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EMERGE! Rises During New York Fashion Week

Now in its 5th season, EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show positioned an eclectic ensemble of artists and a gathering of celebrities on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 during New York Fashion Week.

The celebs that stopped by to talk with What's The 411's Barbara Bullard were:

• Honoree Mikki Taylor who attended EMERGE! wearing Burberry. She indicated that she is following First Lady Michelle Obama's lead by wearing simple designs that go a long way.

• Actress Regina Taylor has written a play that will debut in September 2013.

• Actress/Comedienne Phyllis Yvonne Stickney developed a company with her brother. She will be going on tour soon and developing a program for youth.

• Glam Fairy Shari Manon from the Style Network indicated she is there to see new talent.

• Ruby Rubero wearing the designs of Hannefah M began her professional music career as the voice of the Bratz TV Cartoon Anthem titled "Se Siente" (Universal, Hip-O Music), which was also one of the highest selling cartoon albums internationally. Ruby is coming out with a new single, Runway, which is scheduled for release on March 12.

• Kim Roxie is the founder of the cosmetic line, Lamik. She is the youngest African American to have a cosmetic line in Macy's. Kim Roxie is honored to be an ongoing sponsor of EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show especially during African American History Month.

The featured designers of EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show's 5th season were:

Bishme Cromartie's collection is edgy sophistication; His well-constructed pieces owned the runway with incredible design elements. His collection was cohesive and yet unafraid to take risks. www.bishmercromartie.com

Parul Aneja's collection adorned the runway vibrant colors inspired by her homeland of New Delhi, the capital of India she specializes in wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, prom and evening wear dresses for women. www.parulaneja.com

Deidre Jefferies, ESPION Atelier - 'ESPION' French for the English word 'spy' Deidre Jefferies defines her design aesthetic as "the future of classic clothing." This strong, yet sexy collection embodied a sleek sophistication combining male and female elements into a luxury line committed to quality. www.espion.us.com

Bernice Morgan, Designersberg is a full line of beautiful African dresses custom made in a variety of materials including cotton prints, damask, lace and linens came down the runway with a fresh take on modern ethnic wear, Africa. www.designersberg.com

Butterfli Tia's swimwear collection 2-A-T came down the runway making a bold statement. Complete with sexy embellishments, highlighting well-crafted pieces and bold color choices.

EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work. Hundreds of designer submissions are reviewed by an elite designer committee, which selects some of the top designers from around the world.

Barbara Bullard contributed to this article.

EMERGE! Catapults An Amazing Group Of Elite Fashion Designers

Now in its 5th season, EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show positioned an eclectic ensemble of artists and a gathering of celebrities during New York Fashion Week.

The celebs that stopped by to talk with What's The 411 correspondent Barbara Bullard were:

• Honoree Mikki Taylor who attended EMERGE! wearing Burberry. She indicated that she is following First Lady Michelle Obama's lead by wearing simple designs that go a long way.

• Actress Regina Taylor has written a play that will debut in September 2013.

• Actress/Comedienne Phyllis Yvonne Stickney developed a company with her brother. She will be going on tour soon and developing a program for youth.

• Glam Fairy Shari Manon from the Style Network indicated she is there to see new talent.

Ruby Rubero wearing the designs of Hannefah M began her professional music career as the voice of the Bratz TV Cartoon Anthem titled "Se Siente" (Universal, Hip-O Music), which was also one of the highest selling cartoon albums internationally. Ruby is coming out with a new single, Runway, which is scheduled for release on March 12.

Kim Roxie is the founder of the cosmetic line, Lamik. She is the youngest African-American to have a cosmetic line in Macy's. Kim Roxie is honored to be an ongoing sponsor of EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show especially during African American History Month.

The featured designers of EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show's 5th season were:

Bishme Cromartie's collection is edgy sophistication; His well-constructed pieces owned the runway with incredible design elements. His collection was cohesive and yet unafraid to take risks. 

Parul Aneja's collection adorned the runway vibrant colors inspired by her homeland of New Delhi, the capital of India she specializes in wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, prom and evening wear dresses for women. 

Deidre Jefferies, ESPION Atelier - 'ESPION' French for the English word 'spy' Deidre Jefferies defines her design aesthetic as "the future of classic clothing." This strong, yet sexy collection embodied a sleek sophistication combining male and female elements into a luxury line committed to quality. 

Bernice Morgan's Designersberg is a full line of beautiful African dresses custom made in a variety of materials including cotton prints, damask, lace, and linens came down the runway with a fresh take on modern ethnic wear, Africa. 

Butterfli Tia's swimwear collection 2-A-T came down the runway making a bold statement. Complete with sexy embellishments, highlighting well-crafted pieces and bold color choices.

EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion Week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work. Hundreds of designer submissions are reviewed by an elite designer committee, which selects some of the top designers from around the world.

Barbara Bullard contributed to this article.

What's The 411 TV Releases Its List of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012

What's The 411TV's List of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 was developed from interviews conducted by What's The 411TV correspondents during 2012

BROOKLYN, NY; December 20, 2012 - What's The 411, an entertainment and lifestyle television show, released today its list of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012.

What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 was developed from interviews conducted by What's The 411 reporters from January 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012. The list consists of celebrated personalities to ordinary people doing extraordinary things to the American people rallying for justice in the case of Trayvon Martin. Many people are local to the New York City metro area, while others are global figures.

"Throughout the years, What's The 411 has interviewed so many interesting people," said Ruth J. Morrison, CEO and Founder, Whats The 411 Networks. "This year, we decided to create our list of 25 Most Interesting People. It wasn't easy, but the reporters and producers narrowed What's The 411's Most Interesting People of 2012 to a list of 25. Some are known to almost everyone and some will be names heard for the first time."

"After developing and releasing our list of 25 Most interesting People of 2012, we learned that the Brooklyn Nets fired head coach Avery Johnson. Coach Johnson's firing was shocking and What's The 411 still stands by its decision to include Coach Johnson on its list. In our interview, we saw excitement, conviction, a warrior's attitude, and a commitment to bringing a competitive basketball team to Brooklyn," Ms. Morrison added.

The people making up What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 fall into the categories of entrepreneurs; kids doing great things; sports; fashion and beauty; health; non-profits; media and public relations; and even a former mob wife. The list also includes the winners of What's The 411's Jay Z Concert Ticket Giveaway, a couple so engaging they should have their own reality TV show.

Below is a list of What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 with hotlinks to their respective video interviews:

1. Marlena Ortiz - a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor who created the non-profit Beating Cancer in Heels to help women keep their self-esteem while undergoing cancer treatment
2. Trayvon Martin Vigil in Union Square, New York City - representing Americans standing up against racism
3. Hal Jackson (Posthumously) - legendary radio pioneer who broke many color barriers in radio broadcasting. Hal Jackson died on May 23, 2012 at age 96.
4. Danny Jacobs - a boxer who survived cancer and is now back in the boxing ring with two wins in two months
5. Magic Johnson - because he's Magic
6. David Stern - NBA Commissioner who bucked the prevailing sentiment at the time and developed a salary system which created many young black millionaires, a rising tide floats all boats
7. Sue Simmons - An iconic newswoman; anchor of WNBC-TV News for 32 years
8. Avery Johnson - the goody two-shoes head coach of the Brooklyn Nets; who knew he had so much fight
9. Billie Jean King - an iconic tennis champion and advocate for gender equality
10. Helen Shelton - an African-American woman who rose to executive ranks within a global public relations agency by providing value to her clients
11. Allan Houston - Assistant General Manager, New York Knicks and a former NBA player now leading the way advocating and demonstrating the importance of fathers through hisFather Knows Best initiative
12. Beauty/Fashion Trifecta: Vera Moore, Sofia Davis and Thomas Lavone: - Vera Moore is a beauty entrepreneur of 34 years in the competitive cosmetic business and now making a huge breakthrough with national distribution through Walgreen's; Sofia Davis, Editor, Fashion Avenue News Magazine; and Thomas Lavonne, an award winning New Jersey based fashion designer and entrepreneur with a celebrity following; known for his exceptional talent in Ready To Wear gowns, suits and fine apparel
13. Leslie Allen - a retired professional tennis player and keeper of the legacy of tennis champion Arthur Ashe through the Arthur Ashe Foundation
14. Alia Jones-Harvey - a Broadway theatre producer putting a new spin on classic Broadway theatre productions, thus creating diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity on Broadway
15. Dr. Devra Davis - an environmental health scientist ringing the cell phone environmental alarm bell16. Cheryl Wills - author and 20 years of making a difference in TV news in New York City
17. Constance CR White - a multi-dimensional fashionista running a magazine for Black women (no disrespect to Susan Taylor)
18. Dionne Williams - a fashion entrepreneur providing a professional platform for emerging fashion designers during New York Fashion Week
19. Alfred Edmond Jr. and Windsor Neckwear - creators of the Alfred Edmond Jr. Bow Tie Collection and other men's accessories; helping men everywhere to stand out while fitting in
20. Terrie Williams - CEO and Founder, The Terrie Williams Agency; author; mental health advocate; and mentor; for her honesty about depression and for mentoring young men
21. Leslie Chang, Scholarship Winner of Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health's Health Science Academy and Winners of Arthur Ashe Kids Day Essay and Art Contest - these kids are definitely going places
22. Pamela Quinzi - a fabulously sensational shoe designer with savvy marketing skills
23. Saffiyah Rodgers and Valerie Morrison - owners of My Girlfriend's Closet - making a business out of a childhood passion
24. Kim Benson and Qadir Muhammad - winners of What's The 411's Jay-Z Concert Ticket Contest - a comedic, smart and sassy couple; they should have their own reality TV show
25. Toni Marie Ricci - survived being married to the mob and now an author and mentor to other women

About What's The 411TV

Based in Brooklyn, New York, What's The 411TV is a division of What's The 411 Networks, a media/news and information company connecting sophisticated multi-cultural audiences through its distribution platforms of television, online, mobile, and social media.

What's The 411TV's celebrity portfolio consists of interviews with Magic Johnson, Beyonce, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson and many, many more.

What's The 411 Networks has the largest video celebrity interview portfolio of any Brooklyn-based independent media company.

EMERGE! Runway Fashion Show A New York Fashion Week Standout

EMERGE! Runway Fashion Show an awesome Platform for emerging fashion designers during New York Fashion Week

What's The 411 Co-Host, Barbara Bullard, covered one of the leading emerging designer collective showcases during New York Fashion Week, the EMERGE! Fashion Runway Show.

EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show is produced by D. Williams Public Relations Group and has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion Week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work.

Barbara interviewed Dionne Williams, Owner, D. Williams Public Relations and the Creative Producer of EMERGE!. Dionne discussed the genesis of EMERGE!, the fact that the show is only two years old and that the designers come from all over the world.

India de Beaufort, an actress/fashion designer showcased 'Ballyhoo,' which is inspired by her love of all things period, all things Parisian, and her cherished and ever-growing collection of Vintage and Antique clothing.

Designer Taneasha Prunty of Gidi Designs started sewing by hand at the age of five. A "sucker for lace", Ms. Prunty believes that every woman looks good in lace if worn properly and every woman should have lace in her closet.

Known for her over-the-top eveningwear, Ms. Prunty showcased a more relaxed daywear line, which still includes feminine touches and elegant details that still make the pieces look polished.

Nicole, an accessory designer, and Archie, a model and event organizer, talked about their participation in the show. Nicole provided Taneasha Prunty of Gidi Designs with custom jewelry to accessorize her designs. The jewelry has a country vineyard theme with lavish colors, wire wrapping, crystals, and semi-precious stones.

Archie, a model and event organizer, came to the show to support Berny Martin of Catou. Archie is holding a fundraising event in December 2012, in Haiti to support education in Haiti. The show will also be held in Japan, Dubai, and other countries.

An enthusiastic Aaron Handy, along with Iran "Bang" Paylor (not interviewed) handled all of the backstage logistics including model management, casting, hair, make-up, and order of the show, all of which makes for a good show to the audience.

Brigid Turner, a former EMERGE! model is now Director of Operations. Brigid spoke about her role in the audition process and pairing up models with designers so every designer has the right model to showcase their designs.

Lastly, Kim Roxie, Founder and Creative Director, Lamik Beauty, is one of the sponsors of EMERGE! As a young entrepreneur, Kim Roxie is very proud to support emerging designers.

In addition to India de Beaufort and Taneasha Prunty, the video also features the designs of Temna Fialka, Franklin Rowe International; Berny Martin – Catou Designs, and Arefeh Mansouri of Arefeh Fashion.

Dionne Williams Creates a Platform for Emerging Fashion Designers

EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show is produced by Dionne Williams, Owner, D. Williams Public Relations Group.

The EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion Week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work.

Dionne Williams spoke to What's The 411's Barbara Bullard about the genesis of EMERGE!, the fact that the show is only two years old and that the designers come from all over the world.

Aaron Handy and Iran "Bang" Paylor were production designers for the show.

Brigid Turner Running The Show at New York Fashion Week

Former model now Operations Director for EMERGE! A Runway Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week

Brigid Turner, a former EMERGE! model is now Director of Operations EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show's fourth season. Brigid spoke about her role in the audition process and pairing up models with designers so every designer has the right model to showcase their designs.

EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show is produced by Dionne Williams, Owner, D. Williams Public Relations Group. The EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion Week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work.

Aaron Handy and Iran "Bang" Paylor were production designers for the show.

Backstage Production Team Helps EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show Shine

The logistical team for EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show keeps the show running like a well-oiled machine

An enthusiastic Aaron Handy spoke to What's The 411's Barbara Bullard about how he and Iran "Bang" Paylor (not interviewed) handled all of the backstage logistics including model management, casting, hair, make-up, and order of the show for EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show.

EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show is produced by Dionne Williams, Owner, D. Williams Public Relations Group. The EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion Week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work.

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