Blogging Bravo Interview with Mike Vensel

Mike Vensel talks about his experience on The Fashion Show.

A highlight: Mike and Calvin are actually good friends.

Click here for Mike's website.

Click here for the podcast.

Enjoy a video of Mike's latest show.

Thank you Mike!

The Fashion Show Party Room: Episode 1

Tonight On Blogging Bravo

Join Tbone and friends tonight right here on Blogging Bravo as we watch the premiere of The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection together. We'll be opening up the BB party room every week for new episodes. We plan on having good, mostly clean snarky fun so come join us! The party room opens at 9: 30 p.m. ET. Here's the preview video again for those who missed it:

Iman was fabulous as the host of Project Runway Canada, can't wait to see what she brings to the table on The Fashion Show. See you tonight on BB!

Meet the Designers - Calvin Tran

Calvin Tran earned his BFA from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago and quickly landed a job as Creative Director for Zabari in New York City. Yearning to get his own designs in the market, Calvin opened his first store, Sac Boutique, in Chicago in 2000. The store became a hot spot and Calvin’s fashions were suddenly in demand, prompting him to open two more store locations in New York and another in San Francisco. Using the silhouette as a canvas, Calvin’s designs compliment the softness, beauty and elegance of the female figure. His edgy yet versatile designs have been recognized by publications such as The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, Lucky Magazine, and Cosmopolitan, and several celebrities have been seen in his clothing including Drew Barrymore, Brooke Shields, Gina Gershon and Piper Perabo. In 2004, Calvin was awarded the Style Breaker award by the Fashion International Group. In addition to operating his three boutiques, Calvin continues to find time to create his own designs while also presenting at various fashion shows.

Meet the Designers - Cesar Galindo

Cesar Galindo lives and breathes for fashion. As the youngest of 11 children, he was exposed to the fundamentals of design at a very early age. His mother was an excellent seamstress and his father’s sense of style gave him the ability to understand and conceptualize clothing design. As a teenager, Cesar made dresses and sold them in consignment stores around his hometown of Houston. Although naturally gifted, his formal training began when he worked for The Miami City Ballet as the assistant to Jose Varona III. While working under Varona, Cesar learned the intricacies of costume design –- the delicacies, elaborateness and the value in its beauty and construction. Cesar’s many accomplishments include working for Calvin Klein and Dolce and Gabanna, designing costumes for celebrities including Madonna, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliot, and creating the wardrobe for Chaka Khan’s World Tour with Prince in 1999. Most recently, he has designed for Gwen Stefani’s clothing line L.A.M.B. for her Spring 2011 collection, designed Joan Jett’s red carpet and world tour wardrobe, and re-launched his own namesake couture cocktail and eveningwear label “Cesar Galindo.” An expert dressmaker with the flare for drama, Cesar’s dresses and gowns are lined in his signature fuchsia charmeuse. His motto? “Life should always be bright and colorful from the inside out!”

Meet the Designers - Cindy Ayvar

Cindy Ayvar was born in Acapulco, Mexico and immigrated to Los Angeles when she was 11 years old. Her family settled in the L.A. suburb of Van Nuys and since then, Cindy has embarked on her career in fashion both at home and abroad. After receiving her Bachelors in Fashion from Woodbury University in Burbank, California, Cindy moved to Florence, Italy to obtain her Masters in Fashion from the Polimoda Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing. With her exposure to European designs, techniques and trends, Cindy’s signature designs are influenced by the greatest European designers. Cindy’s love for nature inspires her the most because it fuels fond memories of her childhood. She has worked under celebrity designers and also has successfully launched a label, Goci, with fellow contestant and best friend Golnessa Farmanara. The two have had four successful fashion shows to-date.

Meet the Designers - Jeffrey Williams

Jeffrey Williams was born into a family of 12 siblings -- seven boys and five girls -- in Seattle, Washington. At a young age, Jeffrey’s dream of becoming a fashion designer was supported by his loving mother, who was his biggest fan. In 2004, shortly before being accepted to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, his mother passed of breast cancer, but she continues to be a huge inspiration. While at F.I.T., Jeffrey studied abroad at Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy, and developed a love for the culture and working internationally. He also participated in the prestigious Art Specialization Program, which led him to his professional career as in fashion illustration. Jeffrey graduated from F.I.T in 2009 with a Bachelors in International Fashion Design and a focus on Sportswear, Knit Wear, and Fashion Illustration. Jeffrey has worked with Alexander Wang, Peter Som, and international stylist Patti Wilson. Currently, he is working as a fashion illustrator, a fashion consultant, and a stylist, all while developing his next collection. Presently residing in New York, his design aesthetic is influenced by magical life moments, indigenous communities, the power of his dreams and his loved ones. Jeffrey believes that “there’s no such thing as what’s in or what’s out. It’s all about confidence and truth. If you feel divine keep it on, if not, take it the heck off!”

Meet the Designers - David Caldwell

Raised in Oklahoma, David Caldwell was a true country boy who was active in sports, boy scouts and art. At a very young age his admiration for beauty and fashion influenced his style of dress. His mother’s support encouraged his decisions and nurtured his creativity. While in college, David initially pursued an Entrepreneurial Business degree at the University of Oklahoma. While on a study abroad program in Northern Italy, David’s life changed when he experienced the culture and history the region had in fashion and design. Once back in the states, David enrolled at Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Design, Housing, & Merchandising with an emphasis in Apparel Design & Production. Upon completion, David moved to New York City where he presented a spring 2010 collection. He has worked with Zac Posen and Jonathan Kayne and has also dabbled in interior design projects. David’s approach to his designs involve his vision of people and nature. He is currently establishing his own fashion brand focusing on young professional women. Prominent designers like Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan, and Issey Miyake are some of David’s favorites, but his biggest influence is his mother "who is an intelligent woman with a strong sense of style."

Meet the Designers - Mike Vensel

Mike Vensel was born in Pittsburgh, PA and spent most of his adolescent years in the Carolinas and Georgia. He studied Architecture and Fine Arts in Miami before moving to Los Angeles. Once in L.A., he studied Visual Communications and Fashion Design. Mike has traveled extensively throughout the globe finding inspiration in the beauty of various cultures. He sees clothes as the "outward expression of our inner selves." Drawing upon legendary designers like Halston and Tom Ford, Mike has developed his own method of design. He steers clear of trends and finds influence from various decades as a point of reference to create a unique identity for his fashions. Mike's creativity does not draw the line at clothing; in addition to designing for his women's wear line "Mike Vensel," he is also a well known fashion photographer, publishes his own magazine, Kitten Mag, and is developing men's wear, cosmetics, fragrances, accessories, and shoes.

Meet the Designers - Dominique Pearl David

Dominique Pearl David is a 21-year-old fresh graduate of Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) with Cum Laude honors in the advanced studies program. The native Southern Californian currently resides in New York. She describes her own style as “slouchy chic,” and her designs are inspired by fairytales and the Japanese geisha culture. She is most influenced by designers such as Rei Kawakubo and Paul Poiret. Her craft in sewing has enabled her to collaborate with Disney, Guess Inc. Ramona West's online vintage store, Kanye West, and Gwen Stefani's line, L.A.M.B. She is also known for her collaborations to create custom prom dresses around the Ojai Valley. In addition to her collaborations, Dominique debuted her first collection on the runway earlier this year in Los Angeles.

Meet the Designers - Golnessa Farmanara

Golnessa Farmanara was born and raised in Iran until the age of 12, when she and her family moved to the U.S. and settled in Los Angeles, California. Her passion for art, photography, painting and sketching led to her to pursue her Bachelors in Fashion Design at Woodbury University in Burbank, California. After obtaining her degree, Golnessa attended Polimoda University in Italy and obtained her Advanced Masters degree in Fashion Design. Since graduating, she has assisted in styling some high profile music artists. She also works as the assistant designer to couture gown company, Deanzign, and part-time as a visual merchandiser/fashion coordinator for Davaco. Golnessa’s Iranian heritage is reflected in the vivid designs her culture encompasses. Currently, Golnessa is the co-owner of her label “Goci” which she started with her best friend and fellow contestant Cindy Ayvar.

Meet the Designers - Eduardo de las Casas

Eduardo de las Casas immigrated to the United States from Peru in 1996 after receiving his degree in Industrial Engineering. Shortly after arriving to the U.S., he unearthed his passion for fashion design. Keeping true to his zeal for the fashion world, Eduardo held down jobs in other industries to pay for design school. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2005 and received awards for Best Couture, Best Club Wear, Highest Achiever, and Best Future Designer in his class. Since then, he has designed for several well-known Florida clothing companies. Eduardo’s unique ability to combine diverse textures with contemporary designs enables him to create sophisticated, sexy and distinctive looks that are influenced by his Latin culture. His experience spans across all genres of clothing including menswear, women’s wear, swimwear, children’s wear, evening, bridal and sportswear. His designs have been featured in publications, fashion shows, and television series including She’s Got the Look and the Latin reality show Nuestra Belleza Latina. Eduardo’s designs have also been worn by celebrities and contestants of the Miss Universe pageant. In 2008, Eduardo was awarded the “Emerging Designer” Award at Miami Fashion Week.

Meet the Designers - Rolando "Ro" Tamez

Rolando "Ro" Tamez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Rolando attended Wade College where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising in 2008. His looks and attitude have always set him apart from the crowd and his approach to design is just as bold and daring. Rolando loves being able to design something pure and classic one moment and design something theatrical and "dragesque" the next. Keeping up with the trends of the current economy, Rolando has tailored his designs to include the budget-conscious consumer. He uses old clothing to recreate new designs that are one of a kind. Just this year, Rolando held his very first fashion show and was featured on two covers of Houston based JMG Magazine. Currently, he is in the process of creating an online boutique to sell his clothing. His best fashion advice is: “Never fear what anyone might think or say about what you wear. Confidence is the best outfit you will ever wear.”

Meet the Designers - Francine Simmons

Francine Simmons has always made it a point to set herself far apart from her competition. While growing up in Newark, Delaware, Francine set her sights high right from the very start. By the age of 12, she was sewing her own clothing and by high school, she designed her own homecoming and prom dresses. Francine continued her passion for fashion as a student at Syracuse University where she received several awards for her captivating and unique fashion designs. In 1998, she graduated Sigma Cum Laude and shortly afterwards, interned with famed designers Betsy Johnson and Nanette Lepore. She then went on to work as an assistant designer at Finity and in 2002, she was appointed to head designer at Central Park West. Itching to get her name out there and to create a company of her own, Francine launched her line By Francine, which used vintage detailing to create fresh new looks. Soon her designs locked in orders from Intermix, Nordstrom, Harvey Nichols HK, Fred Segal, Lisa Kline, Planet Blue, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Anthropolgie, and over 300 specialty stores across the world. Additionally, her clothing has appeared in major magazines such as US Weekly, Lucky, and Nylon, and have been worn by celebs Britney Spears and Elizabeth Hasslebeck.

Meet the Designers - Tamara Jones

Tamara Jones is and has always been an ambitious young woman. Raised in Chicago’s west side, Tamara was the fourth of five children. Her curiosity and appreciation for fashion set her on the path destined for design. By the time she was in high school, Tamara was receiving orders to turn oversized basketball jerseys into trendy dresses. Although her designs were gaining notoriety and made buzz around town, the attention had its setbacks too -- at times, her materials and sewing machines were stolen, but Tamara was never deterred. Her talents were recognized throughout Chicago, and in 2003 she was awarded third place in the Illinois VICA Commercial Sewing Competition. After high school, she enrolled in Columbia College Chicago to pursue her Bachelors degree in Fashion Design. Adding to her recognitions, Tamara was a finalist in the Round Bobbin Emerging Young Designers’ and the Fashion Group International Design competitions in 2006. Most recently, Tamara’s designs graced the runway at her Alma Mater. Since receiving her bachelors degree in 2008, Tamara’s passion for fashion has enabled her to make great strides from being a seamstress for Nordstrom to creating and growing her own women’s wear line “4 Tamara Nicole.”

The Fashion Show Ultimate Collection Preview Video

The Fashion Show premieres on Tuesday, November 9th.

The Return of The Fashion Show!

BRAVO UNSPOOLS A BRAND NEW SEASON OF "THE FASHION SHOW" PREMIERING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 10PM (ET/PT)
Fashion Icon Iman and Acclaimed Designer Isaac Mizrahi, along with Harper's Bazaar's Laura Brown, Unveil 12 New Designers

NEW YORK - October 6, 2010 - Bravo threads a brand new twist into an all-new season of "The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection," as fashion icon Iman and internationally acclaimed designer Isaac Mizrahi unveil 12 professional designers for a runway battle in a first-ever fashion house duel. Harper's Bazaar's Laura Brown will serve as series judge alongside hosts Iman and Mizrahi. "The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection" premieres on Bravo on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.

"Season two of 'The Fashion Show' is must see TV. It's beyond that, it's live-for TV," said Mizrahi. "Giant fashion shows every week, amazing guest judges, and fabulous fabulous clothes. Not to mention the elegant and hilarious Iman. I'm glued."

"The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection" will split 12 talented men and women into two fashion houses and each "house" must work together, not only to create a cohesive collection each week, but also to produce a live fashion show in every episode. From the set, to the music and lighting, these contestants will be pushed harder than ever before as they lay it all on the line for a chance to create the ultimate collection and to win $125,000 furnished by TRESemme� Professional Hair Care. For a sneak peek at the series go to: http://www.bravotv.com/the-fashion-show-ultimate-collection/season-2/videos/creating-the-ultimate-collection.

To meet the new designers, visit www.bravotv.com. The 12 contestants include:
· Calvin Tran , 34 - Urbana, IL.; Resides in New York, NY and Chicago, IL
· Cesar Galindo, 44 - Hometown: Houston, TX; Resides in New York, NY
· Cindy Ayvar, 27 - Acapulco, Mexico; Resides in Van Nuys, CA.
· David D'Angelo Caldwell, 31 - Choctaw, OK.; Resides in New York, NY
· Dominique Pearl David, 21 - Hometown Ojai, CA; Resides in New York, NY
· Eduardo de las Casas, 40 - Hometown: Lima, Peru.; Resides in Wilton Manors, FL
· Francine Simmons, 33 - Newark, DE.; Resides in Brooklyn, NY
· Golnessa Farmanara, 29 - Hometown: Tehran, Iran.; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
· Jeffrey Williams, 26 - Hometown: Seattle, WA.; Resides in Brooklyn, NY
· Mike Vensel, 35 - Hometown: Pittsburg, PA.; Resides in Los Angeles, CA
· Rolando Tamez, 24 - Hometown: Houston, TX.; Resides in Houston, TX
· Tamara Nicole Jones, 24-Hometown: Chicago, IL; Resides in Chicago, IL

Reco Chapple Swimsuit Fashion Show

The House of Chapple
presents
An All Male Swimsuit Fashion Show
May 15th @ 2115 Piedmont Luxury
Apartments, Poolside
Atl GA
Host By Reco Chapple
From Bravo's The Fashion Show Season 1
&
Dionne Walters
From ANTM Cycle 8

Special guest designer
Shaka King of New York

Show starts 7 PM

There will be open house
at the House of Chapple's Show Room
Free Drinks and Free Food

The Fashion Show - Season 2

BRAVO SEWS UP INTERNATIONAL SUPERMODEL AND FASHION ICON, IMAN, TO JOIN THE CAST OF

"THE FASHION SHOW"

Iman Signs On As Host, Alongside Internationally Acclaimed Designer, Isaac Mizrahi

NEW YORK – May 11, 2010 – Bravo announced today that international supermodel and fashion icon, Iman, has signed on as the host of the second season of “The Fashion Show.” Iman will join internationally acclaimed designer Isaac Mizrahi who, as previously announced, will be returning as host to the fashion competition series. The series is produced by Left/Right Productions and will air on Bravo later this year.

“We are happy to welcome Iman to the Bravo family,” stated Frances Berwick, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Bravo Media. “Breaking barriers in the fashion industry, Iman is a true pioneer and her unparalleled credibility will inspire the contestants and be a perfect match to the always exciting, Isaac Mizrahi."

Iman added, “I am so excited to be joining the Bravo team and to be working again with Isaac Mizrahi, my close friend of many, many years. I am also looking forward to all of the behind-the-scenes excitement and drama that is generated through the creative process of these undiscovered fashion designers. This will certainly be a show any follower of fashion will want to see.”

Iman began her career in 1975 as a model and has challenged the prevailing notions of beauty ever since. Her first modeling assignment was for Vogue in 1976. She was an instant success in the fashion world, and a muse for fashion designers including Yves. St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. During her 14 years as a model, she worked with top photographers Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Annie Liebovitz. Currently, Iman is Founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances, a beauty company that created the first cosmetics and skincare collection designed for all women with skin of color. In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including The Children’s Defense Fund, For All Kids Foundation, and Action Against Hunger. In 2006 Iman became the Global Ambassador for KEEP A CHILD ALIVE: (WWW.KEEPACHILDALIVE.ORG). She has conceived and is spearheading a national campaign called I AM AFRICAN to help awareness and raise funds for the AIDS pandemic that is ravaging her homeland. She is also the author of two books, I AM IMAN (Universe, 2001), and THE BEAUTY OF COLOR, THE Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color (Putnam Penguin 2005) She’s revolutionized the way women with skin of color think about beauty.

The first season of “The Fashion Show” averaged more than one million viewers. Left/Right Productions will produce the second season for Bravo with Banks Tarver and Ken Druckerman as executive producers.

Bravo is currently holding open calls for fashion designers interested in competing in the second season of “The Fashion Show.” Additional casting information for "The Fashion Show" is available at WWW.BRAVOTV.COM/CASTING. Upcoming cities include:

NEW YORK CITY

Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
Location: MILK STUDIOS

450 W. 15th St.
NY, NY 10011
Formula Studio A and B

CHICAGO

Date: Saturday May 22, 2010

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

Location: Columbia College
The Conway Bldg.
1104 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, 60605

Bravo at the Kentucky Derby!

BRAVO TAKES THE REINS AT KENTUCKY OAKS EVENT WITH “LADIES FIRST: BRAVO AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY” SPECIAL LIVE ON FRIDAY APRIL 30 AT 5PM ET/PT
Dina Manzo from “The Real Housewives Of New Jersey,” Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos from “Flipping Out,” Isaac Mizrahi from “The Fashion Show” and “Top Chef’s” Michael Voltaggio, Jennifer Carroll & Eli Kirshtein Set To Appear

NEW YORK, NY – April 26, 2010 – Bravo celebrates the Kentucky Derby with the second annual “Ladies First: Bravo at the Kentucky Derby” special live from Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY., airing on Friday, April 30 at 5 p.m. ET/PT. This one-hour special, produced by NBC Sports and hosted by Bravo’s Andy Cohen, celebrates the very best in food, fashion and the celebrity experience associated with the 136th running of the Kentucky Oaks. Dina Manzo from ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” and Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos from “Flipping Out” join Cohen to celebrate a day for women and to give viewers a history on the fashion and festivities before and after the Oaks race. Isaac Mizrahi, renowned designer and host of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show” will dress “Today” show correspondent Natalie Morales for the festivities, and “Top Chef” stars Michael Voltaggio, Jennifer Carroll and Eli Kirshtein will be cooking from the Infield Club.

Viewers will get to experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby experience live from their own homes as they watch the festivities unfold – Bravo-style. From learning how to bet on horse races with “The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s” Dina Manzo, to a Derby fashion show judged by “Flipping Out’s” Jenni Pulos, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at everything the Kentucky Oaks has to offer. Also, the special will include a “Top Chef” cooking segment judged by “Flipping Out’s” Jeff Lewis and a countdown of the best horse moments from the “Real Housewives” franchise.

Additionally, “Top Chef: The Tour,” a state-of-the-art customized traveling kitchen with expansive space to accommodate cooks and fans alike, will make a special stop at the Kentucky Oaks in the Infield Club. The 21-city nationwide traveling tour for the No. 1 food show on cable, the Emmy and James Beard award-winning “Top Chef,” gives Bravo’s passionate fans the opportunity to interact with “chef’testants” Michael, Jennifer and Eli in Louisville in a more interactive way than ever before. Visitors of “Top Chef: The Tour,” sponsored locally by Insight Communications, will have the opportunity to sample food tastings, receive gourmet cooking tips, hear “Top Chef” show “secrets,” and get chef’testant autographs. Also, fans will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of on-site “Top Chef” activities, including a Quickfire Challenge.

Kentucky Oaks 136, the companion event to the annual Kentucky Derby, will feature a day of events to raise money and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, which leads the global movement for breast cancer research, education, advocacy and community support. Churchill Downs Racetrack, host of the Kentucky Derby® and the Kentucky Oaks®, and Komen, formed a partnership to raise funds to aid in breast cancer awareness and research.

In addition, both organizations are working together to create special events throughout Oaks Day that will be featured in the “Ladies First” special, including a First Lady of Fashion Contest, a Survivors Parade and a special Kentucky Oaks winner’s circle formed by breast cancer survivors to celebrate the Kentucky Oaks winner’s victory on the track and the survivors’ victories over breast cancer. Since the official color of both the Kentucky Oaks and breast cancer awareness is pink, Churchill Downs is also staging a “Pink Out” at the track on Oaks Day and encouraging all Oaks attendees to wear pink or to incorporate pink into their attire for the day to show their support. Through the new partnership with Susan G. Komen, Churchill Downs will donate at least $100,000 to Komen by dedicating funds from Kentucky Oaks 136 general admission and reserve seating attendance.