express through fashion?

With so many textures, hues, and styles of black tights - have fun picking just the right kind for just the right outfit! For tips on which stores have the best selection and the most helpful customer service, contact me, the 'Good Girl Gone Shopping,' at elana@talkingchic.com.

Photo used with permission from Picasso Foto/John Doe/BuzzFoto.com 

For more personal shopping advice, visit Elana Pruitt at Good Girl Gone Shopping.
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