INDIANAPOLIS STAR January 29, 2014 28.5 million views per month, 800,000+ per week 335,303 Daily "Nikki Blaine designs with from the heart" Prospective student who plans to take MFA Fashion Design classes this summer at Academy of Art University http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/bailey/2014/01/31/ nikki-blaine-designs-with-from-the-heart/5087387/
Designer Nikki Blaine always ends her fashion shows with something red. It's a small but meaningful tribute to the fight against heart disease, which Blaine's mother, Delores, was diagnosed with in 2005. Two years later, Delores Blaine became severely ill, and in 2009, she had a heart transplant. "My whole world was turned upside down," said Blaine. "When we were in support group, I wanted to do a fundraiser event, but the heavy hitters really only focus on two events a year. So this is my way of doing something." On Saturday, Blaine, 38, will showcase a collection of red clothing at a fashion show featuring seven other designers and one stylist. The event, part of the 26th annual Meet the Artists exhibit and gala reception, is themed around the colors of awareness ribbons for medical conditions that hit the African-American community hard.