Experience A Mid Season Rush with Two Days of Global Collections in New York

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/18/2014 --MODA 360 premiers at The Carriage House Center for the Arts in New York City, June 30 - July 1, 2014 with vibrant presentations of art, fashion and video from across the globe. Anticipating future stops in Los Angeles and London; this concept represents the partnership of Bel Esprit and Showroom International with Fashions Finest, offering a unique off-season platform for independent international designers.

Designers from the US, UK, Italy, Colombia, Dubai and other countries will present their work through exhibits and unique runway presentations in the art gallery setting of The Carriage House. Features include a special collective runway presentation from celebrity stylist, Melissa Laskin. Inspired by a quote from Laurel Ulrich Thatcher, "Well behaved women rarely make history", Laskin will combine pieces from participating collections for looks with “attitude”.

MODA 360 formerly announces 2014 Fashion Ambassador and Honoree, the legendary Audrey Smaltz. A former model, Ms. Smaltz has been named three times to the International Best Dressed List, and is the CEO of the Ground Crew, the fashion industry's first backstage management company. Her clients include Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Bill Blass, Oscar De La Renta, Gucci, J. Crew, Adrienne Vittadini, Carolyn Roehm, Vera Wang, BET Network, Nordstrom and Victoria's Secret.

“Audrey Smaltz represents a historic mark in the fashion industry and is an inspiration to independent designers. MODA 360 is honored to welcome her to the front row of our runway presentations.” - MODA 360 co-founders Deborah St. Louis and Debora Pokallus

MODA 360 was created to provide independent designers promotion and support outside of the fashion calendar, giving them an innovative platform to present their collections to an audience that might miss them during busy fashion and market weeks. MODA 360 is committed to supporting emerging artists in all media, by featuring videos of international filmmakers at the event, on the MODA 360 website and video channels. Videographers from the UK and Colombia are collaborating with participating designers to create films featuring MODA 360 contributors.

MODA 360 brings a charitable element to the lineup with a special cocktail reception on June 30th benefiting Friends of the Congo, an organization promoting awareness of the conflict affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the spirit and power of the Congolese people as they overcome adversity and strengthen the economic and social structure of their country and their national culture. Learn more at www.friendsofthecongo.org

Media partners include Linger Magazine, Frost Magazine and Meade Magazine. MODA 360 welcomes the support of sponsors Bel Essence, Nanshy, Travalo, Today I'm Me, Divine Appetite Catering and Academy of Freelance Make-up (AOFM).

Fashion professionals may register to attend at www.moda360intl.com. Tickets are available for purchase to the public.

About Fashions Finest
Named “Best Event Company” at the BEFTA Awards, London based, Fashions Finest is a leading online fashion and entertainment lifestyle magazine and a multi award-winning fashion event company that provides professional show production & management of catwalk shows, fashion events, award ceremonies, launches for a wide variety of UK and international clients. Learn more at www.fashionsfinest.com

About Bel Esprit
The Bel Esprit Showroom showcases international designers of ethical fashion, and the sister showroom, Showroom International, presents the collections of international independent designers. The showrooms offer 30 years of industry experience identifying and assisting the needs of both designers and retailers to facilitate a strong business relationship, and partner with international fashion industry organizations and events to give independent designers maximum exposure. Bel Esprit promotes ethical principles through education to designers, retailers and consumers, and, through a number of global initiatives, works to create and develop more ethical resources for the fashion industry. Learn more at www.BelEsprit.net

CONTACT:
Nakeisha Jennings
Public Relations | Brand Strategist
Luxe Row Entertainment
Telephone: (310) 984-1431
email: info@luxerow.com