Spring Cleaning

With spring comes fresh, new ideas, a restored motivation to start something new, or build up/re-examine an existing project. For the Arizona Fashion Foundation and LabelHorde, that includes the release of our Annual Printed Directory. No one knew what a huge undertaking this publication would be, especially when we first decided to launch it in January of every year. Who were we kidding. That would mean we'd need to be in production from October-December, which also happens to be the busiest time of the year for us, with planning shows (including the biggest fashion event of the year, the Annual Fashion Ball which happens in November and takes half a year to plan). So, as time passed and the Directory was no closer to being complete, we decided to re-think our strategy. From now on, the printed Directory will be released in April of each year, allowing us time to prepare it at the beginning of the year, after all the shows and holidays have calmed down, and will also give us a chance to release something new and fresh in Spring, which seems so fitting. We will also be having a release party, allowing us to have a small event, during this lull time. So, please stay tuned to our News section and Calendar for release party details.

We've also started planning "Spotlight" our annual Model Search, which will take place late August 2005. This show was a hit last year and the winner received a contract with FORD/RBA Agency! Robert Black of FORD also surprised us all when he gave away contracts to 3 other contestants, so you never know what may happen! If you are an aspiring model, this is definitely an event you do not want to miss. Look for a story on last years winner, and all the contract winners, to be posted to the LabelHorde homepage very soon. We'll catch up with the winners and find out how their lives and careers have changed since last years "Spotlight."

It looks like we're on for Wearable Art Auction 2005. We're currently in beginning planning stages of this wildly successful show and will be bring you details as this event unfolds. If you'd like to be involved, keep an eye out for the posting of the application to the LabelHorde homepage.

The LabelHorde Boutique is about to open! We're currently working on the product photoshoot, and will have the items posted within the next 2 weeks. This is a very exciting addition to our community, especially after so many boutiques closed their doors in the Phoenix area over the past few months. We are happy to be able to provide a place where Arizona designers can sell their creations.

Another exciting addition to the site will be the photo gallery. We will attempt to post photos from every show we can. This will not be limited to only LabelHorde shows, but will cover any/every fashion event. A perk for our Tuxedo members will be the ability to post to the gallery. They will be able to have their own album and can direct clients, friends, etc. to their personal album, which will also be another great marketing tool since the LabelHorde site is currently receiving a quarter of a million hits a month!! We're being visited by 47 different countries, and have even garnered enough recognition for the New Times to "threaten" us. There was a little write-up in a recent article about a charity fashion event in which major designer pieces were to be shown, and the opening line read "Keepers of LabelHorde, watch your back..." This means we have name recognition, and we're a big enough of a group to throw jabs at, even up against major designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Valentino and Givenchy. We're doing it, guys!

Happy spring,
Rhonda Zayas