MR. BLACKWELL
Following his hey-days as all the rage of the fashion industry, fashion designer Mr. Blackwell created and released the first annual Worst Dressed List along with a Best Dressed List almost 45 years ago. The first few lists attracted modest attention, but as the House of Blackwell became more and more famous, so did Mr. Blackwell's lists. Leaving no public figure unscathed, Mr. Blackwell's brilliant and witty observations range from "A million beads and one overexposed derriere - the ultimate fashion fiasco" (Cher) to "Big Bird in heels. A Follies Bergere fiasco" (Geena Davis). Referring to Britney Spears and Madonna as "Kissin' cousins of couture crime," and comments about Linda Tripp ("She looks like a sheepdog in drag"), Mr. Blackwell is most known for his enormously popular 10 Worst Dressed List and now enjoys a much-deserved private life. Having released an autobiography written as concisely & pitilessly as his lists, Mr. Blackwell reveals a life of incredible survival, leaving us wanting his taste and imagination much more than once a year!
JERAN DESIGNERS
Jerry and Randy of Jeran Design are known for their glamorous hand-beaded gowns, original costumes, and creative ideas. These talents and passion for fashion has carried over to their love for Broadway musicals and operas, inspiring them to create musicals that would excite audiences with refreshing originality and preserve the operatic musical elegance. Jerry and Randy have worked in perfect harmony as a team of incredible talents, reflected best in their 24 year long project in the making - "The Hollywood Graffiti Gown ™," a presentation of honor and devotion combined with women of entertainment, influence, and industry in fighting the AIDS epidemic. To see the lovely gown, just click here: JERAN DESIGNS
ALISON A. NIEDER
ALISON is the executive editor of CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS. She started in 1997 as a reporter covering manufacturers and textiles. Prior to joining CAN, she worked for New York fashion and business publications Fashion Reporter and Eyewear
FRANCES HARDER
FRANCES conceived of and founded FASHION BUSINESS INCORPORATED. She is FBI's President & a partner in California Style Group, which provides professional consulting on branding, licensing and product development. Prior, Frances taught at Otis College.
GUNTHER SHIA
GUNTHER is the CFO and board member of COALITION OF L.A. DESIGNERS, a non-profit organization that fosters a supportive environment in which innovative, independent designers in the Los Angeles area can share knowledge and resources. CLAD: 310.467.1514
VIVIAN TELLEFSEN
VIVIAN is a faculty member of the FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING. She teaches draping, pattern drafting, and design development courses. Part of the Fashion Group, Int'l, Vivian is also a member of the Costume Society of America.
GLORIA GEBBIA
Gloria Gebbia is President of the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies, which is affiliated with the John Wayne Cancer Institute, and is a member of the Presidents Club of The Thalians. Gloria is a Past President of the Smiles Brigade at Maryvale and has been involved in many business ventures on her own. After moving to California 11 years ago, Gloria founded and was the President of Blondes Have More Fund Productions and was the Executive Producer of the syndicated television program Talk of The Town. She was also a founder of Seasons Greetings Productions and was the Executive Producer of the feature film Pretty When You Cry. Currently, Gloria is the majority shareholder of the parent company of StockCross Financial Services, Inc., a successful discount brokerage firm with offices in Beverly Hills and Boston. Her favorite motto is one which she attempts to incorporate into her daily life… I've been given two hands. One to help myself with and the other to help others.
RUTA LEE
RUTA LEE is one of Hollywood's most glamorous ladies, multifaceted and a top-notch civic contributor. Lee's versatility has won her the respect of colleagues and affection of audiences from her countless appearances on television, stage, and movies. Her first role was the youngest of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Subsequently, Funny Face with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra's leading lady in Sergeant's Three. Lee's TV career includes more than 2000 appearances on shows form Perry Mason to Power Rangers, as well as hosting talk and game series with Regis Philbin and Alex Trebek. Ruta just completed filming A Christmas Too Many in which she stars with legend, Mickey Rooney. This Dynamo is long time chair of The Thalians' fundraisers devoted to mental health. Recently, Lee completed a critically acclaimed performance in Steel Magnolias at Garry Marshall's Falcon Theater and guest starred on ABC's Life with Bonnie in a role especially written for her by Bonnie Hunt.
KATE LINDER
A 22 year veteran and key member of the top rated daytime drama "The Young and the Restless," Kate Linder's role as Esther Valentine has been one of emotional highs and lows as the confidante and housekeeper to Mrs. Katherine Chancellor. A theatre arts major from San Francisco State University, Kate is a confirmed world traveler and tourist who now enjoys the best of two worlds - on the air and in the air - never having quit her day time job as a United Airlines flight attendant. "Acting is my life, " says Linder. "That's what I do for my living and my creative satisfaction. Flying is what I do for fun as long as I can work it into my schedule." Linder is active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a founding member of TV Cares, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' AIDS awareness and fundraising charity.
MARGO MILLER
Simply known as "Margo," this Canadian born Quebecquoise lives in West L.A. and is the matriarch of a family of two children, three grandchildren, and a cat named Romeo. Born to a French Canadian father and an English mother, Margo draws both style and inspiration from her Francophile roots. Speaking the language of elegance and sophistication found in the fashion capital of the world, she is the owner of the exclusive boutique MARGO's in the Santa Clarita Valley and produces fashion shows which highlight the various independent collections of her retail store. The divine Ms. "M" has been wardrobing the fashionable elite women of Los Angeles since 1974, offering a very unique shopping experience to her prominent clientele that combines fun with fashion. Margo has passion for what she does (buying, finding new designers, discovering new lines, etc.) and has an extremely discerning eye that enables her to spot a winner. To feel confident and achieve one's personal style…"It's my goal," says Margo.
PAMELA SHAE
Pamela Shae is the Senior Vice President of Talent for Spelling Television where she has been a part of the Spelling Team for 14 ½ years and currently oversees the Talent, Casting and Actor Development of all Spelling Television shows.
Pamela had worked as a print and runway model for many years and was an actress for a short time, doing such shows as "Divorce Court" and "General Hospital" and appearing in several commercials. She was also a magician's assistant, working at such venues as the Magic Castle and the Variety Arts Theatre. Pamela feels that her acting background, compounded with her compassion and understanding of the acting process, has been critical in her own career development and finds she incorporates elements of her past experiences when meeting actors on a day to day basis. Pamela has said on many occasions, "I have the utmost admiration for actors! I truly respect their focus, passion and dedication while pursuing their dreams in a very competitive field."
PAMELA SHAE
Pamela Shae is the Senior Vice President of Talent for Spelling Television where she has been a part of the Spelling Team for 14 ½ years and currently oversees the Talent, Casting and Actor Development of all Spelling Television shows.
Pamela had worked as a print and runway model for many years and was an actress for a short time, doing such shows as "Divorce Court" and "General Hospital" and appearing in several commercials. She was also a magician's assistant, working at such venues as the Magic Castle and the Variety Arts Theatre. Pamela feels that her acting background, compounded with her compassion and understanding of the acting process, has been critical in her own career development and finds she incorporates elements of her past experiences when meeting actors on a day to day basis. Pamela has said on many occasions, "I have the utmost admiration for actors! I truly respect their focus, passion and dedication while pursuing their dreams in a very competitive field."
CHARLENE TILTON
At the height of the 80's glamour and fashion, Charlene became an international award winning actress starring as LUCY EWING on the highest rated television series of all time DALLAS. Awards include "THE PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD" and best actress in a drama "YOUTH IN FILM AWARD." Charlene recently co-starred with David Spade in the film "DICKIE ROBERTS," and with Michael Bouble in 'TOTALLY BLONDE." She also loved hosting SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, and BOB HOPE'S FUNNY VALENTINE SPECIAL. Charlene's passion for the stage took her to London's West End where she played HONEY in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF. She also co-starred with Imogene Coca in THE FOREIGNER, directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks and won The Valley Theatre Critics Award for best supporting actress in the play DISH BABIES. Most recently Charlene co-produced and starred in the campy comedy TELL VERONICA at The Hudson Theatre, earning her stellar reviews.
PAULETTA WASHINGTON
A native of North Carolina, Pauletta is an accomplished stage and screen performer who has appeared on the Broadway stage in "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Sophisticated Ladies," and "Jerry's Girls." Pauletta's voice can be heard in the song, "It's In Your Eyes" from the 1994 Soundtrack of Philadelphia. Pauletta appeared in the critically acclaimed movie, "Beloved," and has been fortunate to work with the best in the business. Pauletta is actively involved in her church and in her community and is an Executive Board member of the Brain Trust for Dr. Keith Black, Director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Pauletta was featured on BET's new television show "O' Drama" and has successfully toured with her one women show entitled "Pauletta." She performed at the Kennedy Center in a play written and directed by Debbie Allen called "Soul Possessed" and also starred in the musical play "Spirituals." Pauletta is proud of her four children and her husband, actor Denzel Washington.
Following his hey-days as all the rage of the fashion industry, fashion designer Mr. Blackwell created and released the first annual Worst Dressed List along with a Best Dressed List almost 45 years ago. The first few lists attracted modest attention, but as the House of Blackwell became more and more famous, so did Mr. Blackwell's lists. Leaving no public figure unscathed, Mr. Blackwell's brilliant and witty observations range from "A million beads and one overexposed derriere - the ultimate fashion fiasco" (Cher) to "Big Bird in heels. A Follies Bergere fiasco" (Geena Davis). Referring to Britney Spears and Madonna as "Kissin' cousins of couture crime," and comments about Linda Tripp ("She looks like a sheepdog in drag"), Mr. Blackwell is most known for his enormously popular 10 Worst Dressed List and now enjoys a much-deserved private life. Having released an autobiography written as concisely & pitilessly as his lists, Mr. Blackwell reveals a life of incredible survival, leaving us wanting his taste and imagination much more than once a year!
JERAN DESIGNERS
Jerry and Randy of Jeran Design are known for their glamorous hand-beaded gowns, original costumes, and creative ideas. These talents and passion for fashion has carried over to their love for Broadway musicals and operas, inspiring them to create musicals that would excite audiences with refreshing originality and preserve the operatic musical elegance. Jerry and Randy have worked in perfect harmony as a team of incredible talents, reflected best in their 24 year long project in the making - "The Hollywood Graffiti Gown ™," a presentation of honor and devotion combined with women of entertainment, influence, and industry in fighting the AIDS epidemic. To see the lovely gown, just click here: JERAN DESIGNS
ALISON A. NIEDER
ALISON is the executive editor of CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS. She started in 1997 as a reporter covering manufacturers and textiles. Prior to joining CAN, she worked for New York fashion and business publications Fashion Reporter and Eyewear
FRANCES HARDER
FRANCES conceived of and founded FASHION BUSINESS INCORPORATED. She is FBI's President & a partner in California Style Group, which provides professional consulting on branding, licensing and product development. Prior, Frances taught at Otis College.
GUNTHER SHIA
GUNTHER is the CFO and board member of COALITION OF L.A. DESIGNERS, a non-profit organization that fosters a supportive environment in which innovative, independent designers in the Los Angeles area can share knowledge and resources. CLAD: 310.467.1514
VIVIAN TELLEFSEN
VIVIAN is a faculty member of the FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING. She teaches draping, pattern drafting, and design development courses. Part of the Fashion Group, Int'l, Vivian is also a member of the Costume Society of America.
GLORIA GEBBIA
Gloria Gebbia is President of the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies, which is affiliated with the John Wayne Cancer Institute, and is a member of the Presidents Club of The Thalians. Gloria is a Past President of the Smiles Brigade at Maryvale and has been involved in many business ventures on her own. After moving to California 11 years ago, Gloria founded and was the President of Blondes Have More Fund Productions and was the Executive Producer of the syndicated television program Talk of The Town. She was also a founder of Seasons Greetings Productions and was the Executive Producer of the feature film Pretty When You Cry. Currently, Gloria is the majority shareholder of the parent company of StockCross Financial Services, Inc., a successful discount brokerage firm with offices in Beverly Hills and Boston. Her favorite motto is one which she attempts to incorporate into her daily life… I've been given two hands. One to help myself with and the other to help others.
RUTA LEE
RUTA LEE is one of Hollywood's most glamorous ladies, multifaceted and a top-notch civic contributor. Lee's versatility has won her the respect of colleagues and affection of audiences from her countless appearances on television, stage, and movies. Her first role was the youngest of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Subsequently, Funny Face with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra's leading lady in Sergeant's Three. Lee's TV career includes more than 2000 appearances on shows form Perry Mason to Power Rangers, as well as hosting talk and game series with Regis Philbin and Alex Trebek. Ruta just completed filming A Christmas Too Many in which she stars with legend, Mickey Rooney. This Dynamo is long time chair of The Thalians' fundraisers devoted to mental health. Recently, Lee completed a critically acclaimed performance in Steel Magnolias at Garry Marshall's Falcon Theater and guest starred on ABC's Life with Bonnie in a role especially written for her by Bonnie Hunt.
KATE LINDER
A 22 year veteran and key member of the top rated daytime drama "The Young and the Restless," Kate Linder's role as Esther Valentine has been one of emotional highs and lows as the confidante and housekeeper to Mrs. Katherine Chancellor. A theatre arts major from San Francisco State University, Kate is a confirmed world traveler and tourist who now enjoys the best of two worlds - on the air and in the air - never having quit her day time job as a United Airlines flight attendant. "Acting is my life, " says Linder. "That's what I do for my living and my creative satisfaction. Flying is what I do for fun as long as I can work it into my schedule." Linder is active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a founding member of TV Cares, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' AIDS awareness and fundraising charity.
MARGO MILLER
Simply known as "Margo," this Canadian born Quebecquoise lives in West L.A. and is the matriarch of a family of two children, three grandchildren, and a cat named Romeo. Born to a French Canadian father and an English mother, Margo draws both style and inspiration from her Francophile roots. Speaking the language of elegance and sophistication found in the fashion capital of the world, she is the owner of the exclusive boutique MARGO's in the Santa Clarita Valley and produces fashion shows which highlight the various independent collections of her retail store. The divine Ms. "M" has been wardrobing the fashionable elite women of Los Angeles since 1974, offering a very unique shopping experience to her prominent clientele that combines fun with fashion. Margo has passion for what she does (buying, finding new designers, discovering new lines, etc.) and has an extremely discerning eye that enables her to spot a winner. To feel confident and achieve one's personal style…"It's my goal," says Margo.
PAMELA SHAE
Pamela Shae is the Senior Vice President of Talent for Spelling Television where she has been a part of the Spelling Team for 14 ½ years and currently oversees the Talent, Casting and Actor Development of all Spelling Television shows.
Pamela had worked as a print and runway model for many years and was an actress for a short time, doing such shows as "Divorce Court" and "General Hospital" and appearing in several commercials. She was also a magician's assistant, working at such venues as the Magic Castle and the Variety Arts Theatre. Pamela feels that her acting background, compounded with her compassion and understanding of the acting process, has been critical in her own career development and finds she incorporates elements of her past experiences when meeting actors on a day to day basis. Pamela has said on many occasions, "I have the utmost admiration for actors! I truly respect their focus, passion and dedication while pursuing their dreams in a very competitive field."
PAMELA SHAE
Pamela Shae is the Senior Vice President of Talent for Spelling Television where she has been a part of the Spelling Team for 14 ½ years and currently oversees the Talent, Casting and Actor Development of all Spelling Television shows.
Pamela had worked as a print and runway model for many years and was an actress for a short time, doing such shows as "Divorce Court" and "General Hospital" and appearing in several commercials. She was also a magician's assistant, working at such venues as the Magic Castle and the Variety Arts Theatre. Pamela feels that her acting background, compounded with her compassion and understanding of the acting process, has been critical in her own career development and finds she incorporates elements of her past experiences when meeting actors on a day to day basis. Pamela has said on many occasions, "I have the utmost admiration for actors! I truly respect their focus, passion and dedication while pursuing their dreams in a very competitive field."
CHARLENE TILTON
At the height of the 80's glamour and fashion, Charlene became an international award winning actress starring as LUCY EWING on the highest rated television series of all time DALLAS. Awards include "THE PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD" and best actress in a drama "YOUTH IN FILM AWARD." Charlene recently co-starred with David Spade in the film "DICKIE ROBERTS," and with Michael Bouble in 'TOTALLY BLONDE." She also loved hosting SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, and BOB HOPE'S FUNNY VALENTINE SPECIAL. Charlene's passion for the stage took her to London's West End where she played HONEY in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF. She also co-starred with Imogene Coca in THE FOREIGNER, directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks and won The Valley Theatre Critics Award for best supporting actress in the play DISH BABIES. Most recently Charlene co-produced and starred in the campy comedy TELL VERONICA at The Hudson Theatre, earning her stellar reviews.
PAULETTA WASHINGTON
A native of North Carolina, Pauletta is an accomplished stage and screen performer who has appeared on the Broadway stage in "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Sophisticated Ladies," and "Jerry's Girls." Pauletta's voice can be heard in the song, "It's In Your Eyes" from the 1994 Soundtrack of Philadelphia. Pauletta appeared in the critically acclaimed movie, "Beloved," and has been fortunate to work with the best in the business. Pauletta is actively involved in her church and in her community and is an Executive Board member of the Brain Trust for Dr. Keith Black, Director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Pauletta was featured on BET's new television show "O' Drama" and has successfully toured with her one women show entitled "Pauletta." She performed at the Kennedy Center in a play written and directed by Debbie Allen called "Soul Possessed" and also starred in the musical play "Spirituals." Pauletta is proud of her four children and her husband, actor Denzel Washington.
