VISION BEYOND A SEASON EXPLODES IN
New York, NY, October 17, 2006: The lucrative business of fashion comes to Brooklyn: The Black Church Means Business Conference presents the inaugural showing of the Visions Beyond A Season Trade Show™ (V-BAS™) at the famed historic Brooklyn Museum on December 11th and 12th. Recognizing that professional Black presence in the fashion industry is almost indistinguishable, the Black Church Means Business Conference, along with retail giant Macy's, has partnered to address key components that lead to measurable mainstream success.
This Trade Show is designed to facilitate traditional industry market procedures while remaining true to the distinctive cultural and economic needs of Black designers. V-BAS Trade Show Chair, Bonnie Sandy Sterling, outlined the short-term goal and overall vision of the show.
“Our aim is to create a space where individuals from all facets of the fashion industry can engage emerging Black fashion designers and entrepreneurs,’ Sandy Sterling said. “We are also inviting trendy and exclusive fashion outlets to forge a relationship with the Black community.”
The focus is primarily on workshops and seminars, trade exhibits and displays, and of course, a highly anticipated fashion show. Conversely, the long-term goal is to create a synergy, especially between 'retailers' and 'buyers', to later develop a professional comprehensive directory of Black fashion industry executives, designers and retailers.
Subsequently, with the Black Church Means Business 2006 Conference serving as the trade show's backdrop, thereby enriching the experience of participants. It also exposes these brands to an estimated 4000 Business owners, community leaders and clergy.
Sandy Sterling, is also CEO of Brooklyn Fashion Gallery, is thankful that BCMB, has stepped forward and accepted the challenge.
"The church and its members have always been an integral part of the Black designer's fashion culture,” noted Sandy Sterling. “The Gallery members have stepped forward to bring their expertise and fashion experience to the endeavor, creating an event that is not only professional and meets the highest industry standards, but also is true to the heritage of Black designers and the church.
Cheryl Monroe, Vice President, Supply Diversity and Vendor Development for Macy's, welcomes the opportunity to address the retailer's ongoing involvement with Black designers. "It is important that Black designers not feel intimidated by big retail stores," she said. "This Trade Show is the place to learn how to successfully approach Macy's." Ms. Monroe is also on the panel for the 'Supplier Diversity' forum.
In the coming weeks the Fashion Fusion planning committee will unveil their plans for this two-day trade show, specifically revealing the list of the coveted twenty talented Black designers whose creations will be displayed.
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ABOUT THE
Under the mission "to enlighten and inspire in order to transform," Black Church Means Business Conference was launched in 1994, committed to empowering the Black community with the spiritual and economic tools for community development and sustainability. The fourth major installment, the 2006 BCMB Conference will be held at the newly renovated
Piloted by Executive Chair Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of the New York Christian Times newspaper and Chief Executive Minister of the
For updates visit vbastradeshow@brooklynfashiongallery.com