GlobalFashionBrands.com will offer a unique opportunity for independent designers and retailers to create their own digital storefront, and savvy consumers the opportunity to shop locally for international brands.

“This is a natural extension of our existing portfolio,” states Nolcha’s CEO, Kerry Bannigan, “Unlike other shopping sites that focus on the big box retailers, ours caters to the independent designer, and the trend-setting consumer who wants to buy something that no one else is wearing.”

The new site will aggregate Nolcha’s design roster including menswear, womenswear, and accessory brands from around the world, and catalogue them through a personal shopping engine.  When shoppers come to the site, they will be encouraged to register and personalize their experience by identifying their fashion preferences.  Then, the platform’s “Personal Shopper” will present users with items based on size, price, location, favorite designers and looks that are relevant and on message with users’ tastes whenever they log in and view the “feed.”

The site is also heavy on the social component, allowing users to share the shopping experience with friends via Facebook Connect.  Other perks include their signature ‘Flash Sales’ of up to 80% discounts, the option to “follow your favorites,” and the  discovery of brands users may otherwise never know about, all in once place.

On February 11th, Nolcha held a launch party in association with American Airlines and Kiss, at the Ava Lounge at The Dream Hotel Rooftop in midtown. Guests were invited to join us for a celebratory cocktail courtesy of Don Q Rums, Reyka Vodka and Riazul Tequila.

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

On opening night, Bob put the space in perspective by bringing together a collective of talented local artists to display their works in an auction-style, fund-raising exhibit.  The event also featured the Endless Summer Taco Truck, frosty beverages courtesy of Pabst Blue Ribbon, and live music by indie rock sensation, Jeff Taylor.

Later this month (July 18/19), The Arsenal will be home to a trunk show for indie designers like Brooklyn Royalty.  Keep an eye on the website for all of the juicy details.

Congrats on the new space Bob, it’s genius!

*Designer Bob Bland with her Brooklyn Royalty collection at The Aresnal

*My favorite piece(s) that were on display as part of the Art Auction

*Skakeboard art

*Wood-based jewlery by GOOD WOOD

*Good Wood’s Frankie Velez with Leah Pilon and Erin Gell

[First 3 photos courtesy of Guest of A Guest, Second 2 photos courtesy of me!]

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

Though they had a “rain date” location secured, like troopers, we all braved the cold, windy rooftop anyway for what was a really fun “Hamptons themed” BBQ, minus the sunshine.  Founder and incredible hostess, Rachelle Hruska of Guest of A Guest, opened up her office/home and her beautiful view from the roof to brave event-goers, some of whom still arrived clad in sun dresses and shorts, despite the weather.

Rachelle’s team grilled up Chicken, Shrimp and Corn on the Cob!

Tanteo Tequila was there serving up ice-cold margaritas which you could order in a “spicy” or “fruity” variety, reminding us of their “hangover free” guarantee.  Could it be true!?

CNET’s “it girl” Caroline McCarthy posed with the always-effortlessly-beautiful (and fellow Canadian) Rachel Sklar.

Party Host & GuestofAGuest Founder Rachelle Hruska took a moment in between refilling the guac to chat with Scallywag and Vagabond’s Chief Editor, the amazing Mr. Christopher Koulouris.

Termeh & I had fun huddling with Felicia Sullivan and Carolyn Hsu, before leaving to seek warm and refuge at the nearby “Divalicious Chocolate,” where the four of us warmed up with melt-in-your-mouth Peanut Butter Smores.

Here’s to summer, The Hamptons, Guest of A Guest and a warmer Memorial Day Weekend next week!

[Photos courtesy of Nick McGlynn of RandomNightOut.com and GuestofAGuest.com]

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

Alyson Campbell:  So Robin, what inspired you to start YouAreOnTheList.com?
Robin Ross: Well, I grew up in NYC, so I’ve been going out here since my high school days: always checking out all of the newest clubs, bars, parties, etc.  As I got older, I have always had access to all the exclusive events and I wanted to be able to share the experiences that I have been lucky to have, to empower those people who want to try new and exclusive experiences, too.

AC: What was your background before launching your own web company?
RR: I worked at Polo Jeans Ralph Lauren where I became VP of Marketing then went to W Hotels and was VP of Worldwide Marketing.

AC:  Has the website grown and evolved since inception?
RR: Omg Yes! First, we have increased our membership. We have also expanded to Los Angeles. We have worked with some of the best brands such as The New Yorker, GQ, Elle Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Gotham,  Equinox, Warner Bros. to bring our growing list to their events as well as offering an alternative marketing and advertising site to promote their brands.  But since I am such a fashionista, this is my true favorite.  A  fabulous designer by the name of Christine Marchuska of “cmarchuska” debuted a new dress called “The Robin Dress” at her fashion show just this past week.  For me, this has been the best compliment of all.

*The Robin Dress by cmarchuska (photo courtesy of Keith L. Lew)

AC:  If you had to name the Top 3 events you’ve promoted through YouAreOnTheList, what would they be?

RR:

1. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival- which included a Martin Scorsese hosted dinner, William Morris Agency event, and the Creative Coalition Celebrity Poker event
2. YOUAREONTHELIST.com Lifestyle Lounge at New York Fashion Week
3. All of the charity events I have had the privilege of working with to help raise money for a good cause, including Fashion Fights Cancer, American Heart Society, Red Cross, Project OVC, and Save The Eggs.

AC:  Fantastic.  I’ll be seeing you at the Save The Eggs event in a couple of weeks!  So, how do you select the events you are going to work with?  What do you look for in an event?
RR: I like to pick events that I would want to attend myself.  Not just based upon free drinks and food. To me, that is secondary though now with the economy, something complimentary is indeed nice.  But I look for new places, new people, unique experiences or parties, up and coming talent, product launches, hard to get into events too since we all love a challenge.  But mostly, events where you feel that you are not doing the same old thing.

AC:  So can just anyone “be on the list,”  how do you keep your list targeted and exclusive?
RR: No and yes. No, meaning you have to meet with our membership team and we need to make sure its a right fit. But yes meaning besides paying the annual fee, we do not require referrals or a certain heritage or lineage like other “clubs” do.  It’s more about your personality and spirit than your family name.

AC:  Can you give us an insider scoop on some exciting up & coming New York society events?
RR: The Led Zeppelin Wine Pairing at City Winery, a series of lifestyle events at Equinox Gym where YOUAREONTHELIST.com experts and myself will be there to talk about membership, and of course all of the June charity events in the Hamptons. No specifics until you are a member!

AC: Touché !  So, being someone who is in the know of what’s hot and what’s not in New York, what is your favorite NYC venue? Restaurant? Bar?
RR: For me, I don’t always think what’s new is hot. I like authentic places with that special feeling when you walk in. You cannot describe it but you keep going back. I grew up here, so a lot of places I go to all the time are those my parents took me to, which shows me it doesn’t matter your age, a place has it or it doesn’t.

Some favorites:
Mr. Chow on 57th
Gino on Lex
The Palm
Pink Elephant
BLT Prime
Nobu 57 for the bar
Marimoto
Balthazar

AC:  Tell us something that would surprise us about Robin Ross?
RR: I really am shy!

AC: And, what’s next for you and your business?
RR: It is my goal to have a YOUAREONTHELIST.com Lifestyle Lounge at all of the big events,  all of the award shows, fashion week, film festivals, and in The Hamptons.  I really want to make it “the place to be”.  I’d also like to grow The Clipboard–our editorial part of the site, and eventually, I’d like to have my own column and a reality show.

*Robin Ross, Founder of YOUAREONTHELIST.com

For more information about YOUAREONTHELIST.com, Robin will be doing a personal appearance in promotion of the website, on May 16th, at the Equinox Gym (74th Street location @ 2nd Avenue) where she will be offering limited-time only VIP memberships.   You can get more information about this, and how to become a member, on the official website, here.

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

Next Friday (May 8th), there will be a pre-party to collect clothes for the main benefit that will take place in Fort Greene on May 16th.

Perfectly timed, I encourage everyone to do the “spring cleaning” I’m guessing you probably need to do at this time of year anyway, and instead of throwing out the things you might not need anymore, just throw them into a bag for this great cause instead.

“The Fashion For All Donation Pre-Party on 5.8.09, hosted by MINT Jodi Arnold™, is intended to collect gently used women’s clothing and accessories donations for the Fashion For All Shopping Benefit which will take place at Irondale (www.irondale.org) in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn on May 16th. To show our appreciation, all guests will receive wholesale price on current MINT Jodi Arnold™ Collections. The first 50 guests to arrive with 15 acceptable items or more will receive a luxurious gift bag. Food and beverage will be provided.”

Friday, May 8th, 2009 6pm-9pm
MINT Jodi Arnold™ Showroom
230 W.39th St., Floor 2 New York, NY 10018
(between 7th and 8th Ave.)

RSVP to: Deenie Hartzog
212.997.2329 ext. 24
dhartzog@jodiarnoldnyc.com

Learn more about the cause: http://www.feliciasullivan.com/ffarelease.pdf
Visit: www.fashionforall.org

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

Co-founders, Tobin and Jevaun Howell, have invented a unique fix to this phenomenon with the introduction of their company: Cupid’s Lab.

Alyson Campbell: So Tobin, what is Cupid’s Lab?

Tobin Schwaiger-Hastanan: Cupid’s Lab aims to bring geek and chic together, helping singles break the ice by allowing them to flirt with or match each other via a custom mobile text messaging system used in a real world setting (sounds fancy, but if you can send a text, you’re golden!). If you’re single, it’s business as usual but with an awesome interactive twist. At our events, you can flirt anonymously if you’re shy, or directly if you’re feeling bold. Either way, you’re in a room filled with people who are open to the possibility of mingling, at an event hosted by Cupid’s Lab, so it breaks the ice.

AC: How does it differ from many of the other dating websites that are out there?

TSH: Our goal is to go beyond the barriers of a single profile page and allow users to discover one another through interaction. Specifically our live events use a custom mobile text messaging system that allows users to interact with each other in a fun environment. Afterwards users can come back to the site and view a recap of the event which includes photos, attendee lists, comments, and a summary of what happened. Right now our events are unique, but we expect to see others try to recreate similar experiences as our community grows.

AC: It sounds kind of high-tech, can the tech illiterate try it out to?

TSH: It takes a little warming up for some, but our technology is quite simple to use at the events. The users interact with one another through their cellphones by sending text messages to our service. Users can use various functions such as crushing, winking, and matchmaking to indicate interest in another attendee.

Crushes are anonymous and it allows someone to comfortably participate at the event if they are shy. If there is someone that catches an attendee’s attention they can send an anonymous Crush to that user. The sender simply texts in the word “crush” and their crush’s badge # to our service. The recipient will receive an anonymous message stating that someone has a crush on them. If they want to learn the identity of the crush, they are encouraged to send in their own crushes. If there’s a mutual crush, both users are notified of each others identity.

Winks are a more direct means of interacting with someone. A user can send a short message to a specific person’s badge # and the recipient will receive the message along with the senders identity. For example someone can send a wink telling the recipient “You’re cute, meet me at the end of the bar.” This is done by texting in the word “wink” followed by the users badge number and a short message.

Matchmaking is a fun way to get involved with other people at the event and it also allows those in relationships to participate as well. If there are two people someone thinks would be a good match for one another, all they have to do is text in the badge numbers of the match and they will both receive a message notifying them of the suggestion.

At the same time we also display suggested matches and a leader board of who are the top 5 users receiving the most crushes up on the big screen. This seems awkward at first, but a lot of people start having fun with it and use it as a means to talk to new people.

There are times where users don’t utilize the texting system we’ve created and they take an “old fashioned” approach. We see nothing wrong with this and we like to think that we’re bridging a divide between an online social experience and a real-life social situation.

AC: So if you’re taken, but your single best friend wants your support as his or her wingman, joining in the fun is fair game?

TSH: Of course! We encourage everyone to come with at least one friend and we’ve especially designed the matchmaker functionality to encourage those that are in relationships to participate. We try to make it fun for everyone!

AC: Have you seen any matchmaking success?

After each event we’ve heard of people going out or getting involved. We’ve also received a few emails from users who started seriously dating after one of our events. Most notably:

“Thanks so much for throwing your party. You picked a great venue and had kickin’ tunes, but more to the point I had a great time talking to a bunch of people I hadn’t met before in an environment made safer by the fact that everyone had been vouched for by at least one person (their not-date). It was easy to chat up anyone in the room because everyone was there to be friendly. I am, in fact, seeing someone I met at the event – which is only sad because I might have to miss your next party! Thanks again.”-Kira

AC: And, what’s next for cupid’s lab?

We’re always looking for new ways to get people to interact. Meeting new people and dating in a large city like New York isn’t always easy and we are trying to find ways to let everyone be themselves and enjoy themselves. As we grow we’re looking to throw more events geared towards specific demographics.

Online ,we’re building a system that encourages conversation with other users. There’s more to a person then a 200 word dating profile and we’re looking to extend that and allow others to discover one another through engaging in online discussions and activities.

AC: Thanks Tobin! Sounds like fun!

For those interested in testing out the action, Cupid Lab’s next event will be held on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14th, from 7pm-10pm @ M1-5 (randomly the site of AMP3’s first office). This is a “Not My Date” party, meaning that they encourage you to bring a single friend of the opposite sex who you are NOT interested in. For details on how to RSVP, visit: www.CupidsLab.com.

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

We started out at Chef Ji Cha’s event held at Mercury Bar, complete with drink & food specials (in true chef taste) and multiple big-screens boasting the dramatic season opener.  As a little girl, Ji grew up above her father’s restaurant on 57th Street, so both cooking and Hell’s Kitchen were two things that were never too far out of her reach.

Ji, one of this year’s 16 contestants, schooled all of her colleagues in round one where they were asked to prepare their “signature dish.”  Head Chef, Chef Gordon Ramsay, known for his strict reign in the kitchen, actually went as far as to say that he “loved” Ji’s signature dish (unlike many of the others which he wouldn’t even give the dignity of swallowing!).

*Hell’s Kitchen Contestant, Chef Ji Cha, with AMP3 PR’s Jackie Brook

Next, we headed over to Chef Seth’s screening party just blocks away at Hudson Terrace, where we caught the ending of the episode.  Seth winds up on the losing team of the challenge and is among the 2 nominated for elimination on night one.  At the party, as they were showing this suspenseful moment, Seth stood at stage right in the dark while the dramatic tv music intensified.  Ultimately, Seth’s opponent, Chef Wil got sent home instead, and as this was announced, Seth took the stage with a Rocky-style victory dance to the mass applause of his hometown friends and fans.

*Hell’s Kitchen Contestant, Chef Seth Levine, with AMP3 PR’s Jackie Brook

The prize for this season is a quarter of a million dollars PLUS the position of Head Chef at The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City.   Our money is on Chef Ji!  Tune in Thursday nights at 9PM ET on FOX as the race continues.

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

Last night, I attended their 3 Year Anniversary Party @ Under The Volcano in New York. I had the pleasure of meeting both founders, as well as running into some of my favorite PR tweeps including @Andrew_Graham, @TiffanyPR, @MCaldecutt, and PRNewser Editor @JoeCiarallo.

Editors are encouraged to send in the worst pitches they’ve ever seen from the receiving end, and publicists can continue to read on, in the hopes that nothing they ever pitch will show up front row center .

Happy Anniversary BPB!

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

As if this wacky combination of themes isn’t reason enough to come check it out, this evening full of songs by award-winning writing duo Ryann Ferguson & Steven Jamail (and directed by Ryan J. Davis), will feature Broadway’s hottest young talent performing from Ferguson & Jamail’s various productions including VOTE! The Musical, Tercio de Muerte, Nicholas & Alexandra, and more.

Set to perform are Allison Case (Hair, Mamma Mia), Sasha Cooke (Dr. Atomic at the Met), Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Spelling Bee), Janet Dacal (In the Heights), Brandon Wardell (Assassins, Good Vibrations), Landon Beard (Altar Boyz), Vanessa Ray (Spelling Bee), Dani Spieler (Legally Blonde), Jake Wilson (The Battery’s Down), Dana Steingold (Spelling Bee), Celisse Henderson (Wicked), Tracy Weiler, Matt Skrincosky, and Molly Rosenberger.

For those who don’t know, VOTE! The Musical, is an exciting forth-coming theater production written & produced by Ferguson and Jamail, and set to tour the regional circuit in Indiana this Spring.

What could be more fitting for the week of Halloween and exactly one week before we elect a new president? Plus, rumor has it, that Ryann will be singing for us herself this time, in costume of course.

To reserve tickets before they sell out, you can go to: www.thezipperfactory.com.

###

And for a little more info because they said it best…:

ABOUT FERGUSON & JAMAIL:
Rice University Alumni and co-collaborators Ryann Ferguson & Steven Jamail (of 2005 Fringe Festival’s Byzantium and Harper’s Guild Award Winners for Best Aria, “Lotus Song”) come from intensive theatre backgrounds ranging from production, to marketing, to lighting design, and composition, collectively. With successful experiences both together and apart, the two recently premiered their new musical, VOTE! in a private, industry-only reading, directed by Ryan J. Davis. The duo again team up with Davis, for this one night only concert with partial proceeds going to benefit Rock the Vote.

ABOUT VOTE THE MUSICAL:
VOTE! is a new musical about high school election espionage and the pursuit of a real dream that “counts,” as told by four ambitious youngsters and their teacher. The race forces them to consider the meaning and power of an individual vote and why they are really running (a timely coincidence, given that it dovetails with one of our most diverse and arguably important political seasons to date). VOTE! delivers an exciting outlet for all of us to consider what we’re voting for and who’s really behind the faces of a given candidacy.

[Alyson Campbell for ItsAllVeryPR.com]

So what is miracle fruit?  Well, Synsepalum dulcificum is a West African shrub whose small red berries contain a compound conveniently called miraculin. When eaten, the juice of the berry alters the way other foods taste, causing bitter and sour foods to taste sweet.  While the exact cause for this change is unknown, one hypothesis is that miraculin works by distorting the shape of sweetness receptors “so that they become responsive to acids, instead of sugar and other sweet things.”

*The Miracle Fruit

The tasting was held at the Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery (on the corner of 7th Ave & 20th in Chelsea), where we began by eating the berries as a group.  It is said that one individual berry can cause this bizarre taste bud effect for anywhere from a half hour up to 2 hours.   After allowing the miracle fruit to sink in, we explored our tastes with all kinds of interesting foods and original cocktails, including cranberries, lemons, limes, radishes, and tabasco sauce.  If you know me, you know that I can’t handle anything even remotely spicy, so the proof was in the pudding when I was able to take a drink of tabasco sauce, to no effect.   It’s weird though, because you can feel the tingle and you can smell the substance, but the taste itself, is sweet.

*Getting ready to try Tabasco Sauce

The Elevator 100 Club is the brainchild of my friend, Rob Gonzalez, who took the initiative of bringing a great group of people together.  As I mention in the “Story of this Blog,”  New York is filled with fascinating creatures who inspire all of us in big ways and small ways on a daily basis.  The concept of the E100 group is much the same: giving all of these people the opportunity to meet each other and share in unforgettable experiences, such as trying the miracle fruit, together (once a month).  The goal is to invite the type of people you wouldn’t mind getting stuck in an elevator with, hence the name–The Elevator 100.

*Part of The Elevator 100 crew

(Alyson Campbell for Its All Very PR)