Saturday September 12, 2015 Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center www.allaboardfashion.com
All Aboard Fashion | Sept. 12, 2015
Top from left: Kharlybia Roane, Madalyn Hair, E’Toshia McFarland, Regina Douge, Ebonie Robinson, Lolita Frazier, J. Rochelle Lowery Middle from left: Gerelyn Vereen, Shaunell Davis, Kimberly Hall (center), Ashleigh Hydrick Bottom : Victor De Leon (center)
About the Foundation: The All Aboard Fashion Foundation Inc., is a South Carolina based non-profit corporation. The foundation was born out of the idea that through using fashion as a medium we can invest in and improve the communities in which we live, work and play. Believing that we can have a dualistic impact in both the business and civic communities in which we serve, we produce high quality fashion events to provide a platform for aspiring fashion professionals to hone, display and share their skills, while also providing financial support to arts and lifestyle focused nonprofit organizations that work primarily to benefit our beloved capital city and state. Taking advantage of fashion’s unifying affect, we employ its mass appeal to organize people in support of worthy causes. We look forward to growing and sharing our passion throughout the Southeast region of the United States and beyond.
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All Aboard Fashion | Sept. 12, 2015
Winning model, Lolita Frazier, presents her personal style to the judges.
About the Competition: The AAF Model & Stylist Competition is the premiere event among fashion competitions in the Southeast. Formerly the Fall in Love with Fashion showcase, the newly revised event features a competition between models and a “battle” between hair and makeup stylists. The winners join the AAF Foundation on a cruise where they’ll participate in the All Aboard Fashion Showcase. This event was created to offer a platform for fashion and beauty professionals to give back to their community as well as to showcase their skills in an high-brow setting surrounded by industry professionals, celebrities, and enthusiasts. Participants not only get to compete for a cruise, but also they get to network with and work alongside regional and national experts in the world of beauty and fashion. This year we will raise money for G.O.O.D. (Growth Over Odds & Doubts) Kids, Inc., a Columbiabased, nonprofit youth mentoring program whose mission is to elevate and uplift young people through sports, literature, arts and media. Our fundraising goal is $2,500. In the inaugural event, there were five winning models - Lolita Frazier, J. Rochelle Lowery, E’Toshia McFarland, Ebonie Robinson and Regina Douge - and a Miss Congeniality, Madalyn Hair. The winning models were accompanied by stylist Victor De Leon and his team and the AAF Foundation directors, Carissa Strickland and MahMoud Abdul-Malik. The winners received a paid five-day Carnival cruise to the Bahamas. The winners participated in a photoshoot and runway show. Hair received a one-year contract with local modeling agency, FFS Modeling and Talent Agency, and was the brand ambassador for sponsor M2 Boutique for the year. 4
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All Aboard Fashion | Sept. 12, 2015
803.250.1347 | info@allaboardfashion.com | www.alllaboardfashion.com | Fashion, Leisure & Travel FOR RELEASE Contact: J. Rochelle Lowery Aug. 12, 2015 Email: media@allaboardfashion.com Phone: (803) 563-8313
Fashion event organizer forms a charity COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Secretary of State grants nonprofit status to the All Aboard Fashion Foundation Inc., the organizer of the only model and stylist competition in Columbia. Its mission is to boost the community-building efforts of other organizations through fashion. “As a foundation, we will raise funds to distribute to worthy and qualifying nonprofit organizations by hosting highbrow events,” said Carissa Strickland, the organization founder. “All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is our signature fundraising event.” All Aboard Fashion Competition is an annual event that offers a platform for fashion and beauty professionals to showcase their skills and to engage with other industry professionals in the Southeast. In its second year, the funds raised will be donated to G.O.O.D. Kids Inc., a Columbia-based youth mentorship organization. Our goal is to raise $2,500 for the organization. In November, the foundation will begin accepting funding applications from charitable organizations located through the Midlands. The All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. The doors open to ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets can only be purchased at www.everyeventgives.com/events/aboard-fashion-model-stylist-competition. Tickets cost: • General admission - $15 • VIP - $25 • Front row - $30
For more information about the All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition, email media@allaboardfashion.com.
803.250.1347 | info@allaboardfashion.com | www.alllaboardfashion.com | Fashion, Leisure & Travel FOR RELEASE Contact: J. Rochelle Lowery Aug. 13, 2015 Email: media@allaboardfashion.com Phone: (803) 563-8313
Fashion foundation donates to youth organization COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Columbia youth sports and creative arts nonprofit receives help from the fashion community. Fashion nonprofit, All Aboard Fashion Foundation, aims to raise $2,500 for G.O.O.D. Kids at its annual fundraiser. The All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. The doors open to ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets can only be purchased at www.everyeventgives.com/events/aboard-fashion-model-stylist-competition. Tickets cost: • General admission - $15 • VIP - $25 • Front row - $30 The competition offers a platform for fashion and beauty professionals to showcase their skills in a posh metropolitan setting surrounded by influential industry professionals, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Furthermore, the competitors are networked with experts in the world of beauty and fashion. This year, more than 40 models and eight hair and makeup professionals will via for the top prize, a five-day cruise that includes port-of-call destinations in Belize and Mexico. Winners will also participate in a fashion show produced by M2 Boutique aboard the Carnival Paradise cruise liner. Although only six models and four stylists will win the grand prize, one additional model will be named M2 Glambassador and be the face of M2’s brand in its advertising campaign. The 2013 debut event featured luxury eyewear designer, Stevie Boi, as emcee. Stevie Boi’s eyewear and accessories have been featured on international magazines, endorsed by a-list celebrities and have graced numerous New York Fashion Week runways. The competition has also helped to catapult the careers of local models and makeup artists.
All Aboard Fashion Foundation Founded in July 2015 by Carissa Strickland. The mission is to boost community-building efforts through raising funds to distribute to worthy and qualifying nonprofit organization by hosting highbrow fashion events. All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the signature fundraiser held annually in September.
“Winning Miss Congeniality (now the Aspire Award) opened a lot of doors for my modeling career,” said Madalyn Hair, the first titleholder. “I was invited to participate in many runway shows and photo shoots for M2 Boutique as well as [for] other designers and photographers. Throughout these shows and photo shoots, I gained a broader [perspective] of the industry.”
All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the premiere model and stylist competition in the Southeast. All Aboard Fashion is a brand of Mahogany Me, a boutique enterprise that houses various fashion and fashion-related brands. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @allaboardfashion for social media updates. www.allaboardfashion.com.
Additionally, guests can sip, shop and sample products and services from our sponsors and vendors in the vendor village. The vendor village opens at 5 p.m. and is free to the public.
M2 Boutique M2 is a premier destination for fun, contemporary fashion. www.boutiquem2.com. G.O.O.D. Kids Growth Over Odds & Doubts (G.O.O.D. Kids) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that mentors youth through sports and creative arts. www.goodkidsworld.org.
View our official event commercial here. For more information about the All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition, email media@allaboardfashion.com. All Aboard Fashion Foundation Founded in July 2015 by Carissa Strickland. The mission is to boost community-building efforts through raising funds to distribute to worthy and qualifying nonprofit organization by hosting highbrow fashion events. All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the signature fundraiser held annually in September. All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the premiere model and stylist competition in the Southeast. All Aboard Fashion is a brand of Mahogany Me, a boutique enterprise that houses various fashion and fashion-related brands. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @allaboardfashion for social media updates. www.allaboardfashion.com. M2 Boutique M2 is a premier destination for fun, contemporary fashion. www.boutiquem2.com. G.O.O.D. Kids Growth Over Odds & Doubts (G.O.O.D. Kids) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that mentors youth through sports and creative arts. www.goodkidsworld.org.
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All Aboard Fashion | Sept. 12, 2015
803.250.1347 | info@allaboardfashion.com | www.alllaboardfashion.com | Fashion, Leisure & Travel FOR RELEASE Contact: J. Rochelle Lowery Aug. 18, 2015 Email: media@allaboardfashion.com Phone: (803) 563-8313
803.250.1347 | info@allaboardfashion.com | www.alllaboardfashion.com | Fashion, Leisure & Travel FOR RELEASE Contact: J. Rochelle Lowery Aug. 19, 2015 Email: media@allaboardfashion.com Phone: (803) 563-8313
Stevie Boi returns, picks who gets a boarding pass COLUMBIA, S.C. –Stevie Boi returns to judge Columbia’s only fashion competition. Known for his designs’ punk edge, the luxury eyewear designer will help select the 10 winners - six models, two hair and two makeup professionals - of the AAF Model and Stylist Competition this September.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The mobile event app that focuses on better connecting event organizers, sponsors and attendees, Whova, will sponsor the All Aboard Fashion Foundation’s annual competition. The event app will be available for attendees to download before the All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition in early September.
This past February, Stevie Boi released his newest collection “CR3AM.” He is currently on a world tour showcasing his collection. The international designer will also have select eyewear designs on display at the Fashion Institute Museums in London and Paris for summer 2015.
“We’re excited to partner with this innovative company,” said Carissa Strickland, founder of the All Aboard Fashion Foundation. “We expect our custom Whova app will be an invaluable resource in driving our event’s growth by enhancing our guests’ and sponsors’ experiences as well as extending the impact of our efforts beyond the event.”
Stevie Boi’s couture, runway and ready-wear eyewear and accessories have been featured on international magazines, endorsed by a-list celebrities and have graced numerous New York Fashion Week runways.
Whova allows event organizers to communicate with attendees who download the app not only during but also before and after the event; thereby, “extending organizers’ events beyond time and location” according to the Whova website. The app has already been used by notable organizations and events, such as TEDx, MIT Technology Review and Yale among many others.
In previous years’ the designer emceed the event. He has also shown at other Carolina fashion events to include Charleston Fashion Week and CFG Style Fashion Week. In addition to his showcase, the eyewear designer will be a special guest judge for the premiere model and stylist competition of the Southeast. Two-time Emmy-nominated celebrity hair stylist, Victor De Leon, will also be a special guest judge. De Leon has worked many of Columbia’s major fashion events.
The All Aboard Fashion Whova users will be able to access the event schedule, check-in to the event, get driving directions, download attraction guides and live stream the event. What’s more, the All Aboard Fashion guests will be able to network with other guests before and after the event as well as exchange contact information. Furthermore, the Whova app allows for in-app messaging between attendees, scanning business cards and storing other contact information.
Stevie Boi’s merchandise will be available for purchase in the vendor village. Additionally, guests can sip, shop and sample products and services from our sponsors and vendors in the vendor village. Free to the public, the vendor village opens at 5 p.m.
The Whova-sponsored All Aboard Fashion app will be available for download on iPhone and Android devices. The event app will be released Aug. 1, 2015. Guests are encourage to download the app via our website www.allaboardfashion. com the day before the event to take advantage of the app’s many features.
The All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. The doors open to ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets can only be purchased at www.everyeventgives.com/events/aboard-fashion-model-stylist-competition. Tickets cost: • General admission - $15 • VIP - $25 • Front row - $30
The All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. The doors open to ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets can only be purchased at www.everyeventgives.com/events/aboard-fashion-model-stylist-competition. Tickets cost: • General admission - $15 • VIP - $25 • Front row - $30
The competition offers a platform for fashion and beauty professionals to showcase their skills in a posh metropolitan setting surrounded by influential industry professionals, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Furthermore, the competitors are networked with experts in the world of beauty and fashion. Ten percent of the ticket sales will be donated to G.O.O.D. Kids, a Columbia based youth mentorship organization.
For more information about the All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition, email media@allaboardfashion.com.
For more information about the All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition, email media@allaboardfashion.com.
All Aboard Fashion Foundation Founded in July 2015 by Carissa Strickland. The mission is to boost community-building efforts through raising funds to distribute to worthy and qualifying nonprofit organization by hosting highbrow fashion events. All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the signature fundraiser held annually in September.
All Aboard Fashion Foundation Founded in July 2015 by Carissa Strickland. The mission is to boost community-building efforts through raising funds to distribute to worthy and qualifying nonprofit organization by hosting highbrow fashion events. All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the signature fundraiser held annually in September.
All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the premiere model and stylist competition in the Southeast. All Aboard Fashion is a brand of Mahogany Me, a boutique enterprise that houses various fashion and fashion-related brands. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @allaboardfashion for social media updates. www.allaboardfashion.com.
All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition All Aboard Fashion Model and Stylist Competition is the premiere model and stylist competition in the Southeast. All Aboard Fashion is a brand of Mahogany Me, a boutique enterprise that houses various fashion and fashion-related brands. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @allaboardfashion for social media updates. www.allaboardfashion.com.
M2 Boutique M2 is a premier destination for fun, contemporary fashion. www.boutiquem2.com.
M2 Boutique M2 is a premier destination for fun, contemporary fashion. www.boutiquem2.com. G.O.O.D. Kids Growth Over Odds & Doubts (G.O.O.D. Kids) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that mentors youth through sports and creative arts. www.goodkidsworld.org. Stevie Boi, LLC. Stevie Boi is an American fashion designer and founder of the luxury eyewear line SB Shades. He is known for eyewear, accessories and couture designs for celebrities, such as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Black Eyed Peas and many more. Stevie Boi has won countless fashion and local community awards for his devotion to helping the gay, African American and fashion community. www.stevieboi.com. 8
Whova joins AAF Model & Stylist Competition as official mobile app sponsor
G.O.O.D. Kids Growth Over Odds & Doubts (G.O.O.D. Kids) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that mentors youth through sports and creative arts. www.goodkidsworld.org. Whova Whova is a mobile event app to build a community within an event that connects organizers, attendees, and sponsors all together. Dr. YY Zhou founded the company in 2013 with the mission of revolutionizing attendee networking, engagement and extending organizers’ events beyond time and location. www.whova.com.
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All Aboard Fashion | Sept. 12, 2015
Meet the Founder Carissa Strickland is the co-owner of M2 Boutique, an online and mobile clothing store; the co-founder and director of All Aboard Fashion Foundation, a fundraising platform for community organizations that features an upscale fashion and beauty competition; and a freelance fashion writer for Examiner.com, an online news and lifestyle publication. Carissa grew up in Passaic, New Jersey, an urban municipality 10 miles outside of New York. As a child, she was mostly quiet and a loner. Her mother kept her active in the arts. She played instruments like piano and flute. However, it wasn’t until Carissa discovered dance that she came out of her shell. Being a skilled, competitive dancer, Carissa developed confidence, and it was then that she knew she could accomplish whatever goal to which she set her mind. In late 2006, after working in several management roles for various retail giants, Carissa launched an online juniors’ apparel boutique in her second floor apartment in New Jersey. She named it Mahogany Me. A few years later in Atlanta, Georgia, with the support of her fiancé, Mahmoud, she opened her first retail location, even though it was as small as a closet. Mahogany Me was an instant success, and within seven months Carissa signed a lease on a two-story, 1400-square foot storefront in the East Atlanta Village, a historic business district set in Atlanta’s eastside. Although, enjoying the strides that Mahogany Me was making in Atlanta, she and her fiancé set their eyes on Columbia, S.C. after being well received at a trade expo. In 2010, she opened Mahogany Me on Lady Street in the Vista, which she later rebranded M2 Boutique. Since making Columbia her home, she’s become very involved in the city’s fashion community, has volunteered with its only fashion week, and has successfully hosted a few of her own events. Even though M2 is no longer a brick-and-morter store, the boutique still has a strong presence in the community having launched one of the city’s first mobile boutiques, a turquoise truck with black and pink lettering which one can often find cruising the city. Today, Carissa looks forward to expanding her mobile and e-boutiques, launching an image consultancy firm, and growing the All Aboard Fashion Competition into a leading national brand among fashion events. To keep up with Carissa and her professional journey, follow her on Facebook at fashionmogulCarissa as well as Twitter and Instagram at @cloology.
Meet the Directors Promotions Director Mahmoud Abdul-Malik, the All Aboard Fashion Foundation Promotions Director, has more than seven years of experience in community outreach work with nonprofit organizations and in fundraising on various political campaigns. He is also Strickland’s fiance.
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Hair & Makeup Director Rontesia Jackson has been a licensed cosmetologist for seven years. Since completing her training at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nail Design in 2008, she has also become a licensed cosmetology instructor. An avid volunteer, “Tesia” has worked with other fashion events, including HairWalk and Columbia Fashion Week. Ms. Jackson became a cosmetologist because of her love for hair, its versatility and trends that are always changing. She says there is always more to be learned in this industry which not only keeps things interesting but also promotes growth in the people who are a part of it. 11
All Aboard Fashion | Sept. 12, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions: Models What categories will models compete in? Models will compete in two categories: Personal style and high fashion runway. What will models be judge on? During the Personal Style segment, judges will score models’ confidence, creativity and personal style. During the High Fashion Runway segment, judges will score models’ runway walk and how well they wear the looks chosen for them. Who will judge the competition? The competition will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and at least one fashion celebrity. How many models will win the grand prize? At the end of the competition, six highest scoring models will win the grand prize.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Stylists What categories will models compete in? Models will compete in two categories: Personal style and high fashion runway. What will models be judge on? During the Personal Style segment, judges will score stylists’ creativity and personal style. During the High Fashion Runway segment, judges will score stylists’ execution of selected looks. Who will judge the competition? The competition will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and at least one fashion celebrity. How many stylists will win the grand prize? At the end of the competition, the two highest scoring makeup artists and hair stylists will win the grand prize.
How do I participate in the competition? You must complete a model application and pay the $25 entry fee either at a casting call or online at www.allaboardfashion. com.
How do I participate in the competition? You must complete a stylist application and pay the $75 entry fee online at www.allaboardfashion.com.
Where do I find an application? Visit www.allaboardfashion.com. Click on the “Participate” tab and select “Models”.
I am in cosmetology school? Can I participate in the competition? Yes, you can. You must complete at stylist application and pay the $60 entry fee online at www.allaboardfashion.com.
How old must I be to compete? You must between 16 and 45. Models under 18 years old must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Do I have to be a part of a team to compete? No, you don’t have to be a part of team. You can enter as a one-man show.
How can I attend a casting call? Check our website frequently for updated casting call dates and locations. Call our model coordinator to set up a casting.
Where do I find an application? Visit www.allaboardfashion.com. Click on the “Participate” tab and select “Stylists”.
When is the next casting call? Saturday, August 8, 2015 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at M2 Boutique & Glam Studio in 7703 St. Andrews Rd. Suite G, Irmo, SC 29063
How old must I be to compete? You must at least 18 years old.
What should I bring to the casting call? Please bring a full body photo to leave with the casting director. Also, please bring your $25 registration fee or paid receipt.
Are there any other requirements? Stylists must agree to the 2015 contest terms and conditions to be eligible to compete.
What should I wear to the casting call? Please wear close fitting attire, i.e. black leggings and black tank for ladies, and close fitting tee and jeans for men.
How many spots are open? There are 15 spots for makeup artists and 15 spots for hair stylists. Applications will not be accepted after we reach 15.
When is the competition? The competition is Saturday, September 12, 2015.
When is the competition? The competition is Saturday, September 12, 2015.
Where is the competition? The competition is at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center at 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201.
Where is the competition? The competition is at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center at 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201.
Where can I get tickets for the competition? Tickets are online at everyeventgives.com/allaboardfashion
Where can I get tickets for the competition? Tickets are online at everyeventgives.com/allaboardfashion
When is the cruise? The cruise is October 12 - 17, 2015. The port of departure is Tampa, Fl.
When is the cruise? The cruise is October 12 - 17, 2015. The port of departure is Tampa, Fl.
Where is the cruise? The western Caribbean cruise will make stops in: Grand Cayman, Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico.
Where is the cruise? The western Caribbean cruise will make stops in: Grand Cayman, Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico.
Can I bring a guest on the cruise? Yes, you can bring a guest. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own cruise ticket. Please email info@allaboardfashion.com to book a room.
Can I bring a guest on the cruise? Yes, you can bring a guest. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own cruise ticket. Please email info@allaboardfashion.com to book a room.
Will I need a passport to go on the cruise? Yes. Models are responsible for obtaining their own passport. Models must be able to travel outside of the United States.
Will I need a passport to go on the cruise? Yes. Models are responsible for obtaining their own passport. Models must be able to travel outside of the United States.
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