Publishing Giant Condé Nast Announces New Global Leadership Structure

U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs

New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles

Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.

Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New York and operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.

“One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynch “I’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.“

The new structure is as follows:

Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.

Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.

David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.

Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.

Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.

Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.

Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.

“We’re bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities, and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,” Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it easier for them to do business with us.“

The new structure and appointments take effect immediately.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Launches World’s First Travel Marketing Campaign To Feature Transgender Models

Groundbreaking Multi-Audience Advertising Campaign Launching In Mainstream and LGBT Media

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau will launch a new global marketing and advertising campaign on January 9th featuring three transgender models, and will become the world’s first destination to use transgender models in mainstream destination advertising. Greater Fort Lauderdale‘s campaign, which also features straight, gay and lesbian models, follows the destination’s long and storied history in LGBTQ marketing and is directed at a largely millennial and younger mind-set audience to showcase the destination’s image as an authentic, diverse and inclusive brand.

From the seagrass to the sawgrass, Greater Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, boasts more than 34,000 lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings reflecting a “beach chic” vibe. Visitors enjoy 23 miles of Blue Wave certified beaches, discover 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Everglades, dine at thousands of restaurants and eateries, get immersed in a thriving arts and culture scene and indulge in top shopping.

The new advertisements, covering a full-spectrum of destination lifestyle experiences, will appear in print, digital, television, radio and social media throughout South Florida, New York, Boston, Chicago, and in national outlets such as New York Times‘ T Magazine, USA Today Travel Magazine, Passport, ManAboutWorld as well as on Spotify, Pandora, Hulu and in the destination’s collateral, website and e-blasts.

The campaign had an early premiere in New York City on December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2017 with a Times Square billboard video featuring Isabella Santiago, a Venezuelan model and 2014 Miss World Transgender. Viewed by millions, the video formed the backdrop to New York City’s famous New Year’s Eve ball drop. Campaign imagery was shot throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, capturing a “beach and beyond” showcase of some of the destination’s most popular areas, including Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hallandale Beach, Deerfield Beach and Wilton Manors.

“Using Trans models in our mainstream campaign says who we are as a destination; cosmopolitan, edgy, diverse, inclusive, authentic and accepting,” said Richard Gray, Managing Director LGBTQ Market, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are the only destination in the world that is using Trans people in mainstream marketing initiatives. That is a huge statement in itself highlighting this destination’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality. We want all travelers that visit our destination to be free to be themselves, to be free to be accepted, and most of all to be safe and respected.“

Greater Fort Lauderdale recently celebrated another destination first: in December, they were the first CVB to launch a 24/7 digital TV network – “Hello Sunny TV” – highlighting the destination’s growing appeal to affluent and millennial travelers. The Hello Sunny TV network will include a weekly live show planned to launch in early 2017 which will preview the upcoming week’s events and activities, as well as a dining segment and spotlight on the people and personalities behind Greater Fort Lauderdale. Hello Sunny TV and Greater Fort Lauderdale‘s new advertising campaign were developed by the CVB’s advertising agency, Starmark International.

“I’m proud that we continue to be a leader in marketing innovation,” said Stacy Ritter, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve established a popular and highly recognized destination brand presence that reflects the authentic experiences that people today, regardless of age, gender, religion or race, seek when they travel.”

World Food Travel Association Announces 2017 FoodTrekking Awards For Excellence In Food And Beverage Tourism

The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) announced today that the application process for the 2017 FoodTrekking Awards for excellence in food and beverage tourism is now open. The first year the awards were held was 2016. For a list of past winners, visit http://foodtrekkingawards.org/winners.

The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) and is recognized as the world’s leading authority on food tourism. Its mission is to drive economic development for the food, drink, travel and hospitality trade. The Association was founded in 2003 by its Executive Director Erik Wolf and today brings innovative food tourism solutions and thought leadership to 48,000+ industry professionals in 139 countries.

Rather than another Top 10 or best restaurants list, the FoodTrekking Awards are unique in that they fill a void of recognition of experience excellence in 13 categories within the food and beverage tourism industry. Food and beverage is the fastest-growing sector of travel, which itself is one of the world’s largest and most economically significant industries.

2017 CATEGORIES & APPLICATION PROCESS

The number of categories being recognized has grown from only 5 in 2016 to 13 categories in 2017, as follows:

• Best Foodie Destination Experience
• Best Food/Beverage Tour Operations (Land)
• Best Food/Beverage Tour Operations (Water)
• Best Beer Experience
• Best Foodservice Experience for Visitors
• Best Lodging Experience
• Best Food/Beverage/Travel Media Professional
• Best Wine Experience
• Best Food/Beverage/Travel Blogger
• Best Farms & Farmers’ Market Experience
• Best Retail & Grocery Experience
• Best Cooking/Beverage Class/School
• Best Food & Beverage Event Experience

Businesses and organizations interested in applying can do so on the Awards website at www.FoodTrekkingAwards.org. Applications are being accepted between January 1 and February 28, 2017, when the application process will close.

2017 JUDGES & SELECTION PROCESS

Ten experts in their specific fields will serve as judges for the 2017 Awards, as follows:

1. Panna Balazsy (Hungary), Owner, Globalist Kitchen
2. Andre Morgenthal (South Africa), former Communications Manager, Wines of South Africa
3. Roberta Garibaldi (Italy), food and wine tourism consultant and coordinator of East Lombardy – European Region of Gastronomy 2017
4. Livio Colapinto (Italy), Owner, Zest of Italy
5. Katarzyna Janiszewska (Poland), Founder, pl
6. Armando Cristofori (Australia), member, La Chaîne de Rôtisseurs
7. Udi Goldschmidt (Israel), culinary tourism consultant to Israel’s tourism industry
8. Brian F Lorge (USA), CCTP, HAAC (USA), Chairman, Certified Ambassador World Food Travel Association; Exec. Dir., American Culinary Federation (MCCA); Fellow, American Academy of Chefs & Les Amis d’Escoffier; Industry Consultant
9. Lawrence Acosta (USA), Owner, Grub Crawl
10. Sanjeev Shenoy (India), Mystery Shopper, HS Brands International and Owner, Trip on Food

Each judge will review two different applicants according to established criteria in a confidential review process. In the event of a tie, a third judge will review each of the tied applications. A grand prize and a runner-up are selected for each category. A small application fee charged to each applicant helps to offset the cost of managing the awards.

2017 AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT & CEREMONY

The winners of the 2017 FoodTrekking Awards will be recognized at a special ceremony at the conclusion of FoodTrekking World, the world’s largest food and beverage tourism convention for the trade, on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Portland, Oregon, USA. Award applicants are encouraged to attend FoodTrekking World, but are not required to do so to enter or win.

The Largest Cake Expo, The Americas Cake Fair, in North and South America Rolls Into Orlando October 13-15, 2017

Food Network Star Duff Goldman And Other World-Renowned Celebrities To Appear At The International Celebration Of Cake

More than 10,000 baking industry professionals and consumer cake enthusiasts from around the world will descend on Central Florida next October when The Americas Cake Fair (Cake Fair) makes its sweet return to the area. The Americas’ largest and most dynamic trade and consumer show for the pastry, bakery, sugar art and chocolate industries will be held October 13-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The event is hosted by Satin Ice, which is made by Satin Fine Foods, Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer distributing its premium range of cake decorating products to more than 60 countries worldwide. Pre-registration is now open to receive event updates and special offers.

Food Network Star Duff Goldman and other world-renowned celebrities will appear at The Americas Cake Fair, October 13-15, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo Credit: The Americas Cake Fair)

Mich Turner

Ron Ben-Israel

The highly anticipated international show will once again convene a passionate group of baking professionals, industry buyers, pastry chefs, cake artists, retail bakers, hobbyists and everyday foodies for a three-day celebration of cake, chocolate and sugar artistry. The inaugural Americas Cake Fair – the first show of its kind in North and South America held here in 2015 and became an immediate sensation among professionals and consumers, alike.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Internationally popular pastry chef and television personality Duff Goldman, star of Food Network reality shows Ace of Cakes, Duff Till Dawn, and Holiday Baking Championship, among others, will delight attendees during his stage appearances on Saturday and Sunday. Other world-renowned cake industry celebrities scheduled to present throughout the weekend include Mich Turner, whose clientele includes The Queen of England, Madonna and David Beckham; and pastry genius Ron Ben-Israel, named “the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes” by The New York Times.

The Sugar Arts Fashion Show, with models strutting the runway adorned by cake costumes and edible ensembles

Karen Harvey Consulting Group Announces New High Profile Speakers and Moderators for its 3rd Annual Fashion Tech Forum (FTF)

Speakers and Activations Now Include Sarah Robb O’Hagan, Intel, Tamara Mellon, Movado, Away, Evrythng, and KidBox

Moderators Now Include Those From: Fast Company, Digital Times, Business of Fashion, and Refinery29

Karen Harvey, CEO of Karen Harvey Consulting Group is pleased to announce that some of the most important leaders in Fashion Tech will now be joining Fashion Tech Forum (FTF) on October 13 at Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn. Ms. Harvey launched Fashion Tech Forum in 2014 to provide a platform for the fashion, retail, technology and investment communities to better connect and collaborate on how to work together in the future.

The annual conference is an invitation-only event with 800+ industry leaders. Last year, Fashion Tech Forum brought together the most exceptional CEO’s, innovators, thinkers, founders and investors in fashion, retail, media and technology. This year’s conference will engage Founders and CEOs in sharing their stories of leadership and transformation.

Karen Harvey Consulting Group Announces New High Profile Speakers and Moderators for its 3rd Annual Fashion Tech Forum (FTF) At Duggal Greenhouse In Brooklyn On October 13th, 2016 (PRNewsFoto/Karen Harvey Consulting Group)

FTF 2016, which was officially announced on August 3^rd is a platform for the fashion and technology sectors to gather for powerful conversation and to share new information fostering future collaboration. CEO’s, founders, leaders and investors from both sectors will discuss a broad range of issues, fueling the genesis of the hybrid companies of the future.

Verizon‘s Chief Marketing Officer Diego Scotti will talk about bringing Verizon’s mission to deliver the promise of a digital world to the forefront as they continue to evolve into a lifestyle and entertainment brand engaging with consumers across all aspects of their lives.

EBay (Nasdaq: EBAY), one of FTF’s original partners, will participate again as Bradford Shellhammer their Head of Curation and Merchandising on the eBay Innovation team will lead a discussion on human-led curation. Michael Preysman, Founder and CEO of Everlane returns to FTF’s stage along with Head of Product and Design Rebekka Bay.

Laurent Potdevin, CEO of Lululemon (Nasdaq: LULU), and Creative Director Lee Holman will share their ongoing commitment to innovation, authenticity and creating a design-led company.

Other keynote speakers will include: Robbie Myers, Editor in Chief of ELLE, who will share her journey in transforming ELLE into a cultural game-changer for women; and in the areas of evolving fashion companies Diane von Furstenberg along with the brand’s CEO, Paolo Riva and new Chief Creative Officer, Jonathan Saunders will share their transformative experiences.

Ganesh Srivats, VP North American Sales from Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) shares the advancement of luxury retail experiences.

As the leader in mobile storytelling platforms, Snapchat‘s Peter Sellis, Head of Revenue Product, along with Snapchat‘s Farnaz Azmoodeh, Director of Engineering, will discuss how the platform is transforming retail experiences.

New Additions and Updates Being Announced Today Include:

• Levi’s Strauss & Co: Chip Bergh, CEO interviewed by David Lidsky, Deputy Editor, Fast Company and Google (Nasdaq: GOOGL): Ivan Poupyrev (ATAP) and Levi’s Paul Dillinger, VP, Head of Global Product Innovation, to be interviewed by Elizabeth Segran, Staff Writer, Fast Company about their joint initiative, Project Jaquard.
• Intel: Sandra Lopez, VP & GM, Wearables to be interviewed around the surging value of data as an essential business commodity.
• Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA): Ganesh Srivats, VP, North American Sales to be interviewed by Piers Fawkes, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, PSFK on the advancement of luxury retail.
• Sarah Robb O’Hagan: Sarah Robb O’Hagan, Founder, CEO and author of the upcoming book of the same name, EXTREMEYOU will be giving an inspirational keynote.
• KidBox: Haim Dabbah, Founder, and Miki Berardelli, CEO, will be talking about the first kids style box that combines cool brands, meaningful savings, and a mission to clothe children in need. They’ll be interviewed by Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology, & Economics Correspondent, ABC News.
• Emblematic Group: Jamie Pallot, Co-Founder, will be making opening remarks to kickoff this year’s event as one of our hosts for the day.
• Theory: Andrew Rosen, CEO, and Investor, and Former Chairman and CEO of Coach: Lew Frankfort, to be interviewed by Lauren Sherman, New York Editor, Business of Fashion.
• TMellon Enterprises LLC: Tamara Mellon, President, Movado: Efraim Grinberg, CEO and Maison de Mode: Amanda Hearst and Hassan Pierre, Co-Founders to be interviewed by Christene Barberich, Refinery29.
• Evrythng: Andy Hobsbawm, Co-Founder & CMO, Away: Steph Korey, Co-founder and TBC to be interviewed by Robin Raskin, Digital Times on the future of the Innovation of Things (IoT).

“From Snapchat to lululemon the 3^rd Annual Fashion Tech Forum brings together our vision for sharing powerful insights that are important for the leaders of both fashion and technology companies as they plan their strategy for the future. As it is my commitment to provide content from the most senior leaders from both sectors, ensuring that our C-level audience will be inspired, I am pleased to announce these new additions to our lineup. They are the experts bringing fashion and technology together and they will share both their challenges and their advances on the journey to shaping the next decade of product, retail, and innovations that will add value to all of our lives.” states Ms. Harvey

The Karen Harvey Consulting Group is an international consulting firm focused on executive search, brand incubation and advisory services for luxury, fashion, retail and innovation-driven companies. In addition to FTF, the firm also launched INDX, a two-sided marketplace for vetted, world-class creative talent to discover, connect and seek employment opportunities with top brands. Karen Harvey Consulting has earned international recognition for bringing some of the industry’s most successful CEOs and creative leaders to powerful global companies. The company is based in New York and London.

Main Partner Etihad Airways to Present its Virtual Reality Movie Featuring Nicole Kidman at the 2016 Zurich Film Festival

Airline to Also Sponsor the Prestigious Audience Award

At this year’s 12^th annual Zurich Film Festival, taking place from 22 September to 2 October, visitors will be able to experience Etihad Airways’ 360-degree virtual reality movie featuring Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman and have the chance to win flights to Abu Dhabi by participating in a draw for the Audience Award presented by Etihad Airways.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are excited to continue our partnership with one of the most prestigious cultural events in Switzerland. The sponsorship underscores our active support of global cultural events, engagement in the local communities we serve and it reinforces our long-term commitment to the Swiss market. Switzerland is an important market for our airline, which we have been serving since 2004. Travellers from cities around the world can conveniently reach Zurich and Geneva using Etihad Airways’ daily flights and the domestic and regional European services of our partner airlines, airberlin, Niki, Alitalia, Air Serbia and Etihad Regional.”

Now in its twelfth year, the Zurich Film Festival showcases diverse stories from around the world with screenings of nearly 160 films, offering cinematic treats to more than 85,000 national and international visitors. Participants include both emerging and renowned filmmakers as well as buyers, sellers, distributors, media professionals and industry leaders.

The festival is internationally recognized and has attracted high profile personalities on its green carpet every year, including Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Richard Gere, Sylvester Stallone, John Travolta, Susan Sarandon, Oliver Stone, Sean Penn, Diane Keaton and many more.

In addition to a veritable feast of films on tap (over 172 at last count), guests will also have the opportunity to view Etihad Airways’ 360-degree virtual reality movie starring Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman in the main festival tent. The five-minute feature, titled ‘Reimagine’, which was first released in May 2016, immerses its viewers in a journey following Kidman through one of Etihad Airways’ new Airbus A380s flying between New York and Abu Dhabi. Each scene in the film takes on a theme intended to stimulate the senses of light, sound, motion, and conversation.

For the 2016 edition, Etihad Airways will sponsor the Audience Award. As the culmination of three categories, the Audience Award is one of the festival’s most prestigious and is voted for by festival visitors. By voting, viewers have the opportunity to win two Business Class return-flights with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and experience the exclusive business class service of Etihad Airways, or two Economy Class return-flights with airberlin to a destination in the USA. The Director of the winning film will be awarded two Business Class return-flights with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and three luxurious nights in a 5-star hotel. What’s more; film fans who buy their movie ticket at an official Zurich Film Festival ticket counter, will receive a 20% discount voucher for all flights with Etihad Airways and a reduction of CHF 20 for flights with airberlin.

Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, Zurich Film Festival’s Co-Directors, said: “We are very proud of our partnership with Etihad Airways, which helps us reach audiences worldwide. This partnership has proven to be a great fit as the Zurich Film Festival and Etihad Airways share a vision of bringing people together from across the globe through arts and culture.”

For more information about the festival, visit www.zff.com.

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017 Shows Preview: Kia STYLE360 Announces Star-Studded Designer Line Up, Schedule and Sponsors for New York Fashion Week September 12-15, 2016

Serena Williams, Ashley Graham, Kristin Cavallari and More To Strut Their Stuff On The Runways

Hollywood & fashion special event firm, A-list Communications has announced Kia STYLE360, its New York Spring/Summer 2017 Women’s Runway Previews September 12th – 15th, 2016. This season will mark the 12th annual year at New York Fashion Week, highlighting its signature formula of fashion week events among exciting ready-to-wear celebrity designer brands, musical performances, high fashion designer brands, and fashion-fan favorites each season.

Started in 2004, and then called “Style Lounge,” this modest fashion platform launched out of the gate as a stage for some of today’s leading fashion brand designers like Rodarte, Rebecca Minkoff, Patricia Fields, and Zaldy. Over the decade, and after a name change as well, STYLE360 New York Fashion Week has evolved into a launching pad for trending and celebrity designers such as Avril Lavigne, Daisy Fuentes, the Kardashians, and Kristin Cavallari to name a few. Likewise, fashion industry elite models who have graced STYLE360’s stages and venues includes Karolina Kurkova, Naomi Campbell, Carol Alt, Tyson Beckford, Kendall Jenner and Jessica White, as well as countless celebrities including the Kardashians, Brooke Burke, Brittany Snow, Gerard Butler, Chris Noth, Tommy Hilfiger, Lauren Conrad, Rosario Dawson, and dozens more.

An element that always separates Kia STYLE360 shows from the usual fashion week clutter, are the high-profile musical performances each Season. Highlights from the past ten years include performances by Austin Mahone, Wyclef Jean, Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo, Neon Trees, Cher Lloyd, Estelle and appearances by music legends like Richie Sambora, Slash, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Pete Wentz, Rick Ross and many more.

This year’s schedule builds on the success of last year with many renewing designer names as well as renewed title sponsor, Kia Motors (www.Kia.com). Kia returns this year to invite the fashion industry to discover the all-new 2017 Cadenza sedan with integrated activations, on-site car displays and a fleet of vehicles available to transport fashion editors, celebrities and VIPs to and from the fashion shows and events. The stunningly beautiful Cadenza improves upon all the elements that made its predecessor an award-winning success, boasting a precisely crafted cabin, cutting edge technology for connectivity and driver assistance, a stronger body structure, and powertrain enhancements for a more premium experience behind the wheel.

Events kick-off with entertainment and lifestyle retailer HSN’s third successive show presenting their Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection with Ms. Williams taking the stage two days after New York’s U.S. Open Women’s Championship. The week wraps up with Kia STYLE360‘s third annual fashion event with celebrity, actress and fashion designer Kristin Cavallari, who will present her new Emerald Duv Jewelry Collection, new shoe releases from her Chinese Laundry Collection as well as signed copies of her book “Balancing on Heels”.

This September’s line-up of fashion shows and festivities for Kia STYLE360 includes the following:

Monday, September 12th

3:00pm: HSN Presents Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection Runway Show

7:30pm: Designer Fashion Runway Show TBA

9:00pm: KIA STYLE360 Presents Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection by HSN After-party at Bagatelle NYC

Tuesday, September 13th

10:30am: Raul Penaranda Spring 2017 Momentum

3:00pm: Vipe Activewear Collection Fashion Show with Angela Simmons

7:30pm: Tumbler and Tipsy by Michael Kuluva

Wednesday, September 14th

3:00pm: Addition Elle Presents Holiday 2016 RTW + Ashley Graham Lingerie Collection

7:00pm: Row A Seat 4 Collection SS17 by Frontrow

Thursday, September 15th

7:00pm: Kia STYLE360 Hosts Kristin Cavallari Collections for Emerald Duv Jewelry & Chinese Laundry at Row NYC

All fashion shows will again be staged at the two-level Metropolitan West located at 639 West 46th Street with special integrations including live streaming of shows, 360 degree virtual reality broadcasts, and Facebook live streams along with its usual parade of celebrity guests and musical performances to be announced closer to fashion week.

Other renewing sponsors generously supporting the September 2016 season includes Not Your Mother‘s hair care (www.nymbrands.com), who will style all fashion shows by lead hair stylist Michele Carrillo and her NYM branded professional-stylist team. Makeup partners, LimeLight by Alcone (www.limelightbyalcone.com) and MustaeV U.S.A., a prestigious Korean artistry make up brand (www.mustaevusa.com) are also renewed partners this season.

Official hotel and after-party partner for the third consecutive year is Row NYC conveniently located near the Kia STYLE360 fashion pavilion at 700 Eighth Avenue. The art-driven, New York-centric hotel will provide its elegant brand of hospitality and accommodations to celebrity and VIP guests as well as host the closing fashion event. Row NYC is also offering exclusive tickets to a Kia STYLE360 show (winners’ choice) and invitations to the closing event hosted at the hotel. (Details can be found at www.rownyc.com.)

Finally, award winning wine producer, Line 39 Wines (www.line39wines.com) by O’Neill Vintners and Distillers returns in an elevated presence to graciously pour its California Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir across all events.

New sponsors to the program this September include Eternal Water (www.eternalwater.com) who will keep guests hydrated and refreshed with its Pure and Pristine Artesian Water and its beautifully designed BPA free bottle which will be collected for recycling after each event. Additionally, OtterBox Products Inc. (www.otterbox.com) joins to present its line of fashionable, sleek smartphone cases to NYFW in the OtterBox Lounge and will debut some of the new looks across a couple runway shows. New York City hotspot and fashion model sanctuary Bagatelle, one of New York’s trendiest restaurants, will serve as official nightclub partner hosting Kia STYLE360’s intimate VIP event.

Kia STYLE360 also proudly welcomes ChapStick (www.chapstick.com) to its line-up of sponsors this season. ChapStick will help guests feel runway ready with new ChapStick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint – which provides long-lasting moisture plus a hint of color from the experts in lip care.

For more information on this season’s designers, to get inside access, view runway trends, special promotional offers, and watch behind the scenes celebrity interviews as well as live streaming from the runway, please visit http://style360nyfw.com/. Twitter @NYFWSTYLE360 and Facebook @STYLE360. Official hashtag this season is #KiaSTYLE360NYFW.

Donald J. Pliner Returns To Footwear Industry Launching “From the Mountains of Italy” and “From the Beaches of Spain”, the Femme and Homme Collections

Following the year-long completion of a non-complete clause (after having sold his company), iconic footwear designer Donald J. Pliner has returned to the industry as the designer for “From the Mountains of Italy” and “From the Beaches of Spain,” the Femme and Homme Collections. The collections were presented to the media and retailers in early August 2016 during FFANY at his stunning new Penthouse Showroom at 14 East 60th Street in New York and will also be showcased at FN PLATFORM in Las Vegas. This marks the first time in over 27 years that he finds himself as an independent designer, away from the eponymous label Donald J Pliner™ he founded in 1989.

Donald J. Pliner (PRNewsFoto/Donald J. Pliner)

“Everything I design revolves around the two most important classes I took in design school – Anatomy and Portraiture. Anatomy for the comfort and Portraiture to keep the eye engaged. This has long been my signature style. It’s simply the way I think,” says Pliner. “Colors and materials come first, then the designs, but most important exceptionally comfortable fashion.”

Pliner personally designed the two new collections, spending the last month directing and overseeing the creation of every style first hand in Italy and Spain. Each style is meticulously and expertly beaded, embroidered, and embellished by hand onto the lavish uppers of haircalf, white ostrich, silk and mesh elastic prints, crocodile embossed calfskin, nappa and vachetta leathers, black and pearled patents, and washed suedes. All colors and materials within the collections are seamlessly coordinated in a palette of saturated colors, distinctive prints and bold embroidered designs.

Femme collections “From the Mountains of Italy” and “From the Beaches of Spain” include sneakers, smoking slippers, chic slides, footbed sandals, madras wrapped wedges, kitten heels, mules, and stacked platforms.

Homme collections “From the Mountains of Italy” and “From the Beaches of Spain” showcase sneakers, smoking slippers, monk straps, oxfords, Chelsea boots, loafers, drivers, and espadrilles. The vast array of styles across the collections are brimming with comfort features ideal for walking such as extra cushioned insoles, rocker bottoms, and rubber soles.

Penthouse Showroom: “From the Mountains of Italy” & “From the Beaches of Spain” Femme and Homme Collections (PRNewsFoto/Donald J. Pliner)

“From jeans to tuxedo dressing.”: The quality of detail and the uniqueness of designs in these collections are of a level normally only found in bespoke footwear. The collections offer exceptional craftsmanship and luxury comfort with price ranging from $250 to $475 rsp.

In other news, Castanea Partners (Owners of DJP Holdings, LLC) is suing Pliner to stop him from launching his new footwear collections. DJP Holdings, LLC filed a lawsuit against Pliner and his wife Lisa Pliner, trying to keep them from proceeding with his new collections.

In 2011, Pliner sold a majority stake in his namesake brand to a private equity firm, Castanea Partners. At the time the new partners recognized that his “talents and abilities” were “unique” and that they were “integral to the success of the company.” After the sale, Pliner remained as Creative Director for the brand. In the following years, however, it became apparent that the new majority partners and the newly appointed management had a different vision for the brand than its founder.

Last year, Pliner stepped down as its Creative Director when he realized that he could no longer identify with the direction the brand was taking. “It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I have decided to leave the company I founded,” said Pliner in a 2015 statement, announcing his departure.

Regarding the new legal action initiated against him by the owners of the namesake brand he founded, designer Donald J. Pliner says: “I am sad and disappointed by this news. In an effort not to publicly harm the brand and the value of the company I founded and in which I hold a minority interest, I did not seek a public confrontation. Instead, I fully complied with my contract obligations after the one-year non-compete period. I just launched two new collections meant to present my vision, craftsmanship, and personalized attention to the public. The only explanation I have is that this must be a misguided attempt to prevent the launch of my new collections. I am delighted to return to my passion of designing, and feel the same joy and excitement for my two new collections that I felt 27 years ago when I founded a brand I believed in. With all of my heart, I want to thank my wife Lisa, daughter Starr (can you believe she just turned 12), my family, my friends, my team, my longstanding buyers who have expressed their support and encouragement, and most of all – my fans for all of your excitement and warm reception. You keep me young and keep my passion alive. In my heart, I am hopeful that Donald J Pliner™ (the brand) and the designer Donald J. Pliner can find a way to co-exist and be one again.“

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show Returns to Santa Clara March 5-6, 2016, with Celebrity Guest Speakers

No. 1 Travel Show Series In The U.S. To Features 200+ Exhibitors, Vacation Experts, Exclusive Travel Deals, World-Class Performers And Celebrity Speakers

The 2016 SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show, part of the No. 1 travel show series in the U.S., returns to the Santa Clara Convention Center  (5001 Great America Highway, Santa Clara, Calif.), with an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, travel industry experts, global performers and renowned chefs. Confirmed participants include Rick Steves, America’s leading authority on European travel; Travel Channel host Samantha Brown; Jerry Stone, the popular food blogger; and Ben Simon, chief executive officer of Imperfect Produce, among others.

The 2016 SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show takes place March 5-6. On Saturday, March 5, the show opens at 9:30 a.m. for travel professionals, with general public hours set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, March 6, the show floor is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Single day tickets ($16) and two-day tickets ($25) can be purchased at www.TravelShows.com/shows/san-francisco-bay-area/. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge.

“We are thrilled to welcome the world’s leading travel, food and cultural experts to the SF/Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show,” said John Golicz, chief executive officer and founder. “Our team has curated an entertaining, interactive show that will provide unparalleled travel education to help travelers enhance their next domestic or international adventure.“

The 2016 SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show will feature the following keynote speakers: 

• Rick Steves, chief executive officer of “Rick Steves’ Europe,” guidebook author, PBS travel host and America’s leading authority on European travel

• Samantha Brown, Travel Channel host

• Pauline Frommer, editorial director of the Frommer Guides and publisher of www.Frommers.com

• Doug McConnell, host of “OpenRoad” on NBC Bay Area and former host of the legendary, “Bay Area Backroads,” the longest-running television series in Bay Area broadcast history

Wanderlust travelers can attend the Destination Theater for the following locale-specific workshops to draw inspiration and gain insider knowledge:

• The Islands of Tahiti are Closer Than You Think

• Beyond the Cruise: The Inside Scoop on Alaska Adventures

• Adventure, Discovery and Tranquility in Costa Rica

• Adventures in Australia & New Zealand

Additionally, there will be a special presentation by Paul Wiseman, president of Trafalgar USA, as well as seminars hosted by the Nevada Commission, Philippine Office of Tourism, Fiji and the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.

At the Savvy Traveler Theater, guests can also gain valuable tips and tricks at the following seminars for traveling smarter, more safely and with fewer hassles:

• Travel Smart with Technology with Angel Castellanos

• A Guide to Better Travel Photography with Ralph Velasco

• Explore What’s Unique About Cruises & Land Vacations

• Packing Light with Jon Holloway

• Maximize Your National Parks Experience

• TravelSquire & The Travel Therapist

The 2016 SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show boasts a variety of global culture and entertainment. The Global Beats Stage offers culturally diverse music and dance performances while the Taste of Travel Stage, hosted by Chef Garth Blackburn and Amy Kushnir, provides visitors with insights from professional foodies and a taste of local, regional and global cuisine prepared by local chefs. Specials guests will include:

• Jerry Stone, food and wine blogger (Cooking Stoned and Green Wine Guide)

• Ben Simon – chief executive officer, Imperfect Produce

• Allan Karl, motorcycle adventure traveler, photographer and bestselling author of “FORKS—A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection”

• Chef Garth Blackburn, Sub-Zero Wolf in Dallas and Houston, Texas

• Amy Kushnir, host of “Taste Texas” and author of “Red Dirt Recipes”

• Sergio Monleón and Emily Sarlatte, chefs/owners, La Marcha, Berkeley, Calif.

Travel enthusiasts can also look forward to the opportunity to meet with more than 200 of the world’s top travel providers and access to exclusive once-in-a-lifetime travel deals, prizes and trip giveaways. Back for the sixth year in a row, the SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show will be the largest to date and is a smart, cost-effective way for savvy travelers to find, plan and book their dream vacation.

Sponsors of the 2016 SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show include Tourism Fiji, “Rick Steves’ Europe,” Sunset magazine, Wonderful Indonesia and the Yosemite Experience Pavilion.

CES 2016: Whirlpool Unveils Revolutionary, Pantry-Inspired Smart Home Refrigerator

Award-Winning French Door Refrigerator is the Industry’s[i] Easiest to Organize with Unique Shelving System for More Storage

Photo Courtesy of Whirlpool

For more than one hundred years, the Whirlpool brand has been inspired by how people care for their families and the brand is known for designing home appliances that are focused on improving how families give and get the care they need with the latest technologies and innovations – whether that means most flexible refrigerator storage for all types of family needs, induction technology for efficient cooking and easier cleaning, or laundry pairs that sense and adapt to clothes with the latest in connected technologies.

Completely and intuitively re-imagined on the inside, the pantry-inspired layout in the re-designed WHIRLPOOL® SMART FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR ($3,800.00) is designed to use space more efficiently with a unique shelving system for families to fit and find all their edible favorites, making it the easiest refrigerator to organize.¹

With pantry shelves that store 30 percent more¹, the refrigerator won top honors with two 2016 CES Innovation Awards in the Smart Home and Home Appliances categories.

“The market has traditionally provided stagnant, similarly spaced interiors, and has not been responding with new designs that account for which items people reach for most often,” said Shannon Blakely, brand manager, Whirlpool brand. “Based on global food trends and family observations about how they store food, a team of Whirlpool consumer researchers, designers and product engineers helped design an interior space that moves the least-used, small items out of the way to create easier access to larger items, improves visibility of all items and reduces the need for re-shuffling.”

The Industry’s¹ Easiest to Organize Refrigerator Based On A Radically New Interior Configuration,

Whirlpool® designers considered everything from the grocery store produce aisle to the modern kitchen pantry in developing this refrigerator that does more than keep food cold.

Every section, every shelf, every bin in the French Door Refrigerator was re-designed to deliver smart organization with greater access and better visibility to change the way families think about storing food. Key innovations include:

— INFINITY SLIDE SHELVES line the perimeter of the fridge, so families can move small items to the edges and make room for big, high-use items front and center. The shelves are precisely spaced apart based on common sizes of food packaging so that yogurts, spaghetti jars, 12-pack soda boxes and egg cartons fit perfectly. And, they glide just as far as needed to accommodate taller items like corked wine bottles and pitchers.

— INDUSTRY-FIRST “FLIPPERS” allow families to adjust the shelves up or down without having to clear the shelves completely.

— With an understanding of what families buy most, the PERFECTPLACES(TM) SYSTEM has just the right spot reserved for every item, so the refrigerator and freezer spaces no longer become a dumping ground with overflowing bins.

— GALLON DOOR BINS give families the most gallon door bin storage in the industry.[ii]

— From chocolate to cheese to kid’s snacks, a SMALL ITEMS BIN and TREASURE(TM) BIN help keep the little items in clear sight.

— ASYMMETRICAL CRISPERS are designed with dividers to display fresh produce like bell peppers up front, and store bags of apples in the back. The biggest crispers in the market³ were thoughtfully designed to hold common foods and packaging like unwieldy long and wide celery stalks and large plastic lettuce containers.

— A full-width “PLATTER POCKET” SHELF, which slides out entirely to get to favorite foods easier. It’s spaced from the other shelves at a height specifically for wide, flat items so families have a special spot for brownie pans, lasagna dishes and pizza boxes.

— BRIGHT LED UNDERSHELF LIGHTS in the EASYVIEW(TM) SYSTEM boast 40 percent more brightness under the shelf to help illuminate even those far-back corners where half-filled condiment jars have been known to hide for years.

— The STORERIGHT(TM) SYSTEM‘s dual cooling allows for fresh and frozen foods to be maintained at the perfect temperatures using sensor technology. Dual cooling also measures humidity levels and adjusts the temperature automatically, without the need to manually adjust.

— Always be ready for unexpected guests with the ReadySet(TM) system with dual icemakers that make more than twice the ice.[iii]

Modernism Week in Palm Springs Announces 2016 Schedule, Highlights Include Modern Cuba Experience, Fashion, Events Beyond the Coachella Valley

Modernism Week’s Signature February Festival Will Take Place February 11-21, 2016, Highlighting Midcentury Modern Design, Architecture, Art, Fashion And Culture In The Palm Springs Area Of Southern California.

Modernism Week’s signature February Event is an annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in Palm Springs.

Julius Shulman and Juergen Nogai, photo 2007, The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands; A. uincy Jones and Frederick E. Emmons, 1966

Modernism Week 2016 Logo

This exciting festival takes place in February in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. Modernism Week features more than 250 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, tours of iconic homes, a world-class lecture & film series, architectural walking, biking, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, a Palm Springs Walk of Stars dedication for architect Richard Harrison, vintage fashion, classic cars, garden tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, fashion, classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, Modern Giants – a celebration of the area’s largest collection of midcentury modern commercial buildings at Eisenhower Medical Center and more.

In addition to the events in February, Modernism Week hosts the “Fall Preview” over Columbus Day weekend in mid-October. Partner organizations collaborate to produce a “mini-Modernism Week” to kick-off the active social and recreational season in Palm Springs.

Modernism Week is also a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, providing scholarships to local students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design; as well as supporting local and state preservation organizations and neighborhood groups in their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

“Coming off the tremendous success of Modernism Week’s tenth celebration in February 2015, we’ve expanded this year’s slate of events geographically,” explained Board Chairman, Chris Mobley. “February’s schedule includes exciting tours and activities throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond, and long-time supporters of Modernism Week will be thrilled with the selection of appealing new programs.”

The Kaufmann House designed by architect richard Neutra helped establish the style that became known as Deser Modernism. Completed between 1946-47, the iconic project was built as a winter vacation home. Photo Credit: David A. Lee

A highlight during the first weekend of Modernism Week is “Party at the Yacht Club – An Exclusive Taste, Toast and Tour of Albert Frey’s Historic Masterpiece” (2/12), a celebration of Albert Frey’s North Shore Beach & Yacht Club (1959) being officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). A direct shuttle will depart from Modernism Week’s CAMP headquarters to the Salton Sea, where guests will enjoy an exclusive tour of the yacht club, lunch, the unveiling of the NRHP plaque, and the premiere of the Salton Sea Art Show – a curated collection of paintings, sculptures and photography.

Modernism Week will also take a trip to the Museum of Pinball in Banning, one of the greatest kept secrets of the midcentury modern revival. ‘Retro Pinball Mania’ (2/15) will be an evening of partying in a midcentury modern atmosphere while enjoying unlimited free-play on more than 700 beautifully restored vintage arcade and pinball machines.

The Artisan Group® to Showcase Star Worthy Collection of Handcrafted Luxury Goods at GBK’s Pre-Primetime Emmys Celebrity Gift Lounge

Platinum Sponsor The Artisan Group® (www.theartisangroup.org) will be present at GBK’s Pre-Primetime Emmys Celebrity Gift Lounge honoring the Nominees and Presenters of the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards, with a star worthy selection of luxury handcrafted goods prepared by its members especially for attending celebrities, VIPs and members of the press. The Gift Lounge takes place September 18-19, 2015 at an exclusive location in Beverly Hills, California.

The Artisan Group® (www.theartisangroup.org) is a premier entertainment marketing group dedicated to representing small business artisans at the best celebrity gift lounges and press events. The organization provides a collective sampling of handcrafted products to celebrities and members of the press at top luxury gift lounges such as those leading up to The Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, The MTV Movie Awards and The Primetime Emmys.

AAA Moonstone Handmade Pendant Necklace by Gretchen Hind Designs

All-Natural Soy Candle in Travel Tin by Lit & Co.

Autumn in Korea FIne Art Photography Gift Set by wanderlustography.

Blue and Cream Damask Glass Pendant by Mary Grace Jewellery.

Soapy Tails Bar Soap by Soap Cauldron.

Copper Wrapped Gemstone Bracelet by AussenWolf Designs

Corsica Gold Lariat Necklace by Chelsea Bond Jewelry

Crocheted Hat by Surprise Designs.

Forbidden – 100% Natural Artisan Fine Fragrance

Kept Heart and Faceted Glass Earrings by Jessica Klaaren Jewelry.

Mens Pocket Squares by Girl by Aileen

Polka Dot Thank You Notecard, XOXO Notecard, Hers + Hers Congrats Card by August + White.

Serena Necklace by Hope Anchored Designs.

Unisex Braided Leather Wrap Bracelet with 45 Auto Bullet Closure by Scarlett Sage

Be Grateful Gold Bar Necklace by DesignMe Jewelry

The Artisan Group’s swag bag this year is valued at over $1,300.00 and includes an assortment of artisan jewelry; bath and body products; hair accessories; candles; crocheted hats; clutches; designer stationery; nail polishes; pet products; fine art photography and other handcrafted items; and will also be gifting GBK’s 2015 charity beneficiaries, to be announced in the coming days.

Remarked The Artisan Group® founder Valerie Guerrero, “This is our fifth year sponsoring GBK’s Pre-Primetime Emmys Gift Lounge. We are offering our most varied selection of handcrafted products ever, with items that will appeal to both women and men, including some fabulous home décor items. Our members are wonderful ambassadors for the handcrafted movement. I could not be more proud.”

At GBK‘s 2014 Pre-Primetime Emmys event, members gifted cast members from “Orange is the New Black,” “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Fargo,” “True Blood,” “Ray Donovan,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “Dancing with the Stars,” among many others.

Participating members gifting the celebrities at GBK’s 2015 Pre-Primetime Emmys Celebrity Gift Lounge include: Marie Chang of August + White; Caitlin Reyna of Boy Cherie; Chelsea Bond of Chelsea Bond Jewelry; Debra Jeffries of Debra’s Divine Designs; Vanessa Painter of DesignMe Jewelry; Emily Scott of e. scott originals; Aileen Parks of Girl by Aileen; Bethany Schuelke of Hope Anchored Designs; Jessica Klaaren of Jessica Klaaren Jewelry; Kristen Jackson of Lit&Co. Candles; Joy Ekhator of Lovinah Natural & Organic Skincare; Mary Brooks of Mary Grace Jewellery; Stacey MacDonald of Pure! Lather Inc.; Starlene DeBord of Scarlett Sage; Susie Gainor of SmiLe Styles; Emma Mann of Soap Cauldron; Maren Misner of The Tin Owl; Catherine McDonald of wanderlustography; Judy Aussenhofer of AussenWolf Designs; Navine Acevedo of Brosily Bath and Body; Courtenay Madsen of Courtenay J Designs; Carleigh Pearce of Ellison’s Organics; Mila and Payton Bartos of FizzCandy Jewelry; Erica Taylor of Paper and Place; Deborah Gray-Wurz of Bead Indulgences; Erin Pelicano Cauble of Erin Pelicano, ltd; Gretchen Hind of Gretchen Hind Designs; Christi Meshell of House of Matriarch; Joanne McKillip of JJewelry – Jewelry by Joanne; Nichelle Shaw of Necessities by Nichelle; Caitlin Brotz of Olivu 426; Melissa J. Robinson of Raven Boutique; Leslie D. Tucker of Surprise Designs and Brian Tacang of The Glossatteer.

The Artisan Group’s official 2015 Pre-Primetime Emmys Event Guide detailing all participating members is available to view online at Joomag. See photos of gifted items on Pinterest. To learn more about The Artisan Group’s support of the handcrafted movement, its membership and its charitable contributions, read TAGazine | Vol. 6.

Virtuoso Reveals Its Top 10 & Hot10 Lists for Fall 2015 Travel

From Italy To Vietnam To Luxury Yacht Cruising, Virtuoso® Clients Lead The Way In Upscale Experiential Travel

The leading international luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, hosted its 27th annual Virtuoso Travel Week conference last week– an event akin to Fashion Week where travel buyers seek out the latest trends in luxury experiences by meeting with thousands of travel purveyors, all preferred partners of the network. At the center of this remarkable exchange sits Virtuoso, which is able to view the industry through a unique and very wide lens to assess what’s next on the horizon for luxury travel, which in turn sets the pace and demand for more mainstream vacations. Aided by the network’s proprietary data warehouse of more than $35 billion in transactions, Virtuoso has become recognized throughout the industry as an authoritative trend predictor, and has set its scope to determine the top destinations for the fall and early winter of 2015.

While summer is winding down, those needing to fulfill their wanderlust should not fret. Virtuoso says fall is actually a great time to travel. With summer vacation travel over, corporate/business travel softens right after Labor Day, making fall “low season” for domestic and some international air carriers. So where to go next? While tried and true favorites still attract the bulk of business, Virtuoso is seeing the rise of more unique locales as it compares destinations with the most year-over-year demand.

At a time when reports show as many as four out of 10 people not taking a vacation in over a year, clients of the Virtuoso network, which caters to those seeking enhanced service and richer, more personalized travel experiences, are ramping up their journeys. Regarded as some of the most upscale and influential travelers, Virtuoso clients are more than four times more likely to have recently booked travel.

“Today’s consumers purchase travel in a much more personalized way, looking for attributes in products and services that reflect who they are and the lifestyles they lead,” says Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO for Virtuoso. “They self-identify based on how they view themselves, and they have a multitude of travel personalities depending on where they are going and who is traveling with them. Our goal is to create an enriching experience every time, whether they’re traveling to someplace more known like Europe or a destination further afar like Southeast Asia.”

THE VIRTUOSO TOP 10: The most popular destinations for fall leisure travel based on future bookings, these are the spots where people will be flocking:

1. Italy

2. Mexico

3. United Kingdom

4. South Africa

5. Australia

6. New Zealand

7. France

8. China

9. Germany

10. Canada

THE TOP 10 ANALYSIS: Europe continues to dominate the list of favored destinations, thanks in large part to the softer euro, and Italy has bypassed the summer’s top destination for Virtuoso travelers, the United Kingdom. With a 34 percent increase in air bookings alone, Canada is the fastest growing of the Top 10 Destinations.

THE VIRTUOSO HOT 10: As the countries seeing the biggest jump in year-over-year bookings, these are the destinations where more seasoned travelers will be venturing.

1. Vietnam (+270%)

2. India (+212%)

3. French Polynesia (+91%)

4. Spain (+53%)

5. Argentina (+46%)

6. Canada (+34%)

7. U.S. Virgin Islands (+32%)

8. Peru (+28%)

9. Costa Rica (+27%)

10. Netherlands (+25%)

THE HOT 10 ANALYSIS: This fall travelers are seeking the cultural appeal, favorable climate and relative value of Vietnam and India, and in a big way as both are seeing massive increases in future bookings. Less traditional European countries like Spain and the Netherlands are on the rise, while those looking for a seasonal switch will be heading to Argentina and Peru. And for those simply seeking sun, French Polynesia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Costa Rica provide just the thing.

Despite the travel boom on a global level, with more than 1.1 billion people crossing borders last year, Virtuoso says its clients are seeking out highly personalized experiences. Luxury yacht cruising is seeing some of the strongest growth – up 15 percent when compared to last year – which is topped by expedition cruising, up 41 percent. Both surpass traditional ocean cruising, which is up 12 percent over last year.

Data is sourced from Virtuoso’s United States and Canadian-based travel agency members. The findings were announced during the group’s 27th annual Virtuoso Travel Week at Bella Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show A High Design Hit

Photo Credit: Images by http://www.SocialShutterbug.com, with additional images provided by www.archdigesthomeshow.com

The 13th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show (ADHDS), March 20-23, annually held at Pier 94 in New York City, was (and is) a premier showcase for luxury products and cutting-edge designs from close to 400 brands. The four-day fair showcased the best in the home design and luxury market and features more than 300 exhibitors and close to 400 premium brands and covers a range of categories including: furniture, accessories, art, kitchen and bath products, flooring, rugs, electronics, ceramics, stone and tile, wall covering, lighting, outdoor products, and more. From product launches, theater programming, and special events, the show is (and was) a must-attend for the industry’s top professionals and discerning consumers. Next year’s show dates are March 19-22, 2015.

(Photo Credit: SocilaShutterBug.com)

Show Floor (Photo Credit: SocilaShutterBug.com)

More than 40,000 attendees from across the globe took to the aisles to discover distinctive items for their projects, visit the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio for exciting seminars presented by Architectural Digest and The New York Times, and experience the Shops at ADHDS, a new curation of cash-and-carry storefronts, and the first-ever outdoor pavilion. Exhibitors noted the marked increase in attendance, including a remarkable 55 percent increase in the number of design trade attendees, and came away with productive leads from both discerning industry professionals and consumer visitors.

AeroPod by Dean Jackson

Bella Vista Tile

Bertazzoni

Brian Boggs Chairmakers

Brizo

Bronzes de France

D’Apostrophe

Delightfull

Farrow and Ball Ltd.

Giulio Capua, vice president and publisher, Architectural Digest credits the show’s wide range of offerings for helping to set the tone for a successful weekend. “We’ve continued to innovate the show experience and programming by creating a showcase in step with industry trends,” he said. “This year, attendees experienced a wealth of great design—from of one-of-a-kind artisan pieces to new product launches from top manufacturers and design studios to important technologies leading the smart home revolution.”

Walpole Outdoors

Sonya Winner Studio

Sleep Studio

Seventeen20

RS Ceramics

Patrick Weder Design

Palo Samko

Orley Shabahang

Milano Smart Living

Mastour Galleries

Lipman Art

Ligne Roset

Lang Hall

Karkula

Grey Area

A showcase of some of the finest home furnishings manufacturers and leading designers present their latest lines and projects. A wide range of exquisite offerings from around the world including contemporary and classic furniture, lighting, carpets, decorative accessories, textiles, art and more. The juried MADE galleries showcase the work of craftsman, artists and designers of limited edition and one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings. Internationally renown and newly emerging talent present unique, beautiful and imaginative works in a range of mediums. The largest collection of luxury and premium kitchen, bath and building products in North America. reFRESH offers international product debuts, innovations in technology, state-of-the-art design and culinary demonstrations from leading chefs. Appliances, cabinets, tile & stone, bath fittings & fixtures, windows, doors, hardware, security systems, smart home technology and more. 

Panasonic Showcases Innovative Home, Personal Care Products at 2014 International Home & Housewares Show

 Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is showcasing its latest in innovative consumer products for the home at the 2014 International Home & Housewares Show being held in Chicago’s McCormick Place, Saturday March 15 through Tuesday March 18.  Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S.including products from VIERA Life+ Screen, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

The Panasonic booth (#L12505) will offer convention-goers an interactive look at some of the company’s popular home products; a stylist station will provide women with on-site hair styles and touch-ups; and a barber station will offer men hair cuts and shaves with the company’s award-winning men’s grooming tools.  All of the products featured in the Panasonic booth are available immediately on www.shop.panasonic.com.

For Beauty and Grooming

Panasonic will display the large selection of men’s grooming, women’s beauty and oral care products currently available.  The interactive styling station will offer hair styling by appointment with the nanoe™ Hair Dryer and nanoe™ Flat Iron, products that are effective in enhancing hair’s smoothness and shine. Attendees will also be able to view Panasonic’s full range of Compact Beauty Tools, designed for on-the-go beauty needs, and the new Facial Ionic Steamer.  Offering a quick 3-minute or 6-minute steam session, the Facial Ionic Steamer utilizes ultra-fine nano steam particles to supplement moisture in the skin.

nanoe™ Hair Dryer

nanoe™ Flat Iron

nanoe™ Hair Dryer

nanoe™ Hair Dryer

The booth’s barber station will offer hair cuts using Panasonic’s award-winning Wet/Dry Beard/Hair Trimmers, including the ER-GB40, and close, luxurious shaves with the new ES-LV95 Arc5 Men’s Shaver.  Designed to provide men with the ultimate shave, the new Arc5 Men’s Shaver offers a five blade cutting system, a 14,000-cycles per minute linear motor drive and new shave sensor technology which automatically detects beard density to adjust motor speed for a powerful yet gentle shave.

ES-LV95 Arc5 5-Blade Wet-Dry Shaver with Cleaning & Charging System 2

ES-LV95 Arc5 5-Blade Wet-Dry Shaver with Cleaning & Charging System 2

For the Home

Panasonic offers a full range of appliance products for the home – from the kitchen to the living room.  The Genius Prestige Microwave Ovens with Inverter Technology will be a focal point in the booth along with the classic FlashXpress Toaster Oven, a favorite among consumers, and the new Immersion Blender, which will all be available in late 2014.  The sleek and modernBreakfast Collection (Toaster, Kettle and Coffee Maker) will once again be on display and will be joined by the new Espresso Machine providing show-goers delicious coffee concoctions throughout the four days of the event.

From cooking to cleaning, Panasonic has got home appliances covered.  A colorful array of Panasonic vacuum cleaners will be included in the booth display, including the new MC-UL429 bagless JetForce vacuum which features a lightweight design and uses JetForce technology to separate dust and air via centrifugal force in combination with the unique hour–glass dust container. 

For home communication, Panasonic will offer a hands-on look at the newest premium cordless phones now available.  The Panasonic Premium Design Series, including the KX-PRL262B, KX-PRX-120W, KX-PRW130W, KX-PRW120W, and the new Link2Cell phone models, including the KX-TGH263B and KX-TGE275S. These models offer sleek new designs coupled with enhanced technologies including Link2Cell, which allows users to make and receive cell phone calls from their cordless handset with or without a landline;  Talking Text Sender alert which announces the name and number of an incoming text message; key detector, and an integrated baby monitor which alerts other handsets when baby starts crying.

For more information on Panasonic’s full line of consumer products for the home please visit www.shop.panasonic.com.

Thirteen Companies Honored for Innovation at the 2014 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show

Images photographed by Sheldon Baldie

Thirteen marine products were honored for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 2014 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. Thirteen products took home 2014 Innovation Awards during NMMA’s State of Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast, held February 13th, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

The Progressive® Insurance Miami International Boat Show® – the world’s premier boat show, Feb. 13-17, 2014, brought more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 companies from across the globe to three locations – Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside. From the newest luxury motor and sailing yachts, family cruisers, engines, electronics and marine gear, to dozens of attractions and on-water workshops, the Miami Boat Show provided attendees an all-access pass to enjoy the boating lifestyle and shop the newest in recreational boats and marine accessories.

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Visitors had the rare opportunity to board and compare the world’s leading boat brands side-by-side at competitive bargains and find exclusive show specials on the newest marine accessories, gifts and electronics. In addition, each show venue featured a variety of interactive education and activities for boaters of all ages and experience levels. Visitors were able to take the helm during on-water training courses at the show’s two in-water locations, reel in new angling skills at the Big Game Room, and enjoy a free sail ride along Biscayne Bay, plus mingle with boating’s favorite celebrities.

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

Photo Credit: Sheldon Baldie

 

The annual Miami Boat Show draws more than 100,000 visitors from around the world and is city’s largest event with an economic impact of 597 million dollars in Florida, generating big business for the state and U.S. recreational boating industry.

The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and, availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.

 “As judges, every year we debate the idea of innovation amongst many great products,” said Zuzana Prochazka, Innovation Awards judge chair,freelance writer and photographer for various boating publications including Sea, SAIL, Yachtworld.com, Boat US, Boats.com, Cruising Outpost and current Chair of the BWI New Products Committee. “We look forward to seeing how these products adapt in the marketplace and advance recreational boating.”

In addition to Prochazka, rounding out the panel of judges for this year’s Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Innovation Awards were: Nigel Calder, author of Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual and Marine Diesel Engines; Alan Jones, writer and editor for Boating World magazine;Ann Dermody, managing editor of BoatUS  magazine; Lenny Rudow, senior editor for Dominion Marine Media, including Boats.com and Yachtworld.com; Alan Wendt, first vice president of BWI and contributor to various marine industry publications, including Lakeland Boating; and, Roger McAfee, regular contributor to Pacific Yachting, Sea, Southern Boating, Lakeland Boating, and ShowBoats International.

Thirteen Innovation Awards were presented today in the following categories:

The Largest Jewelry Exhibition To Date in Istanbul; “Istanbul Jewelry Show March” 2014 Countdown Is Started

Turkey’s number one and the ultimate trading platform for worldwide jewelry industry professionals, “Istanbul Jewelry Show March“, organized by UBM Rotaforte will be held from 20 – 23 March 2014 at The Istanbul Exhibition Center (CNR Expo). As the 3rd largest manufacturer of gold jewelry and the 2nd biggest exporter of it in the world, Turkey serves around 80 countries in the region as a trading hub for countries in the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Russian Federation and CIS, the Middle East, Black Sea, Caucasia and North Africa.

With Turkey’s strategic location,”Istanbul Jewelry Show March” is serving as the gateway for the world jewelry industry and provides a unique meeting platform to explore new business opportunities, an ideal place to source for a wide range of new products, and to discover the latest trends of gold, diamond, silver jewelry, gold mounting, gemstones, pearls and watches — with competitive price and quality to order for the new spring, summer, and autumn retail seasons.

The Turkish art and craft of jewelery, inspired by 5,000 years of cultural and historical heritage of Anatolia combined with the latest technology, outstanding craftsmanship, immense variety, flexible production capacity, excellent finishing quality, competitive prices and shortest delivery time make “Istanbul Jewelry Show March” an ideal place for sourcing products on every category of price and quality, from price point merchandise to high-end design jewelry.

The 4-day event will occupy more than 60,000 square metres of exhibition space in 6 halls and gather over 1,200 local and overseas exhibitors from 25 countries with an extensive display of Gold Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds & Pearls, Silver Jewelry, Mountings, Watches, Machinery, Tools & Equipment, Display Units, Packaging, Security Devices and Software just for industry professionals.

The exhibition halls are designed and grouped by product in order to save time and increase efficiency for buyers as they tour around and there will be 6 National and Group pavilions from Turkey, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Greece, UAE, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Thailand and USA.

Istanbul Jewelry Show March is supported by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation (KOSGEB), Jewellery Exporters’ Association (JTR), certified by the Union of International Fairs (UFI) and the Quality Management System ISO-9001, ensuring that it represents an outstanding international trade event serving the fast growing domestic and international markets surrounding Turkey.

Japan Week 2014 Comes to Grand Central Terminal

Japanese culture, cuisine and tourism come to Grand Central Terminal with Japan Week 2014, a three-day festival organized by the Japan Tourism Agency and Japan National Tourism Organization and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in New York. Japan Week will spotlight unique features of Japanese culture from the last 100 years to the present in Vanderbilt Hall March 6-8, 2014.

Japan Week 2014. (PRNewsFoto/Japan Week)

Founded in 2012, Japan Week is a promotional tourism event aiming to encourage travel to Japan. The multi-dimensional event is open to the general public and promotes Japanese tourism through culture, food and beverages. Japan Week offers programs for the entire family. The west half of Vanderbilt Hall will transport visitors 100 years back in time when the Industrial Revolution had just begun. At that time, there was great influence from Western culture, which fast-forwarded modernization in Japan. The following programs will take place in the west half:

—  The Visit Japan booth will include representatives from 23 different  organizations ranging from travel agents and hotels to Japanese local governments.
—  Start planning your next trip with special tours such as JTB USA‘s travel package for the Jewish community, Kintetsu International’s exclusive private sake tour and SITA World Tours’ journey of Tokyo and Kyoto on a budget. Choose between Kyoto and Osaka with Amnet New York, take a cruise with IACE Travel of Hokkaido or Kyushu, or join Nippon Travel Agency on the road from Tokyo to Kyushu. Visit the booth for exclusive promotion discounts.
—  Sadaharu Ishiwari is an Amezaikushi, an artist exclusively trained in traditional Japanese candy craft who will sculpt detailed animals  out of sugar. Today there are only about twenty professional  amezaiku craftsmen left in Japan. Go to the Visit Japan booth to answer a quick survey to receive one of his sweet creations.
—  Sakai City will take viewers on a virtual reality tour inside the Ancient Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, which was created in the 5th century and the insides of which have never been open to the public. Sakai City is also historically known for its samurai swords and tools that can cut through stone. These have evolved into high-quality kitchen knives today, some of which will be on display.
—  At Virtual Reality Theater, view 100 years of Japan’s vibrant culture through captivating images providing a rare insight into rural Japan giving viewers the feeling of traveling back in time. Witness how JTB aided the evacuation of Jewish refugees from Europe in “Transit to Freedom,” a moving documentary by the New York Film Academy. And a virtual reality movie takes viewers inside Kumamoto Castle.
—  The Sake Bar will be pouring 16 unique regional sakes and other beverages ranging from green tea to whisky. Expert sake sommeliers will be available to answer any questions and if you’re hungry, Abura soba, Kanazawa curry, Kanimeshi, and other bento boxes will also be sold, created with the 100-year theme in mind.

Japan Week 2014. (PRNewsFoto/Japan Week)

The east half of Vanderbilt Hall will showcase modern Japan and a glimpse into its goals for the future, including the following programs:
—  Delta Air Lines will demonstrate their relaxing and luxurious 180-degree  flat-bed seats with featured amenities offered in BusinessElite® class  and offer an exclusive Delta Vacations promotional package only when you visit their booth. One lucky visitor to the booth at Japan Week will win  a free round-trip ticket to Japan’s Narita Airport from JFK, in addition to sweepstakes offered online at japanweek.us.
—  Takumi Japan will introduce Japanese artistry, including hand-blown  glass house wares, wooden keyboards and USB’s, gold lacquered iPhone cases, and more.
—  JR East will present high-end models of their trains, distributing tourism information, and playing a 3D video about Shinkansen bullet trains and tourism in Japan. They are also introducing a Japanese train enthusiasts’ club known as The Japan Rail Modelers of Washington D.C., which will exhibit a 50-square-foot Japanese-themed train model.
—  SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION will unveil and sell their new Astron watch. Visitors will be able to try on this breakthrough timepiece and enter into a contest to win one.
—  NTT DOCOMO will present the Automatic Voice Translation smartphone app, in which face-to-face conversations are automatically voice-translated.
—  Fuji Television Network will promote “Time Trip View,” that allows viewers to experience Edo Castle in it’s original state, and connect  with Sharp Electronics Corporation‘s new large screen LED TV’s to view the castle in outstanding brightness and color. Understand the  gift-giving culture of Japan at the Japan Shopping Tourism Organization booth where you can receive your own omiyage by answering a survey. Also, Museyon is offering free downloads of their book “Cool Japan” from  March 6 – 12, available at their booth and also through Barnes & Noble.

In addition to the three-day festival at Grand Central Terminal, New Yorkers can experience Japan Week in a variety of ways, including the following:
—  New York Times Travel Show, through March 2, 2014: Japan Week 2014 will be promoted in the Japan Booth at the New York Times Travel Show, which features 500 exhibitors representing more than 150 countries in the  Javits Center. Stop by the booth for more information about tourism throughout Japan.
—  International Restaurant & Foodservice Show, March 2 – 4, 2014: The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a leading food and beverage trade show, open to the restaurant and foodservice industry only. Information about Japanese Restaurant Week will be available at this event.
—  Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, March 11, 2014: The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will debut in the U.S. as part of the 100-year Anniversary. The performance will be conducted by Eiji Oue on the third anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011, featuring Mayuzumi’s Bugaku, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, and more in Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.
—  Japanese Restaurant Week, through March 16, 2014: Japanese Restaurant Week will feature NYC-based Japanese restaurants serving special dishes that reflect the 100-year theme as well as local Japanese specialties.

For more information about Japan Week, please visit our website, www.japanweek.us, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JapanWeekNY and follow us on Twitter at @JapanWeekNY. For more information about travel to Japan, please visit www.japantravelinfo.com.

NATIVE TRAILS INTRODUCES NATIVESTONE™ CONCRETE SINKS AT ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST HOME DESIGN SHOW

UNIQUE BLEND OF JUTE AND CEMENT RESULTS IN A STRONG YET SIGNIFICANTLY LIGHTER CONCRETE PRODUCT

Native Trails, a leader in artisan-crafted, eco-conscious furnishings and fixtures for high-end kitchen and bath design, as well as home-decor products, is proud to introduce NativeStone by Native Trails Concrete Sinks at its inaugural exhibit at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Constructed using an innovative mixture of jute fiber and cement, Native Trails’ NativeStone sinks weigh approximately 40 per cent less than sinks made using standard concrete.

This exciting new collection of contemporary artisan sinks will be shown for the first time on the East Coast at booth #279 in the reFRESH pavilion at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show taking place Mar. 20-23 at Pier 94 in New York. The NativeStone collection includes kitchen, bar/prep and lavatory sinks – including a new addition of trough sinks for the bath. As with all of Native Trails’ products, NativeStone sinks incorporate sustainable, eco-conscious materials and artisan crafted methods. Each sink is handmade by artisans using a multi-stage process resulting in a beautiful, durable product for the kitchen or bath that is stain, scratch, and crack resistant.

“It’s been an exciting process to develop our NativeStone line with this new, innovative material,” says Naomi Neilson Howard, founder and CEO of Native Trails. “Our handmade, 100-per-cent recycled copper products put Native Trails on the map, and launching our new NativeStone sink collection is an exciting, natural progression – they are made by true artisans from natural, sustainable materials, and there is really nothing like this being done. When you see one of these contemporary styled sinks, one would never guess that eco-friendly jute fibre fills much of the space within their walls – making them lighter and stronger. And they are extremely resistant to staining – practically stain proof.”

NativeStone capitalizes on the inherent durability and resilience of jute, a vegetable fibre traditionally used for making rope, twine and heavy-duty packaging. When mixed with cement, jute helps to produce an extraordinarily strong material with high tensile strength, while creating a dramatically lighter product. Furthermore, the jute used in each NativeStone sink is grown locally, near the artisans’ workshops – which ties in perfectly to Native Trails’ eco-friendly initiative to support local communities. Jute is a renewable resource, as it grows in tropical, wet climates and does not rely on fertilizer to grow. In addition, jute is also 100-per-cent biodegradable and recyclable.

The process of forming the NativeStone sinks is a multi-day, intensive undertaking. The artisans build their forms to Native Trails’ specifications and design, then hand fill the forms with an exclusive blend of raw materials and leave it to dry for 24 hours. Once taken out of the mold, the newly formed sink cures for five more days before the hand polishing phase and sealing process begins.

Each sink is sealed using a cutting edge nanosealer, which penetrates the concrete on a molecular level to create a protective, yet integrated barrier against stains and scratching. The sealer is hand applied in a multi-step process, creating an impenetrable coating that is scratch resistant and impervious to water, oils, acids and food. The final coat enhances the natural beauty of the concrete blend, while adding even more strength and durability.

NativeStone by Native Trails offers a modern yet earthy, expressive and versatile option for the kitchen and bath and is available in three sleek finishes: Ash, a light, natural grey with beautiful mottling that works perfectly in many designs; Slate, a rich, dark grey for a deep pop of colour; and Pearl, a luminescent cream that can blend in or stand out depending on the colour palette.

Here is a brief listing of the entire NativeStone™ collection, available in April 2014:
Bar/Prep Sinks
• Ventana – This 15” X 15” X 8” apron front prep sink proves it is hip to be square. Its substantial apron shows off the sleek lines and organic beauty of NativeStone™. Can also be installed as an undermount.
• Pozo – At 16” X 8”, this round prep sink makes a statement. Its drop-in installation creates a striking raised profile, showcasing the sleek texture and finish of NativeStone™.

With an elegant raised profile and wide lip, Cuyama is far from ordinary. This is one bathroom sink that exudes a graceful, modern sophistication with just a hint of rustic comfort.
Cuyama is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the bathroom, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Bath Sinks
• Morro – The perfect half-sphere of this vessel sink makes it a true stand-out for the bath; a beautiful, contemporary work of art in any of three finishes. Best of all, at 17” X 5”, its bowl is the perfect depth for washing up.
• Cuyama – At 21” X 15” X 5”, Cuyama may be a traditional oval bathroom sink size, but it is far from ordinary. Its beautiful raised profile and wide lip create a clean, contemporary look.
• Montecito – Modern and angular, this generously-sized raised profile rectangle lavatory sink measures 21.5” X 15.5” X 5.25”.

Perfect for sharing. While Trough 4819 is the ideal size for larger bathrooms – with plenty of room for group wash-ups – you may find yourself seeking alone time just to delight in the distinctive mottled coloration and cherish the handmade beauty.
Trough 4819 is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the bathroom, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Trough Bath Sinks
• Trough 3619: Durable, substantial, and beautiful – an ideal combination for a sink that is naturally the focal point of a bathroom. Trough 3619 features a single drain and measures 32” X 12” X 4” on the interior, with an exterior size of 36” X 19” X 5”.
• Trough 4819: Perfect for sharing, Trough 4819 features two drains and measures 44” X 12” X 4” on the interior, with an exterior dimension of 48” X 19” X 5”.

Farmhouse 3018’s smooth glamour brings a fresh sense of durability and styling to this classic Farmhouse sink. And talk about versatility! Gorgeous as a traditional apron front, Farmhouse 3018 is also beautiful installed behind the cabinet, with no apron showing. Or create a real uprising by installing with the rim partially above the counter! This multitalented sensation is as suitable in a modern design as it is in a rustic country setting.
Farmhouse 3018 is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the kitchen, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Farmhouse 3018’s smooth glamour brings a fresh sense of durability and styling to this classic Farmhouse sink. And talk about versatility! Gorgeous as a traditional apron front, Farmhouse 3018 is also beautiful installed behind the cabinet, with no apron showing. Or create a real uprising by installing with the rim partially above the counter! This multitalented sensation is as suitable in a modern design as it is in a rustic country setting.
Farmhouse 3018 is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the kitchen, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
• Farmhouse 3018 – NativeStone™’s sleek glamour brings a fresh sense of durability and styling to this classic Farmhouse sink. Measures 30” X 18” X 10.25”.

Native Trails, a privately owned business based in San Luis Obispo, California, has produced high-quality, artisan-crafted kitchen and bath fixtures and home decor since 1996. Naomi Neilson Howard, Native Trails’ founder and CEO, established the company to pair the stunning copper craftsmanship she discovered in her travels through Mexico with contemporary design and sustainable business practices. The company’s artisan creations are showcased in more than 1,300 showrooms in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.nativetrails.net/

TAKUMI JAPAN to Showcase Quality Products from Japanese Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Businesses to a New, International Audience

Program to exhibit at Japan Week in New York City with modern handcrafted goods as the final event of three-month global tour; special showcase of TAKUMI JAPAN is also available at KITEYA SOHO boutique in Manhattan

TAKUMI JAPAN, sponsored by the Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, Japan, will be presenting at Japan Week March 6-8, 2014, in New York’s Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall as the final event of seven international trade shows that have introduced Japanese micro, small and medium-sized businesses to a new global audience. The TAKUMI JAPAN project presented more than 300 unique products from 100 Japanese micro, small and medium-sized businesses – from handcrafted goods to food and beverages – at these events that took place from January to March, in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France.

TAKUMI JAPAN to exhibit at Japan Week in New York City. (PRNewsFoto/TAKUMI JAPAN)

TAKUMI JAPAN is a project launched by the CFSCIJ to exhibiting at seven international trade shows, taking place in the U.S. and Europe where valued-added products are highly appreciated. This is to support Japanese micro, small and medium businesses, who build Japanese local economy, that are looking to gain opportunities to operate their business in overseas. By doing so, the project aims to enhance Japanese SME’s business strategies to create competitive products and improve sales force as well as to open the door to enter overseas markets.

TAKUMI translates to artisans who have skilled techniques and create products with an acute attention to details and aesthetic and embodies the spirit of ‘monozukuri’ (which translates to ‘making things’), and with the TAKUMI JAPAN initiative, Japanese small and medium-sized businesses are able to share this spirit of ‘monozukuri’ overseas by showcasing their handcrafted goods. Visitors to Japan Week will be able to experience the spirit of ‘monozukuri’ through these goods – conjuring up images of a local artisan using his plane to shave wood so thin it’s nearly transparent, or a metal worker hammering metal so hot the sizzle can be heard.

At Japan Week, TAKUMI JAPAN will introduce the TAKUMI initiative, and showcase modern crafts from Japanese businesses that highlight Japanese tradition, technology, design and local origin. TAKUMI JAPAN has selected wood, metal, glass, lacquer, porcelain and fabric items to portray a modern feel to follow in the theme of Japan Week’s futuristic focus. Additionally, business matching and informational sessions for professional buyers will be available with TAKUMI JAPAN executives.

In addition to Japan Week, TAKUMI JAPAN will be displaying the traditional and modern goods in KITEYA SOHO (www.kiteya.com), a Japanese boutique in Manhattan. At KITEYA SOHO from February 26th to March 8th, there will be a special TAKUMI JAPAN section to display several handcrafted goods.

TAKUMI JAPAN was developed by the CFSCIJ, an economic organization that supports Japanese micro, small and medium sized businesses and their communities. TAKUMI is a part of a national initiative to support these types of businesses that are looking to expand their businesses overseas. In Japan, micro, small and medium-sized businesses currently account for 99.7 percent of companies in the country and make up roughly 70 percent of Japan’s employment.

Buyers and retailers interested in learning more about the TAKUMI JAPAN initiative, or the participating companies and products, can meet with representatives at Japan Week/KITEYA SOHO or by visiting the TAKUMIJAPAN website at: www.takumijapan.jp.

For more information, please visit www.takumijapan.jp

Mandarin Oriental, Manila Welcomes French Michelin-Star Chef Richard Toix

 Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s signature restaurant The Tivoli is delighted to once again play host to another acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, Richard Toix, from February 24 to March 2. During the week-long promotion, which is held with the support of Etihad Airways, gourmands and food connoisseurs alike will find pleasure in Chef Richard’s sensational specialties and artistic mouthwatering creations.

Situated in a quiet address in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District, Mandarin Oriental, Manila is within walking distance of stylish malls and shops in the Ayala Commercial Center. Renowned for its outstanding cuisine, the hotel features three restaurants, two popular bars, and a lounge.  Four exclusive and highly rated Club floors with a private lounge provide utmost guest satisfaction, as do a cosy luxury spa, a fully equipped business centre, and a health club with advanced fitness equipment.  Banquet and meeting facilities are also available.

Richard Toix, renowned for his mastery in the art of food fusion, brings with him over 20 years of culinary experience coupled with his great enthusiasm for French cuisine. His fine dining restaurant, Passions et Gourmandises restaurant in the charming village of Saint-Benoit, earned its first Michelin star in 2008, a mere nine months after opening. His work features beautiful, colourful presentations with unique ingredients in every dish.

The fresh and sumptuous flavors of Richard Toix’s award-winning cuisine will make its way to The Tivoli via the signature three-course Business Lunch menu and the six-course Degustation Dinner menu. A selection of dishes will also be featured in the restaurant’s daily à la carte menu.

*The three-course Business Lunch menu will be offered at PHP 1,950

*The six-course Degustation menu will be priced at PHP 3,400

Born in Perpignan, the Michelin starred chef went on to study in a Lycée Hotelier, earning his first job with the Roux Brothers in London, a restaurant with three Michelin stars, before returning to work for various restaurants across France. In 1993, he and his wife Laure opened their first restaurant, Le Champ de Foire in Lencloitre, half an hour from Poitiers, and in 2007, opened Passions et Gourmandises, a modern restaurant focusing on fresh seasonal produce. Chef Toix has also collaborated with the contemporary Chinese artist Zhou  Tiehai, where he combined painting with French traditional pastries for a grand exhibition in 2010.

“We all look forward to welcoming Chef Richard Toix at The Tivoli” says Director of Food and Beverage Peter Pysk, adding that the kitchen brigade headed by Executive Chef Rene Ottlik and Executive Sous Chef Remi Vercelli are excited to be collaborating with another great Michelin chef. “Chef Richard’s visit comes close on the heels of the highly successful promotion recently with Chef Nicolas Isnard, and we are certain that our diners will be delighted to again savour the sublime flavours of contemporary French gastronomy by a Michelin-starred chef.”

For table reservations, please contact The Tivoli on +63 (2) 750 8888 or e-mail:momnl-tivoli@mohg.com.

*Rates are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax.

Shark Diver, Crocodile Hunter, and Global Yachtswoman Set to Tell Tales on Crystal ‘Extreme Thrill Seekers’ Cruise

NEW THEME ADDS ADVENTURE TO ENRICHMENT ABOARD WORLD CRUISE SEGMENT

Crystal Cruises’ new “EXTREME THRILL SEEKERS” EXPERIENCES OF DISCOVERY THEME CRUISE will see guests hunting crocodiles, encountering “great whites,” and sailing in an around-the-world yacht race—figuratively—via stories from renowned “extreme” experts speaking on board.  During a MARCH 10 SINGAPORE TO CAPE TOWN ULTRA-LUXE WORLD CRUISE segment, CRYSTAL SERENITY will be abuzz with stories of harrowing adventures and the world’s fiercest predators from:

Shark diver CHRIS FALLOWS, who will discuss his thousands of encounters with Great White Sharks around South Africa’s Seal Island and other breaching grounds throughout the world, in an effort to not only capture their striking images on camera, but also to educate others about the realities of the creatures and their conservation.

Round-the-World Yachtswoman and adventurer RONA CANT, whose inspiring story takes her from being a middle-aged secretary and single mom to sailing the world’s most difficult yacht race, the BT Global Challenge, as a tremendously novice sailor, to trekking Vancouver’s West Coast Trail (one of the world’s 10 toughest trails) just two days after, and dog-sledding across a 600k Arctic path that had never been traversed before.

“CROCODILE MICK” PITMAN, considered a real-life Crocodile Dundee, who will share his 30+ years of dynamic Aussie Outback experience hunting and capturing crocodiles.

The guest speakers are presented as part of a lineup of enhanced enrichment planned for CRYSTAL’S WORLD CRUISE voyages.  The segment offers travelers a peek into the rugged terrain and exotic coastlines renowned for adventurous endeavors, first visiting Bangkok, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia as part of a complimentary pre-cruise land program, then sailing from Singapore to Jakarta, Indonesia; Mauritius/Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius; Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, South Africa.  Dozens of Crystal Adventures ashore allow guests to explore wild – and not so wild – life in the destinations, from big game safaris to food and wine.

A Crystal waiter in the Crystal Dining Room. (PRNewsFoto-Crystal Cruises)

“Our Experiences of Discovery programming is always riveting and insightful,” says BRET BULLOCK, VICE PRESIDENT OF ENTERTAINMENT.  “But the ‘Extreme Thrill Seekers’ theme goes a step beyond, giving even our most worldly guests a fascinating peek into a life most could never imagine.”

Cruise fares start at $7,520 per person if booked by January 3, with shorter “Getaway” cruise legs also available from Singapore to Mauritius and Mauritius to Cape Town.

Art Basel Miami Beach Announces 2013 Film Program

Opening Day of Art Basel in Miami Beach (by invitation only): Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Public Show Dates: Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8, 2013

From December 4 to December 8, 2013, Art Basel Miami Beach presents a premier program of films by and about artists, selected by David Gryn, Director of London’s Artprojx, and Zurich collector This Brunner. Brunner’s feature film selection is the United States premiere of ‘Nan Goldin – I Remember Your Face’ (2013) by Sabine Lidl. Gryn‘s 2013 program presents over 70 film and video works drawn from the show’s participating galleries, including works by Dara Birnbaum, Martin Creed, Rineke Dijkstra, Joan Jonas, Yinka Shonibare MBE, Mickalene Thomas and Kehinde Wiley.

MIAMI BEACH, FL – DECEMBER 09: A general view of Art Video at Art Basel Miami Beach 2012 at the Miami Beach Convention Center on December 9, 2012 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

This Brunner has over 40 years of experience in the film industry in Switzerland and abroad and is a member of the European Film Academy, the Swiss Film Academy, and a veteran observer of the world cinema and the international film festival scene. He has been the curator of Art Basel’s Film sector since 1992, and Film curator for Art Basel in Miami Beach since 2002.

David Gryn is the founder and director of London’s Artprojx, screening, curating, promoting and lecturing on artists’ moving image and other art projects, working with leading contemporary artists, art galleries, museums, art fairs, art schools and charities worldwide.

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

Film Night at Art Basel (Miami Beach) 2012 (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

MIAMI BEACH, FL – DECEMBER 09: A general view of Art Video at Art Basel Miami Beach 2012 at the Miami Beach Convention Center on December 9, 2012 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Art Basel Miami 2012)

The United States premiere of ‘Nan Goldin – I Remember Your Face’ (2013) by Sabine Lidl will be screened in the presence of Nan Goldin and Sabine Lidl, and will be followed by a Q&A with the artist and film director. Along with an exemplary insight into the seminal American photographer’s life, the film offers viewers a candid, sensitive and at times humorous perspective on contemporary culture. The feature film has been selected by This Brunner, a curator of Art Basel’s Film sector in Basel since 1992 and for the Miami Beach show since 2002. ‘Nan Goldin – I Remember Your Face’ (2013) will be shown at the Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach at 8.30 pm on Friday, December 6, 2013. Entry is free, but seating is limited.

80M2 Livia Benavides, Luz María Bedoya, Dirección, 2006, 4’48”, Courtesy the artist and the gallery

Alan Cristea Gallery, Adela Jušić, The Sniper, 2007, 4’09”, Courtesy the artist and the gallery

Alexander Gray Associates, Regina Silveira, Mil e um dias (1001 days), 2007, 11’16”, Courtesy the artist and the gallery

The third edition of David Gryn’s selection for Art Basel’s Miami Beach show, whose Lead Partner is UBS, explores the collaborative creative process via intersections between visual artists, composers, musicians, choreographers, dancers and animators. Framed within eight distinct screening programs, the program highlights an international selection of emerging and established artists. Alongside works by leading international artists such as Shezad Dawood, Rineke Dijkstra, Nathalie Djurberg, Joan Jonas, Karen Kilimnik and Shirin Neshat, highlights include the international premiere of Martin Creed‘s new film ‘Work No. 1700’ (2013), Kehinde Wiley’s ‘World Stage: Jamaica’ (2013), and a selection of works by Yinka Shonibare MBE exploring the interface between music and dance. Dara Birnbaum presents ‘Arabesque’ (2011/2013), specifically re-edited for the program. Art Basel’s Salon program will see Dara Birnbaum in conversation with David Gryn on December 6 at 1pm.

Horizon to Debut The RP110 Raised Pilothouse Superyacht and Showcase The E88 Motoryacht, E56 Motoryacht and PC60 Power Catamaran at The 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Horizon will debut the “Andrea VI,” hull one of the new Horizon RP110 Raised Pilothouse model, and showcase three luxury yachts — the E88 Skylounge Motoryacht, E56 Motoryacht and PC60 Power Catamaran — at the Horizon Yacht USA display (F dock slips 600-604) during the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Horizon- Horizon E88 (88-feet) Skylounge Motoryacht

Horizon Yacht USA – Horizon RP110 Raised Pilothouse Superyacht

Horizon Yacht USA – Horizon PC60 Power Catamaran

Built for a second-time U.S. Horizon owner, the RP110 “Andrea VI” features naval architecture by Horizon and Donald Blount, exterior styling by J.C. Espinosa, and custom interior décor by Marty Lowe Interior Design. Her 25′ beam offers a spacious four-stateroom layout plus crew quarters, and the main deck incorporates an expansive salon with wet bar, formal dining, galley and country kitchen forward. “Andrea VI” is powered by twin CAT C32A 1900HP engines and outfitted with the Octoplex monitoring system; bow and stern thrusters; ABT digital stabilizers; and custom NAV and AV packages. Additionally, the RP110’s innovative double-chine hull design provides excellent sea keeping, stability and shallow draft, along with enhanced hydrodynamics to minimize drag and improve overall performance.

The 54th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is Back with new Attractions and Special Programs

Transportation and Parking Enhancements Announced for 54th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

All four traffic lanes of Las Olas Bridge to be open during the boat show

For the 54th year, Fort Lauderdale, the “Yachting Capital of the World” will host the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® (FLIBS), the largest in-water boat show in the world, from October 31- November 4, 2013, attracting an international audience of hundreds of thousands of boating enthusiasts to the largest in-water boat show in the world. Covering six locations with more than 3 million square feet of space, the show’s network of water taxis, riverboats and shuttles will transport visitors to view the most amazing array of boats ranging from extraordinary super-yachts to fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget and delivers the excitement of boating, for any lifestyle to all boating enthusiasts. Attractions for the whole family include an exciting schedule of fishing and boating seminars and workshops for adults and children of all ages.

Boat show headquarters are at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, with additional exhibits at the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

This year, the show continues with its strategic plan of exciting new enhancements, solidifying its position at the forefront of the marine industry as the lifestyle event where interested people gather to connect, learn, see, and buy what is new.

“We are committed to continuously enhancing the show experience for guests and exhibitors,” said Dane Graziano, senior vice president and COO of Show Management. “This year’s new attractions are designed to bring more fun and more choices to all people visiting the show.”

Here are the Top 10 things to see and do at this year’s show:

1. Fireworks – enjoy a spectacular fireworks display launched from the rooftop of the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel on Thursday, opening night of the show at 7 p.m.

2. Tour the amazing exhibitor displays – As the leader in the global marine industry, FLIBS, creates custom-made, in-water exhibitor displays ranging from 400 to 10,000 square feet of temporary floating structures for display, sales and entertainment.

3. New to the show this year, The Club at Seafair, a unique 228-foot custom megayacht housing an art exhibit, fine jewelry, a restaurant and bar, the AIM Pavilion, and VIP lounges, all in a luxurious club-like atmosphere with panoramic views of the boat show. Located dockside at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel and Marina, SeaFair is specially designed to provide a club-like environment where guests can meet to relax or conduct business.

4. The new Sailfish Pavilion is more than 90,000 square feet of additional space located outside the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center featuring boats ranging from 15 to 40 feet and an extraordinary selection of marine accessories, including the new Florida Sportsman pond with daily fishing demonstrations, the new LandShark Bar with a grilled food menu, the Miss Geico offshore racing boat and food trucks.

5. Check out the yacht toys – SEABOB underwater scooters; Quadski amphibious ATVs; JetLev (flying jet packs); JetSurf and WaveJet (motorized surfboards); Sealegs (amphibious boat)

6. Enjoy refreshments and cocktails on one of the show’s world-famous floating cocktail lounges, including Guzzlers presented by Budweiser, the Superyacht Lounge presented by Palm Harbor Marina and the Gosling’s Rum Dark & Stormy Island Bar. Enjoy live musical entertainment, kick back and relax

7. Learn from top pros from the International Game Fish Association’s School of Sportfishing and The Blue Wild at one of the free fishing and boating seminars at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and enjoy workshops for adults and children of all ages, including Hook The Future kids fishing clinics.

8. See everything the marine industry has to offer with similar products and boats conveniently grouped in categories such as high performance and sportfishing. CruiserPort features the world’s best selection of long range cruisers and related seminars. The Superyacht Experience features the world’s largest collection of superyacht builders of yachts over 40 meters.

9. Go by boat. Enjoy the City’s waterways with a free riverboat ride down the New River to the show from Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront complex. Attendees can also ride the Water Taxi for $10 per day to any of the show’s six locations while touring Fort Lauderdale from the water.

10. Go shopping for every marine accessory and gift in one of the show’s six clearspan tents ranging in size from 20,000 to 70,000 square feet of air conditioned comfort.

Other exhibits that are sure to attract lots of attention include a personal submarine, a flying car, and an exotic auto show. The everything marine experience includes world-famous floating cocktail lounges, live musical entertainment, and an exciting schedule of fishing and boating seminars and workshops for adults and children of all ages.

Making for easier navigation and an enhanced show experience, fans will again enjoy themed areas including the Performance Village, the Sportfish Village, the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) Pavilion, the Yacht Builders Tent, and the show’s KidZone, located at the Broward County Convention Center.

All attractions and show locations can be easily located through MyBoatShow, the show’s free smartphone app, designed to help navigate the show’s docks, land areas and tents.

The show’s six locations are connected by a convenient land and water transportation network. Boat show headquarters are at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, with additional exhibits at the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Organizers of the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show have announced the following transportation and parking arrangements designed to make attending the show convenient from all directions and easier than ever before to navigate. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Broward County Convention Center and Sails Marina. The boat show’s extensive transportation network includes bus shuttles, water taxis and riverboats with convenient pick up and drop off locations, as well as dedicated parking lots. In addition, contruction the Las Olas Bridge will be halted from Monday, Oct. 28 through Wednesday, Nov. 6, with all four traffic lanes open during the show.

Beneteau Barracuda 9 29 feet

Benetti Checkmate

Boston Whaler 220 Outrage 22 feet

Carver 34

Chaparral 284 Sunesta WT 28 feet

Hatteras RPMY 100 feet

Horizon E88 88 feet

Jarrett Bay Sportfisherman 77 feet

Jupiter 30 FS 30 feet

Ocean Alexander 90 feet

Regal 32 Express

Regulator 34 feet

Scout 275 Dorado

Vicem 107 feet

Viking Yachts 82 Convertible 82 feet

Westport 112 feet

Albury 20 20 feet

Join Adorama at the 2013 PDN PhotoPlus Expo for Special Presentations from Photography Experts, Exclusive Show Specials and More

STOP BY THE ADORAMA BOOTH FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A CANON EOS-5D MARK III DIGITAL SLR CAMERA BODY KIT; LEARN MORE ABOUT ADORAMA’S TOP-NOTCH SERVICES FROM PRO IMAGING EXPERTS AT THE PHOTOPLUS EXPO, HELD FROM OCTOBER 24-26 IN NEW YORK CITY

Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/), the leading supplier of pro video, photographic and consumer electronics products, will be exhibiting at this year’s PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo. Visit Adorama at booth 1037 for speaker presentations and special appearances from some of the hottest photographers in the industry, including Joe McNally and Chase Jarvis. Adorama will also be raffling a Canon EOS-5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera Body Kit with Canon EF 24-105L Image Stabilized Lens. Visit the booth for a chance to win. No purchase necessary to be entered into the drawing. Running from October 24-26 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, the PhotoPlus Expo is the largest photography and imaging show in North America, attended by over 24,000 professional photographers and enthusiasts.

ADORAMA: More Than a Camera Store

Adorama is more than a camera store – it’s one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers. Serving customers for more than 30 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to include the leading online destination for photography, imaging and consumer electronics. Adorama’s vast product offerings encompass home entertainment, mobile computing, and professional video and audio, while its services include an in-house photo lab, AdoramaPix, pro equipment rental at Adorama Rental Company and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free education for photographers in video channels such as the popular AdoramaTV.

At PhotoPlus Expo 2013, Adorama’s expert Pro Sales team will be on site to provide attendees with an overview of the best photography gear to help bring their creative visions to life. Representatives from Flashpoint, Adorama’s house brand of professional photography equipment, will be showcasing monolights and HDSLR shooters as well as products from Glow, Flashpoint’s brand new line of lighting accessories, and the recently launched 3Pod line of tripods and monopods. Visitors can also visit the booth to learn more about Adorama’s various programs and service offerings, including:

Adorama Rental Company – the largest inventory of the latest digital cinema and HD video cameras, DSLR and digital backs, lenses, lighting, computers and grips at the lowest rates in the industry

Trade & Upgrade – Adorama buys all models of photo and video equipment, lighting, lenses and accessories

Rent-to-Buy – Get up to 50% of one week’s rental price back when you make an Adorama purchase.

Visit Adorama for the following speaker presentations*:

Thursday, October 24th:

11:00 AM: Sal Cincotta, “Five Ways to Make Facebook Work For Your Wedding and Portrait Business”

12:00 PM: Doug Gordon, “The Posing Project”

1:00 PM: Tamara Lackey, “Quick Tips for Better Portrait Photography”

2:00 PM: Corey Rich, “Paralleling Still and Motion with Nikon HDSLRs”

3:00 PM: Rick Sammon, “Travel Photography”

4:00 PM: Joe McNally, “The Location and the Light”

Friday, October 25th:

11:00 AM: Rick Sammon, “Travel Photography”

12:00 PM: Doug Gordon, “The Posing Project”

1:00 PM: Sal Cincotta, “Five Ways to Make Facebook Work For Your Wedding and Portrait Business”

2:00 PM: Mark Wallace, “Photography and the Meaning of Life”; Talk followed by Q&A with Mark

3:00 PM: Corey Rich, “Paralleling Still and Motion with Nikon HDSLRs”

4:00 PM: Rich Harrington, “Timelapse in Photoshop”

*Presentations will run up to 30 minutes each

Adorama is a Proud Sponsor of Shoot NYC 2013

Join Adorama at Shoot NYC during the PhotoPlus Expo! Shoot NYC is an exciting and informative professional photographic forum based on the premise of sharing knowledge through educational seminars from top industry professionals and hands-on demonstrations of the latest photographic technology on the market today. Top industry professionals will host workshops and hands-on seminars in an array of subjects, whether you’re interested in fashion, portraiture, commercial, stock or repro. Register now here: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/7964657505

Las Vegas Celebrates 10 Years of Iconic “What Happens Here, Stays Here” Advertising Campaign with New Television Commercials

From Infamous Super Bowl Snub to Global Movie Franchise, a Look Back at How the Campaign Shaped the Destination and Pop Culture

Las @Vegas celebrates 10 years of “What happens here, stays here” with revamped campaign http://tinyurl.com/kx8feq5

Images provided by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and photographed by Eric Marseglia

“What happens here, stays here” (Photo Credit: Eric Marseglia)

Las Vegas is a world-class vacation destination built on the principle of adult freedom, and no other tagline encapsulates this mentality better than the destination’s iconic “What happens here, stays here” advertising campaign. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this award-winning campaign, and this Monday Las Vegas unveiled a reimagined take on the pop culture-entrenched slogan with a variation of the theme titled “Vegas Enablers.”

The new campaign launched with “History of Friendship,” a story of two boys, one a “Vegas enabler” and one the enabled, who experience hysterical situations throughout their friendship, culminating in Las Vegas. The concept of the campaign is a variation of the original “What happens here” theme and will feature three TV commercials airing through May 2014.

“What happens here, stays here” (Photo Credit: Eric Marseglia)

“What happens here, stays here” (Photo Credit: Eric Marseglia)

“The ‘What happens here, stays here’ campaign strikes an emotional chord with consumers who relate with the notion of adult freedom,” said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “The campaign has evolved from giving visitors permission to live their fantasies, to a celebration of those who facilitate these experiences – the ‘Vegas Enabler.’ Everyone should have a ‘Vegas Enabler’ in their life, that person who encourages you to let your hair down, and the new campaign applauds these people.”

During the late 1990s, the LVCVA and its agency of record R&R Partners discovered that Las Vegas consumers related to the destination through the human desire for “adult freedom.” This allowed the LVCVA and R&R Partners to position the destination as an international brand and not just a travel brand, one of the first destinations ever to do so.

“What happens here, stays here” (Photo Credit: Eric Marseglia)

The first TV spots were shot in November 2002 by famed Super Bowl ad director Bryan Buckley. The campaign was set to launch with the sultry “Mistress in Disguise” spot during the 2003 Super Bowl when it was famously rejected by the National Football League (NFL). “Mistress in Disguise” suddenly became “the ad that the NFL doesn’t want you to see,” sparking media frenzy and garnering more than $6.7 million in publicity for Las Vegas.

Upgrade Your Winter Wardrobe with The Chrome Barrage Cargo Rolltop Backpack

Twice a year, Chrome Industries introduce a new range of bags, footwear and apparel. From new utility, seasonal colors and limited-edition collaborations, they’ve continuously improving everything they make and the Chrome Barrage Cargo Rolltop Backpack (Dimensions: 1.5” wide, 20” high, 5.5” deep; Volume: 22-34 L; Weight: 3.3 lb) is my new wishlist, must-have (seriously!) carryall bag for the upcoming winter.

hrome Barrage Cargo Rolltop Backpack

The new Barrage Cargo Rolltop Backpack is the result of 18 years of messenger bag making experience. The new Barrage is made with Chrome’s proven WW2 Technology – it’s 100% Welded-Waterproof, built twice – the only way to make a waterproof bag that can withstand the abuse of the city. If you are looking for a new, muscular carry-all for the upcoming winter months, this is it.

hrome Barrage Cargo Rolltop Backpack

hrome Barrage Cargo Rolltop Backpack

For Chrome, the only one way to make a bag truly waterproof is by welding its seams. For the Barrage Rolltop, the company combined a Welded-Waterproof Floating Bucket with an abrasion resistant CORDURA® Brand Grade Outer Shell to make the toughest waterproof rolltop backpack possible. It features a low-profile design and side compression straps for load stabilization and increased visibility, an external cargo net to haul gear on the outside, and a Welded-Waterproof bucket liner that can keep personal items bone dry in any weather. The Barrage is adaptable to accommodate a wide range of cargo, be it in the city or out on the trail. The main compartment expands from 22L to 34L and features an expandable cargo net with compression straps for securing various cargo shapes and sizes.

THE KNOT EXPANDS PRESENCE IN COUTURE BRIDAL FASHION INDUSTRY

Announces COUTURE Los Angeles Bridal Market for August 2014

XO Group Inc. www.xogroupinc.com), a global media and technology leader and creator of the top two wedding websites, www.TheKnot.com and www.WeddingChannel.com, today announces Couture LA, a new wholesale marketplace for the bridal fashion industry on the West Coast. The new show will be produced to bring leading bridal designers and salon buyers together in an unprecedented setting. In expanding its B2B business and establishing a new standard in the bridal trade show industry, The Knot will connect the industry’s most influential bridal gown designers with retailers at the iconic Siren Studios on famed Sunset Boulevard, in the heart of Hollywood

The Knot is the nation’s leading wedding resource, reaching nearly every bride in America through the number 1 wedding website, www.TheKnot.com; The Knot national and local wedding magazines; The Knot book series; and syndicated columns in newspapers nationwide. The Knot is the flagship brand of XO Group Inc. (www.xogroupinc.com), a global media and technology leader devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between, providing young women with the trusted information, products and advice they need to guide them through the most transformative events of their lives.

“For 18 years and 36 seasons, Couture has helped establish some of the most iconic names in the wedding business at our NYC-based Couture Show, and the time is right to expand to provide the same high-level show to serve our partners’ needs on the West Coast,” said Jennifer Davidson, Global Fashion Director of The Knot. “We’re all about applying a fresh voice and intelligent solutions across each of our platforms. Our partner’s require a quality production that will help foster industry growth and deliver the latest styles into the doors of bridal salons and in turn, directly to brides. In doing so, our brides benefit and are ensured the latest styles from the top names in the business.”

The backdrop will include hip exhibit space in an actual Hollywood Soundstage, complete with “boulevards” named after famed LA landmarks where designers, buyers, stylists, media and industry leaders will get down to business in style. Already signed on for the August 2014 show are industry powerhouses (in alphabetical order): Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Casablanca Bridal, Jasmine Bridals, Jordan Fashions, Maggie Sottero, Mon Cheri Bridals, Moonlight Bridals, Paloma Blanca, Private Label by G, Sincerity Bridals/Justin Alexander, Sottero & Midgley and Watters Bride/Wtoo.

“We are thrilled to have an all-star roster of industry leaders supporting this show at such an early stage. It proves once again that when we work together, we can create smart, successful, cost-effective solutions for the bridal industry,” said Davidson. “We are truly unique in that we are the only entity that touches every facet of this vast wedding eco-system, 365 days a year. We are the most-trusted voice to our brides and the essential media and B2B solution to our partners, the designers and salon operators. We are proud to step in and answer this call from our friends in the industry.”