JSong Way Magazine 12 by JSong Way

Way

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The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Beautiful Embroidered Fashion

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kenton Siu

Way Magazine is published by JSong International Inc. 499 Seventh Avenue 2nd Floor South New York, NY 10018 T: 212-736-1189 F: 212-736-1686 E: jsongjsi@aol.com www.jsongcollection.com ISSN 1554-8171

MAKE-UP: Jennifer Wobito MANICURIST: Jacqueline Saulsbery HAIR STYLING (Runway): Trevor Bowden

PUBLISHER: Hon Pan Siu

MAGAZINE INTERN: Lea Marie Marra

EDITOR: Way Zen MANAGING DIRECTOR: Edward Kwang PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kari Young DEPUTY EDITOR: Kenton Siu COPY CHIEF: Linda Frances SALES AGENT: Charles Martin T: 804-346-0766 Dallas Apparel Mart Showroom Manager Susanne Hilou CONTRIBUTORS: Rawlins Gilliland, Lily Pinker, Anna Thiessen, Eleanor Abraham PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerado Somoza T: 212-868-0612 STYLISTs: Sarah Shirley Jason Bui

JEWELRY (Runway): Pono Surevolution @ www.surevolution.com SHOES: Brown Shoe/Carlos by Carlos Santana SPECIAL THANKS: Amy Rosi of Aros Communication, Renee Palmer, Jean Meek-Barker, Diana Thomas, Patricia M. Maffei, The Fashion Group International, and Laboratory Institute of Merchandising To carry Way Magazine please call 866-736-1188. Subscription T: 212-736-1189 Advertising T: 866-736-1188 © 2010 by Way Magazine No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

JSong ® and Way ® are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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Contributors Letter from the Editor The Green Way Way Mail

FASHION 05 Way - Harmony of the Four Elements 19 The Great Looks of the Season 21 JSong Collection 31 Way Gallery 33 Subscriptions 36 Event and Trade Show Calendar Way INTERVIEW 34 If There Is One Thing You Could Do 37 Reconnecting To Worlds Around Us 38 Transforming The Heart Of American Fashion: Barbara Blair Randall On The Fashion Center BID EXPERT’S Way 18 Green Dollars and Sense in Your Green Movement Business ARTS AND CRAFTS 35 Handicrafts with Kari Young MORE Way 13 My Life in JSong 15 Wearing It for Real

Let’s Celebrate Our Earth

The JSong Way Magazine

Letter from the Editor

elcome to Green Way, our eco issue! This season we invite you to take a journey to green with us. In order to save nature, we must first love nature and display its magnificence through great fashion. The Fall 2010 JSong and … Way Collections are from Nature’s Magical Garden. The collections feature fabric feather dresses, dragonfly ensembles, leaf coats and sparkling earth separates. With love for nature’s beauty, Arts and Crafts Editor Kari Young once again created accessories from the scrap fabric. Her wonderful handmade accessories are seen in our photo shoot. In addition to this, filmmaker Mai-Kim read poetry to our models and our team to help deepen our connection and feelings with nature. She made us laugh and cry at the same time. Nature not only inspires our designs but also shows us the Way to sustainability and prosperity. In the Green Way, our general director Edward Kwang offers suggestions on going to green manufacturing. His narrative will inspire like-minded people to take the future of their business into their own hands. We asked a question on Facebook and through email: If there is one thing you could do to preserve the beauty of the earth, what would it be? Many people responded including the legendary fashion industry guru Robin Lewis, CEO of The Robin Report, fashion blogger Michelle Henley of FashionEdits.com, and the president of Hue-Man Bookstore Marva Allen. In fact, the answers are still coming in as we put this issue to press. To continue our green dialogue, we will hold parties in New York, Dallas and Atlanta in October. Please watch for your JSong invitation. Lastly, we are proud to feature eco designers Meiling Chen and Patricia Micheals; unique retailers Nomzamo of Nomzamo Boutique and Missy Ann Grohne of Holistic Health counselor; and extraordinary fashion industry leader Barbara Blair Randall of Fashion Center BID and retailer expert Rawlins Gilliland. Enjoy!

THE GREEN Way – IS THE ONLY RIGHT Way JSong continues our commitment to the environment by Edward Kwang

Hon Pan Siu

Linda Frances

Edward Kwang

Lea Marie Marra

Way Zen

Kenton Siu

Kari Young

Saving our planet is an enormous task, one that will require the collaborative effort of individuals and manufacturers from the smallest independent companies to the largest corporations. We named this issue Green Way to convey our commitment. We hope it will inspire our readers to embrace the green movement, and to take steps to prevent further damage to the planet. At JSong, green has always been our favorite color and our favorite cause long before it became fashionable. We began in 1997, and are currently taking the steps listed below. Beyond our current efforts, we’ve outlined a three-year plan. Our company’s mission is more than producing garments. We want to spread Joy and Song, not only through our unique embroidered clothing, but through our efforts to make the world a cleaner safer place to live. Our fabric is 80 percent natural linen/cotton and 20 percent man-made fabric and will stay the same. We will continue to design in New York and produce in China. Our mission – to create the world’s most beautiful embroidered garments and to preserve our existing craftsmanship – will not change. Eighty percent of our production will remain in China at Sun Yuen, a subsidiary of Join Sand Limited that we have used for 14 years. We will move 20 percent of our production to the United States. For waste reduction, we currently reuse recycled boxes, poly bags and hangers. We consciously turn off lights and air conditioners during off hours at all facilities. We repurpose and upcycle our previous season’s designs. Shipping is currently 60% by sea and 40% by air. Over the next three years, we will increase shipping by sea to 90% to use less energy and to reduce carbon dioxide. Our current staff has been with the company from three to thirteen years. Most of the employees at the China factory have worked for equally long periods of time. Both our New York and China locations comply with local Labor Law requirements. Over the next three years, we will create new programs to benefit employees and to share services with the community. We will create JSong University to provide free training for our employees. Training programs will include creative craft, computer skills and wellness. We will open embroidery gallery stores to provide free classes on hand sewing and stitching to the community. We will also share our embroidery technique with designers and artists. We will engage artists to create green education programs. These artists will commit to travel with JSong ...Way Embroidery Galleries to provide services to different communities. These are the rules we follow – step by step – to a greener future.

Make-up artist Jennifer Wobito with Model Genevie 3

Model Genevie

Filmmaker, Mai-Kim, read poetry to our models

1. To reduce carbon emissions and waste. 2. To reduce use of water, energy and chemicals in all manufacturing processes. 3. To maintain high quality craftsmanship and create clothing with long lasting value. 4. To avoid using harmful substances in production and to use biodegradable packaging. 5. To create a healthy, ethical and holistic business environment. 6. To serve our customers selflessly and joyfully. 7. To manage the laws of cause and effect in our daily lives and to adapt our actions accordingly. 8. To take joy in our daily activities.

...Way - Harmony of the Four Elements

Lace Panel Dress 7570 $297 Khaki, Black, Ivory White 6-20 Poly Georgette 5

. . . AIR

Lace Panel Dress 7570 $297 Black, Ivory White, Khaki 6-20 Poly Georgette 6

. . . Water

3-D Pleated Dress 7568 $297 Black, Blue Iris, Ivory White 6-20 Poly Georgette

Cut-out Cardigan and Dress 9242D $205 Heather Grey, Black 4-20 Cotton Jersey

. . . Fire

Leaf Coat 9300 $412 Red, Black, Ivory White 4-20 50% Wool 50% Viscose

Peacock Dress 7572 $205 Yellow, Purple, Red 6-20 Cotton Jersey

. . . Earth

Sequin Kimono 7560 $182 Black/White, Grey/Black 4-20 Cotton Jersey

Sequin Kimono 7560 $182 Grey/Black, Black/White 4-20 Cotton Jersey 11

Sequin Cardigan 7587 $90 Black/White, Grey/Black 4–20 Cotton Jersey

Sequin Tunic 7557 $90 White/Silver, Black/Silver S-XL Poly Crepe

Sequin Cardigan 7587 $90 Black/White, Grey/Black 4–20 Cotton Jersey

Geometric Sequin Skirt 7588 $182 Black/White, Grey/Black 4–20 Poly Crepe

Way Mail

Below: Jamila is at ease in her

Jamila searches books with the staff at the famous Hue-Man Bookstore

JSong ensemble as she exercises her mind, body, and soul at the Salaam Arts and Inspiration Spa. www.SalaamArt sandInspiration. com

At her desk, Jamila looks stylish and powerful. Edward and Way, We were featured on the front page in Creme Magazine, here is the link: http://www.creme-magazine.com/ Thank you for the “Barfield’s - A Case Study” article in Way Magazine # 11 James Barfield, www.Barfields-boutique.com Dear Way, I wanted you to see me in one of your pieces. This was at a Fashion Show in Denver and I was with the 2 judges who are my friends - the guy in the picture is Mondo Guerra who is on Project Runway. I received lots of compliments that day! Dear Way,

In her downtime, Jamila treats herself to a new book at the famous HueMan book store. www.huemanbookstore.com

Making friends wherever she goes, Jamila with two of New York’s finest.

Ms. Jamila, Brooklyn boutique owner, goes through her day to day activities sharing her warmth and love with everyone she meets. Beautiful inside and out, Jamila truly enjoys her life in JSong. —Lea M. Marra

Kathy Bacon, Denver, CO

I have been a fan of your collections since 2004. Not only do I make my living with fashion, but I enjoy wearing personal favorites to my shows. Last October, when I was doing a show in Indianapolis, I wore the Gold Feather Smock #9258. I received so many compliments not only from my customers but also from fellow vendors. Everyone just loved the look. Then, there was the lady who whispered that I should let her have the outfit because she really loved it. I thought I could reorder another one immediately. So, without hesitation, I took it off and sold it. Not only did I make money, but I made a customer happy. Unexpectedly, when I called Edward for another one, it was sold out! I was in despair and I scolded myself for giving the smock away. Every time I called JSong, I asked for the outfit. The answer was always the same – nope, nope. Way, I love your collections. Even though I don’t have my popular smock, I did deliver Joy and Song to my customer. Evelyn Hartfield, Kim’s Boutique, San Antonio, TX

Dear Way: I love your magazine and every season I look forward to seeing readers either writing to you or sending pictures of your beautiful outfits. I am a first time writer and would like to share something I just learned about recyclable plastics. Did you know that some plastics are highly toxic and volatile while others are safe? To check this out, just look at the recycling number inside the triangle on the bottom of the container. The most dangerous ones are 3, 6, or 7. They contain dangerous chemicals and should be avoided and certainly not used for cooking. Those with 4 or 5 on the bottom are generally considered safe, but you should use them sparingly. The safest plastics are marked 1 or 2 and they are normally used for soda, water and milk. But even though convenient, try to avoid using them in the microwave. Keep up with your good work and I can’t wait to see more of your newest designs! Pauline Johnson, Long Branch, NY

Dear Way, My friends surprised me with a luncheon last week to celebrate my 70th birthday. Not only did we have a great time but you are becoming famous in Coral Gables because I always wear your designs wherever I go. This yellow dress was a tremendous success. I came in with the jacket but when we moved to the terrace I took it off and they all said, “Wow!!! What a beautiful dress!!! Next week we are going on vacation to Greece and Turkey. We’ll go on a cruise through the Mediterranean, and all my clothes are from JSong and Way. As I told you before, your designs are good for all occasions, any sizes and any ages... they are wonderful!! Have a healthy and good summer. Love to you and Ed, Raquel Switzer, Coral Gables, FL

Send mail to: Way Magazine 499 Seventh Avenue, 2nd Floor South, New York, NY 10018 or email: jsongjsi@aol.com

My ...Way - Wearing It for Real

1-2. Jessica Talwar, photos from Jindi’s Boutique

Dorothy L. Allen, Owner of Allen’s Hats Bag & Accessories, Houston, TX

Alva Robinson, New York, NY

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Olivia Aiken, Owner of Lib’s L&S Fashions, Kansas City, MO

6-14. Pictures from Graciela’s Creation, photographed by Robert Kilburn.

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Camellia Johnson, Helen’s Apparel, Dallas, TX

16.

Barbara and Walter Haber 50th Anniversary 15

JSong runway look

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Andrea Kauffman, Blue Grass, IA

Negla Brandis, Guyana, South America

Dafina and Joel Taylor Wedding Day JSong runway look

16-18. The Brownstone Fashion Show photos from Princess Jenkins.

Designer’s Way

Expert’s Way

Meiling Chen

Meiling Chen’s Fearless Dreamer designs are a free-spirited and thoughtful journey into the uncharted terrain of hand-made ready-to-wear eco couture. The New York City based designer launched her first sustainable fashion collection in 2008. She has participated in numerous runaway shows during New York Fashion Week, and has contributed to gallery exhibitions including The Carriage House and Gitana Rosa Gallery in New York. She is also invited to participate in Project Earthday, Eco Chic Fashion Shows and ethical fashion shows internationally.

Green Dollars and Sense in Your Green Movement Business

The groundwork for Meiling’s creative ideas are her love for the arts and a family tradition of bespoke tailoring. The designer bravely set off for New York City on her birthday in 1995. She attended the School of Visual Arts and did post-graduate work in professional design. She settled into the vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

by Rawlins Gilliland

Design of MeiLing

Meiling Chen’s ‘fearless dreaming’ and interest in all peoples, the natural world, and the cross-pollination of the arts are evident in her adventurous approach to sustainable design and fashion experimentation. Hand-dyed, carefully procured organic fabrics, luxe custom-tailored details, and waste-free processes all define her label’s ethical intent. Her overall goal is to incorporate playfulness and creativity into contemporary living, while also creating timeless, trend-defying, and ethically responsible apparel. The soft folds, clever geometry, and unique texture of her designs speak to the beauty of original style and the daily lives of the individuals who fearlessly and expressively share her vision.

Patricia Michaels

Few things are more satisfying than taking a trend we genuinely believe in and making it profitable. Today, we have the challenge of relating the Green Movement to our merchandise mix and our store’s ambience. It’s actually simple. For starters, lead by subtle example. However small the gestures may seem, visible changes will appeal to customers visiting your store events. Make recycle receptacles readily available. Put bottles, cans, and plastics all in one barrel. Serve hot liquids in real cups or mugs. No Styrofoam ever – EVER. If you provide water, use a glass dispenser and use washable glassware. Recyclable plastic water bottles are a hassle to transport and the cost adds up. Not green at all. Serve food or snacks on washable plastic plates. Or use bamboo plates with a small cloth napkin. If you have no way to wash glasses or plates, use certifiably recyclable plastic items.

Prices for Meiling Chan’s designs range from $200 for blouses to $800 for dresses.

Patricia Michaels is a Taos Pueblo Native American designer at the forefront of contemporary fashion, textile and design. Exuding a timeless elegance, her designs incorporate her Native American heritage with the inspiration she draws from the natural environment, her travels and the ever-changing world around her.

I am proud to say I have been recycling for 40 years. However, I am sad that much of America still doesn’t have a recycling infrastructure. This certainly makes your efforts tough but where there is a will, there is a way. As a retailer, when you take the lead, you become a highly visible non-political force for the Green Movement.

Patricia’s first contact with the richness of Native American textiles occurred as a child, playing among the giant stacks of Navajo rugs in her mother’s Santa Fe gallery. She was drawn to fashion design and she studied at the Institute of American Indian Art and the Chicago Art Institute. Patricia has worked in both New York and Venice, Italy, where she studied tailoring with the craftsmen for Valentino and Armani. Of her creative process, Patricia says, “I don’t own my traditional culture, I am just fortunate to participate. The pure enjoyment and love I feel through this participation and my many travels create the form, shapes, cuts, textures and imagery of my designs.” Design of Patricia Michaels

Patricia lives and works in Taos, New Mexico, where she produces custom tailored fashions, limited edition apparel and ready-to-wear lines for men and women. She also produces surface designs including fabric for interiors. She recently partnered with Northern Mills of Mora, New Mexico where, aided by a Kellogg Foundation Grant, she is producing woven woolen textiles. The project provides work for the local mixed Hispanic and Native American Community. Her production staff includes many trained seamstresses from the Pueblo and her apprentice program has bridged the vast distance from the Pueblo to the New York fashion industry. Prices for the Patricia Michaels collection range from $75 to $250 for apparel separates to $6,000 to $10,000 for couture pieces, including work in woven leather such as dresses and coats.

NOMZAMOS.COM

25 Years: Enriching the Community with Style

Happy 25th Birthday to Nomzamos!

As for green merchandise, there are many wonderful new fabrics. The most notable are organic and sustainable cottons and the infinitely renewable bamboo. Bamboo is saturating the market from apparel fabrics to gifts like bowls and chopping boards. A friend just used bamboo flooring for their shop. It’s beautiful, durable and more reasonable than conventional hardwoods. Bamboo weaves into the most luscious fabric. Scarves are as diaphanous as chiffon while feeling like pashmina. Bamboo breathes beautifully and washes superbly. Be green and save money, too. Avoid disposable items that are destined for landfills. Plates and dishes today are quite affordable, making cupcakes and fruit served at a holiday 15% off Saturday promotion look more sophisticated. An absolute win-win is the newer form of lighting: a 2.5 watt LED instead of a 50 watt halogen. The color rendering is clear and beautifully showcases your displays while saving a huge amount of energy. Speaking of energy, coordinate events with your community’s budding initiatives to preserve and recycle: such as how to use less water at home without sacrificing anything. Your event can be intimate, fun and tied in with local schools or colleges. Involve the children of your customers or feature them as speakers on recycling issues. Another way to be green is to support local artisans when they are available. Let local talent create green window displays and green seasonal in-store looks, always with an eye to avoiding waste. Make it FUN – upbeat rather than heavy-handed. When it comes to business profits tied to customer loyalty and community spirit, the Green Movement is now. It’s called money in the bank.

Illuminating Sequins

Swan-like

Black and White

THE GREAT LOOKS OF THE SEASON

“There is an unstated charm to the JSong ... Way Collections — collections that straddle the line between the woman you are and the woman you want to be. An ivory crepe dragonfly dress is at first glance simple but underscores the deft workmanship that the JSong ... Way woman has come to appreciate.” Kenyatta D. Pious, www.fashionledge.com View JSong Runway at: http://www.youtube.com/jsongway

About Red 19

Magical Garden

3D Effect 20

JSong Collection A Touch of Gold

3-D Leaf Jacket and Skirt Suit 7597S $320 Gold, Plum Wine 8-22 Poly Shantung

Floral Jacket, Camisole and Pants Suit 8193CP $320 Soil Yellow, Black, Ivory 4-20 Poly Shantung

Magical Garden

Dragonfly Sequin Embroidered Jacket, Camisole and Pants Set 7599CP $320 Black, Ivory 8-20 Poly Crepe 23

Dragonfly Sequin Embroidered Jacket, Vest and Skirt Suit 7593CS $343 Red, Black 8-22 Poly Crepe 24

Swan-like

Peacock Feather Cardigan and Skirt Suit 7573S $274 Beige, Grey 6-20 100% Cotton

Peacock Feather Cardigan and Skirt Suit 7573S $274 Grey, Beige 6-20 100% Cotton Mini Square Cut-out Blouse 9203 $113 White, Black, Hot Pink 4-20 100% Cotton 26

Embroidered Joy

Swirl Sequin Embroidered Jacket, Camisole and Trumpet Skirt Suit 7581CS $343 Red, Ivory/Brown, Brown 8-22 Poly Crepe

3D Coin Pattern Jacket and Panel Skirt Suit 7585S $274 Passion Purple, Beige, Peach 8-22 Poly Crepe

Lace Song

Floral and Lace Embroiderd Jacket and Dress Set 9259D $297 Citrus, Black, Ivory, Pink 6-20 Poly Crepe 29

Lace Embroidered Jacket and A-Line Panel Skirt Suit 7591S $297 Black/White, Sage Green 8-22 Poly Crepe 30

Way

Gallery 7857D $366 Lime Green, Maple Pink 6-20 Poly Shantung

7871S $297 Citrus, Lilac, Pink, Natural, White, 6-22 100% Linen

7897S $297 Beige/Coco, Black, Pink, White 8-22 100% Linen

7923 Jacket $136 7924 Dress $251 Hot Pink, Black, White 6-20 100% Linen

7861S $274 Cantaloupe, Lilac, White 8-22 100% Linen

7855S $29a7 Moss Green, Coral/Brown, Purple, White 8-20 100% Linen

7921D $320 Citrus, Peach, White 8-22 100% Linen

7860 $251 Maple Pink, Lime Green 6-20 Poly Shantung

7894 $274 Maize, Citrus, White 8-22 100% Linen

7877S $297 Orange, Khaki, White 8-22 100% Linen

7845S $274 Fuchsia Multi, Orange Multi, Lilac Multi 6-22 100% Linen

9389S $297 White, Black, Hot Pink, Khaki 8-24 100% Linen

7879D $297 Yellow, Coral, White 8-22 100% Linen

7863CS $297 White, Apple Green, Navy, Orange 8-22 100% Linen

9281D $297 Aqua, Orange, White 8-22 100% Linen

9387CP $343 Black/White, Black/Black, Evergreen, Natural, 6-20 100% Linen

7866 $320 White, Citrus 6-20 100% Linen

9203 Shirt $113 White, Black, Pink 100% Cotton 9286 Skirt $127 Black 50% Wool, 50% Viscose

7905P $274 Vanilla Cream, Black 6-20 Poly Shantung

7591S $297 Sage Green, Black/White 8-22 Poly Crepe

9248CS $366 Gold, Black, Ivory White, Passion Purple 6-26 50% Wool, 50% Viscose

7868 $251 Lime Green, Vanilla Cream 6-20 Poly Shantung

7850 $297 White, Black, Citrus 6-20 100% Linen

9208 $251 Green/Khaki, Chocolate/ Beige 8-22 100% Linen

9236 $274 Maroon, Gold 6-20 Poly Shantung

7273D $320 Heather Grey, Black, Purple 6-20 100% Cotton

9339CS $320 Champagne, Black/White 8-26 Poly Crepe

9292 Coat $343 Black 4-20 50% Wool, 50% Viscose

9288 $366 Braown Herringbone, Grey Herringbone 4-20 50% Wool, 50% Viscose

9293 $366 Grey Herringbone, Brown Herringbone S-XXL 50% Wool, 50% Viscose

9347S $340 Gray, Green 6-20 Cotton Jersey

9311P $297 Denim 4-20

9319CS $366 Denim 4-20

Arts & Crafts

Event and Trade Show Calendar

Handicrafts with Kari Young

Butterfly Hand Deco 1. You’ll need: fabric, elastic, glue, rhinestones, needle, thread and scissors.

2. Draw the pattern of a butterfly. Cut 2 pieces. Place wrong sides together and sew it along the edge.

3. Cut two pieces of 1” elastic. Form a circle by sewing the ends together. Arrange the position for the thumb and pinkie, sew to the butterfly. Cut one 3” elastic, sew on each side of the bottom to hold on under the wrist.

Dragonfly Hair Pin 1. You’ll need: fabric, 24-gauge gold wire, one gold hair pin, needle, thread and scissors.

2. Draw the pattern of a dragonfly. Beginning from the tail, bend the wire to outline the dragonfly.

3. Stitch the wire to the fabric. Sew the dragonfly on the pin.

4. Decorate the butterfly by gluing a rhinestone on four sides.

Fashion Center Dallas World Trade Center Dallas, TX Room #14212 August 12-15, 2010

WWD Magic Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Booth #74339 August 17-19, 2010

Leaf Necklace

1. You’ll need: two different color fabrics, one yard of silk ribbon, needle, thread and scissors.

2. Cut 13 leaves in fabric one. Arrange them as the first row of necklace. Sew across the top to secure it. Cut 11 smaller leaves in fabric two. Arrange them as the second row of necklace. Sew to the first row.

3. Use the same color fabric as the smaller leaf, cut one 9” x 1” bias long strip. Fold in half.

4. Place the silk ribbon in the folded strip, cover the top edge of the necklace and sew it. Tie one knot on each end of ribbon.

WWIN Show Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV Pavilion - Booth #433 August 16-19, 2010

Atlanta Apparel Mart AmericasMart Building 3 Atlanta, GA Room #12S115B August 26-30, 2010

Runway Presentation of Spring 2011 499 Seventh Avenue 2nd FL South New York, NY September 8, 2010 1:00 P.M.

Atlanta Apparel Mart AmericasMart Building 3 Atlanta, GA Room #12S115B October 14-18, 2010

Fashion Center Dallas World Trade Center Dallas, TX Room #14212 October 21-24, 2010

Earth Friends’ Party 499 Seventh Avenue 2nd FL South New York, NY October 27, 2010 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Fashion Center Dallas World Trade Center Dallas, TX Room #14212 January 27-30, 2011

Atlanta Apparel Mart AmericasMart Building 3 Atlanta, GA Room #12S115B February 3-7, 2011

Fashion Center Dallas World Trade Center Dallas, TX Room #14212 March 24-27, 2011

Atlanta Apparel Mart AmericasMart Building 3 Atlanta, GA Room #12S115B April 7-11, 2011 36

Way Interview

Reconnecting to Worlds around Us by Eleanor Abraham

While living on the same land as Native Americans, Eskimos, and the tribal people of Thailand, Japan, and China, Ann Grohne became tuned into Mother Earth. She is now a healing guide to others who aspire to reconnect with nature. Born and raised in Central Illinois, Missy Ann (as she prefers to be called) was a tour guide for seventeen years. As she traveled around the world, she studied many cultures. She also became a Holistic Health Coach and a Quantum Energy Practitioner. Missy Ann coproduced and co-directed the movie “The Ultimate Answer,” which focuses on living life more fully through self-healing. The movie will premiere in Fall 2010. Q: What is the best way to reconnect to the Universe? Missy Ann: I find that so many people around the world connect through nature. I love to take people out to the Catskills to put their feet on the ground. Most New Yorkers are over-involved with cell phones and the Internet. Without being able to text, New Yorkers feel like they are dying. They are so consumed by city life that it is difficult for them to relate to small towns. When people let their electronics go and turn fully to nature, they receive inspiration and a sense of self. If you let go and touch a tree and truly feel it, then you will sense everything. It will be like attending a concert. Drinking from springs and placing mud on the face are other effective ways to connect to the universe. Even watching wildlife interact helps overly active people to transform. Q: What does the placement of mud on the face, the tasting of fresh springs, and the observance of nature achieve for those willing to reconnect to the Universe? Missy Ann: These activities allow people to feel and taste nature. When people explore this side of nature, they consistently observe that nothing has ever tasted or felt so pure. It also allows their energies to rise up to vibration, a process I call “entrainto-me.” Within one week of this process, people notice that stress levels are reduced. When they return to city life, things are less bothersome. It is okay to let go of your Blackberry or iPhone, and to get dirty and breathe fresh air. Eating naturally is another way to strengthen your connection with the universe. If you eat naturally, you learn how to relieve your own stress. Q: Through your travels, what would you like to share with the public? Missy Ann: The small tribes in Thailand, China and Japan, the Native Americans, and the Eskimos have never abused the earth because they know the gifts that Mother Earth provides: fire, water, air, and earth. In the lands that I visited, people are living from 110 to 120 years. Science has spent years studying them, but is unable to define why and how these people have survived so long. These people have never been polluted through words, concepts, technology, or industrialization. Although we pollute the earth, it continues to give us inspiration, healing, strength and courage. These qualities are fundamental for a successful life. They are also the same qualities that prevent the transferring of your own power to another person. People travel to large cities, such as New York and Chicago, to acquire a successful life. While in large cities, people often give up who they are to achieve their goals. You are no longer yourself when you give others the power to change who you are; instead, you become a synthetic individual. Q: What are some of your future plans to help people reconnect with nature and themselves? Missy Ann: When “The Ultimate Answer” is released, I want to hold large events around the world for overweight women and women in menopausal and post-menopausal stages. As an energy practitioner, I want to be a guide for anyone who seeks to maintain balance throughout their life. Missy Ann’s movie, “The Ultimate Answer,” is an instructional manual to a more fully and more balanced lifestyle. She believes that with proper self-help, people can instill balance in their lives and can achieve anything they desire. She reminds us that “If you are able to create within yourself that which you admire most, you can create those elements in your own life.” We look forward to viewing her movie this Fall.

Transforming the Heart of American Fashion: Barbara Blair Randall on the Fashion Center BID by Edward Kwang

Who created the beautiful 15,211 square feet public seating areas in the Fashion Center District? Who coordinated the open-air Sidewalk Catwalk on Broadway in the Fashion Center District? When you walk around this area, you are charmed by the creative air and you feel inspired to do something beautiful and extraordinary. With gratitude, Way Magazine interviewed Barbara Blair Randall, the president of the Fashion Center Business Improvement District (FC BID) and the fashion legend behind these happenings.

Way Magazine: When you started at the Fashion Center BID in 1995, your first project was the development of the iconic sculpture Giant Needle and Button which adorns the Fashion Center Information Kiosk on Seventh Avenue at 39th Street. Today, this landmark installation attracts and serves more than 25,000 visitors annually. Also, each season the streets of the Fashion Center District are cleaner and safer. Would you tell us how you manage to maintain and improve the area every year? Randall: Our team uses a GIS mapping system to track streetscape and infrastructure issues block-by-block. We resolve many Fashion Center District issues in-house and we report the other problems to the appropriate city agency or property owner. Rigorous follow-up is always conducted. Our Fashion Center Sanitation Crew works year round to keep the area clean. District Public Safety Officers are on the job seven days a week. They work closely with the Midtown South Police Precinct to solve any criminal issues and prevent problems from arising.

Way Magazine: Today many fashion manufacturers have moved overseas. Of the 6,000 tenants in the Fashion Center District, only 46% are fashion companies. The other tenants are from different industries. Considering these changes, how did you redefine the role of the Fashion Center? Randall: Fashion is still our main identity because our 6,000 tenants still include America’s greatest concentration of fashion designers, wholesalers and suppliers. Our 573 properties are still owned by the companies that created and invested in the Fashion District decades ago. Yes, it is difficult to see fashion companies moving away. On the other hand, it is also hopeful to have new companies including graphic designers, architects, IT firms, artists, theaters and non-profits move into our district. We must enlarge our role as the creative center to all creative designers and businesses. We must continue to make the Fashion Center District a destination and attraction for tourists as well.

Way Magazine: What are the advantages that attract people to the Fashion Center District? Randall: There are many: the convenient transportation to Midtown, the rich history of the Fashion District, the clean sidewalks, and the beautiful architecture. As you walk the streets of the Fashion District, don’t look down – look up at the appealing architecture of the buildings. The area is magnificent. Also check up. There is more information about our programs on our newly designed website: fashioncenter.com

Way Magazine: How do you bring together designers, property owners, tenants and the city to create programs such as the Sidewalk Catwalk? Randall: We ask questions such as: How can we improve our district? How do designers get their images and personalities across to the public? As the innovation center for our business, we entertain any idea that will enhance the Fashion Center District’s physical and economic environment. We promote our tenants. When I see an empty space, I wonder why there is no boutique here. We even seek out un-leased space to create pop-up shops or galleries to promote our designers. Note: Be sure to visit New York City’s Fashion Center Information Kiosk on Seventh Avenue and 39th Street. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.