Funkshion - Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 11th season with the most impressive line-ups in our history.  The state of the art fashion tents will be built INSIDE the Botanical Garden in Miami Beach.  The venue will feature three unique venues with a large court yard for sponsor activations in the center of it all.  FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will open on October 1st at both the Botanical Gardens HARPERS BAZAAR show (8pm) and with BEJEWELED BY SUSAN FIXEL at Setai Hotel (at 9pm).

Now entering its fifth year, Go Red For Women is the nationwide campaign of The American Heart Association to create awareness surrounding America’s #1 killer of women - heart disease. This movement celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to wipe out this terrible epidemic. Thanks to the participation of millions across the country, the color red—and the red dress—represent the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live healthier lives, free from cardiovascular disease and stroke.  On Thursday, October 2nd, 2008, the philanthropic efforts of Miami’s Funkshion Fashion Week will help bring awareness to cardiovascular disease by initiating Miami’s first ever Red Dress Fashion Show. This event will showcase red dresses on the runway created and donated specifically for this show by some of the world’s top fashion designers.

Also at the Botanical Gardens -  COAST,  a concept trade show of contemporary fashion is proud to announce its collaboration with FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach and will be showing collections such as Sweetface, Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent, Jessica Elliot, and Fighting Eel just to name a few of the 125+ collections that will be present. The two day trade show will culminate with “cash and carry” trunk show that is open to the public on Saturday from 11am-6pm with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Heart Association.

Cookie, a family lifestyle magazine published by Condé Nast Publications, is hosting its debut fashion show – the Cookie Catwalk. The exclusive children’s show of the week, Cookie’s energetic yet sophisticated presentation will bring the spirit of recess to the runway with the latest looks from Baby Phat/Phat Farm, Gymboree, Hawke & Co., Hurley, Payless ShoeSource and Quinny/Maxi-Cosi.

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will also utilize other locations outside of the botanical gardens including The Setai Hotel and The Gansevoort Hotel.  Designers such Russell Simmons, Bejeweled By Susan Fixel, Kurru, Kurru, Fisico, MET Jeans and Hydrogen will have shows that take place at these hotels with amazing runways built directly over the pools.

FUNKSHION GOES GREEN!  In an effort to promote social and environmental responsibility, Funkshion has partnered with Clean Planet Funding and their “green” team to bring a truly sustainable experience to Fashion Week Miami Beach. Funkshion recognizes that buildings account for 65% of the total electricity consumption in the United States.  To really make an impact, we need to build and live sustainably!  Clean Planet Funding has brought Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Vanguard Energy Partners, Noveda Technologies, Wesketch Architecture Inc., and Steven Ribeiro (a LEED developer and builder of what will be the #1 certified green building in the world) together to showcase their team approach to green building.  Each company represents a valuable facet of the green building process, and they have come together for this event for three reasons: (1) to reduce the carbon footprint of this show with the ultimate goal of attaining carbon neutrality for future events; (2)  to educate Fashion Week Miami Beach and the world about the social, environmental, and economic benefits of building green; and (3) to explain why an integrated and collaborative approach to green building is necessary for a genuinely sustainable and financially sound green project.  We applaud this green team for their contributions and efforts!  The team will be available in the Clean Planet Lounge, and throughout the show, to discuss sustainability with you.

As with every season, Fashion Week Miami Beach supports new and emerging designers with our Emerging Designers Award.  David Sugarman, CEO of Miami based Management Company Sugartime Inc. will host the emerging designer’s event, and along with Fashion Group International, will award the winner with a cash prize and free representation for one year.  The panel of judges will be made up of media elite, trade industry VIP’s, designers, celebrities and members of Fashion Group International. Emerging designers will be able to compete for a cash prize by designing outfits using only organic materials. The winner will receive the cash prize and will be able to showcase its designs at Funkshion: Fashion Week Milan in Italy.

“Miami really is the fashion capital. They say that it is New York, but really, all of the energy is here and all of the new ideas are here” said Russell Simmons about Fashion Week Miami Beach.

This Friday, October 3, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm in Miami’s Wynwood Art District, pioneering store owner and local arts supporter Joy Haizen will unhinge the doors and backyard garden gates of her self-described “rootsy” clothing, accessories and home wares store, “YARD: No Place Better” located at 153 NW 36th Street (just East of NW 2nd Avenue). Lines from the new store include I&I Clothing Co. and Reality designs”.  The purpose of this widely-supported community event is to foster an aggressive voter registration initiative and to stage a diverse, unifying community mixer.

The evening will commence with the formal introduction of Bahamian-born visual artist “Reality” to guests and media. Artist “Reality” powered by a local civic team coined CATCH27; “Reality” will proceed to create 27 pieces of politically-fueled, larger-than-life artworks currently being executed in Dade and Broward Counties – all to be completed by Nov 4th, Election Day 2008.  The works will be prominently featured in predominantly African-American, Caribbean and Haitian communities with the intent to raise awareness and encourage vital voter registration and integral participation in the 2008 political process in support of Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama.

Nationally celebrated DJ Tom Laroc will orchestrate the vibe and momentum of the festivities spinning Reggae, Caribbean and Urban grooves as attendees enjoy sponsored beverages from Barefoot Wine and Bubbly™, Glaceau Smart Water®, Bradford Tonic™ and Celsius Energy Supplement Beverage.

Refreshments and modestly priced, organic delectables prepared by BE ORGANIC Catering will be available for purchase; with proceed to assist in defraying event expenses and to further contribute to the CATCH27, citizen-driven mission to promote voter registration in essential and historically underserved Miami neighborhoods.

“We are determined to provide ample, uncomplicated and enjoyable voter registration opportunities for all community members while reaping exposure for ‘Reality’. We have been blessed with an outpouring of support from neighbors, business owners, places of worship including New Beginnings Church of Deliverance of All Nations proudly led by Bishop Carty, fellow artists and the National Surrogates for the Obama Campaign - and this in only the beginning” said Lisa Silvera, local resident, business owner and Barack Obama for President Supporter. A very special thanks to EDGE-communications, llc, Own Your Power Communications, Power Productions & Stephanie Stalnaker Photography.

Handpainted, wearable art created by “Reality” will be available for purchase with items reasonably priced to sell and support from $25.00 and up, with portion of proceeds earmarked to defray event costs and to benefit the Obama Victory Fund. Cash (for food and refreshments) and credit cards (clothing, accessories and home wares) will be honored as payment.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend (at no cost) as entrance to this event is complimentary and sponsored by CATCH27. Young adults under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legally recognized guardian.

Come Rain or Shine - it’s the perfect climate for CHANGE - Celebrity guest appearance pending confirmation.

More information, media inquiries and hi-res photos are immediately available via the below contact information.

Media & Marketing:
Lisa Silvera 305 772 2223 & Christopher Hughes 305 788 5167
www.seeprservices.com <http://www.seeprservices.com/>
emt@seeprservices.com

Just when you thought there was no place like home, along come the new funky, Caribbean inspired boutique Yard No Place Better (Yard NPB). Located just west of Midtown on Wynwood’s 36th Street corridor, Yard NPB offers a unique and intimate shopping experience for those who like to linger amongst a collage of retro island collectibles.

“I’m glade to be part of this pioneer neighborhood,” says owner Joy Haizen. “I tried to create a comfortable, laid back environment for people to shop and relax, while enjoying a Caribbean-style, healthy beverage from Bradford Tonic.”

Yard NPB carries clothing and accessories for men and women with a reggae flavor and home fashions with a vintage perspective. With a twist of modern creativity and throwback attitude, Yard NPB is a destination for the rootsy, sexy, and soulful.

“At Yard No Place Better, it’s important that we stay connected to popular culture and current events,” continues Joy Haizen. “We are excited to feature the original creations of Bahamian-born Reality, with his Obama ‘08 renditions on t-shirts and tanks.” Reality adds, “I create energy on clothing and canvas with my artistic interpretations, and I am excited to have them at Yard No Place Better.”

For those conscious and cool, discover the latest styles for him and her at Yard NPB.

Yard NPB clothing and accessories and home fashions is located at 153rd NW 36th St., Miami, Fla 33137. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10am until 8pm. For more information please contact Corrine Sawyers at (305) 967-1581 or Joy Haizen at (305) 905-6062 or email at yardnoplacebetter@gmail.com.