FIGHTING WITH FASHION
The Project One Runway Production
“a fashion ensemble”
Milwaukee, WI –SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 – Before you say Milwaukee has no thriving fashion scene, you should measure the contributions of one inner city production team. Whether your interest is in beauty, fashion or business, Project One Productions continue to offer results eagerly seeked by local designers and industry professionals. As the team fights to help establish fashion in our great city, they also take on the fight against cancer with assistance from the American Cancer Society.
Not a student of the challenges of fashion, but teachers of its many variables. Project One Productions has recognized the need for fashion in Milwaukee’s declining economy. After four years of working within Milwaukee’s stagnated fashion arena, this team recognizes the elements of a successful fashion market. “Milwaukee does not understand the value of its own talent”, says Roche, executive producer of Project One Productions, “It is in the kitchens, basements, and living rooms of urban Milwaukee,” And yet, for any mainstream professional or those who contribute to the elements thereof, he says he can show you an urbanite equivalent. “In many cases, our talent and creativity exceeds that of mainstream,” he says.
So the Project One team fights to showcase its aspiring designers, photographers, hair stylists graphic artists, makeup artists and media personnel. The team says that our great city needs to know about this exceptional talent. It’s like a child who suddenly hits it big in the music industry, and the parents are in awe because they never took seriously the exceptional talent of the child. Roche’ says, “Milwaukee should stop, listen and take a look at what our industry toddlers are doing, because we are allowing the strength of our economy to walk away to other cities that recognizes the benefit of Milwaukee’s freshly brewed talent.
Roche’ studied photography through The New York Institute of Photography. He currently serves as the head studio photographer of Studio One PhotoArt, Inc. here in Milwaukee. For four years, he has been the director of photography for the Fashion Revolution Runway Production. Roche’ has rendered services to businesses like V100.7, American Family Insurance, Common ground Marketing of Chicago, IL, KEW Productions and many more. He is among Milwaukee’s most requested photographers and interest in his unique style has come from as far as Europe.
Project One Production introduces the PROJECT ONE RUNWAY SHOW, a fashion ensemble, Thursday September 30, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 333 West Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI . The show starts at 8:00 p.m. It brings together an arena of fashionable creativity and it showcases our hard working industry talent. The industry standard models will walk to the sound of a heart pounding, majestic sounding orchestra, put together by Milwaukee’s own nationally known Byron Lampkins. A portion of the net proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. And because the team fights against cancer, John Kowalkowski, a survivor of cancer will be walking in the show. The American Cancer Society will set up an information booth to disseminate information about this terrible disease. The Project One team has also allowed vending space for vendors of related interest.
The event producers are Roche Buford and Associate producer, Gilmary Cruz, of Studio One.
Among the designers of the show are Deborah Render, fashion designer and owner of GG Couture Collections, Valerie Jones, owner of VGal Designs, Pamela Graham of NANDI Kendra of Disaya Anne’ and Claire Ann of Gypsy Couture.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Roche’ Buford please contact Roche’ Buford at
(414) 651-3210 or by email at projectoneproductions@gmail.com
Ohhh the fashion of SATC never disappoints. Whether it is the 30 min episodes or the full length movie, SATC continues to be a walking billboard for top designers. We at KISS Magazine, do not consider ourselves to be a fashion forward magazine; however, in time, things will change. So we thought it would only be right to look at just a few of the outfits worn in the movie.
The photos we selected don’t even scratch the surface of all the outfits worn and designers in the movie. Renowned SATC stylist Patricia Field continues to push the envelope each time with one or two odd outfits. Probably the best part of the movie for me was seeing the 80′s flashbacks with each of the ladies, and the old skool walkman Samantha had on… great touch.
In this photo: Sheena Marie (Founder and Coordinator of The Fashion Revolution)
Photography: Roche Buford (Studio One)
Over the last 20 years Atlanta has been my place of residence; however many who really know me, know I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Last year I had the honor of meeting Sheena Marie. This joyful talent, who nothing else showed me she was ready to put Milwaukee on the map in the world of Fashion. Her recent success with “The Fashion Revolution”, hasn’t come without hardships and struggles, but through it all she emerged. Last year “The Fashion Revolution” made history by holding its show at the prestigious Art Museum, and it attained nation-wide press from the event. Please enjoy my recent sit down with Sheena Marie founder of “The Fashion Revolution”.
1. Sean - When I say to you “Fashion Revolution” what immediately comes to mind?
Sheena- Spontaneity, freshness, the unexpected, fun, unity, creativity, big, upward spiral with a destination that is beyond my understanding. Local, appreciation, and longevity.
2. Sean - Milwaukee is not a city known for it’s fashion industry, what lead you to this field?
Sheena- Nothing lead me to this field, it is something that is embedded inside the making of me. I am forever evolving and growing in my engagements with fashion. But the turning point to continue my quest with the Fashion Revolution production, was the need I saw for it from me, to my friends and peers who enjoy this as an outlet for their creativity. And I saw that I could help the community in a monetary form through it, by offering our scholarship to youth pursuing fashion and art as a career or choice of study in school.
3. Sean - Describe to me the moment you gave birth to the Fashion Revolution?
Sheena - I remember, and not in the exact moment or words…but I remember walking door to door to businesses to tell them about The Fashion Revolution and ask for their support. I remember being cold, afraid, but determined. Most of those knocks on the door, I was turned away from, but I continued. I had a friend who would accompany me, and after awhile it was too much for her I think, lol. When I spent my whole savings on the production with no need for a return, I knew it was mine. It was something I was passionate about.
4. Sean- What can we expect this year that is different from the prior successful years?
Sheena - Well, first and foremost, I am hosting the show! NEVER BEFORE, have I hosted a show. Along with Damion Thompson, a well know musician and fashion enthusiast of URBANSOL, we plan to knock it out. Each year I work on making the event better, and not emphasize on bigger, so I made some minor adjustments to the organization of the production for the most part. It may be noticeable, it may not, but I am working! lol.
5. Sean- Five years from now tell me what you see with Sheena Marie?
Sheena - Sheena Marie….well….currently I am loving working at Boutique Revolution and enjoying the struggles and enlightenments of operating my own business. In five years, Sheena Marie will be a national..or perhaps universal appeal. In what area of fashion/art, I can’t say. I am allowing the Divine to work on me and help me to exhibit my talents/strengths as he/she see fits. I’m patient. But to give a fantasy answer…perhaps Boutique Revolution will be posted in NYC serving up local designers, while Sheena Marie is a stylist to the stars, exposing them to underground fashion gurus and creatives. I could also see myself leading a womens support movement offering my experience as a tool for women to connect and find our inner strengths. And of course with all this…still produce the Fashion Revolution as it begins it’s tour nationwide, acquainting local designers of each state we reach to the masses. I would LOVE this!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“The Fashion Revolution” Becomes Futuristically Appealing. A Brigade Of Midwest Fashion Designers Set The Standard For The Future Of Fashion In A Galactic Atmosphere.
MILWAUKEE, Wis, (Saturday, April 1, 2010)- The Fashion Revolution runway production is an an annual fashion showcase event. It’s purpose is to expose the Midwest independent fashion market to the ever changing fashion industry as a majority. The production is also in effort to raise funds for The Fashion Revolution Educational Scholarship Fund available for youth who will be pursuing a career in fashion or the arts. The event will take place at The Milwaukee Art Museum, Windhover Hall 700 Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MAY 1, 2010. Pre-reception opening will begin at 7pm. The fashion production will begin at 8pm featuring Midwest fashion designers presenting futuristic concepts of their collection. This is an open event to the public. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased prior to event and also at the facility the night of the production.
As a challenge, the twelve participating fashion designers were asked to create a complete line that reflected the future of fashion. Participating Milwaukee designers are Valerie Jones, Larry Andrew, Liza Hines, Kenya Hayes,Tangela Brister, The Departure Men’s Clothing Company, Deborah Render, young designer Chelsea Stotts, and Pamela Graham. Designer from Madison, Wisconsin are Stacy Rogers, and Tammy Jones. Special guest designer LeeVan Roundtree via Atlanta, Georgia. Lastly, Chicago based designer Anna Hovet. ” The Fashion Revolution is highly beneficial event because it presents independent designers to other markets. These markets and the customers who stablize them are engaged and attracted to the independent designer quality-and for the most part continue to follow and patronize them”, says Sheena Luckett, the Executive producer and creative director of the production. “Success in the Milwaukee market can be seen with Anna Hovet, a returning designer for the past three years with the FR. Milwaukeeans enjoy the progression of her brand and support her despite the distance. She have successfully completed the Chicago’s Macy’s Fashion Incubator program and has opened her showroom in Chicago, and in steady production, she is accepting wholesale and retail orders for Fall 2010. We are grateful to have her return after her initial participation in 2008. We get to see her expand graciously”, says Luckett. Other participating designers have already began production with their lines such as returning designer Valerie Jones and Deborah Render, who also has a showroom in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. “Another avenue introduced this year, is that participating designers get to also have their lines sold at Boutique Revolution and Gallery in Milwaukee once the production is over.”, says Luckett who stressed the connection of consumer and clothing being observed on the runway. “The consumer who wants to buy, should have that opportunity to touch and feel those designs that come down the runway. That is why some of the collection pieces from each designer will be available following the show.”
Featured models in the production are professional trained for high fashion runway walking by Milwaukee coach, Sabrina Sleight and Ashley Thomas. Music and entertainment will be provided by Paul Hackbarth of Sounds By Design and REMIX Dance Company. Pre-sale tickets range from $22.50 to $50. VIP is available for purchase but only for pre-sale, offering free “swag bags” filled with free items, coupons, and samples from area businesses and designers, and the latest copy of the Fashion Revolution miniature magazine highlighting Milwaukee and Chicagao fashion. Tickets can be bought online at: http://www.thefashionrevolution.com/tickets. or at Boutique Revolution, 5209 West North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208, (414) 871.0624. Other locations include Studio One Photography, 2856 N Teutonia Avenue, and Showing Off By Hosea Salons, 2740 Highland Blvd, both in Milwaukee.
The Fashion Revolution 2010 sponsors include: 88.9 Radio Milwaukee; http://www.radiomilwaukee.org, http://www.DigitalGuestlist.com,Studio One Photography, FashionableMilwaukee, 414 Magazine; http://www.414magazine.com, and Showing Off By Hosea, Aveda Institute and Aldos Shoe Company.
The Fashion Revolution runway production is an an annual fashion showcase event unifying and exposing the independent fashion scene with consumers and the ever changing fashion industry. Through a dynamic fashion performance, the event encourages guests to be interactive and network with fashion professionals, while observing the production and frequenting vendors booths. Tickets and more information can be found at the Fashion Revolution website: http://www.thefashionrevolution.com.
In every major city you will see flyers promoting events, with models photos on them. Generally these flyers have been made without the models permission to use their images. It has been common rule that if it is on the internet it can be used, however Judge Judy made a industry changing ruling recently about the usage of images for commercial purposes.
Models and graphic designers please watch this is industry changing.
KISS Magazine is the only high end urban magazine that is free to the Fashion & Entertainment industries.
