.

The 2007 AAFA American Image Awards

Kimora Lee Simmons was honored with the designer
of the year for her Baby Phat collection.

Fashion designers turned out for the 2007 AAFA American Image Awards sponsored by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Monday night in New York. Hosted by "America's Next Top Model" judge Jay Manuel, also the likes of Anna Kournikova and Patricia Field walked the red carpet before accepting their awards as this year’s honorees.

Photoed with Jay Manuel, dosen't she look fab'!

Channeling her modeling days in a that red satin gown with a sheer lace back on the red carpet.

(Photos credits: Provided Courtesy of Janet Mayer / Photorazzi)

Do Yo - Russell Simmons

Powerful and inspired, DO YOU! is a rare blend of business acumen, fierce spiritual faith and priceless advice.

Since rising out of the New York City streets over 25 years ago, Russell Simmons has helped create such ground breaking ventures as Def Jam Records, Phat Farm and Def Comedy Jam, in the process becoming known the world over as “The CEO of Hip Hop.” Russell might have helped introduce hip-hop to the world, but he credits his success to his belief in a strong set of principles-or laws--which he shares for the first time in this book. In 12 straight forward steps, Russell reveals a path towards success that can be followed not only by those looking to duplicate his professional success, but anyone struggling to realize their dreams.

Indeed, those solely looking for advice on how to build up their bank accounts at the expense of personal integrity should probably look elsewhere. That’s because these laws stem from the belief that all success, be it professional or personal, comes from a connection with your higher self. Using examples from his own experiences and observations, Russell demonstrates how tapping into that connection will allow you to get your mind right, find the motivation to start instead of stall, surround yourself with the right people, appreciate the power of hard work and understand the power of karma.

But most importantly, this book will demonstrate how it’s impossible to receive any sort of lasting success from the world without giving something of lasting value to the world first. That’s a practice that is reflected in Russell’s own work as a mentor and philanthropist and one that he promotes as being fundamental to empowerment and success on every level.

Blending business insight, universal spiritual truths and an inspired sense of purpose DO YOU! crosses the lines of age, race and background with wisdom that will lift you up and motivate you to pursue your vision

Watch an intervew with Russe Simmons!

Empowering Indeed!

For more on Russel Simmons visit the following websites:
www.simmonsjewelryco.com
www.phatfarm.com
www.defjam.com

RUSSELL SIMMONS - The Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Simmons Jewelry Company, co-owned by Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons, has established a non-profit international organisation “The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF)” with the mission to raise money for the development and empowerment of people and communities in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource. This came following Russell Simmons’ recent trip to South Africa and Botswana on a fact-finding mission as to how the diamond industry contributes to the empowerment of Africa, specifically those two countries.
The Simmons Jewelry Company thus launched the Green Initiative collection, whose purpose is to raise funds for the DEF. The company has designed and is manufacturing specialized Green Initiative jewelry. The collection is a unique combination of modern, traditional and inspirational hip-hop inspired jewelry in stainless steel, green rubber and diamonds. The line features the diamond encrusted Ohm Watch and Ohm pendant, as well as bracelets, pendants, chains and rings priced from $200 - $80,000. The first Green Initiative piece, the Green Bracelet – made from genuine native African green malachite beads and a rough African conflict-free diamond, has already been worn by the likes of Penelope Cruz, Paris Hilton, Gabrielle Union, Serena Williams, Eddie Murphy and Beyonce, amongst many.

Below, a slideshow of celebs’ in Green!

Diamond Empowerment Fund with Russell Simmons (News Brief)

The Simmons Jewelry Company Green Initiative collections are available at the company’s retail partners which include Kay Jewelers, Gordon Jewelers, Zales, Macy's Herald Square, Neiman Marcus, Rogers and Hollands Jewelers, Fortunoff's, Bonds Jewelers, Reeds and can be viewed at www.simmonsjewelryco.com

Simmons Jewelry Company’s Green Initiative line will donate 25% of net profits of each piece sold to the DEF.

(Phoro Credits: Simmons Jewelry Co).

Beauty Within TV

Founded in New York, current CEO Anissa Rochester found the need to address women of all nationalities via fashion and beauty. Demographically speaking our viewership consists of women of all nationalities who loves fashion.

Beauty Within was created to expose people to the world of multicultural fashion. The program showcases the most innovative designers, stylists and creative genius in the industry. A promising program, BW TV has interviewed designers Tracy Reese, Zang Toi, Esteban Cortazar, B. Michael, David Rodriguez, Zac Posen, Chris Aire(designs diamonds) celebrities such as Angela Bassett, Ashante,Foxworth Bently, Will Smith, Zoe Saldana, LL Cool J, Kimora Lee, Nicky Hilton, Kimmora Lee Simmons, Nicky Hilton, Serena Williams, Zoe Saldana along with others. The events covered are BET"Rip the Runway", Pre- MTV Awards, Fashion Week, Fashion Trade shows, Movie Premiers, Fifi Awards (perfume awards), Emmys and much more more is among one of the many that Beauty Within has featured.

Making its mark on the fashion business Beauty Within TV looks to feature more designers of color and those who are up and coming. Located both in New York and Los Angeles the program conducts interviews with fashion and beauty insiders and has makeover and historical segments in which the viewer learns about the cultural meaning behind the garments. The show is aired on Time Warner Cable and RNC cable along with a fashion/entertainment newsletter.

Beauty Within TV looks to take Fashion Week on an international scale i.e. Brazil, Japan, Puerto Rico, Africa, India and Jamaica presenting it on a globe front. We will takeover the red carpet like no has done before. So be sure to watch out for Beauty Within TV on various red carpets.

Coming Soon is the Beauty Within Magazine, a high fashion couture magazine for people of color!

A spectacular Event at Adornment Exhibition 2007

The two day family event was a well spent Easter Holiday for some of us. An African cultural, creative & exhibition indeed!

Many featured were Adornments 2007 ambassador Eykah Badu who's inspirational speech enlightened consciousness, and featured entrepreneur LisaPrice, founder and managing partner of Carol’s daughter.

Amongst others were mother and daughter partnership, Gisella Boutique who presented a catwalk with their cutting edge designs of a cultural flavour, created a stir and giving the visitors the feel of a front row tickets at the catwalk. Other highlights were, Adornment's partners from France Bouncles d'ebene and Emrace from the Netherlands, annual competitions and awards, business2business networking opportunities, grand finales and of course, the buzzing and the beautiful international visitors.

For more on Adornment visit: www.adornment.org.uk

Gisella Boutique

Gisella Boutique showcased a stunning range of designs from their V&A Collection at the Adornment Evolution 2007 the Easter weekend, providing a feel of a front row ticket at the catwalk.

The collection is clearly intended for the elegant women of style and substance. An Oasis of Exotic Elegance indeed!

Gisella Couture and the Gisella-B line are sold exclusively at the Gisella Boutique outlet in Peckham, South East London. In addition to offering a full range of couture designs, as well as a bridal line. Gisella Boutique accepts fabrics from customers when requesting designs as part of its commitment to their in-house manifesto to serve the needs of their clients, as well as offers tailor-made couture services.

Check out the The V&A Collection!

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy of Gisella Boutique)

For more on Gisella Boutique, visit their website: gisellaboutique.net,
myspace.com/gisella_b

CATWALK the World

Fashion For Food! A travelling fashion show with an innovative conceptual variation of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Walk the World concept: to create awareness and funds to help end child hunger.

The event was launched in Lagos, Nigeria in April 2006. Internationally acclaimed nigerian designer Deola Sagoe presented catwalks and was met with extraordinary success. Designer Deola put together the collection for the kick off event - see her stunning designs below.

catWALK Ghana

The campaign then travelled to Accra, Ghana in 22 December, for the second in the series, where Ghana's designer Ozwald Boateng headed the list of top designers from the continent, displayed an extravagant event for the campaign. Attending the glittering event was New York-born entrepreneur and music producer, Damon Dash and his wife designer Rachel Roy, Kofi Ansah, Tina Atiemo, Deola Sagoe who also joined the event, South Africa's Stoned Cherrie and many more. Below is the snap-shot of the high fashion event!

Tina Atiemo

Konadu

Outstanding designers!

Celebrity guest Demon Dash and Family

Click to watch the video of the event.

Spectacular!

The Fashion for Food campaign continues the global travel with plans underway for cities, including Addis Ababa, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Paris, Rome, New York, Sydney and the Caribbean.

Proceeds from the events are collected by UN WFP and will be used in pursuit of meeting the objective of ending global child hunger.

(PhotoCredits: catwalktheworld)

For more information on catWALK the World the following links:
www.catwalktheworld.com
www.fighthunger.org/catwalk
www.wfp.org

One of NiZuri's fav’ collections, is the Pia Jewellery. Pia celebrates passion for truly creative design. Some pieces are classic, others have been inspired by nature, or reflect a cool modernity. The jewelries are lovingly crafted to the highest standards.

Have a look at some of the collection!

Visit Pia Jewellery to view more and purchase products!

ACCESSORIZE with NiZuri collection at NiZuri Online-Store!

ACCESSORIZE with NiZuri collection at NiZuri Online-Store

ere's a glimps of what in Store!

South Africa Fashion

The fashion landscape of South Africa stages two world-class fashion weeks, events that filled a long standing gap in the fashion calendar for an Autmn/Winter fashion week to bring South Africa in line with the international fashion calendar. The events took place in March 2007 under the title: Cape Town Fashion and Jo’burg Fashion Week. The two new dates on the fashion calendar compliment the three major Spring/Summer fashion weeks that take place annually between June and July.

"This is the most significant move in African fashion in the last decade; and represents a major leap forward for our designers. The launch of these events allows our designers to now compete internationally in both fashion seasons”. said Paul Jackson, Managing Director of Leisureworx.

This is the first major step towards a Pan-African fashion series involving partner events from across the continent.

View the highlights of some of the best designers at the show.

Sun Goddess

View more of Sun Goddess's outstanding designs!

Visit www.sungoddess.co.za for more information and view designs.

Bongiwe Walaza

More of Bongiwe Walaza's designs.

Thula Sindi

Stoned Cherrie

Mzansi

Thabani

Stunning African designs

(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

For more on African Fashion, visit www.safashionweek.co.za and www.joburgfashionweek,

For more on Stunning designs, view NiZuri fashion at NiZuri Online-Store!

Related articles: MTN Durban Fashion Week spring/summer 2007,