My Experience Walking the CLEONS Clothing Fashion Show 9.15.12

I had the complete honour to walk in a fashion show for the CLEONS Clothing Line titled "Destruction" on September 15, 2012 at the Broad Street Ballroom in the Financial District.. There was a lot of buildup and anticipation leading up to the show because of all the preparation that went into it beforehand involving several rehearsals where we were fitted with outfits for five different scenes and where we practiced our walk over and over and over again.

Chad, the designer for the line, I must admit, was one of the most  (if not THE most) organized designer I had ever worked with through the rehearsals up until the very day of the show. Everything was planned to a "T" including how long the models took to walk each scene down to the second. He was truly professional and the fact that he had everything tight and sewn up made things flow more smoothly which put everyone else at ease.  The team he also put together to help with the handling of the show was also top notch.  They were very helpful to myself and the other models.

I must also say all the models were great to work with as well.  Everyone was friendly, there was no cattiness or competitiveness between the models which created a great working ambiance. Everyone worked together as a team to make sure that we ALL as a group pulled off a great show.  We even joined hands and said a prayer right before we walked out which I know definitely put me at ease and gave me the confidence to do my thing.

Scene 1

Photo by Karina Antigua

Scene 2

Photo by Karina Antigua

Scene 3

Photo by Karina Antigua

Scene 4

Photo by Karina Antigua

Scene 5

Photo by Karina Antigua

Final Scene

Photo by Karina Antigua

My Participation in the PSCOTT Dusk to Dawn Sleepwear Collecion Showcase

On the tail end of New York Fashion Week Spring 2013, Thursday, September 13th, I had the honour of being one of the models showcased at the PSCOTT Dusk to Dawn Sleep and Intimate Wear Showcase for Men.  It was a very cozy, intimate event and I had a lot of fun interacting with other models Bertini, Max Rivas, Neno Bland and Malaysia, along with photographers.

Sadly, it was also the last time I was to see Richard Sommerville, one of the videographers/photographers at the event, who left this earthly plane several days later on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 after a long, protracted battle with illness. R.I.P. Mr. Rich Sommerville, from the short time I worked with you,  you showed yourself to be a very giving, caring, beautiful soul.

Here are some pics from the event.

Photo by Ken Fitch

Photo by Giselle May

Photo by Giselle May

Photo by Giselle May

Photo by Ken Fitch

IKE LOVE is Being Featured in an Upcoming Pilot for a Reality Show on TLC

Photo by Wemakenoise Entertainment, Designer: Adrian Alicea and Nico Urquiza

I am pleased to announce that I was booked by The Art Studio of New York, a small art school located in the Upper West Side, to pose as their fine art model as participants in an upcoming reality show on TLC are filmed taking art classes.  The filming took place Friday morning, August 10th, 2012.

The reality show, which doesn't have a title as of yet, is about the adventures of a group of women in their 40s who are recently divorced or "newly single" as they get readjusted to the dating scene out there. 

I had a great time shooting, and I found the women to be quite funny as well as very complimentary. :-)

I am also forever grateful to top designer, Adrian Alicea, for giving me the opportunity to represent his underwear line, Nico and Adrian, for the show when I'm modeling for the class.

Adrian is got his start as a designer in the late 90s when he teamed up with Nico Urquiza to start Nico and Adrian NY. For ten years, Adrian worked with Nico to create a couture collection that featured unique and outrageous designs and runway shows that were so scandalous in their sexiness that many of the world’s top models and fashion photographers came calling for collaborations. For the past two years, Adrian has been focusing on establishing his own aptly-named line, Adrian Alicea Haute Couture.  Adrian will unveil his 2013 collection in a show titled "Hybrids of the Deep Blue Sea," that will take place during NY Fashion Week on September 12th, 2012.  For more info about Adrian, his upcoming show and his line, you can visit his site:  www.adrianalicea.com.

IKE LOVE Will be Walking in the "CLEONS DESTRUCTION Fashion Show: in 3D," Saturday, Sept 15, 2012

I had seen the CLEONS Clothing line on the web over the past year and I always was intrigued by the its unique edgy, designs, so when I saw a chance to participate in the designer's upcoming fashion show, I immediately jumped on it.  The designer, Chad, required that models send in a link to video footage of themselves walking the runway, and luckily for me, I just so happened to have two clips of me at a fashion show I did last year.  I emailed them to him, he liked what he saw, called me the next day for a phone interview, and then after the interview, told me I was in the show, and told me the next rehearsal/fitting was Saturday, July 28, 2012 (the day after my birthday :-) ).

CLEONS CLOTHING CO. was started in 2005  and is based in Chicago, Illinois.  The "C" in "CLEON" stands for the first letter in the name of the designer, Chad.  "LEON" is the designers middle name and the "S" is the first letter in the designer's last name.  Inspired by 80s fashion on the East Coast, CLEONS CLOTHING has an East Coast vibe and appeal full of power and dominance.  It is made for the young, the popular, the laidback and the high energy man and woman. The line consists of fabrics purchased from fabric stores and sewn on a sewing machine and is not altered from pre-made manufactured clothing, so those who purchase CLEON are getting custom hand made pieces.

"CLEONS DESTRUCTION Fashion Show: in 3D"  is taking place Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 7PM at the Broad Street Ballroom.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  To purchase tickets, you can personally contact me at ikelove1@aol.com or visit: http://cleonsdestructiontickets.eventbrite.com/

My Partcipation in Men's Panel Discussion w/ BET Style Icon, Keith Ritzberg

Late last year, sometime around November/December of 2011, I received a call from Keith Ritzberg, Celebrity Stylist/BET Style Icon.  During the course of our phone conversation, he told me how he was so impressed and inspired by a show I had put together that he attended back in November 2010 called The Ike Show - "Emergence of an Icon," and because of this, had wanted me to participate in an upcoming webisode series that he was producing and hosting that was going to be a panel discussion that talked about men's issues, somewhat of a male version of "The View."

 

His concern was that men weren't raising other men the way they used to like when he was growing up where men would look back at other men who were a few years younger and give them mentorship/advice as to the proper course of action to take.  He wanted to use his show, "The Ritzberg Report," to fill this chasm and also show the world what men, who were actively pursuing their dreams and developing themselves as men thought about certain issues.

The idea sounded very intriguing to say the least and I was more than happy to accept his invitation.

This was my first recorded panel discussion, and though it was challenging to talk about and share certain things, it truly was a joy and an honour to participate in something like this with other men: Bertini - Model/Actor/Underwear Designer/Fitness Consultant; Ivelaw Peters - Actor; Mark Henry - Video Procucer, and of course, Keith Ritzberg, who like me, are all on the grind making our life dreams happen.  I'm looking forward to doing more shows like this in the future.

It's All about Who You Associate With...

I've often heard and read about successful people saying that if you want to progress in life, if you want to be successful, then it's a MUST that you associate yourself with the RIGHT type of people.  The right type of people being those who are consistently going after their dreams, those who aren't afraid to invest in their future and also, those who have already achieved success in achieving the life that they want.

Recently, as I've been dealing with my own blocks of creativity and inspiration, I've found that what has truly been helpful in helping me overcome these blocks and picking myself back up is these very associations just mentioned in the previous paragraph, either directly or indirectly with people in the fashion/entertainment industry who have taken the bull by the horns and are taking BOLD steps towards achieving their dreams: from models who are launching their own underwear lines, to actors who are working on their own productions, to designers creating FABULOUS clothing lines with limited resources, to entrepreneurs creating their own lifestyle brand with an expansive product line, to models who book their own ad campaigns without the help of an agency.

DESPITE having little money, despite repeated rejection from the "establishment," and despite the personal problems they may be facing, these people have managed to push on and accomplish amazing things. These people have made me ask myself, "If they're doing all this stuff, why not me?"

In ANY endeavour, who you choose to surround yourself with has a DIRECT impact on your future.  Associating with ambitious, enterprising people can inspire us by showing us that it is possible to achieve the lives that we desire.  We learn that everyone, including successful people have challenges, but that successful people don't use these challenges as an excuse  t not take any action towards their goals.  Associating with successful people help us to see that success is possible for ourselves if we take ACTION.

From proper association, I've been inspired to move forward and overcome my "obstacles."

Celebrity Style Makers - Industry Meet-n-Greet For Photographers, Makeup Artists, Stylists and Designers

As an ICONIC underwear model I have reached the TOP of my game.  In order to make current project THE IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH - "Get out of your own way" a major success, I am doing THE IKE SHOW 2012 PRE-SHOW TOUR where I will be appearing at several meet-n-greets at various venues in the New York City local area to promote my show.

To enhance my visual image and the image of the tour, I am hosting a networking event called: Celebrity Style Makers - Industry Meet-n-Greet For Photographers, Makeup Artists, Stylists and Designers where photographers, stylists, makeup artists and designers are invited to help me build a team to make my tour a success.  I am collaborating with a few other models to put together the event who will also be featured. Because they are diligently working on their own projects, they are also looking for image-making professionals to work with to help them strengthen their brands.  Come be a part of THE IKE SHOW kickoff tour!!!!

PSCOTT MEN OF STYLE Special Award Citation - Prince Adonis, Man of Style for Outstanding Marketing and Promotional Campaign Tour 2012

The event will be  Saturday, April 28th, 2012 7-9PM 500 8th Avenue .between W. 35th and 36th Sts, 12th Fl. BY INVITE ONLY.  The event is FREE OF CHARGE and light refreshments will be served.

I  will be signing his LIMITED EDITION posters shot in South Beach, Miami FL by PSCOTT 2011.

For even more detailed info about the event, visit PSCOTT Men of Style..

FEATURED MODELS

Dee Whitt - Model:-  is working on a fitness video and planning to release a series of posters and a calendar later on this year.  For more pics and info about him, visit his site.

Prince Adonis - Actor, Model, Nutritional Beverage Spokesmodel  - is currently promoting his Prince Adonis Tour with LabellelaDiva Enterprises LLC where he does meet-n-greets at different upscale venues in the NY Tri-state area and he is in contract for a number of upcoming TV shows on several major television networks.  For more info about him, visit his site.

Bertini - Actor, Model, Film Producer - is launching his own underwear line for men and women (BH) to be launched sometime this summer, 2012.

Geoffrey Yann - Model/Spokesmodel -  is currently co-producing PSCOTT''s Perfectly Chocolate Hot Cocoa Men, a stage presentation exclusively for women scheduled to debut Winter 2013.

FEATURED DESIGNER

 DUANE FISH is a New Jersey native and has a long, vast history with menswear. His DF Shirt Collection combines urban street wear with high fashion: dress shirts, in fabrics that can be worn to work as well as to the club; crew neck tunics that can be worn as an alternative to t-shirts; and his button- down hoodies. His collection offers a unique look for today's modern man The look is clean, sexy, young and extremely wearable for all ages.



SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS

Bryan K. Osburn - Bridal/Evening Wear Designer, Nathaniel Adams - Journalist Photographer, James Davis - Season and Accomplished Print/Runway/TV Commercial Model, Barron Wise - Fashion Designer, Otis Damo'n - Hat Designer, Samara Ellis - Event Planner, Master Chef, Mystik Model Management

ASSISTANT IMAGE-MAKING TEAM
Nestor Morrison, Famila La Hollywood, Emma Lala Desrosiers, Ayesha Gadson.

THE IKE SHOW 2012 PRE-SHOW TOUR....

THE IKE SHOW 2012 PRE-SHOW TOUR COMING SOON!!!

Brooklyn Fashion Weekend - Sunday, April 1st, 6-7PM

Appearing as PSCOTT Cosmetics Spokesmodel

Introducing PSCOTT Mineral Rice Face and Body  Powder and Tinted Sheer Lip Balm - 3 Piece Set For Men and Women: Antioxidant rich, nourishes your face with natural ingredients from mother nature.  Free of parabens and petrochemicals.

PSCOTT Image-Making Conference - Monday, April 23rd, 6:30-7:30PM

Harlem Repertory Company

Teen Summit

Celebrity Style Makers - Industry Meet-n-Greet For Photographers, Makeup Artists and Designers - Saturday, April 28th, 2012 7-9PM

500 8th Avenue Bet. W. 35th and 36th Sts, 12th Fl
Ike Love, ICONIC UNDERWEAR MODEL, has reached the very TOP with MORE TO COME! In preparation for THE IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH - "Get out of your own way," to be held late spring/early summer, he is kicking off a pre-show tour and is looking for a team of DYNAMIC industry professional IMAGE-MAKERS (i.e. photographers, make-up artists, stylists, designers) to support him on this journey. Come and join him for an evening of networking with other ambitious industry professionals. Invited guests that you would also want to meet are: PSCOTT - Celebrity Image-Maker, CEO of PSCOTT Enhancement Products, Gregory Jackson - Celebrity Fashion Photographer; Nathaniel Adams - Journalist Photographer, Ken Fitch - Portrait Photographer, James Davis - Season and Accomplished Print/Runway/TV Commercial Model, Barron Wise - Fashion Designer, Bertini - Model, Actor, Film Producer, Underwear Designer, Prince Adonis - Model, Actor, Nutritional Drink Spokesmodel.

The Theme for the Upcoming IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH Explained...

As I've been conceptualizing the upcoming IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH, I had to ask myself what the event was going to be about and most importantly, what I wanted people to take from my event. For me to put 110% into anything, I have to first connect FULLY with why I'm doing it in the first place, and this event was no different, I couldn't go any further until I fully understood what the event was going to be about at its CORE.

The reason why God put me on this path was to inspire people with my image, and as such, I had to be inspired by this event so I could in turn inspire others with it.

It was after prayer and meditation I was given the theme: "Get out of Your Own Way" and further showed what the show was meant to project.

THE IKE SHOW 2012 is an exploration into the possibilities that exist for you when you stop doubting yourself. It's an envisioning of what would happen if you were to simply surrender to the dreams bestowed to you by the Creator and let them lead you on a transformational journey that will culminate in your immortality. It is meant to show US the heights to which we can soar when we let our Creator express His divine creativity through our very beings - awe inspiring heights that will serve to inspire yours and future generations. THE IKE SHOW 2012 is a voyage into a world that exists if you can "GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY."

In the Making - THE IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH!

After a brainstorming meeting this afternoon in Midtown, I am EXCITED to announce conceptualization of THE IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH - "Get out of Your Own Way," to be coming sometime this late spring/summer.

My initial event, THE IKE SHOW - "Emergence of an ICON" that took place November 2010 was a resounding success. For the event, I teamed with my friend and roommate, Christopher Lopresti, a very talented figurative fine artist and Founder and Creative Director of Lopresti Arts. He not only curated the event, but also got a team of fine artists from draftsmen, to sculptors to painters to contribute images they created of me from a photo shoot Chris shot with myself another female model, Monica Pesantez.

In addition, the event featured: my own product launch of Ike Love Body Toning Oil created by my mentor, PSCOTT; large, poster sized images of myself; my greeting cards and other posters for sale; and my images on shopping bags for those who made purchases. It was an incredible event, with a great turnout that merged the worlds of fine art and fashion. Pics of the event can be seen below.

The message of the event was that you can appoint yourself the right to SHINE, without having to wait for anyone else to give you that right. It was a blessing to see that quite a few people were touched, moved and inspired not only by the message, but the overall event.

My upcoming event, THE IKE SHOW 2012 VIDEO LAUNCH will be of course featuring the launch of my video that I shot last November that is in the process of being edited, and will also have a lot of other nice surprises that will be shared with you as the date gets closer. The theme of the event is, "Get out of your own way," as I believe that oftentimes, WE are the biggest obstacles to our greatness.

In the meantime, I have a lot of planning and work ahead of me, so STAY TUNED as I share with you the upcoming developments.....

Pics from THE IKE SHOW - EMERGENCE OF AN ICON, November 2010

 

 

 

My Television Taping with the TALENTED Designer, Mr. Witherspoon, Saturday, 2.18.12

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. William Witherspoon once again this past Saturday, 2/18/12 at the television studios of the Manhattan News Network in midtown Manhattan. I was one of the models modeling his couture and underwear line for a television broadcast.

Mr. Witherspoon is truly an amazing, talented designer and I was impressed with a lot of the new clothing he has designed. I love how he synthesizes African aesthetics with urban chic. He is one man who has always believed in me and helped support me in my journey as a model. I always love being associated with people who are doing their thing in a positive way and I am excited to see the continuing growth of Mr. Witherspoon and amazed at how he always seems to be able to take lemons and make lemonade.

It was truly a lot of fun being a part of the whole creative process this past Saturday.

Here's a link the pre-show preparation video where you can see the whole creative process. I can be seen starting at the 3:24 min. mark where the stylist, Marque Washington is working with me, and then periodically throughout until the 8:37 min mark where from there until the end of the video I'm featured in a bunch of group shots with other models, the designer, Mr. Witherspoon and the stylist, Marque Washington.

I must not also forgot the other models who are in the picture with me from left to right, Neno Bland - Model; Yann Geoffrey - Model, and Bertini - Actor, Model, Film Producer and Fitness Consultant.

MY PRE-SHOW GROOMING FOR RUNWAY SHOW TAPING