Monthly Archives: August 2013

NY Now: The Market for Home style and Lifestyle at NY Javits Center and Pier 94 – 2013

Drawing 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and 80+ countries, NY NOW is produced twice annually by GLM Markets and is open to the trade only. Held in January and August in New York City, the Fair hosts 2,800 exhibiting companies showcasing the very best lines across the home, lifestyle, and gift spectrum.
NY NOW HOME presents a comprehensive collection of 1,200 home furnishings, home textiles, decorative accessories, tabletop and gourmet housewares on Level 3 of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. A juried cross-category collection of contemporary design resources will continue to be presented under the renowned Accent on Design® banner and within NY NOW HOME.
NY NOW LIFESTYLE will showcase a broad spectrum of merchandise categories, including giftware, personal care, stationery, fashion accessories and children’s products. NY NOW LIFESTYLE’s 1,100 exhibitors will be located on Level 1 of the Javits Center, with an exhibit floor layout engineered to maximize synergies and cross-category shopping opportunities.
NY NOW HANDMADE offers nearly 500 handcrafted resources – representing all home and lifestyle categories and crafted in all types of media – with distinct groupings of designer-makers and global import resources. Handmade® Designer Maker will continue to be presented in the Javits Center North and Handmade Global Design will continue to be presented in the Javits Center’s Level 4 Galleria.
NY NOW NEW! spotlights newcomers to the New York market in a cross-category collection of home and lifestyle products. Some 250 new-to-market exhibitors will be grouped together at Passenger Ship Terminal Pier.
Co-located with NY NOW, Artisan Resource is a first-of-its-kind artisan production-sourcing event for U.S.-based importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers. Presented semi-annually alongside NY NOW, this new trade event also offers programming for exhibitors and attendees, including seminars on topics such as importing basics, FOB pricing, customs, warehousing and distribution.

The World Liberty TV team was on hand and interviewed the following companies: Scratch Tracks, AR Trading Industrial Co. Ltd, ACGS, Brand Management and Distribution, GemOro Superior Instruments, DCI Gift, and Faye (UK) Ltd.

Night of a Thousand Gowns Annual Gala – 2012

The Imperial Court of New York’s 26th Annual Night of A Thousand Gowns hit the Marriott Marquee this past Saturday and brought a whirlwind of fun and excitement to anyone attending.

The night’s theme of “Wonderland” was taken to the extremes of camp with a royal flare. The costumes by reigning Emperor and Empress Pepperica Swirl and Vanity Society alone were enough to call home about. The amount of creativity behind their brains is incredible. With probably more than seven costume changes each, this duo could have done a full show on their own.

The rest of the show’s performances had highs and lulls, highlights including Lisa -Lampinelli’s stand up, a performance from the cast of Chicago, and the opening/closing performances by the court.

The new Emperor and Empress, Ritz Kracker and Witti Repartee, were crowned towards the end of the evening to cheers and hollers from the audience.

Night of a Thousand Gowns Outfits – 2012

Johnny Weir feels under-dressed. After all, the award-winning (and recently married) figure skater is pretty well-known for his flashy, head-turning red carpet ensembles.
Sky-high wigs and mile-long dresses of New York’s drag queen elite—an elite which happened to be joining him on the red carpet at the 26th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns this year, is known for its outlandishly dressed and heavily bedazzled guests—but this year seemed to turn out a whole new batch of inspired outfits. One queen even managed to integrate plates of lobster into her dress, by placing them within see-through panels on either side of her hips.

Queens LGBT Parade in Jackson Heights, Queens NY – 2013

Queens Pride welcomes our friends, families, and neighbors to celebrate the 21st Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival on Sunday, June 2 with a host of activities to promote pride among and for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community of Queens and beyond. Again this year, banners announce the 37th Avenue route of the Parade and Festival.

“Our theme, ‘Equality. Everyday. Everyone.’ acknowledges the extremely important decisions before the Supreme Court on marriage equality and the hard work that our New York legislature must do to provide full equality to transgender peoples,” said Chris Calvert, Co-chair of Queens Pride.

This year, the parade will honor PRYDE/Make the Road NY as a Grand Marshal. PRYDE, the LGBTQ Justice Project of Make the Road NY, works to empower LGBTQ communities of Brooklyn and Queens through organizing and education. Its membership is intergenerational, ranging from ages 14 to 50+. It is one of the few New York City groups founded, led and constituted by low-income LGBTQ people of color organizing around public policy issues that have impacts at the citywide, state and national levels.

The Parade will kick-off at 12PM at 85th Street and 37th Avenue, ending at 75th Street. Marcus Woolen and Candy Samples will again host a reviewing stand in front of the Jackson Heights Post Office, which is where the Queenie Awards are judged. The awards honor the ingenuity and enthusiasm of groups in their demonstration of LGBTQ pride and the theme of this year’s event.

The Festival begins at 12PM with nearly 100 vendors along 37th Road and 75th Street. Two stages will feature entertainment throughout the day. The festival will cap off with a performance by George LaMond. When you hear the name George LaMond, you think of songs like “Bad of the Heart,” ”Don’t Stop Believen,” and “Si Tu Te Vas.” A Bronx native, LaMond’s musical career began in the 6th grade, where he and school mates discovered he can sing. LaMond’s career spans more than two decades, and he has received nominations for several distinctive awards, including “Best male Pop Vocalist” in 1992 and Best Male R & B Vocalist by the New York Music awards. He was also presented a gold record for the album “Entrega,” He was winner in the 2000 New York Ace Awards for Best New Vocalist, the 1991 Winter Music Conference Award for Best Freestyle Singer, and a 1991 Best Desi Arnez Vanguard Award. He recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from New York’s WKTU. Hank Krumholz, Co-Chair of Queens Pride says, “We think Mr. LaMond will really get our crowd energized!”

World Liberty TV was on hand and interviewed Daniel Dromm, the Founder of Queens Pride and also the council member for the same district. We asked him about the hate crimes against the LGBTQ Community, which are happening more than ever before. See what Mr. Dromm had to say about this topic and what is being done to prevent such crimes.

The 27th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns – 2013

Their Most Imperial and Sovereign Majesties, Emperor XXI Ritz Kraka and Empress XXVI Witti Repartee, are excited to invite you to join them at the 27th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns, held this year on April 6, 2013 in New York!

Join the entire Imperial Court of New York for a glittering and joyous celebration as we raise funds for GLAAD and GMHC, are entertained by Broadway Favorite Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard, Wonderland), RuPaul’s All Star Drag Diva Chad Michaels (with more yet to be announced!) and attend the midnight coronation of Imperial Crown Prince Royal Wen-D Bouvier Pinkhouse, and Imperial Crown Princess Royale Gracie Steeles.

Personalities and entertainers abound! Last year, audiences were dazzled by comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, Olympic Skater and Reality star Johnny Weir, Amra Faye-Wright and the cast of Chicago, drag sensation Ebonee Excell and many others!

Who will show up for this year’s fabulous ball? Come and find out!

The Imperial Court of New York is excited to announce that the 2013 Imperial Diamond Award will be presented that night to Elvis Duran, one of last year’s Honorary Chars, and award winning host of the nationally syndicated Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, heard locally on Z100.

The Imperial Diamond Award is ICNY’s most prestigious way of recognizing a member of the greater community whose service to LGBT and HIV related causes is exemplary. Previous winners include Political Author and Activist David Mixner, Speaker of the New York City Council Christine Quinn and Celebrity Photographer Mike Ruiz.

Point Foundation’s Annual LGBTQ Scholarship Gala – New York, 2013

Point Foundation (Point), the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit, honored celebrity photographer Nigel Barker with the Point Courage Award and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. with the Point Inspiration Award on Monday, April 15.

Point Honors New York was attended by celebrities, champions of the LGBTQ community, as well as recipients of the prestigious scholarship. Actor, singer, chef and E! News Correspondent David Burtka who was the host for the evening.

Celebrity guests included Emmy and Tony Award winner and star of “Dallas” Judith Light; star of “How I Met Your Mother” Neil Patrick Harris; author and award winning star of “The Breakfast Club” Ally Sheedy; civil rights activist and best-selling author David Mixner; MSNBC News Anchor Thomas Roberts; star of “In Between Men” Margot Bingham; Emmy Award nominated and star of “Mad Men” Cara Buono; Award winning WPIX News Anchor Tamsen Fadal; and actress, radio DJ and television personality Alani (La La) Anthony. Performances by Andy Kelso and Timothy Ware of Broadway’s Kinky Boots were a part of the evening of cocktails and dinner, which also featureed current Point Scholars and Point Alumni.

“Building a more inclusive and equitable society comes by finding common bonds with allies, and Nigel Barker is a courageous straight ally of the LGBTQ community,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation. “In all of Nigel’s philanthropic efforts – combating HIV/AIDS, focusing on the people of Haiti or saving wildlife – he brings attention to people fighting for empowerment. Currently Nigel is focusing his lens on a key figure in LGBTQ rights advocacy and a great friend of Point: David Mixner. We are honored both men were honored at our New York Point Honors event.”

World Liberty TV’s LGBT team was on hand to interview Mr. Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation.

Interview with Alex Heimberg, Founder of Screaming Queens Entertainment – 2012

Screaming Queens is a boutique entertainment company providing drag queens, impersonators, colorful theme characters, Strolling Tables, and offbeat cabaret artists for private parties, corporate promotions, fashion events, casinos, country clubs, birthdays, Weddings, and even Bar Mitzvahs!
Non-drag entertainment includes a spectacular collection of gorgeously costumed Showgirls who can serve as greeters, dancers, candy/cigarette girls, or simply as eye candy. Having a birthday party? You must have a Girl In a Cake!

Let Screaming Queens bring some of our unconventional glamour to your next affair! Want to jazz up a sedate holiday dinner? Just add some technicolor drag queens with a Polaroid camera! Creating your own Studio 54? Our Human Disco Balls are just what you need. Planning a Vegas theme? Bring in our gorgeous Las Vegas Showgirls (yes, they’re really girls!). A Hollywood party? You must have Joan Rivers on the red carpet! A convention in town? Let Miss Empire State and Miss Chrysler welcome your visitors to New York City!

The New York City Anti-Violence Project 16th Annual Courage Awards – 2012

The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) will hold its 16th Annual Courage Awards on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at Studio 450 at 6:00 p.m. AVP’s Courage Awards were created 16 years ago to honor outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations whose work on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected communities—particularly on behalf of victims and survivors of violence—has made a profound impact on all of our lives.

The following people were honored at the Gala: BD Wong, star of television and Broadway, and a tremendous, long-time spokesperson for and supporter of AVP • Verizon Wireless, for their support of AVP’s mission and work and for their commitment to LGBTQH communities and the issues that matter most to us • Interbank Roundtable Committee, a networking group of LGBT leaders at financial services firms— and AVP supporters—dedicated to accelerating the pace of workplace equality.

World Liberty TV also had the pleasure of speaking with Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of The New York City Anti-Violence Project.

The “Be The Link” Campaign Gala to honor World Aids Day – 2012

After Two years in the making, Be The Link will be complete. The culmination of this is a beautiful exhibition to unite diverse influential people without separatism. AIDS does not care whether you are black or white, straight or gay, the fact remains – HIV effects everyone.

The art on display will feature some of today’s most prominent figures in the world of talent including: world champion athletes, fashion designers, news/media figures, recording artists, actors, top CEOs and business moguls. The diversity of people who form the links highlights the uniqueness of this collaborative effort that shines light on advance treatment that can help reduce the risk of AIDS.

An exhibit of photographic images will be displayed in galleries – one in New York City and one in Los Angeles, symbolically linking both coasts. The New York opening event Media Sponsored by Zink Magazine will be a lavish red carpet affair in an historic architectural facility in Tribeca on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2012.

Limited edition shirts designed by Project Runway Finalist Christopher Palu and partner Stacy Longo will debut at the New York gala to raise funds for Until There’s A Cure. An opening gala will be held in Los Angeles on February 23, 2013 with location to be announced.

The event spotlights the Photography of Andy Tsagaris, Director and Visionary of the Event. Featuring some of today’s most prominent figures in the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, and politics including: Project Runway Season 10 Winner Dmitry Sholokhov; Charlotte Ronson, fashion designer; Phillip Bloch, Hollywood’s premier fashion stylist; Michael Bastian, fashion designer; James Mottern, screenwriter and filmmaker; Adam Sabbagh, entrepreneur, sportsman, media personality, and humanitarian; VH1’s Mob Wives Carla Facciolo; celebrity stylist and television star Carson Kressley; avant-garde fashion duo The Blonds; film producer Cindy Cowan, president of Cowan Entertainment; actor Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister; Kate Linder star of The Young and the Restless; reality star Jessica Romano of Jerseylicious; Julie Macklowe founder of luxury cosmetics company vbeauté; Randy Jones, multi-platinum recording artist and founding member of The Village People; actress Tara Reid; David Mixner, author, political strategist, civil rights activist, and public affairs advisor; Todd Thomas, fashion designer; and Sean Stone, director, producer and son of legendary producer Oliver Stone.

The Be The Link Campaign is partners with Until There’s A Cure, a national organization since 1993 dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and funds to combat the pandemic. Until There’s A Cure is committed to: funding innovative programs which promote AIDS awareness and prevention education; providing financial support for care and services for those living with AIDS; and supporting and advocating for AIDS vaccine development which offers the best hope for reducing the spread of HIV.