Bleu Magazine & Thurgood Marshall College Fund Presents Front Row Hosted by Sherri Shepherd

Oct. 11, 2009 - PRLog -- (NEW YORK ) – BLEU Magazine prides itself in announcing that they are the official media partner for the upcoming Thurgood Marshall College Fund “Front Row” event.  The Thurgood Marshall College Fund once again celebrates the spirit of innovation in fashion with a presentation of the collections of established and emerging African and Latino American fashion designers at Front Row, its 4th Annual Fashion Show on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd Street at 8:00 p.m. in Manhattan.

Front Row is one of the largest annual fashion shows in New York City dedicated to breakthrough fashion designers and a three-time sold out event. With its growing popularity, Front Row’s red carpet has become the place for fashionistas, celebrities and New York tastemakers to be and be seen making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Adding to its popularity is this year’s host, the lively Sherri Shepherd, co-host of The View and star of her own sitcom on Lifetime Television titled, ‘Sherri.’  Featured designers include: Byron Lars, Russell Simmons Argyle Culture, Kai Milla Designs, Angela Dean for DeanZign, a special new ethnic line from Walmart, Nico & Adrian, Annie S Intimates, Amsale, Francis Hendy,   Montgomery and innovative emerging designers, Magnami Style & Company and Ellie Owen.

Front Row also pays tribute to trailblazers in the fashion industry with its Fashion Icon Award, saluting individuals who have influenced style and fashion and embody the spirit of leadership and commitment to their craft. The 2009 honorees are: Supermodel Naomi Campbell, international make-up artist Sam Fine; Emmy award winning hairstylist Andre Walker; and Fashion Institute of Technology President, Dr. Joyce F. Brown. The 2009 Avante Garde Award will be presented posthumously to the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson.

“The Front Row Fashion Show provides a unique venue for some of the nation’s leading fashion designers and emerging talents to showcase their creativity while giving the event’s attendees a rare opportunity to celebrate honorees’ contributions to the world of style, fashion and industry leadership,” said Dwayne Ashley, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc.

“This event is also certainly about honoring individuals who embody leadership, commitment and service in their respective professions and in doing so, opened doors of opportunity to young people, which is at the heart of the TMCF’s mission.”

The 4th Annual Front Row Fashion Show is sponsored by: Mercedes Benz and Moёt & Chandon. Front Row’s media sponsor is Bleu Magazine.  

Ross Burton, lead make up artist for The Oprah Winfrey Show and Racquel Odem, UBS Managing Director are the Front Row Co-Chairpersons.    

                                                                       
CONTACT:      
Will Davison / TMCF 212.573.8545
Judy Hutson / The Brown Wynn Agency 917.607.3972                          
Ra-Fael Blanco / BLEU Magazine 646.326.4803

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) located in 22 states with a population of well over 235,000 students. Over the last 22 years, Thurgood Marshall College Fund has awarded more than $100 million in leadership development, scholarships, programmatic, and capacity support, enabling over 7,500 students to attend public Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Thurgood Marshall College Fund also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization.