Just Launched: Blue Ribbon Boys HIV Viral Suppression Campaign

MSMGF and Hornet Use App-based Technology to Modernize Global HIV Prevention Messaging

MSMGF (The Global Forum on MSM & HIV), the largest global, advocacy network focused on HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM), has partnered with popular gay dating app, Hornet, to launch the largest targeted, global HIV viral suppression campaign to date. The campaign that will directly reach over 7 million MSM around the world is called Blue Ribbon Boys (BlueRibbonBoys.org).

***In order to encourage global participation in Blue Ribbon Boys, Hornet is giving away free premium memberships to new users that sign up using this link: http://hrnt.it/blueribbonboys during November and December.

Launched within the app on November 24th, one week before World AIDS Day, the Blue Ribbon Boys campaign will prompt all Hornet users to answer a short series of yes or no questions about their sexual health. Questions will pertain to HIV and STI testing, ARV (anti-retroviral) treatment, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), viral load, disclosure, stigma, condom and lubricant use, and other prevention methods.

Find out more at BlueRibbonBoys.org (PRNewsFoto/MSMGF)

Based on their answers, those who qualify will receive a blue ribbon icon on their profile photo signifying their personal commitment to sexual health, irrespective of their HIV status. Men who do not meet the standard will be offered recommendations for ways to protect and improve their sexual health so they can become a Blue Ribbon Boy. The campaign will grow and evolve over the coming months and adapt as treatment and prevention methods improve and become available in different regions.

“Blue Ribbon Boys modernizes sexual health messaging by asking Hornet users to be more mindful about their sex play given the effective prevention options at their disposal. It also invites men to take action in response to the unavailability of prevention and treatment tools they want and need,” said MSMGF Executive Director, Dr. George Ayala.

MSMGF and Hornet are tenacious advocates for unfettered access to and early initiation of antiretroviral medications for all MSM living with HIV. Both organizations are also campaigning for widespread availability and proper use of PrEP among HIV-negative men at significant risk for HIV, aligned with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization guidelines. The goal of the BRB campaign is HIV viral suppression across all global communities.

“Leveraging social technology on such a massive scale is one of the ways we will be able to make a big difference in global health,” says Hornet founder Sean Howell. “As a large social media platform, we can be a megaphone to the good work that MSMGF is doing.”

Blue Ribbon Boys is breaking new ground in reaching MSM in many low- and middle-income countries where basic services may not be available but the prevalence of smart phones is widespread. It also directly targets young MSM who are early adopters of technology. Young people (under 25) are at increased risk for HIV, comprising over 40% of new HIV infections worldwide.

In cases where Hornet users hit a roadblock, where they are unable to access treatment or prevention services, they will be directed to two global petitions: one is for HIV-negative men who want access to PrEP and the other is for HIV-positive men who demand access to ARV treatment.

Although MSM represent only about 4% of the male population, they are disproportionately affected by HIV. In low- and middle-income countries they are 19 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared with the general population. HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men across North, South and Central America, South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 14% to 18%. Even as HIV incidence is in decline worldwide, the rate of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men remains unchanged and is increasing in some high-income countries like the United States.

MSMGF is an expanding global network focused on full sexual health and human rights for all men who have sex with men.

Learn more about MSMGF at MSMGF.org

Learn more about Hornet at hornetapp.com

Now Taking Reservations: A New Island Experience Awaits You At Four Seasons Resort Lanai In Hawaii

Luxuriously re-imagined following a multi-million dollar transformation, Four Seasons Resort Lanai will offer guests a sophisticated yet relaxed escape on their own 90,000-acre (36,000 hectare) secluded Hawaiian island just nine miles (14.5 kilometres) from Maui. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is located on a pristine island a few miles west of Maui reflecting a simpler pace of life – Hawaii as it was intended to be. Anticipating a February opening and perfectly timed to plan a winter escape from cooler temperatures, the Resort is now confirming reservations starting March 1, 2016. Travelers who wish to be among the first to experience Lanai by Four Seasons in February can contact the reservations team directly.

In celebration of its unveiling, the Resort is offering a Stay Longer – Fourth Night Free to discover how Hawaii was meant to be enjoyed.

The comprehensive lobby-to-roof renovation features 217 redesigned guest rooms including 51 suites; newly refurbished lobbies and seating areas for contemplation; additional dining experiences such as the award-winning NOBU LANAI and ONE FORTY, American Steak, Hawaiian Seafood; a renovated Spa; luxury retail boutiques featuring Missoni, Jimmy Choo and the Lanai Collection; a newly outfitted Pro Shop at the 18-hole Jack NicklausSignature Manele Golf Course; and the addition of a luxury transfer fleet.

SOPHISTICATED DESIGN MEETS BEACHSIDE INNOVATION

Inspired by Hawaii’s diverse and storied influences, the interiors are comprised of an extraordinary material and details palette, such as walls of teak and zebra wood edging artisan-produced Nepalese lokta paper, and floors of mahogany laid with wool hand-woven area rugs.

Fully integrated and intuitive lighting, temperature, service and privacy controls offer a highly responsive in-room technology experience that presents a 75-inch, platinum bezel LED television panel for unparalleled in-room entertainment along with wearable key wristbands to allow maximum flexibility during activities on island; BluRay players; in-room iPad Airs; and a mobile app connecting guests to a variety of information and services including complimentary access to more than 3,000 newspapers.

LUSH HAWAIIAN LANDSCAPING SHOWCASES NEW POOL EXPERIENCES

Verdant botanical gardens and waterways reveal both intimate enclaves as well as spectacular vistas to the Pacific Ocean, featuring an array of native Hawaiian plants and species. By day, the landscape is a journey through a paradise of color and fragrance serving as a backdrop for commissioned works of outdoor art and sculpture. At night, tree-tops and slate paths lit by the glow of tiki torches lead the way to entirely new rooms that reveal special qualities even before entering.

World AIDS Day 2015 Will Introduce A Holiday Shopping Extravaganza To Fight AIDS, Co-Produced By (RED) & VICE Media

The First Ever (SHOPATHON)RED Launches On ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! On World AIDS Day, December 1

Enter To Win Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences Through Omaze With Bono, Snoop Dogg, Game Of Thrones, The Weeknd, Kim Kardashian, Meryl Streep & Shaquille O’neal, Among Many Others

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Double Impact By Matching Every Dollar Raised Up To $20 Million

Tomorrow, on December 1 – World AIDS Day and Giving Tuesday – the first ever (SHOPATHON)(RED) to fight AIDS officially kicks off. A (RED) shopping extravaganza featuring the likes of Bono, Scarlett Johansson, Snoop Dogg, The Weeknd, Meryl Streep and co-produced by VICE Media, (SHOPATHON)(RED) will live on-air and online through the holidays, selling iconic (RED) products, limited edition pieces, and the chance for fans to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences with celebrities in partnership with the online giving platform, Omaze. Raising money for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, every dollar will be matched by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, up to $20 million, meaning there have never been more reasons to SHOP (RED) and SAVE LIVES.

“The progress we have made in the fight against AIDS is immense, but so is the jeopardy if we grow complacent and think we’ve conquered this vicious little virus… Because we haven’t! We have to keep pushing until everyone who needs treatment can get it and until we can prevent the millions of unnecessary new infections we are still seeing every year,” said Bono, co-founder of (RED) and ONE. “Justice often calls for the power of strange bedfellows, which is why (SHOPATHON)(RED )is where you’ll see everyone from Bill Gates to Snoop Dogg, VICE and Game of Thrones campaigning to get closer to finishing AIDS once and for all.“

Enter to win once-in-a-lifetime celebrity experiences on Omaze.com/RED (PRNewsFoto/(RED))

Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Star-Studded Shopping Special On December 1, World AIDS Day

On December 1, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! will kick off (SHOPATHON)(RED ) with a tongue-in-cheek take on the world of home shopping. Joined by Olivia Wilde, the show will feature (RED) products and guest stars launching once-in-a-lifetime experiences to help the fight to end AIDS. Appearances include Bono, Matt Damon, a live performance by The Killers and special segments with Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal, among other surprises. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35|10:35 CT on ABC.

“We’re doing a very special show on December 1 with many stars in support of (RED) to raise money to fight AIDS on World AIDS Day. It will be a great show for an important issue,” said Jimmy Kimmel.

Sell-ebrity sells on www.Omaze.com/RED; $10 can get you the experience of a lifetime.

Want to visit the Game of Thrones set, or hit the saddle for a bike ride with Bono? These are just some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can be won on Omaze, the online giving platform. Other experiences include:

— Going on a wellness retreat with Snoop Dogg in Colorado

— A ‘K’ONTOUR’ makeover with Kim Kardashian and her glam squad

— Having your portrait painted by James Franco

— Jimmy Kimmel giving your kid ‘the talk’!

— Getting a passing lesson from Tom Brady

— Walking the red carpet with Meryl Streep

— Getting snapped with Shaquille O’Neal for your 2016 holiday card

— Hanging backstage with The Weeknd

— Going to a UT game with Matthew McConaughey

— Announcing the No.1 track with Ryan Seacrest on the American Top 40

— Assisting Steph Curry with his pre-game tunnel shot!

These stars, and many others, are offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences in support of World AIDS Day. For as little as $10, fans can enter now for their chance to win on www.Omaze.com/RED, with proceeds going to fight AIDS with (RED). Entries close on January 21, 2016.

Gilt Free Shopping For The Holidays; Stylish ‘Gifts That Give Back’

(RED) has teamed up with Gilt, the innovative online shopping destination, to be the official e-commerce partner for the campaign. From December 1^st thru 16^th, www.Gilt.com will offer more than 100 stylish (RED) and limited edition products that ‘give back’ with every purchase, raising money to fight AIDS. Gilt will offer something for everyone’s holiday list, featuring products from brands including Alessi, Alex and Ani, Warby Parker, Jennifer Meyer, Converse, Le Creuset, Fatboy, Fresh, Jonathan Adler, Moleskine, Mophie and more.

The store will also offer special limited edition items including a ‘Love Me’ canvas tote bag by artist Curtis Kulig, a printed motif t-shirt designed by EJ Johnson and a very special (RED) flower bouquet from Farmgirl Flowers. To shop this exclusive sale, visit www.gilt.com/RED.

(RED)’s founding apparel partner, Gap, is announcing a $1 million commitment to the fight to end AIDS and is debuting a range of new (RED) styles that will support this promise. Gap denim jackets and t-shirts for men, women and children and a onesie for baby will all be available on www.Gilt.com/RED, and will also be available in the U.S. on www.Gap.com, and at the 680 5th Avenue (at 54th Street) New York City store.

Contessa Gallery to Showcase Groundbreaking New Work by David Datuna, Mr. Brainwash, David Drebin and Gilles Cenazandotti at Art Miami 2015

Contessa Gallery will be participating in the 26^th annual Art Miami Fair. Over these past 26 years, Art Miami has established a well-known reputation for providing fine art collectors with the latest in high quality Contemporary and Modern Art. The fair will begin on December 1 and run through December 6, 2015. Contessa Gallery will showcase the most recent works by David Datuna, Mr. Brainwash, David Drebin and Gilles Cenazandotti at Art Miami.

David Datuna (B. 1974 – ) experienced a landmark year in 2014, and 2015 was nothing short of a major success as well. His unique piece, Portrait of America, was exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery to record attendance at the institution in February of 2014. It is a part of his series titled Viewpoint of Billions. Datuna’s groundbreaking work incorporated the use of Google Glass. The wearable technology allowed the viewers to interact with images embedded within the artwork. The viewers’ reactions were recorded as they explored Portrait of America. Their exchanges streamed globally via the web. Marked by the documentary debut of Datuna: Portrait of America, this year has already been another milestone year for the artist. The film was accepted and shown at many prestigious film festivals throughout the world, including: the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival and most recently Raindance Film Festival in London, where the documentary won Best Film amongst 90 other feature length films and 200 shorts.

David Datuna (B. 1974 – ); Viewpoints of Millions: Freedom, 2015; Mixed Media Wall Sculpture with Swarovski Crystals; 55 x 88 x 5.5 inches (PRNewsFoto/Contessa Gallery)

Further highlighting Datuna’s great success, the artist world premiered exclusively with Contessa Gallery his latest experimentation: mixed media wall sculptures that include Swarovski crystals into the complex web of framed lenses, which are layered over his portraits, flags and luxury logos. “Only free people can dream and only dreamers can make a new world,” David Datuna states with the aim of breaking barriers and building bridges in their stead. Datuna’s Viewpoint of Millions series focuses on the importance of freedom for all of humanity. Freedom, the artist’s latest installation in the series, utilizes a universal symbol for the LGBTQ community, the rainbow flag, as the backdrop for 800 portraits of both historical and contemporary figures. The contributions of these people depicted have won them a notable place in history. The flag intends to promote inquiry, reflection, education, and dialogue that will launch the viewer into a realm where, by example, a new understanding of a marginalized community and its struggle for equality brings the world a step closer to freedom for all humanity. Contessa Gallery is thrilled to introduce this special exhibition at Art Miami, of which they will be exhibiting the piece for the first time globally.

Mr. Brainwash (B. 1966 – ); Life is Beautiful Mural, 2015; Mixed Media on Canvas; 72 x 144 inches (PRNewsFoto/Contessa Gallery)

Contessa Gallery looks forward to hosting a separate booth entirely dedicated to Mr. Brainwash‘s works. The artist himself will design the booth, and it is sure to be a blockbuster attraction at Art Miami. Mr. Brainwash (born Thierry Guetta in 1966) began his artistic career over 16 years ago documenting the underground world of street artists. Eventually this endeavor introduced him to Banksy, who is arguably the most anonymous and famous street artist living today. With the encouragement of Banksy, Guetta began creating his own street art. In 2008, Mr. Brainwash produced an explosive first solo show, Life is Beautiful. The epic display of hundreds of breakthrough works revolutionized the art scene not only in Los Angeles, where the show was held, but worldwide. This phenomenal exhibition skyrocketed Mr. Brainwash’s popularity. His artistic evolution is chronicled in the Academy Award nominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, coincidently directed by Banksy. Known for his stylistic combination of pop and street art, Guetta creates his works by brilliantly fusing together historical pop imagery with contemporary cultural iconography. This year the gallery is excited to showcase the artist’s continual experimentation with new media and materials. The special exhibition will include new original works on Wood, Cement, Metal, Canvas, Paper and Unique Sculpture. Contessa Gallery is looking forward to debuting the latest energetic works by Mr. Brainwash at Art Miami.

David Drebin (B. 1970 – ); Falling in Love, 2015; Photo Sculpture; 76 x 40 x 24 inches; Also available in 3/4 size (PRNewsFoto/Contessa Gallery)

The 2016 Movie Awards Season Begins: The Annual (25th Annual) IFP Gotham Independent Film Awards To Crown Winners Tonight

The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), the nation’s premier member organization of independent storytellers, will announce the winners of the 25th Annual IFP Gotham Independent Film Awards tonight at Cipriani Wall Street. The Gotham Awards is one of the leading awards for independent film and signals the kick-off to the film awards season. For 2015, the eight competitive film awards include Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Actor, Best Actress (presenting sponsor euphoria Calvin Klein), Breakthrough Actor, Best Screenplay, the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director award, and the Gotham Audience Award. In addition to the competitive awards, Gotham Award Tributes will be given to actors Helen Mirren and Robert Redford, director Todd Haynes, and Industry Tribute recipient producer Steve Golin.

As the first major awards ceremony of the film season, the IFP Gotham Independent Film Awards provide critical early recognition and media attention to worthy independent films. The awards are also unique for their ability to assist in catapulting award recipients prominently into national awards season attention. This year the Gotham Awards will also be presenting two new awards for serialized television and web content.

Twenty-five films received nominations this year. In addition, the nominating committee for the Best Actor and Best Actress categories category voted to award a Special Jury Award jointly to cast members Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci and Brian d’Arcy James for their ensemble work in Spotlight. Beyond these individual actors, the committee cited the Spotlight cast as “an outstanding ensemble in which every performance, in every role, of every size, is beautifully realized.” In recognition of the strong work by female actors this year, the jury also chose to include six nominees for Best Actress.

“We congratulate this year’s nominated independent storytellers, who represent a richly diverse range of cinematic achievements that are bold, risk-taking, and beautifully crafted, ” said Joana Vicente, Executive Director of IFP and the Made in NY Media Center.

Nominees are selected by committees of film critics, journalists, festival programmers, and film curators. Separate juries of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors and others directly involved in making films will determine the final Gotham Award recipients.

The Gotham Audience Award nominees are comprised of the 14 films nominated for Best Feature, Best Documentary, and the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award. The winner will be selected by online voting of IFP members. Voting for that award began November 18th at 12:01 AM EST.

THE 2015 IFP GOTHAM INDEPENDENT FILM AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE:

Best Feature

Carol – Todd Haynes, director; Elizabeth Karlsen, Christine Vachon, Stephen Woolley, producers (The Weinstein Company)

The Diary of a Teenage Girl – Marielle Heller, director; Anne Carey, Bert Hamelinck, Madeline Samit, Miranda Bailey, producers (Sony Pictures Classics)

Heaven Knows What – Josh and Benny Safdie, directors; Oscar Boyson, Sebastian Bear-McClard, producers (RADiUS)

Spotlight – Tom McCarthy, director; Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagan Faust, producers (Open Road Films)

Tangerine – Sean Baker, director; Darren Dean, Shih-Ching Tsou, Marcus Cox & Karrie Cox, producers (Magnolia Pictures)

Best Documentary

Approaching the Elephant – Amanda Rose Wilder, director; Jay Craven, Robert Greene, Amanda Rose Wilder, producers (Kingdom County Productions)

Cartel Land – Matthew Heineman, director; Matthew Heineman, Tom Yellin, producers (The Orchard and A&E IndieFilms)

Heart of a Dog – Laurie Anderson, director; Dan Janvey, Laurie Anderson, producers (Abramorama and HBO Documentary Films)

Listen to Me Marlon – Stevan Riley, director; John Battsek, RJ Cutler, George Chignell, producers (Showtime Documentary Films)

The Look of Silence – Joshua Oppenheimer, director; Signe Byrge Sørensen, producer (Drafthouse Films)

Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award

Desiree Akhavan for Appropriate Behavior (Gravitas Ventures)

Jonas Carpignano for Mediterranea (Sundance Selects)

Marielle Heller for The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sony Pictures Classics)

John Magary for The Mend (Cinelicious Pics)

Josh Mond for James White (The Film Arcade)

Best Screenplay

Carol, Phyllis Nagy (The Weinstein Company)

The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Marielle Heller (Sony Pictures Classics)

Love & Mercy, Oren Moverman and Michael Alan Lerner (Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and River Road Entertainment)

Spotlight, Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer (Open Road Films)

While We’re Young, Noah Baumbach (A24)

World’s Largest Menorah to Be Erected on New York City’s Fifth Avenue

The World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah will be proudly standing at New York’s most fashionable plaza, Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, by Central Park, between the Plaza and the Pierre Hotels. The lighting of the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah is always the central event of Chanukah for the millions of residents of New York and visitors to the Big Apple. It is also a favorite with international media who put the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah in the center of their “Chanukah story,” bringing the World’s Largest Menorah into the homes of hundreds of millions of people throughout the world.

World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah on Fifth Avenue by Central Park. (PRNewsFoto/Jewish News Agency)

The first candle will be lighted on Sunday evening December 6, and the full Menorah will be lighted on Sunday evening December 13. All weekday lightings are at 5:30 PM.

“The Menorah stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, strength and inspiration, delivering a timely and poignant message to each person on an individual basis,” said Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman, Director Lubavitch Youth Organization.

The 32-foot high, gold colored, 4,000 pound steel structure will be lighted nightly with genuine oil lamps. Specially designed glass chimneys will protect the Chanukah lights from Central Park winds. Due to the height of the Menorah, it will be lit nightly with the help of a Con Edison “cherry-picker” crane as well as two lifts that lift the lighters to “Menorah Heights.”

THE LIGHTING SCHEDULE FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST CHANUKAH MENORAH IS AS FOLLOWS:

Sunday, December 6 – 5:30 PM

Monday, December 7 – 5:30 PM

Tuesday, December 8 – 5:30 PM

Wednesday, December 9 – 5:30 PM

Thursday, December 10 – 5:30 PM

Friday, December 11 – 3:51 PM

Shabbos,Saturday, December 12- 8:30 PM

Sunday, December 13 – 5:30 PM

Over the years the World’s Largest Menorah was lighted by New York City Mayors, Abraham Beame, Ed Koch, David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg, Governors Mario Cuomo, George Pataki and David Paterson, United States Senators Jacob Javits and Charles Schumer, as well as many other dignitaries.

Designed By World Renowned Artist Yaacov Agam And Certified By Guinness World Records

The Menorah was certified by Guinness World Records as the World’s Largest and inspired by a hand drawing by the Rambam (Maimonides) of the original Menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. It was specially designed by world renowned artist Yaacov Agam who lighted the Menorah many times.

The Menorah stood in miniature on the desk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe who personally approved its form. The Rebbe wanted this Menorah to be the world’s largest and when there was talk about making a large Menorah in another city the Rebbe asked for that city’s Menorah to be smaller.

“The Rebbe liked this Menorah,” said Yaacov Agam. “The Rebbe sent me a special letter thanking me, emphasizing that ‘where ever there is light there is shadow.‘”

On Shabbos (Saturday) evening, December 12th, the Grand Menorah Parade of over 300 Menorah vehicles will take place. The Parade will leave Lubavitch World Headquarters at 7:00 PM and will pass by the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah at 8:30 PM.

HOT “LATKES” ON FIFTH AVENUE

Sunday evening, December 13th, a special Chanukah celebration will take place at the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah. The celebration will include live music, singing and dancing, “Chanukah Gelt” for children and hot “Latkes” (potato pancakes), the traditional food of Chanukah, will be distributed to everyone. “We want people to ‘taste’ the tradition,” said Rabbi Butman.

A CAMPAIGN FOR MILLIONS

New York’s most popular radio stations, WCBS and WINS, will carry a steady Chanukah call to millions of people to “Come light the Menorah.” The message by Rabbi Butman is for everyone to light the Menorah in their own home, “It’s exciting, it’s triumphant. It’s many voices as one cheering light over darkness, joy over sorrow, freedom over oppression.“

“The prominence of the Menorah carries an additional message,” adds Rabbi Butman. “The Rebbe teaches that soon there will be another light, an eternal light, the eternal light of Moshiach, the eternal light of the Great Redemption.”

Announcing the Winners of the First Annual FASHION NET Awards

FASHION.NET, which in 1995 introduced the world of fashion to the Internet – and the Internet to fashion, connects premium fashion and luxury brands with millions of influential trendsetters and fashionistas. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, FASHION.NET has announced the winners of the first annual FASHION NET Awards for their extraordinary accomplishments this year. FASHION.NET was the first online publisher to be officially granted permission to cover the fashion shows in Paris, and has been named one of the top 100 .net websites in the world by Verisign and Entrepreneur Magazine.

FASHION NET Awards 2015 (PRNewsFoto/FASHION NET)

Presented by Quintessentially and supported by Academy of Art University, BLCK INK, Gen Art and Alice Bow, the FASHION.NET Awards is a celebration of excellence and vision in the fashion industry worldwide. The winners are:

“Designer of the Year” – John Galliano at Maison Margiela

“Breakthrough Designer of the Year” – John Elliott

“Womenswear Designer of the Year” – Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen

“Menswear Designer of the Year” – Tom Ford

“Brand of the Year” – Saint Laurent

“Vegan Brand of the Year” – Good Guys

“Breakthrough Brand of the Year” – Our Legacy

“Streetwear Brand of the Year” – Hood by Air

“Denim Brand of the Year” – Frame

“Magazine of the Year” – Love

“Website of the Year” – Net-a-Porter

“Blogger of the Year” – Chiara Ferragni

“Editor of the Year” – Robbie Myers

“Publisher of the Year” – Susan Plagemann

“Photographer of the Year” – Inez and Vinoodh

“Campaign of the Year” – Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2015

“Stylist of the Year” – Micaela Erlanger

“Fashion Show of the Year” – Maison Margiela

“Female Model of the Year” – Kendall Jenner

“Department Store of the Year” – Selfridges

“Indie Retailer of the Year” – Opening Ceremony

“Accessories Brand of the Year” – Warby Parker

“Shoe Designer of the Year” – Sophia Webster

“Lifetime Achievement” – Vivienne Westwood

“Female Style Icon” – Kate Moss

“Male Style Icon” – Johnny Depp

“Contribution to Fashion” – Renzo Rosso

“Inspiration Award” – Diane von Furstenberg

“As we enter an era where nothing is offline” said Stig Harder, founder, “we’re thrilled to announce the winners of the first annual FASHION NET Awards, recognizing those who are at the cutting edge of change.“

Since its inception in London in 2000, Quintessentially Lifestyle has been providing members with its award-winning lifestyle management services. From giving specialist advice and exclusive benefits, through to unparalleled access to the world’s most exclusive, and elusive, items and locations, Quintessentially Lifestyle facilitates its members’ every request and desire – solving both pressing practical problems as well as aiding all-important life decisions and key moments.

With more than 60 offices around the world and over 25 languages spoken by the team, Quintessentially Lifestyle provides a global yet localized service, assisting with requests from the everyday to the near-impossible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Giving Members the gift of both time and access, Quintessentially Lifestyle is on hand to help no matter what time it is or where they are in the world, and however extraordinary or ordinary the request may be. From finding a suitable car service, a favorite restaurant at the last minute, or accessing tickets for sold-out shows and events, to helping children gain access to the school of their dreams and helping creating the ultimate proposal or once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon – Quintessentially Lifestyle’s experts provide a unique, world-class service across the widest variety of needs.

Introducing The New Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

Now Accepting Reservations: Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre Is City’s Most Stylish Choice For Business Travelers And Weekend Getaways

Dubai’s Second Four Seasons Is Now Confirming Arrivals Beginning April 15, 2016

• Intimate boutique-style hotel in the heart of Dubai’s business district
• 106 rooms and suites designed explicitly for global business travellers and sophisticated leisure guests
• A variety of dining and drinking options within the hotel and steps away
• A private rooftop spa, fitness and leisure oasis
• Full access to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, just 15 minutes away

Just a year after opening its first hotel in the city, Four Seasons unveils a second and completely distinct choice for today’s sophisticated global travelers: the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre.

View of modern skyline and The Gate at DIFC Dubai International Financial Center in Dubai United Arab Emirates. Photo Credit: Iain Masterton / Alamy Stock Photo

Located in the 110 acre DIFC, the new Four Seasons puts business travelers within steps of the region’s most important commercial destinations, while also placing leisure guests at the heart of a vibrant community of shops, galleries, restaurants and clubs.

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre will the brand’s second location in the city, following the opening of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach in 2014. Later in 2016, the waterfront Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is scheduled to open in the UAE capital’s new Central Business District.

Artist rendering of the Lobby t the Four seasons DIFC.

“Dubai is one of the world’s most important business capitals, with a growing global leisure market, so it’s important that we are very focused on the unique needs of each individual guest,” says General Manager Carlo Stragiotto, who arrives in Dubai most recently from the acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel Milano. “Improvisation and flexibility – anywhere in the Hotel, at any hour – will characterise a truly personalised style of service at the new Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, along with a sophisticated, international style that reflects this city and the Four Seasons brand today.”

Many art galleries at The Gate Village district in the DIFC Dubai International Financial Centre in United Arab Emirates Photo Credit: iDubai / Alamy Stock Photo

In the heart of one of the world’s most important global business centers, with interiors by Adam Tihany of Tihany Design, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre is an intimate sanctuary, striking a perfect balance between comfort, professional efficiency and sophisticated style.

Here, innovations abound. Two lobbies welcome guests by car from Al Sa’adah Street, or above by foot from the DIFC’s myriad shops, galleries, restaurants, clubs and office towers. A unique “living room” affords guests flexible space in which to work, socialize, relax or meet. An American-style diner provides a fun dining environment, while a sky bar with walk-up cigar mezzanine with outdoor terraces and panoramic views puts guests on top of the world. A private spa, fitness and relaxation sanctuary includes a quiet rooftop pool for a break from business, or weekends at leisure.

Photo Credit: Gerry O’Leary

Throughout, Four Seasons adapts to the individual needs of its guests – with numerous options for work, rest and play, and a highly trained staff to facilitate every need and whim.

Under the leadership of general manager Carlo Stragiotto, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, scheduled to open in spring 2016, is the sister property of the recently opened Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach, just 15 minutes away by car. Guests of both hotels enjoy seamless access to the facilities at both.

Feeding America Launches New Online Platform That Allows People to Help Fight Hunger This Holiday Season

Feeding America Launches Set The Table(TM) To Turn Celebrations And Events Into Fundraising Opportunities For A Hunger-Free America

Today Feeding America® announced the launch of Set the Table(TM), a new online fundraising platform to empower their supporters to start their own fundraising campaigns for the charity by turning special events like birthdays, holiday dinners, or marathon races into opportunities to raise money for families facing hunger.

Feeding America Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Feeding America)

Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, is giving its supporters the ability to create a personal fundraising platform. Providing tools to set up their own personal page on the Feeding America web site, the donation platform accepts online contributions, distributes email to friends and family, connects supporters through social media and tracks their fundraising progress. Also participants can encourage their peers to establish pages of their own to reach an even larger personal network of donors or even compete with their friends to raise the most funds.

“This new online platform mobilizes Feeding America supporters to invite their entire network of friends, family and colleagues to join them in the fight to end hunger in America,” said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America. “Our dedicated supporters have the power to truly set the table for individuals and families in need this holiday season and beyond.”

More than 48 million Americans, including 15 million children, struggle with hunger. The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks responds to the hunger crisis by providing food and groceries to people in need. Through this platform, Feeding America will reach more people and increase fundraising for people facing hunger.

“Even though the economy is showing signs of improvement, many Americans do not always know where they will find their next meal,” said Aviv. “Each dollar raised through Set the Table will help provide 11 meals to people in need.“