UBM to Launch Southeast Asia’s Leading International Beauty Trade Show In Thailand

 UBM Asia is pleased to announce the launch of ASEANbeauty, the only beauty trade event supported by the Thai Cosmetics Manufacturers Association. This is to be the premier international beauty trade show for South East Asia taking place in Thailand from 8-10 April, 2015 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Thailand’s beauty industry is growing fuelled by a strong economy and increasingly sophisticated consumers , including men who are proving to be a particularly lucrative market. There are many opportunities for both international as well as domestic companies in Thailand due to the strong economy, increasing demand a vibrant market in which new products and innovations are leading to growing competition. With 70 million consumers, the market in Thailand is thriving with the value of the beauty and personal care market in Thailand growing by 8% just last year in 2012.

Thailand offers excellent business opportunities for anyone wishing to invest in this dynamic market. Strategically located at the heart of Asia, Thailand is also well placed to offer a gateway to both the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Asia-Pacific markets which offer excellent business potential.

The ASEAN region alone has a cumulative population of more than 500 million and GDP in excess of US $700 billion. Thailand’s economy is in the top three in terms of size and volume of international trade. It is therefore well positioned as the region moves towards economic integration and a single free-trade area by 2015.

Southeast Asia also is a strategic region, where economic growth and development is expected to exceed the global average. A wealth of natural resources, low-cost skilled labour and regional economic integration with the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 have attracted businesses keen to explore the vibrant new domestic markets that are emerging in ASEAN countries.

ASEANbeauty will be the leading industry event where companies looking to expand in Southeast Asia will be able to build business network and gain industry insights through seminars and educational workshops.

Mrs. Ketmanee Lertkitcha, President of The Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association and supporting partner of ASEANbeauty, welcomes the event: “We are proud to support ASEAN beauty as the market is ready for a fair representing the Southeast Asia region. The event will be the best place not only to meet potential buyers and distributors, but also to observe trends and gather market intelligence.”

“Visitors can expect to meet over 200 leading suppliers covering personal care, skin care, hair care, nail care including cosmetics, fragrances, raw ingredients, salon supplies, natural heath products, hair products, nails and accessories from Asia and countries around the world in a truly global marketplace,” said M Gandhi, Managing Director, UBM ASEAN Business.

Please visit the ASEANbeauty exhibition website at www.aseanbeautyshow.com for further details.

Upper Deck Inks Top Football Draft Picks to Trading Card Deals

Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Michael Sam, Blake Bortles and other top prospects sign deals to appear on new Upper Deck trading cards

This will be Michael Sam’s first licensed rookie card to hit the market in 2014 Upper Deck Football available to fans on April 16! (PRNewsFoto/Upper Deck)

The first licensed football rookie cards of the year will debut in 2014 Upper Deck Football and fans can expect to see some of the best prospects in the game. Over the past several weeks, Upper Deck has been busy signing deals with the highest-profile players who are a part of the heavily touted 2014 pro football draft class. Signing sessions with many of the players have already begun as Upper Deck acquires hard-signed signatures for the company’s popular “Lettermen” autograph cards.

Johnny Manziel will have rare autograph rookie cards in 2014 Upper Deck Football which releases on April 16! Upper Deck is the home to the first licensed rookie cards of the year for Manziel, Bridgewater, Bortles, Sam and more! (PRNewsFoto/Upper Deck)

Upper Deck will be the first trading card manufacturer to deliver fans licensed rookie cards of top talents like Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Michael Sam, Blake Bortles, Derek Carr, Ka’Deem Carey, Sammy Watkins and other sensational draft picks to be. Fans and collectors can look for rookie cards (including autograph versions) of these young stars when 2014 Upper Deck Football hits shelves on April 16.

“It is going to be a historic year for football rookies with so much talent and hype surrounding the draft so it was critical for our athlete relations team to lock in deals with this new crop of rookies,” said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck’s collegiate sports brand manager. “The next few weeks will be some of the busiest of the year for our football team, but it all pays off when we hear how excited our customers are when they open up new Upper Deck packs and pull the best players, discover the best autographs and find the best value in the marketplace.”

Football fans can find 200 different rookie cards in the 2014 Upper Deck Football set from first-round superstars to sleepers that inevitably take collectors by storm once they hit the gridiron and showcase their talents. Beyond the regular Star Rookie cards, fans can find short-printed photo variation rookies, glossy rookies numbered to just 10 copies, and autographed rookies.

Additionally, Upper Deck pays homage to the past with the “1994 UD Tribute” insert set featuring veterans and rookies along with autograph parallel versions.

The “College Mascot Patch” insert cards have been incredibly popular over the last two years and the 2014 set has evolved into “College Tribute Patch” cards. This new insert series uses patches to highlight college football traditions from around the country. Whether it be the “smoke show” at Miami or Howard’s Rock at Clemson, fans are sure to be clamoring to collect the entire 60-card set. Every hobby case will deliver four of these patch cards on average with varying levels of rarity.

Also returning are “Predictor” cards which became very popular during the 1990’s. These interactive cards offer collectors exclusive prizes if the player depicted on the card is the first player picked at their position in the 2014 pro football draft. These rare (1:1,440 packs) “Predictor” cards for the QB, RB and WR positions are sure to bring an added level of excitement and value to the pack opening experience!

Gwen Stefani Launches New Accessories Collection: gx by Gwen Stefani Available Exclusively at ShoeDazzle

“I’m so excited to be launching my new accessories line gx. The collection is fun, stylish and has some attitude. The idea behind gx is to design high quality and amazing product that I can’t wait to wear but at the same time is really well priced.” — Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani launches new accessories collection: gx by Gwen Stefani available exclusively at ShoeDazzle.com/gx. (PRNewsFoto/ShoeDazzle)

Singer, songwriter and fashion entrepreneur Gwen Stefaniis launching her new accessories label, gx by Gwen Stefani, which will be available exclusively atShoeDazzle.com/gx. As of today, gx by Gwen Stefani is now shoppable in its dedicated boutique on http://www.ShoeDazzle.com, with new styles launching monthly. Each release will include both shoes and handbags, priced from $69.95-$110.95.

ShoeDazzle was the first fashion subscription service to bring a personalized boutique experience to shoe addicts and style fanatics everywhere. Every month, the company debuts a new selection of exclusive and brand-name shoes, handbags and more, including a custom online showroom, curated to each client’s individual style preferences. In 2013, world-renowned fashion expert Rachel Zoe joined ShoeDazzle as Chief Stylist. For clients who want next-level service, ShoeDazzle offers VIP Elite Membership, which features members-only pricing, exclusive deals, previews and perks for $39.95 each month, which converts into rollover “VIP Credits” that members can spend or save for later.

The debut collection mixes elements of tribal, pop, punk, and street influences. Inspirations coalesce in material and construction: African influences surface through wax-cord lacing, braiding, weaving and pattern. Gwen Stefani’s personal style can be seen through the mesh and lace-up details and the graphic palette of black, white, red and cobalt. Key silhouettes include slim island platforms, single soles, high wedge sandals, and oversized totes. Equally reflective of Gwen’s trendsetting style and the emerging runway footwear looks for 2014, the line is both structured and sexy.

ShoeDazzle Chief Stylist Rachel Zoe says, “I couldn’t be more excited for the launch of gx by Gwen Stefanifor ShoeDazzle! Gwen is an incredible friend and designer. Her style has always been a huge source of inspiration to me.”

Academy of Arts University Fashion Design and Textile Design Students Shine at Fall/Winter 2014 New Fashion Week

Designer Profile and Inspiration Images by David Dooley/Runway Images by Randy Brooke/WireImage 

Every designer dreams of showing their collection at Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week, and on Friday, February 7th that dream came true for 13 designers from the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University. “Since 2005, the School of Fashion has premiered the collections of students and recent graduates during New York Fashion Week. Part of our commitment to our students is to help launch their careers and have their work seen by industry professionals,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of Academy of Art University. “Debuting these designers’ collections during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an incredible opportunity for each of them.”

With more than 18,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest accredited private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited A.A., B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A., and M.Arch degree programs in Acting, Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Art Education, Art History, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Jewelry & Metal Arts, Landscape Architecture, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media, Photography, Visual Development, and Web Design & New Media. Online degrees are offered in most areas. Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design), NAAB (Master of Architecture), and CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation offered for BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD).

For the Fall 2014 season, 13 designers presented eight collections, four of which were collaborations between Fashion Design and Textile Design students. In total, six womenswear and two menswear collections were presented at the Academy of Art University Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show.

Jaci Hodges, M.F.A. Fashion Design, collaborated with Nisha Hanna Btesh, B.F.A. Textile Design, on a 1960s-inspired womenswear collection that was created with the use of Shibori, the Japanese technique of resistance felting. Originally from Austin, TX, Jaci holds a B.B.A. in Marketing with a minor in Philosophy. Additionally, she recently completed a design internship with gr.dano, a Bay Area ready-to-wear company co-founded by fellow alumna Jill Giordano. Nisha is a California native, born and raised in San Diego. Jaci and Nisha were inspired by the excess of prints worn during the late 1960s, in particular to those seen on the Brady Bunch, and the costumes worn by Mia Farrow in the film Dandy in Aspic.

Frank Tsai, M.F.A. Fashion Design, collaborated with Andrea Nieto, B.F.A. Textile Design, on a menswear collection inspired by the mood and emotion of an international photography collection, “Beauty in Decay,” personal struggle, raw emotion, and the different stages of the healing process. Frank was born and raised in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, earned a B.S. Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, was awarded high honors for his undergraduate fashion show, and worked as the Marketing Manager for FU YU Clothing Company. Andrea grew up in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is on the Academy of Art University President’s Honor List, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship through the YMA Scholarship Fund as a Geoffrey Beene National Scholar, and recently finished a design internship at BCBGMAXAZRIA.

YOLO Colorhouse Welcomes Spring With New Pastel Twang Palette

 Springtime is when you transform everything from interior spaces to outdoor gardens. This spring, freshen your home with the new Pastel Twang Palette using YOLO Colorhouse zero VOC, low odor paints.

YOLO Colorhouse low odor, Zero VOC Paint Announces New Spring Color Palette Available at HomeDepot.com. (PRNewsFoto/YOLO Colorhouse)

“We transition from winter’s intensity to the gentleness of spring with these delicate hues of WATER .01, METAL .04 and BISQUE .05,” says co-founder Janie Lowe. “These soft-spoken companions complement the sassy accent color BEESWAX .04 for a fresh, updated and slightly edgy aesthetic.”

YOLO Colorhouse zero VOC, low odor paint (quarts, gallons, 5-gallons) will be on sale on HomeDepot.com from February 27 – March 11, 2014. Try out these hues and more with the YOLO Colorhouse NEW Colorspot 8 oz. real paint sample available exclusively on HomeDepot.com.

PASTEL TWANG PALETTE – SPRING 2014
BEESWAX .04: Yellow – but with a hint of green – just like an Anjou pear. Pair with dark grey concrete countertops in a modern kitchen.

BISQUE .05: A crisp winter breeze, white with blue undertones. This color whispers softly in bedrooms and baths.

METAL .04: A soft and powdery grey, this hue is otherwise known as Citron’s best friend. This grounding neutral lets brighter colors take center stage. Try this color in living rooms and master suites. 

WATER .01: Clean and relaxing to give your dining room a French accent or create a restful bedroom combined with charcoal neutrals or rich browns. 

The Marine Layer Palette from YOLO Colorhouse evokes the casual calm of living near water by layering blue, green, and grey hues inside. As gentle as walking through fog, these cool colors transition easily from room to room. (PRNewsFoto/YOLO Colorhouse)

The Sketchbook Palette from YOLO Colorhouse embraces the simplicity of black + white with this pared down palette. Similar to a charcoal drawing, visual interest is achieved through changes in value and contrast. (PRNewsFoto/YOLO Colorhouse)

The Color Theories Palette from YOLO Colorhouse reflects the depth and sophistication of European salons filled with vibrant discussions about poetry, philosophy, and art. A nod to creative spirits and independent thinkers, these colors help you push design boundaries. (PRNewsFoto/YOLO Colorhouse)

Entrepreneurial duo and self-confessed color nerds Virginia Young and Janie Lowe redefined the low-VOC paint category in 2005 with the launch of YOLO Colorhouse, a boutique paint company that proved that premium paint could smell good, look stunning and preserve the planet and human health. With its low-odor, zero-VOC formula and less-is-more approach to paint colors, YOLO Colorhouse‘s sustainable approach has won the respect of designers, architects, homeowners and environmentalists nationwide.  At YOLO Colorhouse, it’s what’s NOT in the paint that matters:  no VOCs, no reproductive toxins, no phthalates, no mutagens, no formaldehyde, no hazardous air pollutants, and no ozone-depleting compounds.

Warner’s And Olga Help Women Say Goodbye To “Sleevage” With Launch Of No Side Effects And On Your Side Bras

“Sleevage,” the Underarm Version of “Muffin Tops,” Finally Eliminated by Revolutionary Bras

Warner’s and Olga, two of the leading women’s intimate apparel brands, announced today the launches of two innovative bra collections: No Side Effects from Warner’s and On Your Side from Olga.  Bras in these collections are designed to eliminate “sleevage,” a term used to describe the unwanted extra underarm bulge that peeks out from the side of sleeveless tops and dresses.

Warner’s and Olga logo. (PRNewsFoto/PVH Corp.)

Available in stores nationwide this month and just in time for spring, No Side Effects and On Your Side bras are hailed as the solution for “sleevage,” which consumer research conducted by the Core Intimates team identified as one of women’s biggest unaddressed body concerns no matter their age, shape or size. The key design feature in the bras is the revolutionary extra side coverage panel along the cup that contains and smoothes underarm bulge. The elastic-free sides and back create a seamless look, simultaneously eliminating “sleevage” and back fat.

Warner’s and Olga introduce the solution to eliminating “sleevage” a term used to describe unwanted extra underarm bulge identified through consumer research as one of women’s biggest unaddressed body concerns no matter their age, shape or size. (PRNewsFoto/PVH Corp.)

The two collections cover a wide range of sizes to address both average and full-busted women. Warner’s No Side Effects contour underwire, designed for average-figured women, features a flexible foam cup for the perfect fit and is available in sizes 34B-38D.  The 2-ply underwire cups of Olga’s OnYour Side offer excellent support for full-busted women in an expanded size offering of 36C-38DDD and features cushioned straps for added comfort.

No Side Effects bras from Warner’s and On Your Side bras from Olga are available now in a range of colors and sizes from major department stores and retail chains nationwide, both in-store and on their e-commerce sites, at the suggested retail price of $38.00.  Warner’s will be adding a wire-free bra to the No Side Effects collection, which will be available at retail beginning in May.

Broadway’s Finest Gather To Raise Funds And Awareness For The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

Julie Halston, Lindsay Mendez, Lucas Steele, Christina Bianco, Tony Yazbeck, Liz Callaway, Robert Creighton, Cady Huffman and Rashidra Scott join Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor Tony Danza at the Fourth Annual Broadway Belts for PFF!

(Back row, left to right) Broadway Belts for PFF! cast members, Cady Huffman, Robert Creighton, Rashidra Scott, Lindsay Mendez, Julie Halston, Liz Callaway, Christina Bianco, Lucas Steele, and Tony Yazbeck. (Front row, left to right) Musician, Danny Weller; musical director, Christopher McGovern; and musician, Alex Wyatt. The Tony and Emmy award-winning cast performed at the Broadway Belts for PFF! fundraiser to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at Birdland in New York City on February 24, 2014. Photo by Seth Walters. (PRNewsFoto/The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Seth Walters)

For the fourth consecutive year Broadway’s best vocal talent appeared Monday night to raise funds for the rare disease, pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and honor the memory of Associated Press theater critic, Michael Kuchwara. Hosted by award-winning actress and devoted Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) advocate Julie Halston, Broadway Belts for PFF! returned to Birdland in New York City starring a full marquee of Tony and Emmy award winning performers and recording artists. This year the event raised almost $110,000 to benefit the PFF.

Award-winning actress and pulmonary fibrosis advocate, Julie Halston (TV’s “Sex and the City,” Broadway’s “Anything Goes” and “Gypsy”). Ms. Halston hosted the Broadway Belts for PFF! fundraiser to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at Birdland in New York City on February 24, 2014. Photo by Seth Walters. (PRNewsFoto/The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Seth Walters)

Broadway’s Julie Halston became a leading spokesperson for the PFF after her husband, broadcaster Ralph Howard, received a lung transplant due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She hopes that the awareness created by Broadway Belts for PFF! will assist others affected by the disease. “I want to make sure that everyone knows about the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, so that no one with pulmonary fibrosis has to go through this alone,” said Halston. “First my husband was diagnosed and then we lost our friend Michael Kuchwara. We first started this benefit four years ago to remember Michael and raise money to someday cure this terrible disease. I am so thankful to my dear friends who give their time and talent year after year. Their dedication helps us raise awareness to fund research and bring us closer to a cure. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event on February 23, 2015!”

Television and stage icon, Tony Danza (Emmy Award and Golden Globe Nominee). Mr. Danza performed “Out of the Sun” from the Broadway-bound new musical, “Honeymoon in Vegas” at the Broadway Belts for PFF! fundraiser to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at Birdland in New York City on February 24, 2014. Photo by Seth Walters. (PRNewsFoto/The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Seth Walters)

All funds raised at the event will go toward the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s Michael Kuchwara Fund for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Education, and Advocacy in honor of the late Associated Press theater critic and reporter; Mr. Kuchwara passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in May of 2010.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which over a period of time the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don’t receive the oxygen they need. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in most cases, there is not a known cause. When there is no known etiology for the fibrosis (and certain pathologic or radiographic criteria are met), the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF. IPF affects between 132,000-200,000 people in the United States (US), and between 37,000-40,000 people in the European Union (EU). The annual mortality is estimated to be 40,000 in the US, with an average survival of 2-3 years following diagnosis. There is no cure for IPF. There is presently no FDA-approved treatment for IPF in the US and limited therapeutic options available for individuals with mild-to-moderate IPF in the EU, Canada, and Asia.