Antonio’s Salute to Fashion spotlights soldiers, students

Antonio’s Salute to Fashion on Saturday, January 19 was not simply a fashion show, but an extravaganza. Antonio Fermin, a Zionsville bridal couturier and the animated host, greeted guests entering the EventzPlus banquet lobby in Castleton like old and dear friends.

Fermin kicked off the evening with a heartfelt speech thanking our troops, and several members of the Armed Forces, including one of the canine variety, were honored following a rendition of “God Bless America,” .

The fashion show began once the dinner plates were cleared.

Student designers, representing multiple schools and universities around the state, competed for the $500 scholarship, awarded based on the quality of the applicant’s essay, the number of tickets they sold to the event, and the items they donated to the silent auction.

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Project IMA Designer Highlight: Raymond Grey

For Raymond Gray, fashion has been a part of his life longer than it hasn’t.

When he was a small child, he used to rip up sheets and curtains and sew them together, to his mother’s horror.

“It all looked terrible,” he laughed. “I had no idea what I was doing.”

At 17, the self-taught designer bought an old green sewing machine at a garage sale, and so began his lifelong love of fashion.

A couple years later, Gray enrolled in a 6-week course at Arsenal Tech High School to learn basic sewing skills. His classmates were old ladies and his sewing assignments were aprons and smocks. Instead of completing his assignment, he created a jumpsuit instead. His classmates were impressed, but his teacher was not.

“She was upset with me because I had gone against the grain!” Gray recalled. “I knew then that I never wanted to be basic.”

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What does the future hold for Indy Fashion Talent?

Many people within the fashion industry of Indianapolis have heard of Midwest Fashion Week. “Midwest Fashion Week (MFW) began in 2006 when Catou fashion designer Berny Martin, saw a need for a Midwest outlet to showcase local, national, and international designers, models, stylists, and photographers”, states the Midwest Fashion Week website. Tuesday night I attended one of my favorite Midwest Fashion Week events, The New School Of Fashion: The student fashion show at the Madame Walker Theater. I like seeing the student organized show because it gives a glimpse of what the future talent looks like around Indy. Students and graduates from colleges across the state have the opportunity to participate in the show.

I took my front row seat between Antonio Fermin, who will be showing at Saturdays gala closing fundraising event, and a model walking in a future show. I clearly noticed a lot of friends and family in the audience, but there were a few of hidden gems of fashion insiders at the show. I was ready to see what the future looks like. Feel free to start singing “I believe the Children are our future”. I was ready to judge away until Martin, who introduced the show, half-joked for all press present to be nice to the talent. :-)

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Nikki Blaine Couture in NYC!

After a friendly invitation through email and a tug-of-war with myself, I decided it was time to share my talents with NYC. A Nikki Blaine Couture (NBC) show in NYC has been a long time coming, but there are many considerations before undertaking such a project so I’ve been waiting for just the right opportunity. The last thing I wanted was to commit to a show and leave feeling I’ve been robbed or misrepresented. Thankfully, it was an awesome experience and all was well, but as always, there were lessons to be learned.

Stylist, DaNisha Greene, arrived in NYC a few days before the event and conducted the model selection and arranged fitting times. Once I got there, the models were coming in around the clock! I was excited! The models looked amazing and I was pleased with DaNisha’s choices. Along with NYC models, NBC had two of Indy’s own hitting the runway: Ebony Smith from Lmodelz and Valenese Brewington.

The day of the show was like any other show, hectic! I arrived on location and hit the ground running. Once I found a rack and a corner, my game face was on I was ready for final fittings. One downside on the day of the show was that five of the models were late due to other fittings/shows (that’s Fashion Week for you!) and we had to do some quick reshuffling with models and clothes. Thankfully, there was a huge makeup and hair entourage readily available so once we nailed down the looks, getting the models made up was a cinch.

There was a lot of media and press backstage, and they were looking for everyone, but me! Sure a bunch of them stopped by to say “hello” and even compliment the clothing on the rack, but then they would quickly disappear to interview someone else. At one point, I remember looking at DaNisha and saying “You know this is mainstream happening around us…You know that right?” LOL! So who was all there, that the paparazzi was chasing?

There was Korto Momolu, best known for her presence on Project Runway and showing an impressive collection at Bryant Park during the fifth season. Currently, she has a partnership with Dillard’s Incorporated to design eye-catching collection of handbags and jewelry. Then, there was Reco Chapple from the House of Chapple, who is most noted for his appearance on Bravo TV’s The Fashion Show Season 1 as a top four finalist and currently, dressing celebrities. Next, there was Gordana Gehlhausen another Project Runway Season Six contestant. The twin brothers of Haus of Estrada who were selected to participate in Season 7 Project Runway were also showing. Lastly, Nicholas D’Aurizio was present as well, fresh off the eighth season of Project Runway.

But who is Nikki Blaine? Clearly, compared to these guys, the media had no way of knowing who I was or be remotely interested in interviewing me before the show.  At that moment I realized the importance of having a strong public relations representative. When going into a new market, It’s imperative to create a buzz for yourself before you arrive. Luckily, the brand managed to impress a few people and I will be taking more of Nikki Blaine Couture to NYC soon.

All in all, a great experience! I ended up walking away with order inquiries, new connections, great images and great video coverage. A huge thank you to my team, to all the models and DaNisha! Kudos!!!

Clothes Minded: In Review

(image credit Spoken4, Tonya Knapp-Alvarez)

Venue: Cloud 9

The club is a bit hard to find, partly because west 38th Street has been under construction for way too long, but also it is set far back from the street and the sign isn’t terribly eye catching. Add to that a bumpy drive over pot-holey driveways, you might think “what am I getting into”?! I’d been there once before, though, so I found it no problem this time.

It’s HUGE, by the way. Cloud 9 can handle large crowds, and they do so in an organized way. The parking lot was full, with women tottering in on ultra-high heels from the far reaches of the parking lot. We parked and marched over to the long line and waited to get in. As we entered, we were of course carded (it’s a bar), but also the ladies’ handbags were searched and the men went through the metal detector and/or got a pat down.  I found it a little interesting that the ladies did not have to go through the metal detector nor get frisked (I offered!), so I guess the security hasn’t figured out that women are the more dangerous gender. Of course, we don’t need weapons…we have sarcasm, long nails and spike heels. Anyway, I was happy that they got us all in with no problems, they have it all figured out.

Inside, the club is quite nice. Crystal chandeliers, two bar areas, 2 VIP lounges, plenty of bar tenders, clean bathrooms, nice DJ booth. The set-up was a short runway with seating to either side, and then a bunch of standing room. A small VIP area with eats and treats was set up with vendors as well.

Audience:

I love to people watch, and Clothes Minded‘s audience was a treat. I snapped a few pictures of the stand-out audience outfits that I happened to see. The guys ran the gamut from jeans and t-s to 3 piece suits, with everything in between. The gals wore a lot of knits: mini-dresses, stretch pants, possibly even some tube tops. I also spied fun bustiers, and of course the rockin’ outfits pictured. We also met and chatted with some attendees who told us that they hadn’t come specifically for the fashion show, but were really excited to find out about it.

Show:

The show was actually a little long…I think they could have shaved 20 minutes off and I would have been happier.  The host were charming, musical acts were sometimes iffy. The girls (Ms. Fields/Ty) did the best,  the guys were a little shaky, but I have to admit–I’ve never seen musical acts do well at a fashion show. I don’t know why it doesn’t work, but it doesn’t.

The fashion opened with Jamie Dampier’s collection (Eimaj), which had the feel of Barbie Zombie meets 80’s retro:  fluorescents, metallics, tulle, spandex and rhinestones with a couple of men’s hoodie/jeans outfits thrown in. Their makeup was grey circles around their eyes (here comes the zombie) and the theme was taken further with sometimes doll-like and sometimes zombie-like twitchy movements. I felt a little sorry for the photographers: hard to take good pictures when the models don’t ever stand still. (PS – Since then I’ve seen the pictures and they turned out great anyway!) Over all: fun, colorful, different.

Nikki Blaine rocked it with red and black gowns, taking it up from flash to glam, the most high fashion looks of the evening.

Rezint Clothing brought us back to spandex and metallics,  cat suits which I hadn’t seen brought out in a while.  Short, tight, shapely, flashy.

Fly’s Nest showed some little black dresses and flashy cocktail dresses (vintage) courtesy of Fly Won, one of the organizers.  Cute, wearable items.

At this point I started to lose track of who was who (designer or boutique), which may be due to the extremely strong cranberry vodka from the bar. They do not kid around. The next video clip I have is from my favorite runway section: the lingerie. I think this must be Asebella Boutique. Three ladies stepped onto stage in elegant black trenches, looked around, and slipped their belts undone. We knew we were in for something! Fun, unabashedly sexy and bedroom lingerie, including French Maid ensembles, black lacy numbers, all of it walked with sass and confidence by the models. Oh, and also some men with bare chests.

Marshalls gave some gift cards to the best audience runway walkers, and also showed a smattering of items: bathing suit, cocktail, separates, men’s casual. Worth a mention as a sponsor.

Juice Mami was another standout. Bathing suits, jumpsuits, dresses in bright colors and fun prints. I think I even spied some holographic silver spandex, zowie. Not my style, but I was wondering where a girl might wear that.

Rounding out the evening was Kevin West with hand painted dresses, leggings, zip jackets, skirts, and jeans. Some of the outfits looked a little stiff with paint, but most worked well. He sells some canvas clutch bags that you might want to check out.

The evening overall reminded me strongly of 1980s colors: the chalky pinks, turquoise blues, fluorescent yellows, baggy t-s with leggings, floral prints…what a flashback. Even Kevin’s splashed on paints brought back some clothing nostalgia. I should also mention: there was a plus model that night, don’t know her name, who absolutely brought the house down every time she walked, especially with the lingerie. She really owned it! Kudos to her and all the models of different body types who brought the attitude to the runway.

A short clip of the final walk for Eimaj.

MBFW with model Brittany Mason

January 29, 2011

Wow,  where do I begin?! Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 is right around the corner!! What does that mean? Well aside from the fact I will be averaging three hours of sleep every night for the next three weeks and I will end up having my feet covered in blisters the size of half dollars (not pretty!), this is the most important time of the year in a model’s career. The goal? To book as many shows and be seen as much as possible! You need the press and you need to meet the designers. This gives you the opportunity to book more editorial work, and catalog work which will hopefully lead to campaigns. And that’s where the real money and mainstream exposure is.

Fashion Week this year is scheduled Feb 10-17th. A week before the kick off every day is crammed with as many castings, callbacks, fittings, and occasional makeup/hair/nail tests. Typically, I’ll need to wake up at 6am, sometimes earlier if my call time is 7am considering travel time, subways, and frigid arctic weather temperatures. The only plus about waking up so early in this career is that I really don’t have to get ready, considering how they do hair, makeup, and even mani/pedis before every show. Really all that’s necessary is brushing the pearly whites and a nice shower. And showing up, of course! :-)

February 2, 2011

I was scheduled to fly on a red eye from Las Vegas after a commercial shoot for Rain Nightclub at the Palms on the 31st, but with the unsafe weather conditions I did not arrive in the Big Apple until now, nearly 3 days later. BIG problem since all the castings are going on right now for fashion week… and I only have 2 days before I have to get on another red eye to Dallas for a day of work for Maxim Magazine at the Superbowl. 5 days,4  planes and 3 different cities!

February 4, 2011

Have to fly to Dallas today; another red eye flight. Fashion Week hasn’t started yet and I’m already exhausted! Someone pass the Mango Rockstar please!?

February 6, 2011

Today was one of my super early days. I had a makeup/hair/nail test for the Richie Rich show along with castings and an agency party to attend. I ended up spending 8…yes …..8 HOURS in the Salon without a break or a meal. Every nail was a different color and my hair had been colored, cut, teased,  pulled, twisted…you name it!  It was a long exhausting day! Thank God for 5 hour energy shots!

February 7, 2011

I have a day and a half between castings so taking advantage of a friend’s private jet, I fly to Vegas to visit my boyfriend…for 6 hours. Crazy, but totally worth it! (Can you say RED EYE?!)

February 8, 2011

Looks like this season for New York Fashion Week I’m confirmed for the Richie Rich, Ann Yee, Logan Neitzel, Sachika, Ivana Helsinki shows, a Warren Tricomi commercial, and as the “Skinny Pepsi Can” launch model. It’s going to be amazing!

February 9, 2011

Just got the news that Ivana Helsinki decided she only wants brunettes this season… mega bummer but it happens in this industry! I was in her show for the spring collection, so hopefully next season she’ll be loving blondes again…unless I’m a brunette then…you never know!

February 10, 2011

Richie Rich was such a fun and crazy show! The outfits ranged from chic to rockstar, and the shoes were all Walter Steiger whom I LOVE, although the particular pair I wore for this show took me literally 15 minutes just to get on, and God knows how long to get off! The things we suffer for beautiful footwear! Richie is notorious for having surprise guests at his show. He’s had everyone from Pamela Anderson to Ellen Degeneres; this year it was JWoww from Jersey Shore.

I was also filming a behind the scenes commercial for the prestigious Warren Tricomi Salon with Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren. It was a complete madhouse backstage with press and camera’s EVERYWHERE which is typical for all the shows…

February 11, 2011

Ann Yee at the Sky Room today! What a cool show it turned out to be!  Ann is a relative newcomer to the NY Fashion scene she launched her first collection in 2009. The collection was all moody grays, purples and blacks. Ann was a delight to work with and she let all the models have a piece from her collection. Love it when they do that! Of course it works out well for everyone – models get amazing clothing and in turn become walking advertisements for the designer. That’s what I call win/win. The only bad thing about this show? The hot pink stain they used on our eyelids. Can. NOT. Get this stuff off!! Argh!

February 12, 2011

Off to Wall Street for the Logan Neitzel Show! Logan was in Project Runway, Season 6 and is making quite a name for himself.

Logan’s style is some serious grunge. Dark colors, neck cuffs with fringes, black leggings, and wrist cuffs. An occasional splash of red made for interesting contrast. They styled our hair all stringy like and hanging in our faces. It was pretty hard to see where I was going, but thankfully no missteps. :-) Make-up artist had to work extra hard to cover up my irritated skin from that pink makeup.

I’m pooped though. Going to take it easy tomorrow and maybe try and have a solid meal. A girl can’t live on skinny vanilla lattes (xtra shot) alone!

February 16, 2011

Sachika show today! I love the twins To-Tam and To-Nya from Sachika, they are true dolls. Their clothes are elegant and beautiful and very body conscious. Love their stuff!

Their theme was “The Awakening of the Swan”.  The makeup and hair were Black Swan inspired, and Kat Deluna and Aubrey O’day performed. It definitely got really stressful backstage at this show…for some reason almost all of the shoes were the wrong size. A lot of us ended up having to strut down the runway with two handfuls of stuffing in the front of our shoes! But you know what they say, the show must go on! No one noticed and it was a great show for me to wrap up fashion week with! :)

February 17, 2011

And just like that it’s over! Still trying to catch my breath! Every show was very different and great in its own way.  Saw a bunch of celebrities at the shows: Blake Lively, Brooke Shields, Molly Sims, Gabrielle Union, a bunch of Jersey Shore people, and many more….too many to remember! Celebrating the end of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week by having a night on the town! Of course! Heading to LAVO which is THE place to be the last night of Fashion week.

AT LAVO,  Paris Hilton was celebrating her birthday. Security was tight…I guess they didn’t want her cake disappearing like it did in LA?? :-D   So the beautiful Kelly Carrington, Marco Andretti, a few friends, and I spent the evening partying at LAVO dancing the night away!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2011 was a total success! It was a wild, exhausting ride to be sure but I feel pretty fortunate! For a small-town Indiana girl with big dreams this is what it’s all about!

XOXO,

Brittany

Brittany Mason is from Anderson and represented Indiana at the Miss USA pageant in 2008. She’s been modeling since she was 14, but her career really took off after her Miss Indiana title. She is a full-time fashion model, traveling all over the world working with clients like Maxim, MTV, Jovani, Vigin Air, IZOD and many others. Brittany currently resides in NYC, but visits her friends and family in Indiana as often as she can. To keep up with more behind-the-scenes fashion industry coverage, follow Brittany on Twitter or “like” her Facebook page.