Social TV Review- CBS What’s Trending
CBS What’s trending signal’s a new direction in Programming! The key words that guided me to this was Participatory TV… needless to say Ii expected to see some type of Participation elements., granted i was watching the recorded version so I am not sure how “Participatory” the live version was! Tthen again the point of extended the web experience is flexibility in time!there were social media links and the obligatory You tube twitter Facebook… but not sure how theuy related to teh last episode…
I guess i’m judging them harder because they came under CBS I expected more!
This was billed as a news program and Frankly I was disappointed… I was caught between buttoning them up so they were more “Newsy” or loosening their wardrobe so they were more natural! It was a cal between buying them a round of beers or bringing in a green screen! In short they are pioneers and have not yet found their voice! Halfway through I almost reached fro my Skype to share my screen and dish with one of my friends! i needed something more… so hence this post! (more…)
A History of Fashion Presentations
How do you really want to show your style! More importantly is it helping you sell!

We recently researched the background of Fashion Presentations and we pull some together to share with you next week simply sign up for BkStylist to join us from whichever part of the globe you are! we continue to explore options for presentation and sales!
Today I find the group showings tiring, they deflect from the designers story and present a monotonous view on life . Fashion Weeks in it’s current form dates back to 1993 though it is reputed to have started in NY in 1943… via Wikipedia
In 1943, the first New York Fashion Week was held, with one main purpose: to distract attention from French fashion during WWII, when workers in the fashion industry were unable to travel to Paris. This was an opportune moment – as for centuries designers in America were thought to be reliant on the French for inspiration. The fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized an event she called ‘Press Week’ to showcase American designers for fashion journalists, who had previously ignored their works. The Press Week was a success, and, as a result, magazines like Vogue (which were normally filled with French designs) began to feature more and more American innovations. Until 1994, shows were held in different locations, such as hotels, or lofts. Eventually, after a structural accident at a Michael Kors show, the event moved to Bryant Park,…
Due to increasing pressure from Bryant Park management, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will be hosted in Damrosch Park at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts starting in 2010.
See more on Presentation styles..
For the average Indie designer cost is a factor, but the investment is also one of time and (limited) resources. At Demarketplace we explore how technology can help and have been able do do twice as much with half as much effort and resources!
Having identified areas of concern and solutions the challenge is now one of sharing that info and knowledge! First we’re completing the documentation of that info with subsequent editing so please bare with us! It’s an exciting time to say the least! Sign up for BkStylist for more info!
In Fashion Sometimes The Past Can Inspire
I’m in the middle of pulling 28 Squared together… then as I usually do got distracted and followed a link and found NINA SIMONE VIDEOS… A digital breather.. your have to click the link to the post if your are reading this on one of my various “outpost!
But that “OUTFIT”
BTW I’m Looking for sellers or collectors of Vintage black or/and African clothing.. (1920-1980)
But again, check the Jumpsuit out .. Ms Wyche you can do this! You already have a top.
I finally realize what I’m missing, one place that you can just find great clothing on a regular basis! Not the cheap poorly constructed stuff but a great boutique that has a selection of creative top class designers! I’m not speaking the “one Designer” store either! they are no fun… NY and especially Brooklyn used to be about great boutiques… now we have many “Fast Fashion” “Spots” with little ambiance, the worst store clerks, who have no sense of style, trying to hustle… shopping should be well fun!
I am willing to be corrected if you know of a great boutique please share and you cannot nominate your self! If your customers can’t vouch for you… you’re not doing something right!
Even On teh web as we’re putting together the designer online sale for later this month… there are so many great designers of African Heritage! You Can’t find them… unless you know them and their web address! Even Then their websites remain the same year after year…. PLEASE STOP USING FLASH! Get a platform with RSS, some sharing features and if you must then add Flash “widgets”!
Back to great design… and I’m not speaking costume, the dramatic stage effects we see. so often. I’m speaking great wearable, well designed clothing! That would still look good 40 years from now.
Maybe what we need are better events to wear fabulous clothing… promoters can you help… maybe get back to promoting events and stop trying to pimp … I mean Prostitute, I mean present… Fashion Shows!!
I AM (@$#^&ing) 4 RELIEF™
Now that I have your attention, what are you – - – - ing 4 RELIEF
its time to take action. You do not need to head over to our 28 Squared Site and sign up…just click this link or
If you are on one of our web pages you can sign up below. if Your are reading a feed (we even brought it to you) You’ll need to head over to sign up!!
If you need some explanation read on but at the end YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING!
I can ask you and even send you various emails of various length but frankly I do not have the time… your community needs you to get of your behind and DO…
We are good at waiting at putting on a show at appearing busy! The truth is most of you have the time! We have the desire. I cannot say this enough you’re an adult stop waiting for motivation get up and do something for your community
WHAT, HOW?
As project lead I design solutions to create change!
This project from the inception has been about using technology to create solutions! The process of design “creating to solve problems or add pleasure” , to problem and/or situations as defined, can be a hobby or a business. I chose it as an art project! Along the way however we have helped many!
So what are the problems and the solutions.
The recent tragedy in Haiti.. Affected us all and everyone I know wants to do something, all our communities are hurting!
Giving of oneself is a gift with it’s own rewards! We run this project in Brooklyn but for the last two years we’ve included a designer in France who has the same problems that local designers have… and no it is not marketing, There is a lot to do before “exposure”!
If all we have is time, talent or even the ability to communicate that can go so far in helping others since accepting this challenge on October 28th last year, I had set as a mandate to help locals needing to find a way to support themselves and their family and the team had in September decided to use group project to help community organizations! At Web 2.0, I met a two women both with projects outside the US, One I have promised to help in her quest to help artisans in Senegal, the other is helping us with her technology companies technology!
Europe, US, Africa the Caribbean.. There is more that connects us than separates us!
Ultimately the core projects help utilize natural “resources”, time talent, community to create and build change! We know it works the challenge issues in October was to take it national in the US and in then adapt it to the Caribbean region!
Fortunately we are able to communicate in real time across oceans, with little difficulty and even less cost! There is so much need how can we use distance technology to get the information out there, what do we as leader need to do … how do we get individuals to to put aside fears and preconceived notions and yes work together!
We usually have had a group of young people from various backgrounds volunteer as models. They work together even when culturally it was not the norm! It may seem simple, but there contributions have helped feed many families! Images sell and a small designer often cannot afford to cover these! Some use their knowledge of technology or their ability to post and text to share news and information, they use their networks! In a digital divide that is a great help! So yes giving of self time and talent is important!
What is significant they were giving what they had and doing what they loved!
Which is what I see has the most effect… Give what you have, doing what you love! So if you love to sew and have the time to, sew! If you have space and it can be used donate it! If you can cook have a taste party!
We are in the design field we either love to DESIGN or SEW, and yes some of us LOVE TO SHOP.. and some love to show off or perform! I now have to take the raw component and create something that people would LIKE! I am a connector … I love design as solution! So Sew Social one of the aspects of 28squared will focus on design for change!
Pulling The components together
One of the designers from our African Heritage Month celebration has created two designs, that we will be use on merchandise ! He too is Haitian, giving of talent! Any non profit needing to use the logo that type of service or merchandise can contact us!
I am already working on getting designers to donate clothing that will be resold or auctioned. I have a sign up page http://www.28squared.com/support
We’re donating some of our great images and photos to a Print auction online, that Flickr is hosting!
So yes photographers and artist can donate images! Performers, if you can’t do it alone get together with others!
From my friend in the tech community. We need individuals with tech skills to sign up for a one or two day type Tech initiative with Haitian organization, who know and understand what is needed… our goal is simple turn our talents time and efforts into cash for relief!
I actually have another young woman who lost 3 family members; her organization is the Haiti’s Hungry Task Force and has teamed up with Haitian
American Care, Inc. out of Boston. (operating for 2 years in
Haiti with 2 mobile clinics they supply.www.haitianamericancare.org. they need help!
I myself am donating all the profits from Sew Social and would love to work with any models designers or photographers who want to volunteer! Our photographer has volunteered his photography services! We have artwork and media services!
We can get volunteers.
We can Create , we need to sell relief … it should be easy but have you bought anything with Haiti in mind have you gone to local events supporting local causes, have you packed up your products, and I’m not speaking of sending the clothing you do not want…
Yes they need clothing but what type… where will they wash these, how appropriate is the relief!
Intentions are great, selling relief is HARD especially as memory of disaster fade.
so what will i do how do I Design Relief… I’ve done a brief inventory of what i have access to. I’m researching what I need; I have ideas. The process of bringing an idea to fruition is what actually Sew Social is about…
The reason there is no change is because
- we do not know how to design change
- We do not know how to implement change
- we are waiting for someone else to do it
So back to my main concept I want people to do what they love for relief but NIKE got “Just DO IT™”.. Probably the best slogan ever…
Let’s focus on the individual and taking responsibility “I AM”
AM Artist Mosaic the First phase of this project is still around, it’s about artist working together for change
“I am Brooklyn” did not seem right Brooklyn is everything! I AM not doing everything! “I am 28 Squared”, we wanted this to expand beyond the confines of “I AM (@$#^&)ing 4 RELIEF™” .
I Like It… I’ll keep it but, will it work
Most, working in or on RELIEF, are Moms and Faith based organization, Imagine the Rabbi or Pastor with that shirt! So maybe, I need to modify the statement! That is just the start of the design process… we need to stop waiting and design for change!
www.demarketplace.com/blog
Where Would We Be If Martin and Malcolm Were Not Ready?
Or did not use the best strategy they could think of.
Please excuse the candor of this post. Two recent conversations have brought me to one of those rants that many will agree with but few will say out loud! The Journalist and Media outlets in our community are failing themselves and our community,
I cannot understand anyone in the 18 -40 age group serious about employment not wanting to learn or making extra efforts to beef up their technology skills…but someone from a local paper telling me they could not download and open a PNG file sent via Gmail was the last straw!
Why do we refuse to be ready for life as it is today…
Few speak honestly of the issues within our community… looking good especially in a public setting is a cultural obsession and we go out of our way not to air issues in public…
We have an issue with local communications and media centers as represented by local press!
The local press is a vital link, be it micro radio (underground radio) or print formats. If you want to access our community, they are vital. Yet, pick up the papers or tune into the local stations. For the most part articles are of little substance; they are the white bread in the media menu… filling but of no nutritional value!
These outlets are often lucrative money makers for the individuals in charge! In some, even articles are often secured when you take an ad! Expect that from newsletters, which are more about fetes than about issues!
I, like most, pick up the local papers hoping for information on our community. To be honest I find the style of journalism – dated, articles and images are focused on individuals not issues.. the result – an ill-informed community that is years behind in progress!
Yet, I still pick up the latest issue hoping for change…
I opened my email this morning to find a note from a freelance journalist stating that the local paper needed an image to go along with an article or the information would not be printed!
Do not let the name fool you – Caribbean Life is a major access point to the local readers in Brooklyn! If you want to get information into the hands of the Brooklyn Community this and it’s sister publications are key!
I have not seen the article I am just hoping it is focused on technology and the work I do to help businesses rather than on me as an individual!
As it was, I was in meetings with project sponsors for 28Squared… (more on that later) which will allow us to access some of the latest tools from tech companies. I came home to have an early morning conversation with a young woman … on why she was not ready nor had not attended the free seminars, and discovered on opening my mailbox today an email telling me that the local paper could not download a .png file…
As I See It that’s pure BS!
.PNG is available in the paint program that comes pre-installed with any computer today… it is one of the most basic file formats!
So I fired off an email… which may illicit some comment from the 28Squared PR team but… addressing the “Digital Divide” is a platform I am intent on taking on this year!
A Copy of my Letter To Kenton Kirby Editor at Caribbean Life Newspaper
PNG comes in the paint program that is on each computer. It is ONE of the basic file formats. Have whoever cannot download this call me… I will come in and show them how to do their job!I do not mean to offend anyone, however, if our community and businesses are to remain competitive; poor tools, policies, and usage by employees need to be addressed. Our press is a vital link in that information chain and I keep getting these basic questions and suggestions that a mid-school student would be able to do!
I was at meetings for our Black History Month special on “Bridging the Digital Divide” yesterday! While a piece in Caribbean Life would be great, the agenda is getting our community up to date with technology… it is more than an event, it is a platform and mission and I stand firmly behind it! That said, I have to address Caribbean Life and the lack of understanding of technology and what seems to be outdated knowledge and protocols!
It bothers me when those in charge with informing are not up to date with the basics. Far more, what is on the horizon, as far as developments in new media tools, formatting, protocols and practices.
These .png files very basic. Many media companies, actually prefer these because they are easier to work with. .Jpegs are lower quality! .Pngs are also transparent, so text can work around them!
The problem is most likely at YOUR end.
The download is basic and opening .png files could be done even in the public library by a 7 year old!It is either the System Administrator for whatever reason has blocked certain file types.
The staff is unfamiliar with basic media formats and protocol in use today.
The individual downloading does not recognize that this is a basic file format in any image editing software (yes even the pre-installed paint program).
I would suggest that a Gmail Google APPS account be set up that would allow (company name) to access these. There seems to be a need in this office to understand new media and its manipulation.You would be surprised the number of media companies and businesses taking advantage of Google apps for their business! www.google.com/a
I would also suggest that a review of the company’s policies as they relate to the latest trends and usage of media, for use by both it’s online and offline publications.
If for whatever reason the company chooses to accept media in a particular format that should be stated with any request!Here are some links to articles.
I am sorry if this affects the inclusion of your article, but I cannot be silent on this situation!
I will gladly come in and show whoever cannot download this file how to do this simple task and/or give a presentation on where media and technology stands today !
Please feel free to share these links with any interested journalist.
http://podcamptoronto.pbworks.com/MediaArchive2009
Please note this Upcoming event http://2010.podcamptoronto.com/
Closer to home – FashionCamp NY; the technology unconference will be at
Parsons that weekend.http://www.journalism20.com/
http://www.publish2.com/ PLEASE CHECK
http://publishing2.com/
the anatomy of a web 2.0 page and conversation or
What can your web page do for you?
The Caribbean Life is not the only paper whose dedication to it’s role I am looking at… they like many are getting the trappings on web 2.0 on their sites!
Not to be able to download a PNG … leave little hope for how these brands and papers conforms to the social and collaborative aspects of web 2.0 technology! When print space is limited how are they using the rss feeds or even exploring 2d codes to extend articles!
Let’s not even speak on the issue of business models and content and audience monetization as a part of that picture.
In 2004, I sat with the editor from another local paper who validated not covering Fashion, one of the largest local employers in our community as there was no valid, commercial value … So the paper still employs a connection, with a serious lack of industry knowledge to cover local and regional fashion! I can just imagine what else is happening in other sectors, health, business, real estate!
When will we get decent business and technology columns? Ones that are focused on current events and happenings, not pulled from generic online articles or simply press releases reformatted – articles that are researched or vetted. Articles that are not hidden behind walls or paid for by ad placements! When will our features not be glorified press releases from local companies with the correct connections!
If I cannot hope for the local press to be leaders in covering local news, I have little faith that they would educate the next generation of leaders!!
30 Days Hath September
Next Month Is 28 Squared,
28 Fashion Designers from Africa, Europe, Caribbean and the Us connect to showcase, Sell, Inspire and celebrate their African Heritage while taking on New Media and Technology! Above all though 28 squared seeks to “BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
The goal is simple to get the 28 designers to sell to a global audience from their show rooms in various countries. Connecting them to Buyers and each other! The concept will put to test many of the theories, New media and technology tools! The ability to connect with, show and conclude a sale in real time has existed to various degrees to be able to pull together a system that would make it accessible to small businesses at what amounts to a fraction of the cost would have far reaching impact! There are many exploring this, getting these designers to the start line is a challenge, that these are tangibles actual good,s not digital fare , is even more amazing!
I can remember the exact day I committed to technology… I was watching my son then 12 play on his game-boy and I wanted my fashion on that toy… or something like it! that was Over five years ago! I wanted video, images text. When I started the technology did not exist at an affordable rate at least in the west! Thanks to my brother I was streaming taped video late 2005
Which brings another reason for this… Blacks in Technology, we are not adapting and adopting most importantly maximizing the technology.
We’ve found that by first identifying your goals , you are better able to make choice… and evaluate whether or not it is WORKING for you!
The gateway site is in what we call pre alpha www.28squared.com over the next two weeks we will add an online trade capability, as well as video and media features! We are excited , it is safe to say that none of the designers currently have access to the technology!
As I speak to designers It is clear we have more in common than we are different! We launch Feb 1st and run through February 28th… hence the limerick!
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SanKofa, Grandassa and Calabar Magazine
The wonders of Modern day technology and blogging platforms is the ability to look back and reflect! But what if you lost your database! Thanks to the way back machine I was able to save this from on of the earlier post on Brooklyn Fashion Gallery! As I make plans for African Heritage Month I am a bit Nostalgic! The many stories that are lost or rewritten!
photo Courtesy Kwame Braithwaite. AJASS members and Grandassa Models pose in front of some of the circulars from their multitude of productions up to 1968, the year that this was taken. Artists and photographers, they designed and wrote their own magazines, books and brochures.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ARTIST
HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT
The principle of Sankofa Suggest that is it is not until we revisit the past that we can move towards the future. This past January marked the 45th anniversary of the “Naturally You” series. “Naturally ’62: The Original African Coiffure and Fashion Extravaganza Designed to Restore Our Racial Pride and Standards ”, with the first show held at Harlem’s Purple Manor on January 28, 1962. The goal of the show was to prove to the world that “Black Is Beautiful.” That first show starred Abbey Lincoln as guest singer and commentator for the show, and famed jazz drummer, Max Roach as Abbey’s accompanist on piano, As we celebrate Black history month and prepare for the Jazz of Fashion 2007. We will be hosting photographer, advocate and historian Kwame Braithwaite, as ell as other who have been part of The last half Century of African Style and the Black Fashion Industry! The first step one place to access info on our independent business.
Then a quick and the articles from Calabar Magazine (print edition) are now being uploaded to their new site!
Brooklyn’s Fashion Melting Pot: Who are the African, Caribbean, Asian and Latino Fashion Designers in Brooklyn?
Now I can link to article and share (via the button on the bottom of the pages) them! I am passionate about creativity and culture and it’s preservation! Sadly many of the business I interviewed are gone! a cultural lost!
These two reminders came at exactly the right time, even as I question why the hell do I bother! I remember… things happen because, and, when people “do”. To those who make things happen… The Kwame Braithwaite and the Grandassa models, and Atim Otons and Osun, Bayyinah Sabur, … Thank You
For those who sit by wondering what went wrong and Why thing wont “happen”. I’d Like to introduce you To Bayyinah Sabur! I have been sewing since I was very young , 12, 13! As a child I would accompany My mother to the stores and look Through pattern books… Suddenly one day their were pattern that represented Africa and the many ways magazines tend to describe them! I was young enough to be impressed! During My years oat FIT I spent Hours in the costume lab, and libraries,little reference or documentation of African fashion and style could be found! Years later i would meet Bayinnah Sabur On of he First African American To Hav e her patterns carried By a major pattern company! The patterns That spoke to me as a child!
I can ask any young African American designer today about these individuals and they will not know that history! We cannot move forward without first looking Back! Sankofa!
I have completely redesigned the Brooklyn Fashion Gallery
All our sites were about researching Functionality of technology! Along the way we developed great search ranking and discovered Niche value! After five years, it is still a lead search result for any search on Brooklyn Fashion! Rather than let that go I have decided to redefine the Gallery aspect! For now though that will have to wait first February!
Please click on the links and read these segments! The project I undertake next month is more than technology it is more than commerce it is a responsibility to our legacy!
Thinks Happen when we do!
What’s Faith Got To Do with IT
This is the last of the Kwanzaa musings( I promise) we’ll wrap it up later this week with, what does this have to To It IT (technology) check out the others!
- Kuumba Go Ahead Try Something New today
- It’s 2010 Do You Know Where Your Purpose Is
- UJAMAA Anyone
- UJIMA Is The Only Solution
- Kujichagulia the quest to Define Self-Determination
- Umoja is a Verb
- culture + creativity+ community+ collaboration= COMMERCE
Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
As I read new Years greetings It struck me:- It has been a long time since I have seen so many people so genuinely hopeful! How fitting that this principle is observed at the dawn of a new year and in this instance a new decade! I once heard I believe it was Les Brown say of Faith:-
Faith is stepping off the cliff believing you’ll grow wings on your way down!
That is a powerful statement, stepping forward not knowing if the ground below is solid and cushioned or hard and jagged. Simply believing that you will have the will to safely guide your landing or swerve and avoid disaster! Faith is an act! Faith affects how we act!
On a personal level faith is the engine that propels a lot of what I do and I do a lot! In a recent interview I was asked,
“what are you afraid of?”, “what do you fear?”
“Afraid”, “Fear”,
I have not used those words in six years….
That is not to say there have not been challenges! When I undertake a project I am very aware of the pros and cons. The fact is that I believe that what is to be will be. I take precautions and yes careful notes! The next time around I tackle those things that could not be done the first time! Each project is an opportunity to learn… Each obstacle an opportunity for change! More importantly each time we undertook a project we helped a community artist or business!
Only Two artist have asked how they can help and how I can afford this! This Has Been Totally Unfunded! The truth is that we practice the principles of culture! We do not wait till the end of the year to utter and call them “phases’! Living the principles of Faith is a 24/7 process 365(6) days a year!
First of all nothing is free and many have come and accepted the help without asking how is this possible! At Mobile camp someone from one of the largest online recruitment services asked .. “How do you make this happen…? How can a little project in Brooklyn tests and sit in on discussions that large companies are challenged by’.”
How can we… COMMUNITY!
Yes there is a ‘we’, I am an instigator, but this has been a community project that is made possible by community! First of all the models; a group of young women who stepped forward, beginning in 2000, now each has or runs, community projects of their own or helping individual businesses, Stacia, Solo, Nnenko, Tasha, Kellie, Tacha, Max and her sisters, Draysia, to name a few. Many of the images designers use will not be possible but for these ladies or the photographers, Collin, Chris, Lem, Darryl… on behalf of the local designers…Thank you!
It is Faith that allows me to call on local Businesses to help… Phil from Streets of New York and www.NYRealt411.Com , Atim and her partner from www.calabarimports.com, and www.Calabarmag.com! Moshood Ms Selma www.4wcircle.org Glen from www.DeluxHairGallery.com . Community Leaders Jitu Weusi, Horace L Morancie and Ms Alma Carrol and Skip Rosebaum! It is with their help that I have been able to access and utilize many of the facilities and services that exist!
Then there are my cohorts Barbara from Sohe Designs, Tacha, Fabian Who would be there whatever crazy scheme I cooked up to test new technology and challenge theories!
If I act as though I expect their support, I did, and do; faith tells me that the right people will pull through! Faith allows me to speak up when transgressed and apologize when I offend! BTW if I have offended you, I am sorry!
There have been hundreds of artist and designers who I have had the pleasure of working with and discussing, the issues, Will From www.tbaclothing.com , Carla from www.CCW1453.info , Bweela , Michi and Earth! I have known they would pull through despite grumblings or hesitancy. I have faith in them not just as designers but as members of a community! I also understand and expect that designers will each find their niche and in turn affect their community like many have! So whenever I can I willingly share the news of what others are doing! Sue mission of art, yarn and her domestic violence program, Temitayo’s work in her local community and Ngozi’s events with other artist! They’re just a few and please do not get offended if I did not mention you I only have bit so much space! If you’d like to share what you do contact me via this form with your email details!
Has my Faith been tested… yes, countless times!
Faith does not guarantee the result you want but rather the result you need!
Sometimes we’re so focused on what we want, we fail to see the message right in front of us! When I decided that a fashion and technology “unconference” was needed I had nothing but faith! At BarcampNYC, Jonathan Berger stepped forward Tony from NWC stepped forward as did several others, by September We had a two day event at NYC ITP department!
Faith moves mountains, Opens doors and solves problems!
This year The FashionCamp community is spreading from NY, with FashionCamp LA led by Macala! Faith has a way of expanding your circle, Faith attracts faith! The Barcamp Methodology is a model of Faith that who ever is to be, their will be there. It is a belief system that has spawned thousands of gatherings exposing thousands more to technology at a fraction of the cost!
There is no harm in emulating that type of Faith!
Someone once saw Will, Moshood, myself and another designers simply hanging… you guys “Hang” yes we know each other and enjoy each others company! The reason you don’t often “see’ us together is simple . We’re really very busy! Each local business is an active part of their community, their Church, school-board and support, local businesses, churches, school-boards! Faith in Community is the common thread that binds us! It is why you will see our businesses in the community, despite the many drawbacks and challenges!
If Nothing Else this community HAS FAITH
Kuumba Go Ahead Try Something New today
Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
So what is creativity and how do we honor and celebrate it!
It’s a little after 12 midnight, we’re into 2010, I have been pondering this all day. More importantly I have been trying to find a tactful way to address how I feel on the issue…. too many of us have stopped exercising and nurturing our creativity!
2010 Let’s kiss Apathy goodbye
KISS (Keep It stupid Simple)
I’ve heard that said at countless community and even business meetings! It’s time to rethink that. Anything with “Stupid” attached to it need not be a part of any mantra!
It actually takes a lot of creativity and smarts to keep things simple and effective! Creativity requires thought… it demands deconstructing and restructuring patterns and theories! To do so we need to ask questions! They may be silently expressed to ourselves or discussed with others; but asking questions is a crucial part of creative process!
So why is the process of questioning now “taboo”. I’ve heard “sorry” so often when someone has a question… why do we apologize for seeking to expand our perception and knowledge!
I’m moving towards 2010 with a mission of nurturing creativity, so I’ll probably touch this topic some more, but I’d start with a simple exercise! Every day, be conscious of something you are doing! From brushing your teeth to your travel route ask yourself…
- … is there another way to do this?
- Can I make it better?
- Can I make it more fun?
- How can I change this,
- can I make it more pleasurable or solve a problem?
Creativity is not just about artistic expression, so you do not need to be an artist to exercise your creativity!
Go Ahead
TRY something new each day!
Kuumba
It’s 2010 Do You Know Where Your Purpose Is
It’s the eve of 2010 do you know where your purpose is?
Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
There is a design line whose tag line .is .”It’s time to get back to greatness” Louis Narcisse, who will be one of the designers in our February Lineup, Has over 10 years in the fashion Industry! I recently met Lucy his wife whose purpose and desire is to be a photographer in conflict zones! I have not been able to get this woman out my mind! How does one come to decide that that’s your purpose! Her passion is photography. Her parents are from areas of conflict, as a mother, she identifies with the challenges of conflict and their effect on children, her compassion has directed her.

What’s your purpose! Seeking and finding our individual purpose in life!
I think too much… that’s the danger of being creative… I think too much. Sometimes you really do not need any other “company” you mind keeps you occupied! I am also critical, and stubborn. I never quite fit in… I worked in a lot of place… for about a year and then moved on! I get bored easily.. I am good with my hands and creative. I am satisfied with who I am, I am not really competitive! I have a temper and a tongue that according to one individual can “cut like a two edge sword”
The point Is who I am my qualities suits my purpose… once I came around to embracing it!
I am not speaking on the purpose you ( or society pressure) decided you should pursue. I am speaking about calling life purpose, mission! We all have one! We now it… deep in the moment when we can be true to ourselves we can define it! Instead we focus on “something to fall back on.” I need the insurance ( and yes we do but taking that job that ties your stomach in knots every day will send you to the hospital faster than you can spell relief!
I think therefore I can solve problems other may not even see…I am happy working in solitary confinement; so long hours do not bother me! I am paid to critique products and services before money is wasted on them! My moving from job to job gave me unique skill-sets I never thought I’d need…Ever!, I’m an excellent researcher thanks to a job in field research and understand organizing information thanks to my days at the court of Appeal Library! I am a great teacher, 14 year old can school you in patience and prepare you to deal with adults! I have seen and touched more female bodies than I care to admit! I understand their needs and their anguish! My point is that even when we seem not to be on our path to purpose we are exactly where we need to be!
When speaking of purpose it is all about a force grater than self! There comes a time when we have to either surrender to it or we fall and fall hard and fail! It is the same for collective purpose as outlined above! We as a community are either going to have to surrender to it or fail!
It’s 2010
Do you know where your purpose is?
NIA!
UJAMAA Anyone
We’ve been busy with house cleaning so posting has been a bit tardy we apologize but Happy New Year
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
I’ll be honest I’m not to sure about this one!
Cooperative Economics goes way beyond collaboration which suggestion working together for individual gain… Cooperative economics suggest putting aside self and working together and splitting the profits! I’m not sure if most of us can do that! It means understanding that everyone’s input has value! Just getting credit for the images that photographers have helped provide has been a challenge! A designer recently spoke of walking into a local Bedstuy boutique and being assured by the proprietor that they were the designer of an item that was distinctive to her company! WHY/
In a society where being a “mogul” and scoring the big “Catch” seems to be the end goal how can we share info that may jeopardize that chance! I did not post this yesterday; I could not admit that I have little faith in this principle. I am not saying it does not exist, lately, I have seen little of it in practice!
Admittedly I have not been around much; In 2009 I decided to focus on the 80/20; that is put 80% of my effort to the 20% of activity that showed results! I am keeping an eye on Society HAE They seem to be doing some sort of cooperative economics yet I have not asked Ngozi directly! If so I applaud them! May I also recommend their NYE Bash as a solution!
I also had to ask myself about my responsibility, while I have conducted this voluntary project I abstained from a formal economic platform, I am the mother of a seventeen year old high school senior. I needed to be home when he arrived, or more correctly to ensure he arrived at home as he should! As he gets ready to graduate I can now look towards a formal entrepreneurial venture!
I have been considering an cooperative economic format, we’ll see! UJAMAA anyone?
UJIMA Is The Only Solution
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together
“How to …”
Identify the task, the problem and more importantly target the specific goals you want to achieve. Collect information – DO REASEARCH! Organize, Process, Create a strategy and Review! Finally To quote Nike “Just Do It” … it is not going to magically happen!
It is not reciting , or wishing or passing along the “Message” or attending meetings that Get Things Done… It is a creating a plan , And ACTING on It!
February 1st-28th 2010 We’re Taking On Barriers and Bridging the Digital Divide
28 Vested interest parties
28 New and Emerging technologies that will influence how we trade
28 Design and Lifestyle trends that are will impact us
28 Designers from Africa,the Caribbean, Europe and America
to
Showcase,
Sell
Inspire
&
Celebrate their African Heritage while taking on New Media and Technology!
Take Center Stage….
Virtually !!
That Is not Going To Be an Easy project! But it is needed! The Challenge is getting those of us who gripe and moan to take action! Part of the series on bridging the digital divide is making a connection between culture, creativity, community, collaboration, and how technology can help! These reflections on our cultural beliefs as manifested by Kwanzaa are part of that process!
MAKE THEM OUR OWN- It’s your Business!
For Christians who cannot identify with Kwanzaa note this Love your brother as your self!
You take care of your business in a timely manner, Respect your brothers TIME!
You make sure your bills are paid! You demand an honest dollar for an honest day’s work and refuse to work without compensation… Respect community businesses and pay our artist and crafters
UJIMA TAKES COMMITMENT
Identifying our brother’s and sisters problems:- Ok my focus is fashion designers as I am acutely aware of the problems in that area! But The simplest way to identify is ask… is their anything I can do to help… or offer, I am involved in Group A or B, how can we help!
Production- The truth is this is an urgent need for most designers I know Resources- Textile Printers and surface designers, Small scale manufacturing, Space- This is tricky since evey one assumes they can set up a “marketplace’ Funding/Financing- Simply Put designers would fair better if they are paid the value of their goods or products , Trade not Aid! ! Support local designers and creative businesses and STOP asking for cheaper prices! However that said Marketing- I (and other designers) am not your personal secret… Trust me most local designers will not make the same garment for two clients going to the same event! (unless it’s a wedding Party) So you can Share our information with Your colleagues at work and church and on teh job and on your social networks!
These are broad based references to challenges… I have no problem getting into details but this it’ll take too long!
UJIMA IS CHALLENGING
To solve them together
Production- Resources Space- even Marketing can benefit from Collective action! Getting designers to work together though is difficult! Co-working spaces and even Co- production facilities are an option! There isdefinitely a need for funding, designers themselves need to look into our cultural solutions “Sou Sou and Hand” type programs! Groups and organizations need to look into this
UJIMA TAKES INGENUITY
UJIMA; I understand it is second nature to me! I have been taught this since childhood! It a discussion my sister and I recently had we realized we are product of this doctrine! I am in the midst of planning a project that illustrates the subtle difference between Umoja and Ujima! We are pulling together 28 Designers of African descent around from around the world! The designers have a common goal and are working in Unity to create a platform for their businesses that’s Umoja; that’s unity!
When I say we; It’s have a team of local businesses and individuals who each have individual goals but this creates a platform whereby we all can contribute to building and maintaining our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together! That’s Ujima, Collective work and responsibility!
Streets of New York, AzizaPR, Colthom Photograpy, Makeup artist and Stylist Natacha Jospitre, have worked with our projects in the past and are committed to community; we now have tech sponsors and even some new individuals! The full list would be made public on January 2nd! Our aim is to get 28 designers, that’s a little tougher … not impossible, just tougher and it will take the virtues of all the rest principles to pull off! The reward however keeps us focused! Collective Work and Responsibility Takes dedication!
So why do I and others undertake this, I spoke in recent weeks to designers from France, Nigeria, Trinidad, and the right here in America, East cost , west coast and in the South; We have more in common than separates us! Production, sourcing of fabrics, skills sets; we also have solutions that can help each other! Countries such as Trinidad and Nigeria may have the wherewithal to provide solutions in textiles, and manufacture, The New York Market has access, England has an excellent model for creative enterprise! There is a great fashion and technology movement in more developed countries and new models of business and models of funding are emerging in Europe! We need a show room; one of the local organizations is taking on that challenge! The key is working “together” Collective Work and Responsibility is one of the few choices to a solution!
We do these projects often; we’ve run tests over the last couple of years! It works… when each individual takes responsibility for their part, delivers their best and on time, it is a work of art! We have had instances when some have not pulled their weight! The greatest loss have been theirs as the others have simply stepped up and in so doing increased their skill sets! Too often we’ve had designers say I’ll wait in the last few months we got calls about a diversity pro gram that we were involved with that has been abandoned… We need to understand that time and opportunity does not always wait for us to get our schedules together! Collective Work and Responsibility is about individual dedication and action!
UJIMA
Dont Just Read this Do Something about It
In many cases the “Digital Divide” is not necessarily just about the lack of access to technology, but a lack of understanding of it’s potential and a fear of the “unknown!” Education, workshops and outreach are all part of “BRIDGING THE DIVIDE …
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Add you name to
our invite list for 2010 events
Bonnie Sandy)
culture + creativity+ community+ collaboration= COMMERCE
Today is our Holiday at Sunshine To Celebrate, Mingle Sip and Shop
If you have not registered the complimentary list are already printed! So the only way to attend is via tickets are $10:00 online and $15;00 at the door.
Thanks to our sponsor
Fusion Catering
Just so you know we ‘ll be doing the sipping and thanks to Fusion Catering sampling Between 6pm and 7:00 pm Shopping area opens and 7pm and you have till 10 to meet shop and support!
I generally have only one rule; do not ask my artist to drop their prices, unless you are willing to give your employer a 50% off your salary this holiday season! It’s not bargaining it’s disrepectful! They are fair and willing to work with you to ensure you have something they create!
Our Featured Designer
other designers, crafters and artist include
So come out and support
A little Background ;- we are a community project designed to explore technology and how it can be adapted, adopted and integrated by small creative businesses we are an example of what we can achieve when we as a community works together!
We are entirely self funded, giving hands on workshops on the use, design and usability of newtechnology is what we do! We seldom advertise, the fact is fact word of mouth keep us busy! Lately we have noticed an increase in the number of adult heads of households in our community that are unemployed! We give workshops but without laptops and access to computers it is hard for many to truly grasp! There are also so many options for careers we are unaware of!
We even work with creative in France, and now Senegal Nigeria! Access and bridging that divide is our goal next year! so Add you name to our invite list for 2010 events
So we are raing funds even if you are not attending this evenings program Please make a donation
Bonnie Sandy
Add you name to our invite list for 2010 events
Help me Bridge the Digital Divide- I00 Black Businesses Online By February 2010
Make a donation of Time, Expertise, Technology or Resources contact me or check our Amazon Gift List

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Tech For
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Sourcing Shows Catch Up With Social media Marketing
I ‘ve notice the efforts by Print Source to modernize their marketing they’ve added a blog and even a Gallery powered by a F lickr account!
I have a full day ahead of me preparing and sending out correspondence for a large project in February! But I just had to take time out to share!
There is a lot said about fashion, technology and Social Media, but when I see one of my favorite trade shows adapting social media into their marketing I just had to reach out! finally a way to share… well a move in that direction! this info is needed by the local designers!
As a Fashion Editor I have all but stopped attending local designers events! When I write I am honest and it had reached the point that some local designers were simply placing the same items year after year on the runway!
I actually can tell which local fabric outlet they had picked up their fabrics! More importantly they were just sewing! Their collections were not cohesive had not focal point , theme or dare I hope “story”! More importantly they have given up control over their art to some promoter who decides what model , music and even choreography should represent their vision! Yes I said If you have a problem… Talk To Me!
There is no excuse especially for New York based designers, trade shows are free to attend! All a designer has to do is simply register show up, present ID and connect! Unfortunately this is not something that seems to be promoted to students.. . so many graduate without ever having attended a TRADE SHOW!
To add to this many trade outlets operate in secrecy…only within (taditional) trade circles! You really to be part of the “inner” circle to know and Intellectual property concerns meant covering events were tough! Try getting a press kit or image from one of the exhibitors! Printsource is better at least I found their exhibitors tend to be more press savvy!
So I am ecstatic to see the move by Printsource to incorporate social media aspects into their marketing! Now I can at least show what a sourcing show entails… and just maybe entice some of those designers to consider adding this to their schedule!
If you ever wondered how all the stores seem to agree on the season’s colors etc… it not magic. Trend-spotting and trending is not just guess work, there is a science behind this! In larger design companies there may be a team responsible just for sourcing!
I am more attracted to Surface than actual textile designs( but with new advances in Technology I’m becoming a convert! There are two major surface or print design show in New York I attend! Printsource has more of an American approach! The other, Direction by Indigo (thanks to my Design Options newsletter) has not started this approach see there gallery here.
Previously they were both held in the same building which made it easier to attend both (artist clustering was a plus, not competition) now they are in two different locations Blocks apart! Lets see how that works out in the NYC Bitter winter temperature!
Click this link to see media in actual post!
So How does it measure up!
Social Media Marketing is about sharing!
… or rather getting others to share for you, it is the power of the hive! Posted on their site I cannot share, because their is nothing there to allow me to ( also a problem with flickr)!
SHARING IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD…
DeMarketplace is an online incubator… www.Demarketplace.com and all sub directories are meant to be used as a working base and teaching tool ( both for what works and what does not) for those in a local network and workshops I conduct… yet the sharing function is still important! I simply email the page needed to show what I may be discussing via a phone conversation! I’ve found that others are showing their friends and from my site stats we have a lot of visitors for a local site That is not marketed! Those tools work!
As it is, this post auto-post to my Facebook profile, and Frienfeed, It has qr codes (that Black and white box) Download the reader, so that it can be accessed and bookmarked via mobile! On my blog at the bottom of this post it can be emailed, printed and shared on several networks! I use wordpress as a platform and Disqus for commenting! So trackbacks are a breeze! There is an RSS feed that orange button next to the address bar so individual you can subscribe via google reader or by email
It is accessible via audio and also a podcast… I work with artist who use their hands they do not have time to sit and read but can listen!
Credit…
This is something I’m also trying to improve tagging and describing my post and adding links… I’ve taken to watermarking the domain (adding the website) associated with the images on the pictures! I have over 9000 images of designers and artist I am starting to loose track!
Attribution:- Technically under a full copyright I cannot email or share the images online hence I opt to use their Flickr slide show! Choosing a Creative Commons License (which Flick makes easy) allows for full creative copyright but allows others to share under terms you choose! You can see how PrintSource uses this on their site , which will lead you directly to their stream!
What does your web page do for you?
The point is that the reader has the option to get what I post, how and if they choose to receive it! More importantly he or she can share it with someone they think can enjoy it!
Why share… simple seeing is believing! I have spoken of this and written about this, it is not till designers attend sourcing shows, that they understand the significance of this !
Yes both of these shows cater to “press”, the fact is however the definition of PRESS is changing.
I help creative individuals find ways of monetizing their art, I am always called upon for resources! More importantly as a designer I am a direct link to other designers and artist. Individuals in a sector communicate; we always have we still find our leads via phone conversations, and as we become more engaged in social media so too does the importance of that medium and the reach! I can reach Brooklyn Designers, those in The Fashion and technology Sector!
We are moving our efforts to reach Designers of African descent worldwide, but a simple click of a button I can have a one hr conversation with a designer in Africa or the Caribbean and point them to the resource they need! I am more likely to take the recommendation of another designer, whose work I know, over someone who claims to be an expert ! Personal recommendations is how the creative community has always worked, with the growth of the indie design scene that is promotion your press or PR cannot cannot have the same effect as info shared by a trusted colleague! Social and New Media Marketing tools simply make sharing easier!
So what would I recommend… Commit to sharing
Add descriptions and tags and a link to your site on the flick images and site, so I not only understand what I’m seeing, but Flickr has one of the largest user bases! It’s your outpost! Your current blog set up does not allow me to share easily I’d recommend moving to a self hosted wordpress platform (this for a Joomla advocate!) I started with blogger and unfortunately it has not grown much since it’s early days!
I do not see why any business site would not have an RSS feed on it’s default landing page today; I subscribe to updates via Google reader! Many site privacy You can have the more sensitive info in another directory! Personally I seldom revisit a site that has a static front page (especially Flash Based sites) So much money is spent in there development I know they won’t be changed for a while!
Yours truly
Bonnie Sandy
Add your name to our invite list for 2010 events
Help me Bridge the Digital Divide- I00 Black Businesses Online By February 2010
Make a donation of Time, Expertise, Technology or Resources contact me or check our Amazon Gift List

-
Tech For Creatives
Color (colour) editors Online
Toucan From Aviary Easiest
My Pantone from the industry leaders
Color lovers- Create palettes
Color and Patterns for your twitter profiles
Pattern Maker
Tech Spotlight for Business
Gtalk Google Voice and video chat
Add you name to our invite list for 2010 events
If You’re mobile, You can reply by leaving me a voice mail 1- 646-736-7984 (3 min max)
Please be clear I receive no endorsements from this company, I attend these events and pass this information on simply because it is needed!
The Question Is “What Can My Website Do For Me”
I find that question is not always addressed even among those who build websites professionally!
I communicate to creatives on adapting adopting and integration new media and emerging technology into their art and business! Communication is a two way process I speak and I get feed back! So my web pages are built for communications! Talk To me…
visit blog for The Anatomy Of A Web 2.0 Page!
I am not yet ready to communicate with thousands, I enjoy one on one interaction… however we do a lot of exploration and so we have an open ploicy for posting! You never know who may need an answer!
www.demarketplace.com is our gateway site and so It frames many of our active, dormant and concept installs! We teach, we experiment we explore! We find anawers ( most of the times) In Teaching what does not works is just as important as what does… so we keep both! We do not currently support advertising as a format we will eventually but for now, not necessarily a business model that is needed or encouraged! frankly advertising changes the tone and authenticity of the what the artist presents!
We’ve simplify the description so that ist is easily remembered. The layout applies to “As I See IT” My personnal blog in the project! At the very top of the page is the RSS button next to the page’s address click on that will allow you to Syndicate this blogs content. That means you’ll get the latest news via the Rss reader of your choice! there is a lot more you can do with an Rss feed! S
If you need your website to market for you or keep your customers updated You NEED an RSS .
Add this to your site.. This is an audio player of my blogs post… it is a standard male voice but since it is about who you service, I understand that many of the artist use their hands. and while their eyes may be occupied they are quite comfortable listening! It is auto generated from RSS feed of the listen button at the beginning of the post!
The Tweet This button… I’m actually trying to get the artist online most of them are not on twitter! but this allows visitors to share it with twitter follows again if marketing is your goal this is a visual reminder and call to action!
Get It via Mobile QR Codes… many in our communities use public computers and most have web enabled mobile phones… This simplifies the book marking process! Most phones are being shipped with QR Code readers or you can download them.
The listen button I use Odeo the only drawback I hate the generic male voice! At least give me a choice of male or female!
Email or Print post:- These two are used a lot on my site the email will email the entire post to yourself or a friend… remember this is a teaching tool and generally the readers are low tech so a print out is something they relate to!
I’ve started adding my current email signature to my post I like a two way conversation! Since the viewers are usually people i know this works! they point to my social network pages. let me warn you though I am usually too busy to be online regularly.
Yet I post frequently
Auto post to Facebook Oh so it seems I import my post automatically via notes on Facebook using my the RSS feed! The RSS fees also powers my newsletter which can be subscribed to via the sign up box to the right!
I can allow a diffusion of my numbers, my user is my primary concern! If advertising were a primary goal then I’d have to ensure that I did not diffuse the stats, an advertiser would be looking at! I’d also be much more careful with those stats, Post more regularly and focus what I post!
Now the comment form is more a style option right now! My users would read the post and call or send an email or comment in Facebook! I’m trying to get feedback but in the community I serve comment is culturally a direct endeavor.
Which leaves trackback. The Trackback Url in wordpress allows someone to comment to your post by making a post on their own Blog! Unfortunately it can be a gateway for spammers!
At the top of the page are the Category headings clicking on each would pull up all the post under that topic! The very bottom of the page are the links to static pages! On the site about DeMarketplace is the highest queried search term!
The look I speak to with artist and creative , mainly women, mainly black… culturally color, and a bit of flash is expected, many opt for flash and video but I can simply add these to any post using html!
Strangely the web site often serves as a virtual office! So forms, even a sketch center was needed!
I don’t sell a product directly on this blog, as more artist prepare to opt for online sales we explore and will next year be showcasing shome of the solutions we found!
So what can your website do for you…
Learn the Art of Hurology Free
A New skill goes along way and for a young person can change their life!
The Art of Horology Project is designed to teach children and young adults the art, science and history of horology (the study of timekeeping) Currently, there are fewer than 5,000 trained timepiece technicians in the U.S., and the number continues to dwindle. However, following the mechanical timepiece boom that started in the 1990s, the need for skilled craftsman capable to design build, repair and maintain these unique watches remains prevalent in today’s market.In collaboration with the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, Steven Richardson Nkiru’s, master hurologist has developed a 10-week introductory level workshop. It’s free, and Richardson’s goal is to take the program into the public school system. Presently, there is a class in session. Register at the Y for the next class, which will begin in January 2010. For more details on workshop, or to support or donate contact www.nkiruamerica.org.
See Nkiruwatches – Luxury Watches, Gold Watches, Platinum Watches& Stainless Steel Watches, Horology http://nkiruwatches.com/
Saying Thanks Today, and Tomorrow
I will confess that I do not quite get the concept of “Thanksgiving Holiday”; But the tradition of giving thanks is universal! The expression of thanks should be a daily one for gratitude and blessings bestowed! Thanksgiving allows for a more public manifestation of thanks! Acknowledgement that we cannot do it by ourselves! My personal task today is to send a thank you to all who have directly or indirectly touched my life and in so doing shaped my path! I thank god for the gift of life and my talent, the unique family and culture into which, and with which I was gifted! My son, and personal friends; to say I am blessed is an understatement!
As I write this I have to admit I am of the type of wealth that many aspire to; fewer understand, even less achieve! Wealth of spirit cannot be bought, bargained for or strategize to achieve! Unlike financial wealth we’re all born with equal portions or spirit, and build or eradicate via our choices!
Thankful, in this case is an understatement, I am blessed and for that I am grateful!
If using technology to give thanks seems a little impersonal and offends your sense of “proper” etiquette, understand that technology has provided and opened the channels to many of the people and for many of the things for which I am most ‘Thankful’! This year I have had opportunities I would not have dreamed of, some only just emerging!
As we near the end of 200, i am reminded that each day new day is the start of the rest of my life, an opportunity for new beginning and yes another reason to Give thanks! so let’s not leave the tradition of giving thanks at yesterday’s table, but rather turn to those who affect our lives and acknowledge their part with “THANKS’
So to those of you who have in some way touched my life thank you!
Thank to you for Giving
Thanks for the support!
News to Share
Now you do not need to settle for store bought notions trims! Handles Buckles, pendants, bracelets… all can be fashioned using a number of techniques and tools. image courtesy www.demarketplace.com/blog
We want to build community To to ensure that Those versed in fashion and not quite familiar with technology are included. We’re meeting with Brooklyn Design Community on August 3rd for the first of a series of FashionCampNY101. This Is not just Twitter Or SocIal Media! With Technolog y you can
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- Design and print Your Fabrics
- Create Distinctive Belts Buckles and accessories
- accept mobile payments via your Phone
- Extend the reach of shows and marketing using 2dcodes
At FashionCamp events Design professionals get an opportunity to network, Speak out, and share what’ working and not working. Tech and online professional will walk you through, answer y ou r questions, and even improve the product and services now online!
THIS IS NOT YOUR COUSIN OR SISTER’ FRIEND WHO KNOWS TO PUT TOGETHER HTML and A FLASH SITE/ Please invite them, we want to ensure professionals have the best tools on hand!
doors open at 5 pm; We start promptly @ 6pm Rsvp Here to attend !
It’s Too much to read- This information takes time to compile and send out. It is but 1/10 of the new business info out there. IGNORANCE COSTS! I wiil not be sending 10 emails out.Then read a small portion and come back to it later. When we do not know what we have we lose it.
PASS IT ON PRINT SUBSCRIBE
BROOKLYN FASHION GALLERY RELAUNCHES
BFG2, M.BFG2 and MO.BFG2
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It’s more than a new attitude, we’ve undergoing a major re-designed from the core. based on all we’ve learned and where we believe the online publishing is headed. This is a consumer oriented site meaning we will deliver brooklyn fashion and entertainment news to the consumer. You’ll still see me as the Fashion Editor of the Calabar Magazine
www.BrooklynFashionWeek.com
October 2009- we do not support the “FashionWeek Format” yes you heard right a fashion week that does not support “Fashion week” See our rant on line. We do support designers coming together to stage a series of shows in their stores and showrooms that bringth ecustomer to them , that allows for serious shopping. but also can be marketed for the press and attention that designers seem to need. For those not in Brooklyn or do not have venues we have secured affordable space. We are looking for a group of designers willing to help shape this. As a designer I do not understand the willingness to let someone else decide on your your models, lighting etc.
PARDON OUR APPEARANCE:- We are setting September for the official launch so expect slight adjustments.
TRADE NEWS:- I Am collecting Business news for SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER. So Sit down, Plan your events and sales and send it to us submit those releases here
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GREAT DESIGNERS
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DESIGNERS’ COLLECTIVES BFG LIVE- Let’s live the principles of Kwanzaa
Brooklyn Fashion Gallery is putting together a group of Fashion Forward Creative designers, crafters and Artist. If You are outside NY we welcome you. A show and sell with web support as well as intense marketing. BY Collective we a speaking of Common interest and collective work and responsibility.
Decisions and cost and responsibility are shared by the designers!
Buyers club, email, Traditional smpr, street marketing and distribution.
Space, Sales staff etc You Know the drill and what going solo entails The designers- Please do not bring me designs from last three years. while designers should have a regular line. we’re looking to give shoppers a reason to return at each event!
Quality and fit- you’ll have my technical experience and we’ve researched the resources.
I’LL BE GIVING AWAY CLOTHING!!… well actully myself a a few other prop-active designers, we’re starting MobStylz a club for women (and men) who love to shop! With incentives Giveaways, Great events and shopping parties,and shows we’re now accepting designers! email i...@brooklynfashiongallery.com Not a member? Request account here!

What is MoBstylz?
We support local designers, this is a private network of Designers By Designers! It’s our way of ensuring our businesses are supported! it’s a shopping network that you take with you. Find Indie designers connect with them get special offers and take part in a selection of sponsored drawings! Designers Shout their offers and specials and your respond or Pass them on to your friend on your favorite networks!
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How it works?
Register and connect your favorite networks using our tools and widgets! You decide which shouts you want to receive by subscribing to Designers You have full control on amount of information you get. If somebody disturbs or overload you with shouts you can always quietly unsubscribe. But be carefull you might just miss out on some great deals NEED TO SEE AND TRY…. get invited yo our Live Shopping Events BFG LIVE
the ad campaign is designed to encourage “mom and Pops’ businesses to explore marketing new and emerging marketing trends and at the same time help stimulate the local economy.
the Sponsorship is for the a 4X4 slot in a full color glossy mini- magazine, supported by a web and mobile version that is to be distributed at summer outdoor events and major commercial hubs.
Apply for Streets 411 Marketing Sponsorship
If you are expecting a listings of reason as to why you should market, then the Streets 411 is not for your. streets 411 is about making marketing accessible, both in terms of cost and time. It iis about integrating your online, offline and mobile efforts
- Maximizing your marketing budget!
- Designs meant to be read and to engage!
- Distributing your marketing collateral-
- Integrating you neighborhood, online and mobile marketing efforts
- Streamlining your message
We were surprised that at the initial drop of 5000 print pieces we had 3000 unique visits, and 85,000 visits on our landing page, within a 2 week period. Need more info or Apply here
BFG2, M.BFG2 and MO.BFG2
It’s more than a new attitude, we’ve undergoing a major re-designed from the core. based on all we’ve learned and where we believe the online publishing is headed. This is a consumer oriented site meaning we will deliver brooklyn fashion and entertainment news to the consumer. You’ll still see me as the Fashion Editor of the Calabar Magazine
www.BrooklynFashionWeek.com
October 2009- we do not support the “FashionWeek Format” yes you heard right a fashion week that does not support “Fashion week” See my rant on line.
We do support designers coming together to stage a series of shows in their stores and showrooms that bringth ecustomer to them , that allows for serious shopping. but also can be marketed for the press and attention that designers seem to need. For those not in Brooklyn or do not have venues we have secured affordable space. We are looking for a group of designers willing to help shape this. As a designer I do not understand the willingness to let someone else decide on your your models, lighting etc.
PARDON OUR APPEARANCE:- We are setting September for the official launch so expect slight adjustments.
TRADE NEWS:- I Am collecting Business news for SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER. So Sit down, Plan your events and sales and send it to us submit Those releases here
JUST NEWS-WHO”S SHOWING WHAT”S HAPPENING
| August 9th, 2009 Moshood summer fashion Show,showtime 5pm,suggested Door $20.00 Afikanspirit.com |
Post your news to be sent out in our Newsletter
We’ll be sending out an email blast to our general list By Thursday .We’re automating, to have your events listed here, Please Post them At ourCommunity Business directory
A Sort of Community Bill board, info posted her will be can be used by any one creating a newsletter! Content distribution.
If You’re On Twitter “Follow me”
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@MOBSTYLZ Designer Collective Efforts BFGLIVE And Brooklyn Fashion Gallery
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@FASHIONCAMP a movement to educate on tehe technology to help your business!
May be at odds with His ART
It’s time to speak out
The Dollars and Sense of Blackness – Central Brooklyn…The Economic Impact
Atim Annette Oton, calabarmag.com Calabar & Calabar Imports
Ok…it’s that time of the year for really looking at how things are going in Brooklyn, NY…I will live on-air to add my 2 + 2 cents around 11am.
TIME: 10am – 12:30pm
WHAT: On-air broadcast of WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show
Please note that this event will be recorded and aired live on WNYC Radio AM 820 / 93.9 FM. Video tapings will be webcasted on our website: www.wnyc.org.
FashionCampNY SEPT 12Th & 13TH
NEW YORK, NY – July 26, 2009 – FashionCampNy aims to bring together the independent creative community and the Technology communities to share, discuss and explore technology with the goal of having those who Design, Make, Show, Sell, Market or Buy use technology in their processes and businesses. Technology is seeping into every point of product line management, way beyond Twitter and other Social Network FashionCampNY marks
a conscious effort to the bridge the digital divide with the intent of also bringing the resources from NY’s vibrant tech community to the design community.
With this in mind, FashionCampNY; an open “Barcamp” styled “unconference,” where Fashion and Technology and Entrepreneurial players meet is scheduled September 12th and 13th, 2009 in NYC The event hopes to include many of New York’s fashion and design sector that are not traditionally included in Fashion Week events in September.
read the rest online...www.fashioncamp.org
It’s Too much to read- This information takes time to compile and send out. It is but 1/10 of the new business info out there. IGNORANCE COSTS! I will not be sending 10 emails out.Then read a small portion and come back to it later. When we do not know what we have we lose it.
PASS IT ON We’ve made it easier to share simple use the email this button on the site. If you are on the run use the Print button. There are some designer still not online please print and pass it along to them.
We are collecting Business news for SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER. So Sit down, Plan your events and sales and send it to us submit Those releases here
Why Do You Want To Do a Brooklyn Fashion Week Show
“WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO A FASHION WEEK SHOW?”
I’m starting to ask designers that. The truth is they believe it’s what they should do… at the end of the runway when it’s time to sit and talk business they are not prepared.
We’re a habitual bunch we keep doing the same things repeatedly even if it isn’t working. Yes we run www.BrooklynFashionweek.com but we do not do “FASHION WEEK” Now a week where designers organize and create a designer to consumer show and shopping celebration…. That makes Cents. Hey I like a great show just like the next female. And for those begging me to do a show I’m considering September ( for my Birthday) or as part of www.BrooklynFashionweek.com The First as an artist, the latter, if I decide to produce a line for sale!
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“Fashion Week” has become the “thing” to do, even government officials are getting into the deal. And it is a deal, promoters make serious cash with sponsorships and media rights. One NY designer has returned to her showroom show. Her Seventh on siXth shows reported to have cost as much as $700,000 which is an investment if we’re speaking lucrative licensing deals!
Yet every single “person” is doing one without a clear strategy other than it’s what they see on TV. What?
There is no coy way to ask this but most designers walking those runways are not selling… in fact many are broke!
Designers that are gaining accounts have buyers or showrooms. Well first of all they have a well laid out business plan. they can hand a buyer a shopping list or menu of what they offer. often they can send one out to the buyers oon their list. As one boutique owner puts it I run a business I don’t hav time to play around and party. So designers where are you LINE SHEETS or catalog?
They have product that is well made, their production and financing is secured even before they go to market. So that they are ready to go (into production) once those orders are received. They have funding to cover the 30-90 days they won’t get paid. They’ve organized shipping so their product won’t get “held up” If you are putting out $4000.00 shouldn’t yes fashion weeks cost to fet the marketing and Buyers their. Foor venues that are convenient to Buyer’s jobs’ A buyer is not going to show up after hrs unless it is worth their while!
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I am not talking about “Fashionista” or e-commerce sites that want drop shipping deals After hours with sorority sisters is not a “Fashion Week!” It’s a party (and a damn good one at that!) “Sista’s” excuse me, but would you like to make your presentation that will secure that house you’ve been dreaming off in front of hooting hollering frat boys! Show a little respect!
Designers who sell have their labels, EDI codes and vendor number, or their own stores, if needed; they have line-sheets product shots and other sales collateral. The designers I know with millions in sales may not don’t even have ads or editorial.
More importantly they know their customers’ measurements and their patterns have been developed to FIT
Many promoters give free participation and pay designers (essentially using them as bait) to draws attention hungry designers to their folds. We support young designers showing to improve their presentation skills, but they are not interested in the business of design.
So what is Brooklyn fashion week essential the latter format! And yes we’ve gotten designers in front of buyers that why we understand where the issues lie. Fashion is serious business, We’ve worked designers through trade show’s and press placement, Finally folks do not plan walking down that runway, with a “Prince Charming” on a white horse riding in to “back” you.
We’ve been on hold exploring a second vital component that will take the designer’s ( or rather his sales rep straight to the buyer’)
Whether or not we do a “Designer organized, Brooklyn Fashion Week will essentially depend of if designers are ready…. and guys you know what I mean by that. Crocked seems are not a fashion statement. All the press in the world won’t save a poor quality business! If you’re doing knit swimwear that stretches when wet a buyer won’t pick you up! And even if every thing else is in line and you can’t show the money …you’re dropped!
If Teh items and business points are not familiar to you contact us we have a creative entrepreneurs workshop starting soon!
Feel free to comment but as I see it A designer should be a leader not a follower!
Work Smart Not Hard Is The Goal
We need to address our subscribers and ask that they bear with us! As we stream line our processes we are taking a serious look at functionality. DeMarketplace is a Virtual Incubator, and as such not just an exploration of new media implementation, but a teach tool. This particular segment “As I see IT ‘ is not just “blog” in the sense that it catalogs the tools we use, but process of implementation and adjustments.
We serve several roles as well as individuals. The challenge is collecting essentially a data management issue, which should be simple if we were running a library or stock room. That data need to be analyzed, but in perspective, and distributed to sereval divers groups.
To compound the problem there are intellectual property and privacy concerns. For the most part we find it easier to crete our own images supporting media… till we found ourselves having to track the abuse of our ip rights( re-posting of original material as your own is not “original- content”. We’re still divided on key digital rights management issues. While we strongly believe in the notion that some knowledge needs to be within the public Developing strong content is costly, whet or not i want to admit it , managing my digital asset is becoming an issue.I am actually looking for an automatic digital signature withauthorin software. something I do not hav eto remember to do or register. Simply Automated.
With all that the biggest challenge in managing the routes, or pipelines that information travel is understanding the very tools we use to get them there. every developer seeems to want to do everything, yet never does it well enough so that his is th eonly tool you need! “Mashup” are simply an indication of lack of proper design! Ok now sue me. .. I have tried well over thousand apps, and I am convinced developers never actually try them out themselves in the given scenarios.
The choice is publish or it dies, so we’re back again testing the auto features. Please excuse multiple post or post made too early, while we work out he kinks
Brooklyn Fashion Gallery Relaunched
The growing ranks of independent businesses have necessitated live spaces to show and sell! Demarketplace last week relaunched our live show and sell events under the “Brooklyn Fashion Gallery label. These events will in futre be supported with our online presence “Degallery” at http://www.demarketplace.com/brooklynfashiongallery we’d like to thank the proprietor and stylist at Delux Gallery for their support. www.DeluxGallery.com
vendors at this event
Sohe designs www.sohedesigngroup.com
Nailah’s creations
Canvass2012
links to products will be available shortly
This is why you need to Back up your info
OK I should know better, always back up your info, in my case it should be daily, but lately things have been so hectic that I have not been able to upload and back up and as I suspected my laptop Crashed. I use the poor instrument 15-20hrs a day and it works! So I am not surprised when this Friday night after a late session with a designer it crashed.
Fortunately I have most of the articles and images I had been preparing online so it just means that I have to pull them down and re-edit! Again my OLPC has come through, The keys are a bit small and please excuse the typos but this little machine can..
Unfortunately it’s the week end press started appearing on our project
In The meantime I suggest checking out some of the articles we have previaously posted!


















