Transgender Model Makes History Walking The Tumbler and Tipsy Runway in North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - July 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Tumbler and Tipsy by Michael Kuluva has shown their newest pop culture influenced collection entitled "Equally Tipsy" staring the first transgender model, Candis Cox, during North Carolina Fashion Association "Style Week" on June 18, 2016 as a closing designer at the Le Meridien Hotel in Charlotte, NC.

The new "Equally Tipsy" pop fashion collection was inspired by the ongoing equality issues running globally, specifically the "HB2" bill in North Carolina plus the tragic recent shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL.

With such a powerful inspiration for the collection, it was only natural for Tumbler and Tipsy to partner together with Equality NC. Equality NC is a North Carolina statewide organization dedicated to securing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. Having a transgender spokesperson walk the runway this season was history in the making as bringing this issue to the fashion forefront.

"Equality NC, the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) advocacy group in North Carolina, is grateful for the support of Michael Kuluva and Tumbler and Tipsy in this crucial time." said Ben Graumann, Equality NC Director of Communications. "House Bill 2 (HB2) is a deeply discriminatory bill that does not represent North Carolina values. We applaud Michael Kuluva and Tumbler and Tipsy for standing up against discrimination and championing inclusivity and diversity in such a creative way."

NC Equality spokesperson, Candis Cox, was chosen specifically to represent the transgender community in walking the finale of the Tumbler and Tipsy show.  The "Equally Tipsy Gown" was designed by the Tumbler and Tipsy designer, Michael Kuluva.  The inspiration of this handmade tulle dress came from the transgender flag colors (light blue, pink, and white), the yellow colored tulle bustier for human rights plus featuring a slash of hot pink tulle as it is the signature color of the brands vibrant aesthetic. The dress featured over 50 meters of tulle plus over 100 hand sewn gold sequins strategically placed around the front and back of the bustier.

"Tumbler and Tipsy has casted transgender models since we have hit the New York Fashion Week runway back in 2012 as we are an all inclusive pop fashion brand.  Since debuting in New York, we have had the amazing privilege of having iconic transgender women grace our runways such as Candis Cayne, Amanda Lepore and Yasmine Petty, " says brands designer Michael Kuluva.

As for the future, the Tumbler and Tipsy brand commits to supporting LGBT causes, initiatives and issues plus looks forward to creating other empowering fashion runway collections to bring awareness.

For all editorial photos, please visit GettyImages.com, WireImage.com and/or TumblerandTipsy.net. Candis Cox (pictured above) photographed by Mark Hames from The Charlotte Observer.

About Tumbler and Tipsy

Anchored by the creative mind and brilliant talents of professional figure skater turned fashion designer, Michael Kuluva, Tumbler and Tipsy is not only reworking, redefining and revamping the world of fashion but is taking it over with his sexy yet stylish brand.  Tumbler and Tipsy is produced in Los Angeles, CA with colorful collections that are distinctive but never repetitive, chic and classy while being comfortable and versatile. www.tumblerandtipsy.com

About Equality NC

Equality NC is a statewide organization working to secure equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians. For more information, please visit www.equalitync.org

About North Carolina Fashion Association (NCFA) "Style Week"

NCFA Style Week is a once annual, week long, fashion event held in Charlotte, North Carolina. NCFA Style Week provides a platform for designers from across the world to showcase their works to VIP, Media, Buyers, Stylists, Fashion lovers and many more. Style Week is brought to you exclusively by NC Fashion Association with support from Spectrum Creative Group. For more information, please visit: www.NCFAStyleweek.com.