Janice Dickinson and Kenya Moore to Judge Times Square Fashion Week Mega Casting

Janice Dickinson and Real Housewives of Atlanta Vixen, Kenya Moore to Judge the first Times Square Fashion Week Mega Casting on Saturday, September 7, 2013, ABC Times Square Studios, Manhattan, NYC.

Janice Dickinson, former judge of America’s Next Top Model and title star of The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, will be joined by Miss USA 1993, actress, model, and producer Kenya Moore for the first ever Times Square Fashion Week Mega Casting (www.timessquarefashionweek.com) on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the ABC Times Square Studios, 1500 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Other celebrity judges include stylish actor Terrell Tilford, who can currently be seen on the hit Vh1 series Single Ladies, and celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye of the NBC competition series Fashion Star.

Times Square Fashion Week (TSFW) invites only the most magnetic male and female models to strut their stuff on the catwalk for a dream spot in the event that will put the “show” in fashion. Prior to the model faceoff, the Mega Casting will offer concise presentations for fashion designers, hairstylists and makeup artists who are also considering participation in TSFW.

For its freshman introduction into the New York fashion scene, TSFW has created the Mega Casting as an affair within itself to introduce the brand. with a high profile location such as the ABC Studios and two of the most high profile reality stars in the television industry as judges, the Times Square Fashion Week Mega Casting will tease audiences with what they can expect to experience when the actual Times Square Fashion Week officially launches in February 2014 during 2014 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Week.

The Mega Casting with Janice Dickinson and Kenya Moore will be broadcast live in the middle of Times Square on the ABC Jumbotron and will also premiere the official promotional video for the upcoming Spring 2014 Times Square Fashion Week.

Meryl Streep To Narrate Colm Toibin’s THE TESTAMENT OF MARY

Simon & Schuster Audio (www.audio.simonandschuster.com) is proud to announce that Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep will narrate THE TESTAMENT OF MARY by Colm Toibin, recently long-listed for the Booker Prize and cited as one of The New York Times’ Notable Books of 2012.  The audiobook will be available on CD and for download on

Meryl Streep To Narrate Colm Toibin’s THE TESTAMENT OF MARY Audiobook. (PRNewsFoto/Simon & Schuster)

September 10, 2013. Colm Toibin is the author of six novels, including The Master, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; and Brooklyn, winner of the Costa Book Award.

Streep’s haunting performance combined with Toibin’s tour de force of imagination and language create a listening experience so compelling your vision of Mary will be forever transformed.

Streep, one of the most celebrated performers of our time, offers a rare and powerful performance in THE TESTAMENT OF MARY, Toibin’s acclaimed and provocative imagining of the life of Mary in the years after Jesus’ death. The three-time Academy Award winner gives voice to Mary, a solitary, fully human woman–aging, flawed, courageous and outspoken–seeking to understand the events that become the narrative of the New Testament and the foundation of Christianity.

“What Meryl Streep manages first is a sort of calm force; there is a naturalness in the voice, and in the phrasing. And then slowly something sorrowful emerges, it is like an undertone. It comes from the stops and the half-sighs and that can move into moments of insistent pain and out of that again into memory,” says Toibin.  “She has a way of lingering on words and phrases which is always perfectly natural, but it gradually takes on a real power. I think anyone who hears it will be astonished by it.”

“To have one of the great actors of our time apply her craft to the audiobook medium is a true publishing event,” says Chris Lynch, President & Publisher of Simon & Schuster Audio. “Listeners will be spellbound by her interpretation of Colm Toibin’s vivid, compelling novel.”

Simon & Schuster Audio is a leading publisher of general interest audiobooks including bestselling fiction, nonfiction, business/finance, self-improvement, inspiration, language learning programs, original audiobook productions, and children’s titles. In addition to a list that includes such unparalleled authors as Mary Higgins Clark, Vince Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, Michael Lewis, and David McCullough. Simon & Schuster Audio has produced audiobooks that have won seven Grammy Awards and earned thirty-five Grammy nominations since 1989.

Simon & Schuster (www.simonandschuster.com) a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.

Global Spin Awards Returns

Bad Boy Records/Power Moves Inc. executive, Shawn Prez, return with the 2nd annual Global Spin Awards, scheduled to take place on Monday November 18, 2013 at the New York Times Center in Manhattan, NY., an award show that honors and recognizes the world’s most dynamic and talented DJ’s (Disc Jockey) for their contribution to the culture of music and entertainment: past, present and future. This year, GSAs will be sponsored by Power Moves Inc. and Ciroc.

GLOBAL SPIN AWARDS 2013

“Throughout my career I’ve formed long lasting relationships with the world’s most talented DJs. I’ve never understood the lack of recognition given to DJs for their continued influence on national and international musical currents and culture. The GSAs were created to fill the void and finally honor the DJs exclusively for their achievements, among their peers. Simply put, DJs deserve their own version of the Grammys,” says Prez.

Autumn/Winter 2013 Pas de Calais Collection Now Available at Kisan NYC

The high-end Soho retailer now offers shoppers the French-inspired styles from Japanese designer Yukari Suda.

Kisan, the highly curated women’s and children’s designer retailer in Soho, announced the arrival of Pas de Calais‘ Autumn/Winter collection. This season’s collection marks the 15th anniversary of the line from Japanese designer Yukari Suda.

Autumn/Winter 2013 Pas de Calais Collection (Photo Credit: http://www.pasdecalais-int.com/collections)

“Pas de Calais designs are perfect for Kisan shoppers,” said store co-owner Thorunn Anspach. “The fall 2013 line features the perfect mix of style, comfort, and luxury that we seek out in all of the clothes and accessories that we offer.”

The coats, dresses and tops from Pas de Calais are inspired by the rugged beauty of Northern France, overlooking the English Channel. Anspach and co-owner Olivier Bremond selected easy-to-wear dresses, glen-plaid coats, and comfortable, yet stylist tops from the collection.

Autumn/Winter 2013 Pas de Calais Collection (Photo Credit: http://www.pasdecalais-int.com/collections)

Autumn/Winter 2013 Pas de Calais Collection (Photo Credit: http://www.pasdecalais-int.com/collections)

“Yukari Soda choses colors based on the French countryside,” said Bremond. “For fall and winter, they are perfect neutrals, including classic navy, black, and shades of gray that are perfect to accessorize.”

The Republic of Tea Launches New Line of Cuppa Cake™ Teas: Premium Calorie-Free Teas Inspired by Delectable Cake Recipe

If you are a major tea drinker like myself, your world just got that much better. The Republic of Tea, leading purveyor of premium teas, is proud to announce the launch of its new line of Cuppa Cake™ Teas. Each of these calorie-free, gluten-free teas are inspired by delectable cake recipes, with rich aromas of baked goods fresh from the oven and other decadent, natural flavors that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This delightful, new collection is comprised of three scrumptious dessert tea flavors: Blueberry Bundt Tea, Caramel Vanilla Tea, and Lemon Chiffon Tea.

Founded in 1992, The Republic of Tea enriches people’s lives through its premium teas, education and innovation, as it emphasizes a “Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp” lifestyle. Today the brand offers an unequaled selection of the highest-quality teas, herbal blends, books and nature-inspired sip ware, available exclusively at specialty retailers throughout the U.S.

BLUEBERRY BUNDT TEA – This healthy, herbal red rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) tea is caffeine-free and gluten-free, and has a light, comforting natural flavor of yellow butter cake filled with the aroma of ripe, sweet blueberries. This tea is available in a sleek, giftable tin that holds 36 tea bags.

CARAMEL VANILLA TEA – A smooth, premium black tea inspired by the old-fashioned Southern yellow cake with homemade frosting is infused with natural caramel and vanilla flavor. This gluten-free tea is available in a sleek, giftable tin that holds 50 tea bags.

LEMON CHIFFON TEA – This caffeine-free, gluten-free green rooibos tea is combined with natural lemon, vanilla and coconut flavor to create a flavor of rich chiffon cake sprinkled with sweet coconut and topped with a lemon glaze. This tea is available in a sleek, giftable tin that holds 36 tea bags.

The Republic of Tea’s line of Cuppa Cake™ Teas can be served hot with a splash of milk, or cold over ice:

Each of these premium teas retail for $10.00 and come in colorful tins reminiscent of the local bakeshop that hold round, unbleached tea bags free of tags, strings and staples. The full collection is now available for purchase nationwide at natural and specialty food stores, through the company website, (www.REPUBLICofTEA.com), mail-order catalogue and by calling 800.298.4TEA (832).

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame to Induct Four Women

Emmy-winning costume designer and artist, Texas A&M veterinary medicine dean, world champion barrel racer and Cattle Queen of Texas to join 211 honorees in Hall of Fame on Oct. 24, 2013.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will induct four accomplished women into its Hall of Fame at its 38th Annual Induction Luncheon Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center (Round Up Inn, 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive, 76102). Established in 1975, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring and celebrating women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West. Fostering an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance that these extraordinary women inspire, the museum is considered an invaluable national educational resource for its exhibits, research library, rare photograph collection, and award-winning distance-learning programs for grades K-12 and adults.

2013 Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees: (left) Elizabeth “Lizzie Johnson” Williams, Eleanor Green (middle top), Cathy Smith (top right), and Mary Walker (Bottom right)

Approximately 700 people are expected to attend the luncheon and induction ceremony. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a champagne reception and viewing of Western-style table centerpieces created by 80 designers and a festive bazaar of Western clothing, accessories, and gifts, followed by the luncheon and induction ceremony.

The 2013 honorees are:

Eleanor Green, DVM, a pioneer for women in equine veterinary medicine for four decades, is the first female dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Her many other firsts in the profession include being the first female president of three national veterinary associations, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, and American Association of Veterinary Clinicians.

Chick Inc. Introduces Make-Up Girls® and www.Make-upgirls.com

The Website uses Fashion and Beauty to Promote Hands-on Art

Chicks Inc. announces the launch of Make-Up Girls® and www.make-upgirls.com —a new, progressive fashion and beauty driven hands-on art activity for girls designed to provide a level playing field so that so that anyone can achieve fabulous artistic results. Introduced in August 2013, www.make-upgirls.com is home to the first educational, beauty- and fashion-driven arts and crafts platform for young people whose mission is to promote hands-on art and nurture unbridled creativity so young people can reap the benefits of artistic self-expression. At its foundation, Make-Up Girls® has perfectly cast glitzy subject matter as a viable way to engage creative thinking and expose young people to the many benefits of Arts Education.

In an era so heavily dependent upon electronic devices and apps to educate and entertain young people, www.Make-upgirls.com offers a welcome respite that promotes hands-on art, fuels imagination, encourages inventive independent thinking and delivers a genuine sense of accomplishment. “Rhinestones, glitter, metallics and texture (think velvet) cannot be experienced on a computer” Ms. Zimzores points out, adding “and handmade will always trump computer-generated in terms of personal touch and style.” Viva craftsmanship!

“Art is fundamental to a well-rounded education” says Laura Zimzores, Chicks Inc. CEO and creator of Make-Up Girls® who claims the concept was inspired by “the 3 R’s”: (1) Realizing that art stimulates and develops important skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond, (2) Recognizing that art funding for schools is lowest on the totem pole and (3) Remembering how she and her sisters loved drawing, sparkly stuff and dress-up.

“The enticing fashion and beauty premise holds interest which is essential to the effectiveness of Make-Up Girls® as an art education tool and also makes for a great mother/daughter and group activity” states Ms. Zimzores.

Limited Release 2013 Old Forester® Birthday Bourbon Set to Hit Shelves in August

America’s First Bottled Bourbon Honors Founder with Commemorative Small Batch Bourbon

For more than 140 years, Old Forester has been crafted using the time-honored methods established by George Garvin Brown, the founder of Louisville-based Brown-Forman and Old Forester Bourbon Whisky, America’s First Bottled Bourbon(TM). To commemorate Mr. Brown’s September 2nd birthday, Old Forester annually releases an expression–Old Forester Birthday Bourbon–of its highly-acclaimed bourbon and this year marks the 12th limited edition release.

Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon, releases the limited edition Birthday Bourbon this August in honor of its founder, George Garvin Brown. (PRNewsFoto/Old Forester)

Available starting in mid-August, the 2013 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will have a suggested retail price of $54.99 and will be sold at most liquor stores nationwide.

Selected from a single day of production and handcrafted by Master Distiller Chris Morris, this limited edition small batch bourbon is vintage-dated – offering a one-of-a-kind character and flavor profile that will never be replicated. Its unique decanter style glass bottle is a throwback to the late 1800’s when Old Forester was first produced. Each bottle features the founder’s signature and the dates on which the bourbon was barreled and bottled.

Madonna’s MDNA World Tour Concert Film To Be Released September 10th In Multiple Formats

“I left my heart on that stage every night,” – Madonna
The highly anticipated and groundbreaking Madonna MDNA World Tour concert film will be released September 10th on DVD, Blu-ray and as a digital album on Live Nation and Interscope Records. The MDNA World Tour DVD was directed by Danny B. Tull and Stephane Sennour and was produced by Madonna. Executive producers were Arthur Fogel , Guy Oseary and Sara Zambreno. Tour wardrobe was created by Arianne Phillips. Supervising Editor was Danny B. Tull and Director of Photography, Mark Ritchie. (www.madonna.com)

The two hour nonstop performance includes songs from Madonna’s MDNA album such as “Girl Gone Wild” and “Gang Bang,” as well as fan favorites including exhilarating versions of “Hung Up,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue,” “Open Your Heart,” “Like A Prayer” and “Celebration.” Madonna personally spent six months editing the footage to perfection for the dvd release in order for fans to have a total in concert experience in their own homes.

The MDNA Tour extravaganza was the most successful single tour of 2012 and was launched in conjunction with Madonna’s MDNA album which debuted in the #1 spot in 35 countries. Presented by Live Nation Global Touring, the MDNA World Tour included 88 sold out shows in 29 countries. Madonna and her ten member band lead by musical director Kevin Antunes and troupe of 27 dancers performed a wild two hour spectacle which included state of the art visuals and sound, hundreds of costume changes that entertained over 2.2 million fans.

MDNA World Tour. (PRNewsFoto/Interscope Records)

“My show is a journey.. the journey of a soul from darkness to light. It is part cinematic musical theatre, part spectacle and sometimes intimate performance art. I know people can relate to it. It’s very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context. It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end.. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, invigorated and will want to make the world a better place.. And this of course is my intention,” commented Madonna in a tour manifesto she released to her fans around the globe.

Rave reviews included The Dallas Morning News: “The Material Girl proceeds to take us through a song cycle that examined sex, liberation, sin, empowerment, love, addiction, rebellion and finally redemption.. She did it all in classic Madonna Style – controversial and eye-popping.”

BCBGMAXAZRIA Launches Into Suns with Longtime Collaborator ClearVision Optical

Premier fashion brand BCBGMAXAZRIA and eyewear industry leader ClearVision (www.cvoptical.com/OurBrands/BCBG) announce their collaboration on a new collection of BCBGMAXAZRIA sunwear. The long standing, harmonious relationship between the two companies led to the development of the fashion forward sunwear collection, an expansion that provides a new, non-optical distribution channel including BCBGMAXAZRIA retail locations, department stores, sunglass specialty stores, and other specialty retail locations. ClearVision (www.cvoptical.com) has been BCBGMAXAZRIA’s licensing partner for eyewear and sunwear for the optical category since 2005, designing products sold exclusively by eye care professionals and optical retailers.

BCBGMAXAZRIA is the premier lifestyle collection for today’s modern woman. Reconciling creativity with accessibility and desirability with wearability and occupies a unique position in American fashion, offering sophisticated, confident designs that take consumers from work to weekend in style. The company’s various products are sold in over 1,000 points of sale worldwide. The collection is also showcased in in-store shops in top department stores across the globe, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, the UK’s Harvey Nichols and Harrods, Spain’s Corte Ingles, and Palacio de Hierro in Mexico.

“We’re very excited to launch the new sunglass collection and extend our design partnership with ClearVision,” says Lubov Azria, Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP. “ClearVision has been a great partner in conveying our message through eyewear, and we respect their expertise and willingness to push this sunwear collection to the next level. Together we have created a chic, sleek, and wearable collection that lets today’s modern woman feel beautiful and good about herself.”

The 2014 sunwear collection is a fusion of global influences with an “indie rock” edge and includes over 40 styles, featuring iconic branding with distinctive silhouettes. Using elevated materials, unexpected color combinations and unique lens treatments adds a dynamic twist to the collection. Additional designs include architectural details fused with vintage inspired elements, translucent color glamor gels and a spin on classics with new proportions. You will also find directional metal finishes and bold color treatments to compliment your BCBGMAXAZRIA looks.

Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is an award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for top brands, such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, Ellen Tracy, IZOD, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, Ocean Pacific, and Jessica McClintock. ClearVision’s in-house brands include ClearVision Collection, Junction City, Digit, and Dilli Dalli pediatric eyewear.

“Our years of experience working with BCBGMAXAZRIA’s creative team has given us a great understanding of the brand’s DNA, pivotal in creating a collection that speaks to the BCBGMAXAZRIA consumer,” says Peter Friedfeld, ClearVision executive vice president. “This understanding, combined with our expertise in designing quality eyewear and suns, has allowed us to create an exciting collection that is glamorous, well-fitting, and sophisticated.”

The 2014 BCBGMAXAZRIA sunwear collection is expected to retail for $79 – $149.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Launches Today Exclusively At Sephora

Disrupting the fashion waters yet again, today Marc Jacobs announces the launch of his namesake cosmetics line, MARC JACOBS BEAUTY (www.marcjacobsbeauty.com). The seriously breakthrough brand debuts today exclusively at Sephora, on www.Sephora.com and in select Marc Jacobs stores. Born from a synergistic collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Sephora, the expansive Marc Jacobs Beauty collection contains an assortment of 16 innovative complexion and color cosmetics, and four chic and luxurious makeup brushes.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Campaign Image with Edie Campbell

As with his fashion, Marc’s rule-breaking creativity is at the heart of his makeup vision. For Jacobs, his inspirations for the line comes directly from his own life,  the things he’s MOST enthusiastic about, his home, his collection of books, the spirit and enjoyment of youth, his self-confidence and love of experimentation.

Marc Jacobs

But the primary inspiration for the collection stems from the spirit of “The Girl” and her makeup ritual. “I think the idea of transforming into this person you want to be is a lot of fun…it’s this idea of a young woman enjoying creating her look, getting ready for her night out, or her night after her night out.”

With this collection, he’s looking to “inspire you to push the boundaries and create your own style… indulge in the impeccably exquisite textures, take liberties with his provocative shades, and play with his daring designs.”

He redefines beauty as imperfectly perfect. “I see beauty in many things and I am attracted to all sorts of imperfection, to style, to confidence or experimentation. It’s unexpected and it surprises you.”

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY FACE

Marc Jacobs Beauty’s smart complexion products offer tomorrow’s technology today with state-of-the-art global ingredients, buildable coverage and superb finishes: Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation, Remedy Concealer Pen, Perfection Powder Featherweight Foundation.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in 26 Bisque Medium

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY GENIUS GEL SUPER-CHARGED FOUNDATION ($49): Erase the past, perfect the present and protect the future. Available in 16 shades, this breakthrough gel foundation with skin-friendly, hydrating ingredients easily builds from natural to full coverage. Buoyancy Gel™ Technology enhances the performance of this long-wearing, anti-aging formula, which includes antioxidant vitamin protection. Awaken your skin’s ideal radiance and clarity and creating a weightless, natural veil that never settles in fine lines.