LIGHTS, CAMERA, RUNWAY
Celebrities, designers, models support Urban Media Foundation
The “Lights, Camera, Runway a Celebrity Fashion Show and Fundraiser,” on behalf of the Urban Media Foundation, will be hosted by Chris Schauble and Wendy Burch of KTLA.
The Urban Media Foundation has gathered 22 of Los Angeles’ freshest and most beautiful faces —and bodies—and fused them with hottest designer styles to hit the runway. On top of that, celebrity guests, including Christine Devine, Michaela Pereira, Candice Parker, Darren Henson, Courtney Jones, Abraham McDonald and Carol Rodriguez, will strut their stuff on the runway. It all adds up to a show to be remembered.
A talented and creative team has committed hours to ensuring that the foundation is well-represented and that there is awareness brought to the work that they do for the inner city students.
Fashion veterans such as Sterling Capricio and Dena Burton will grace the 33-foot runway with their hottest collections. Such hot lines as CJ’s by Cookie Johnson, Enrich, Sealed with a Kiss Designs, Sassy Rebel, Piatanno, Xavier Fox, Tim Nguyen and Live Life, Love Denim by Karl Kani have all come together to support both the West Coast Expo and the Urban Media Foundation.
Also layering the show will be tons of amazing accessory companies. There will be handcrafted handbags by Beautiifash & Co. and Elizabeth Lane. Both designers are Southern California natives and have mastered the art the craftsmanship of leather goods.
Jontelle Torrance, designer and owner for Beautiifash & Co., is a newcomer to the industry and has chosen the Expo’s platform to introduce her line. Other newbies will be Statement, a men’s accessory company, Gotti Trends Jewelry and Anike Jewels.
However, designer Elizabeth Laine, needs no introduction, as she has been dressing celebrities and gracing the pages of glossies for the past few years. She comments: “I’m excited to be a part of this event because I feel it’s important that our youth have a platform and direction to succeed in life.”
Since the Urban Media Foundation teaches journalism and media workshops to inner city youth, contributions of such high-level professionals is much appreciated.
“We have all worked tirelessly to create a beautiful and captivating show that all will enjoy and remember,” says the show’s producer Kianna Shann. “While at the Expo this weekend please take time to join us and enjoy the show.”
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12TH
WCE OPENING BREAKFAST 8AM
Expo Floor near Main Stage
Hosted by Motivational, Speaker, Les Brown.
Ticketed Event
PRESS CONFERENCE 9:30AM Main Stage
Our high profile press conference will recognize our Sponsors, Partners & Political supporters.
OPENING CEREMONY 10:15AM Lobby
Anyone entering the West Coast Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center first saw the imposing banners featuring the two forces behind the event—Natalie Cole (CEO) and David Miller (COO)—hanging overhead observing the goings-on like watchful parents. Then they took in the panorama of the event—aisles of vendors and sponsors on each side—on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Packed in the pews at Macedonia Baptist Church in Watts, a mixed and vigorous crowd of about 400 Blacks and Hispanics had come to hear how mayoral candidates Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti would respond to both their questions and their needs. The forum was sponsored by L.A. Voice.
To begin, various religious and community leaders came forward to highlight issues in the community.
The Community Financial Resource Center (CFRC) has for two decades provided needed financial assistance for small business owners, and never before have their services been so timely.
Because of the economic downturn witnessed over the past five years, the CFRC has helped historically underserved entrepreneurs bridge the monetary gap between qualifying for a loan from a major lending institution—a feat increasingly difficult because of fluctuating investor confidence—and trying to finance a business on a “shoestring” budget.
The Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI), the brainchild of the Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee, was introduced at the political action committee’s 10th anniversary celebration in April of 2002.
Although conceived by the political action committee, LAAAWPPI is a separately organized, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with the goal of preparing women for leadership in business, government and the community.
