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31 Years of Promoting Fashion Talent |
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Written by Macintosh Smith
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Sunday, 13 December 2009 |
 For 31 years Mr. John Blassingame, founder and CEO of New Day Associates, Inc. has sponsored fashion industry related events. Mr. Blassingame, always aims to provide opportunity; extending his events to present fashion modeling, and fashion design showcases. For 2009, Blassingame celebrated his twenty-third annual “Designer of the Year” contest.
The competition showcases some of the brightest new designers on the scene today. It has the potential to be the forum of discovery for major influencers of American fashion trends. Contestants have come from as far as Holland, Canada, Jamaica and the West Indies to partake in these contests. Each year the competition's international platform has attracted Fortune 500 sponsors, talent scouts, and talent agencies to watch the all-star panel of judges select the winners. Winning contestants have received all-expense paid trips to their choice of Milan, London or Paris. Jewelry valued at $1200, glamour photo shoots, and modeling contracts. These prizes have launched many careers for the honorees. For instance, a 1989 winner ended up living in Paris, modeling for all the European haute couture houses; and was featured on the cover of French Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines. “What a great opportunity!” Blassingame says... "These competitions have been the jump start for those desiring a career in fashion. Designers, Models, Photographers and Stylist alike have gotten contracts and booked engagements through networking at these events."
| Hype Hair Magazine's Model Contestants |  |  |  | First Place Winner: Tonice Taylor
| Second Place Winner: Glennis Grawley
| Third Place Winner: Salyndria Gregory
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 For over the last two decades New Day Associates has grown to become a leader in the promotion of new fashion talent by providing the best possible environment for young Designers and Models to present their work.” The 2009 winner of the 23rd Annual Int'l Designer of the Year Contest is Laura Williams from Brentwood, Maryland. Laura testifies that she has never entered into a contest and wasn't afraid of competition. Yet she did experience trials and tribulations preparing for this Designer show-down. Issues over last minute refinements on garment construction, as well as a suspected attempt to sabotage one of her models hair-dues. "Despite the dramatic episodes I maintained my composure, kept my faith, and remained focused on the basic fundamentals of my profession.  My inspiration comes from my mother who instilled upon me to maintain a focus on the basic fundamentals as a winning strategy. I noticed upfront that the competition was stiff. The aesthetics of the competing Designers were beautiful! But I knew garment construction could be a determining factor. I'm formally trained in pattern making. So, I approached this contest with a focus on producing commercially viable garments. I not only paid the full entrance fee upfront, I paid for my models to present my pieces. Paying for the models meant earning their respect as well as their finest performance. I was really surprised because I didn't expect to win first place! I thought I might win second or third at most." claims Laura. "I really liked the format of this contest because it only required four looks, so everything was very manageable. I'm so grateful that the Lord has granted me this opportunity! At the end of that day I was really humbled as I returned home to my daily routine of being a mother, and tending to my family. I'm definitely excited, and I'm looking forward to re-grouping with everyone at the Fashion Industry Network party in January."
For 2010, Blassingame welcomes fashion industry professionals to come and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday weekend; for an industry networking get-together. A party celebration will launch January 16th at 9pm. The following Sunday, January 17th will accommodate networking with industry insiders; such as the editors of Upscale Magazine, Heart and Soul Magazine and Today’s Black Woman Magazine. The inside secret is that Blassingame intends to formally announce the launch of a ten city “Style Tour” sponsored by Today’s Black Woman Magazine. Inside sources say these tours will showcase young fashion design talent, local design talent and fashion presentations from the African continent. Today’s black woman has an international presence; and Today’s Black Woman Magazine reflects all the hues, intellect and dynamic achievements of accomplished women.
Before launching his publishing empire, Mr. Blassingame represented several international fashion publishers. As a consultant, Blassingame was instrumental in assisting one publication to increase their North American distribution from 30,000 to a half million. Blassingame has also consulted Uptown Magazine about distribution with regard to the resent acquisition of Vibe Magazine. Nonetheless, he says, “You must have your own so that no one will be able to put a limit on your creativity and earning potential.” Mr. Blassingame positions himself as a man of talent and vision. "If you can believe it, you can achieve it!” Blassingame has committed to focusing his ability on marketing fashion, as he has proven results with other publications. Now New Day Assoc. publishes and distributes their own national publications, Hype Hair Magazine, Today's Black Man. and Today's Black Woman to name a few. You'll find them at your local newsstands.
Join Mr. John Blassigame at the:
16th Annual Fashion Industry Networking Party
Saturday, January 16th – 17th at 9pm
Marriott Hotel
Newark Liberty Airport
One Hotel Road, Newark, NJ
contact: Mr. Blassingame
1-973-623-0006
Reply with your comments!
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 December 2009 )
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