Style

Unlike the rest of her high-fashion associates, Venezuelan supermodel Patricia Velasquez isn’t spending the springtime under a barrage of hairstylists and stylist fittings.

Instead, she is at the helm of the Wayuu Taya Foundation, a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that since 2002 has worked to improve the living and educational standards of Latin America’s poorest indigenous people.”*

After much success at the WWD MAGIC Fashion and Apparel Expo in February, Colombian jean manufacturers, Michael Braden and Juliana Ramirez of Fiorana Inc., have finally launched fiorana.com. The bilingual e-commerce site is the exclusive home of Fiorana’s denim collection for Latinas, and it couldn’t come at a better time.

Research done by the Pew Hispanic Center earlier this year indicates that 78 percent of English-dominant Hispanics and 76 percent of bilingual Hispanics are currently surfing the web, which makes Fiorana.com the perfect one-stop shop for today’s fashionable Latina. “*

Some girls are born princesses. Others have to scrape for their tiaras. But when they get their day — as about 300 Mexican girls did this weekend — they relish it to the fullest.

They were part of a massive quinceañera celebration, the traditional coming-out party for Mexican girls turning 15. Dressed in colorful gowns and with hair coiffed like movie stars, the girls danced, shrieked and embraced on a stage in the capital’s main plaza.

Most of the girls come from poor families and typically would be left wanting in a ritual that illustrates the gap between Mexico’s haves and have-nots.”*

Mexican makers of the guayabera shirt, elegant business wear across tropical areas of Latin America, are feeling the heat as Asian competitors grab more of the lucrative U.S. market.

A handful of factories have closed in recent years in the state of Yucatan, the home of Mexico’s guayabera industry, as Asian producers copy the shirt and sell it at cut-rate prices in high-volume markets like Texas, California and Florida, business owners say.

“The arrival of guayaberas from Asian countries has lowered our production,” said Lourdes Rodriguez, head of the clothing business chamber in Yucatan.”*

The Latina United States Pageant is proud to announce the 4th Annual Ms/ Teen/ Mujer Latina United States Pageant. The pageant will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 12:00PM at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure (www.piratesdinneradventure.com) in Orlando, Florida. Doors open at 11:30AM.

Also check out the YOUTUBE video demo:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ALqL9TYpE

Pretty as princesses, 15 special young ladies from across the United States and Puerto Rico celebrated a Dream-Come-True Quinceanera on Thursday at Disneyland Resort, with a grand red-carpet entrance, an enchanting ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and a pixie-dusted dinner party with family and friends. Royal and resplendent, these lucky girls marked their cultural milestone with a dash of Disney magic, as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/32865/

A tradition in the Latin community, a Quinceanera is a young woman’s celebration of her 15th birthday, which marks the transition from a child to a young woman. It is commemorated in a way that distinguishes it from her other birthdays.

The royal evening ceremony at Disneyland Resort was filled with opulence, pageantry and tradition. It began with a dream-come-true moment for any teenage girl — a celebrity escort along a red carpet that led to the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. The stellar lineup of stars included Cristina Saralegui, host of “The Cristina Show;” Andy Garcia, acclaimed actor and producer; pop singer Frankie J; actor-dancer Cristian De La Fuente of “Dancing with the Stars” and others.

In the castle forecourt, each birthday girl was greeted by Disney characters and prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Each young lady, elegant and enchanting in her ball gown, danced a special waltz with her father, stepped from her flat shoes into Cinderella-like glass slippers and received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her mother.

Following the official ceremony in the Castle Forecourt, each of the princesses joined her special guests at a private dinner party in Fantasyland Theater. The unforgettable party included the traditional Quinceanera cutting of the cake and doll ceremony, two important symbols of the transition from childhood to adulthood.

The magic began on Tuesday when the girls arrived, ready to prepare for the grand gala with dress fittings, rehearsals, a princess etiquette seminar, an ice cream social at the Disneyland Dream Suite and plenty of photo opportunities. After two days of fun, bonding and magical anticipation, they were ready for the spotlight and the delightful Quinceanera celebration.

The girls are from California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Texas, Illinois and Puerto Rico. Amethyst Lisa Cristina Martinez of Miami imagined this day for weeks and said, “Dreams aren’t impossible.” Kassandra Hernandez of Sacramento, Ca., was thrilled to celebrate her coming-of-age with family, a welcome joy after several recent family hardships. And Brenda Prado of Fresno, Ca., said her parents, who are farm workers, were ecstatic that their daughter could enjoy a magical Quinceanera celebration.

The bright lights will keep shining on these lucky young ladies, as their enchanting Disneyland Quinceanera is scheduled to be featured in a one-hour television special on Univision network’s “El Show de Cristina,” (The Cristina Show). More than 40 international broadcast and news outlets covered the festivities.

To make these dreams come true, Disney Parks launched a national search for prospective princesses in conjunction with selected Univision television news affiliates, Univision.com, Coca-Cola, David’s Bridal and “The Cristina Show.” Together, they found these 15 special girls to celebrate their magical Quinceaneras at Disneyland Resort.

All eligible princesses-to-be submitted essays explaining why they wanted to have their coming-of-age celebrations at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

To ensure each Quinceanera girl was dressed as a true “belle of the ball,” David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal retailer, provided each of the 15 girls with a ball gown, tiara and shoes. Southwest Airlines provided flights for each young lady and up to seven guests to attend the sparkling soiree. Hewlett-Packard donated limited-edition entertainment notebook PCs to each Quinceanera princess to help her pursue her educational goals and stay connected with family and friends. Kodak provided specially created Quinceanera-themed cameras so that each girl could capture her unique and thrilling memories.

Disney Parks, already a home to lavish ceremonies and magical milestone celebrations for guests visiting from around the globe every year, provides a castle-full of Quinceanera celebration options for young women and their families.

Quinceanera celebrations at Disneyland Resort Hotels or Walt Disney World Resort can be traditional, spiritual, large or intimate. Up to 500 guests can enjoy a Quinceanera at Disney Parks, with popular themes including fairy tale treasures such as “Cinderella” and “Beauty & the Beast” celebrations.

Other custom and lavish options include:

– Disney character appearances, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in formal or elegant charro attire

– Cinderella’s enchanted crystal coach, presented by a quartet of fanfare trumpeters

– An artful cake adorned with Disney princesses or characters

– A towering, 40-foot-wide castle facade creating a storybook setting for a formal dinner

– The Quinceanera girl’s name spelled in lights or illuminated balloons

– Intricate ice carvings

– Ornate floral arrangements and table centerpieces

For more information on Disney Parks’ Quinceanera product offerings and vacation packages, including the special Labor Day weekend Quinceanera at Walt Disney World Resort, guests may visit Disneyparks.com/quinceanera or Parquesdisney.com/quinceanera. For phone assistance about Quinceaneras at Walt Disney World, call 321-939-4555, and for Disneyland Resort in Southern California, call 866-55-DISNEY. “*

A new Hispanic apparel brand ‘Limon y Sal’, designed by Latinos for Latinos, is launching this month in Kmart stores. Miami-based Orange Clothing Company developed Limon y Sal in response to the growing demand of the Hispanic market. The entire Limon y Sal collection blends the bold vivid styles and provocative flavors of Hispanic culture with an eye for the hottest new industry trends, bringing a uniquely Hispanic identity to contemporary sportswear apparel.”*

*From: http://hispanicad.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Celebracion invitation album, a nationally distributed line of exceptional all-occasions stationery for Latinas, is excited to announce that six of its invitations are currently being featured in the Winter/Spring 2008 premiere issue of Bodas USA La Revista, the first Spanish-language bridal magazine in the US. Three classic and three contemporary invitations are being featured. Details such as elegant pearl-embossed details including calla lilies, roses, and couples adorn the classic styles. The contemporary invitations feature a pure white linen paper invitation with a blind embossed monogram and a white satin ribbon, an impressive square invitation in pearl and gold shimmer paper, and a vibrant wrap invitation that shows brides how to bring color into their day.”*

*From: http://www.prnewswire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

CENTRO Mi Diario is publishing a complete guide catering to young Hispanic girls celebrating their 15th birthday, “Quinceañeras,” which will be unveiled at the second annual Florida Quince Guide and Show with an expo and fashion show on Sunday, June 8 at The Event Factory in Tampa.

More than 1,500 attended the inaugural expo last year, and more than 500 hopeful quinceañeras registered at the show, surpassing all expectations. This magazine is unique to the Tampa Bay area; no other magazine provides local information about the Quince tradition. “We saw the growing need that existed in the market and this magazine and expo provides the link between consumers and businesses in the “special occasions” industry, says Giovanni Gutierrez, sales and marketing manager.

Quinceañera ~ Florida Quince Guide is a glossy, consumer-sized magazine that covers tradition, choosing a gown, cake, florists, music, customs, etiquette, venues, gifts, and photography, as well as a useful planning checklist. It also serves as a guide to the 2008 Quince Show. Cristina Bermúdez-Przybycin, is editor in chief of the magazine, also the fashion show director. The magazine will give a unique opportunity to special event businesses to inform parents and young teens about goods and services available to meet their needs in the Bay area.

Quinceañera - Florida Quince Guide is a sister publication of Florida Bride, a bridal guide published by The Tampa Tribune. The Florida Quince Show will be held on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Event Factory, 7565 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, Fla.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Giovanni Gutierrez at (813) 259-8475″*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Latinas on-the-go search for life-enhancing advice for health, beauty and wellness that’s trusted and unique to them. The 2008 Totalmente Latina Tour (TLT) is a traveling outfit that understands one-size-does-NOT fit all and delivers on relevant activities and tools tailored to the Latina lifestyle. Totalmente Latina Tour stops in San Antonio, Texas on April 5 at Rosedale Park and travels across the nation with hot celebrities like Univision’s Amas de casa Desesperadas star Lorna Paz and musical guests Los Horoscopos de Durango (Celebrity guest appearances may vary from stop to stop). In its fourth year, Totalmente Latina Tour was created by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and its beauty brands including Pantene(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Crest(R), Always(R) and CoverGirl(R). With the kick off in Los Angeles on (March 15) and remaining stops in Houston (April 12th) and Miami (April 26th), the four-city festival is a moment in time in each city to celebrate the beauty of Latin women, her role in her family and her community. Totalmente Latina Tour is loaded with free makeovers, facials and massages; live entertainment performances and give-aways; as well as healthy-family inspired education that combines to make it a little easier to juggle family, health and beauty every day.

“There is a unique, undeniable spark that is a mark of distinction for Latin woman, says Anelsie Ramos-Torres, P&G’s external relations manager and Latina beauty expert. “Totalmente Latina Tour delivers the tools and excitement to maintain sound, healthy regimens that make it easy to keep that flame alive every day,” Ramos-Torres, added.

Totalmente Latina Tour @ A Glance

– Center stage, show-stopping Performances:
- Musical performance by Los Horoscopos de Durango, Jeremias and Ju-Taun.
- Lorna Paz sharing inspiration and excitement with Latina women and families.
- Latest fashion trends showcasing with a K-Mart Fashion Showcase.

– Deepening the experience for TLT since its inception are a range of brands from P&G:
- Head & Shoulders interactive give-away center and enter-to-win product contests.
- Always Fresh Spa treatments with relaxes massages, give-aways and contests.
- CoverGirl Beauty Booths featuring expert make-overs and make-up give-aways.
- Crest Whitening Plus Scope ‘Healthiest Smile Photo’ contest with healthy dental regimens and tips from Hispanic Dental Association;
- Pantene demonstration tables where strong, smooth, shiny and healthy hair regimens begin.
- Olay Total Effects mini-facials with leading experts, Testing Stations and product coupons.

– Totalmente Latina Tour partners with a mix of community alliances to ensure that it delivers an experience that best connects with each city we visit.
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund joins TLT to strengthen communities by encouraging higher education for Hispanic Americans.
- Univision and a host of local market media partners help extend the reach of the tour to Latina women across the nation.
- Community retailers such as CVS, Family Dollar, HEB, K-Mart and Wal-Mart, brings TLT in-store and with activity booths on-site with contests, give-aways and on-stage activities (retailers may vary from market to market).

For additional information visit http://www.totalmentelatinatour.com or call 1-888-877-2TLT (2858) press inquiries, contact Carmen Cruz at carmen@grassrootspromotions.com or (404) 408-2103. “*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The bridal business is a $69-billion industry, one that a new Spanish-language magazine is hoping to cash in on. Caitlan Carroll reports on the launch of Bodas USA, the first American bridal magazine written entirely in Spanish.”*

*From: http://marketplace.publicradio.org
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Chucho™, a new men’s and boys clothing brand with a focus on the Latino market, will now be available for sale on the popular MexGrocer.com website. The brand will make its debut with a selection of vintage designed tees that mirror consumer products currently sold on the MexGrocer site. Retail prices will on all tees will range from $20 -$25.

Esta marca es para ti” This brand is for you, is the tagline for Chucho™, focusing on the Latino male customer. Chucho™ was created by Molly Robbins, “Molona” a Mexico City native as well an apparel industry veteran. She has secured exclusive rights to use trademarks and vintage art from an array of Latino companies. Chucho incorporates these colorful graphics providing a platform for individual style. The logos will range from beverages and confections to cement companies and tire manufacturers. “I am so thrilled to be partnering with MexGrocer.com,” says Molly Robbins. “They get an enormous amount of traffic on their site and we are lucky to be part of it.”

Founded by Ignacio Hernandez Sr. and Ignacio (Nacho) Hernandez Jr., over 7 years ago, MexGrocer.com is the largest online grocery store for authentic Mexican food. It is a nationwide bilingual online grocery store for hard-to-find, non-perishable authentic Mexican items ranging from food to jewelry. Based in San Diego, California, MexGrocer is a rich resource for consumers, Mexican chefs, Mexican restaurants, medium size Mexican grocery stores and other online co-branded stores. ” We have never sold apparel on line and feel the Chucho™ brand complements our product assortment,” shared Hernandez. “We think the Chucho™ brand will do well; it is something unexpected yet curiously familiar.”"*

*From: http://www.emediawire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Greg Sanchez was in the car with his wife Christina when he thought of his first message tee — a shirt that says, “Touch Me Before You Give Me Ojo.”

He wished out loud for the shirt, when Christina said, “Make one.”

“People started to stop and ask me, ‘Where did you get your T-shirt,’ ” says the 35-year-old San Antonio police officer.”*

*From: http://blogs.mysanantonio.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Are you planning to appoint a Dama del Honor to help perfect your Quinceanera preparations?

Sort of like a maid of honor at a wedding celebration, the Dama del Honor of a Quinceanera honor court is the quince girl’s “right hand woman” that helps with all the many details that go into planning the event. While it’s true that quince anos girls have their parents and padrinos to help them, a dama del honor works in areas the girl’s other helpers might not be the most expert - like gown styles, and what music to play at the fiesta.”*

*From: http://cims.hispanictips.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

You already know that the Quinceanera is traditionally made up of two parts, the misa and the fiesta. You may also know that this tradition goes back many hundreds of years, and has its roots in even older customs throughout Central and South America. In many parts of the Hispanic world, the Misa de Acción de Gracias was the main event of the Quinceanera celebration for centuries.

In America and other parts of the world, however, that rule is quickly softening into a guideline.”*

*From: http://cims.hispanictips.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

William H. Sadlier, Inc., of New York has published the Quinceañera Planner and Keepsake—every girl’s complete guide to planning the perfect quinceañera. This fun and feminine planner and keepsake is truly the first of its kind! Designed like today’s must-have wedding planners, the Quinceañera Planner and Keepsake offers essential information and allows young women to collaborate with family members in preparing for this much-anticipated tradition in a way that suits their unique styles and needs.

The quinceañera is an increasingly popular cultural celebration for Latina girls in the United States. Each year in the United States, 400,000 Latina girls turn 15 and many will commemorate this important birthday with a quinceañera—a celebration of the young woman and a recognition of her journey from childhood to maturity. The celebration highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance, and includes a ceremony and reception that can be as important, and as expensive, as the average wedding.

Sadlier’s Quinceañera Planner and Keepsake includes information about the history of quinceañera, a getting started section, and sections for planning both a ceremony and a reception or fiesta. While it recognizes the material aspects of the quinceañera, the planner and keepsake emphasizes the spiritual aspects of this celebration, and offers opportunities for the quinceañera to reflect on what it means to be a mature, gracious, and celebrated young woman. The Quinceanera Planner and Keepsake also includes helpful planning charts, timelines, checklists, and invaluable tips along the way.

While the costs for the quinceañera may be a large family investment, this planner and keepsake is a must-have to keep costs and plans in order and ensure a successful and memorable event. It is a true value at $24.99 and also makes a perfect gift. It is available for sale at http://www.planyourquince.com.

For information: http://www.planyourquince.com or
Contact: Carol Dolan
Phone: 877.930.3336 “*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Twenty-two stories above Fashion Avenue, two days before the first big show of New York Fashion Week, designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka are focused on a single column of red chiffon fitting the form of a very familiar face. Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz, who flew to New York from Los Angeles Wednesday night for a private fitting, can’t stop grinning.

“Oh, my God!” she squeals, “It’s so gorgeous. I can’t believe it!”

As the duo tugs at the tight bodice, checks the strapless neckline, and makes sure the alterations fit the curvy Latina perfectly, Ortiz twirls in the full-length mirror under their studied eyes.”*

*From: http://www.usatoday.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

I started sewing when I was 4 years old. I was using my mother’s sewing machine when I turned 10, and in college I earned extra money by making and mending clothes. I would buy $5 suits from thrift stores, and then rip the seams apart and reconstruct the jackets and pants to fit me.

Zoot suits - which are an icon of Latino culture - were hard to find. In the Hispanic community our fathers, grandfathers, and uncles wore such ensembles; they’re part of our identity. So a friend, Jay Salas, and I started making them in 1997.”*

*From: http://money.cnn.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Planning your Quinceañera means getting dozens – maybe hundreds – of details just right. Along the way you’ll have to make what will feel like thousands of decisions. Even with the help of your padrinos, family, and friends, there’s a lot that needs your attention.

To help you make the fiesta even more fun, here are seven ideas to super-charge your Quince planning.”*

*From: http://cims.hispanictips.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The Miss Latin America Organization is proud to announce that the Miss California Latina™ and Miss Teen California Latina™ Pageants have come under the directorship of Jennifer Rodriguez of The Gala Company in Los Angeles. These are the official state preliminaries to select the California delegates to the Miss Latina US™ and Miss Teen US Latina™ national competitions.

“We are very fortunate to have Ms. Rodriguez join our organization,” said President and Founder Acirema Alayeto. “She is an incredibly talented and motivated young Latina, and having been a former beauty pageant finalist herself, she is well-suited to being a role model to her pageant contestants.”

Jennifer began her career in sports and entertainment at an early age making one of her most notable marks at the National Football League. Upon graduation from Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business, she obtained a position at the National Football League as an intern for Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

After performing above and beyond the call of duty, Jennifer was retained by the NFL to work in the public relations department, where she focused on the league’s community affairs. While there she created Celebrando, a national newsletter highlighting accomplishments of Latin and Hispanic players, coaches and cheerleaders in the National Football League.

Jennifer quickly rose through the ranks and landed a position as events
coordinator for the NFL, where she managed major events, such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, the NFL Draft, and league owner meetings. Her work was valued by many of the player in the NFL so much that she was approached to independently coordinate fundraisers and events for players such as Terry Jackson of the San Francisco 49ers and Lance Shulters of the Miami Dolphins.

This New York native of Dominican heritage is also an accomplished dancer, having studied various dance techniques, from ballet to hip-hop, at several schools in New York City, including the world-renowned Alvin Ailey Dance School. Her life-long passion for dance has included an internship at The Dance Theater of Harlem and numerous appearances in music videos. While at Hofstra University, she became captain of their nationally-ranked dance team, performing in nationally televised competitions and even a half time show for the New York Jets.

Upon her relocation from New York to Los Angeles, Jennifer was named director for John Casablancas Modeling and Training Center in Beverly Hills, where she created new programs and coordinated events to build and showcase the Center’s talent.

Jennifer says she is very excited to be the state director for the Miss California Latina™ and Miss Teen California Latina ™ Pageants, adding, “My vision for the state is to mentor and create opportunities for Latinas to pursue their goals and dreams, while impacting the community.” Jennifer is also working on the creation and production of a sports show and writing a book.

With the addition of Jennifer, the Miss Latin America Pageant system can now boast it has two distinguished Hofstra University graduates among its state directors, and in two of the three largest Latino markets in the US. Former Miss Latina US and Miss Latin America winner Melissa Quesada holds the New York directorship.

Says Pageant Founder Alayeto, “These two beautiful, accomplished and intelligent Latinas, just like Leslie Ann Cintron in Oklahoma, Giancarla Sambo in Florida and Marjorie Weller in Tennessee, exemplify the high calibre of talent being attracted to our pageant system…and we couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them.”

The Gala Company LLC will soon be launching the official state pageant website under the domain www.misscalifornialatina.com.

Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc., based in Miami, FL, is the oldest and largest producer of Latina pageants worldwide. Beginning in 1981, founding President Acirema Alayeto created an international pageant system where Latin American women from around the world annually compete for the title of MISS LATIN AMERICA®, best known worldwide as “MISS AMERICA LATINA.” The company also produces the annual MISS LATINA US™ and MISS TEEN US LATINA™ national pageants.

Additional information on Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc. can be found at their website, www.missamericalatina.com.”

Paris, one of the world’s leading business and cultural centers of France, is holding an exhibition of textiles made of Peruvian Alpaca. The Pret a Porter Fair is organized by The Commission for the Promotion of Peru (promperu) from January 24 to 27.

Promperu has managed to attract participation from five textile companies and nine national designers as this is an exclusive event. “*

*From: http://www.fibre2fashion.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Fiorana, Inc., an established international denim company, announced today that they will be launching the first women’s “Latina Cut” premium denim collection at the WWD MAGIC Fashion and Apparel Expo in Las Vegas, February 12-15, 2008.

In April 2006, founders Mike Braden and Juliana Ramirez researched the US Hispanic population in depth to see if there was a niche for a premium jean designed specifically for American Latinas. According to Hispanicbusiness.com, in 2005 approximately 42 million Hispanics spent 8.8 billion dollars on denim products with the average Hispanic woman owning more than 12 pairs of jeans. Conducting interview after interview with American Latinas, the two entrepreneurs gleaned that this market was ready for a collection designed with their shape in mind.

“The Latina body is different in waist and hip structure,” says Mike Braden, Founder and President of Fiorana, Inc. “When wearing Anglo cut jeans, there is always a fit problem around the waist area. Our ‘Latina Cut’ collection will provide the American Hispanic woman a sexy, sophisticated premium jean that caters to their feminine curves.”

Hispanics represent a booming 9% of the American population and their tastes are visible on the street and in the shopping mall. “Fiorana knows that the influence of Hispanic fashion and Latina consumer trends in America is greater than ever,” says Mike Braden. “The American Latina is fashion-forward, brand-conscious and understands e-commerce. Our ‘Latina Cut’ denim collection will retail around $100, but the quality is comparable to jeans selling for $175 and up. We are focusing all of our efforts to offer this neglected market a high quality denim product at a competitive price.”

Fiorana’s “Latina Cut” denim collection will debut at the WWD MAGIC Fashion and Apparel Expo in Las Vegas, February 12-15, 2008 at booth WS-17904. Their Summer ‘08 collection includes the latest trends of bright-colored denim skirts, shorts and capri’s while the Fall line-up hits strong with a variety of washes and fashion denim. Retail prices will range $80 - $110 in sizes
2-14.

About Fiorana:
Fiorana is an apparel manufacturer specializing in high quality denim. Their manufacturing plants are located in Medellin, Colombia and their USA Headquarters are located in Fort Worth, Texas. Fiorana sells direct to apparel boutiques, department stores, and provides private label jeans.”*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

t’s time to throw out the stereotype that Mexican furniture means rustic. A look at Robb & Stucky’s new line will convince you of that.

The 70-piece collection includes dining tables, armoires, mirrors, sofas, secretaries, headboards, chairs and other pieces with a European or urban contemporary flair and will be unveiled Thursday at the Phoenix showroom as the highlight of “Mexican Design: From Colonial to Contemporary,” an exhibit held in conjunction with Phoenix Home & Garden magazine. “*

*From: http://www.azcentral.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The women Valdez is counting on to broaden her direct-sales force are mostly Spanish-speakers she meets knocking on doors in Azusa, La Puente and West Covina, immigrants with little spending money but a burning desire to improve their looks and finances.

In a land of opportunity, cosmetic direct sales looks like a shortcut to the middle class, a corporate ladder whose first rung doesn’t require a high school diploma or even English skills. As Latina saleswomen rise through the ranks, they are changing the face of Mary Kay, long associated with blond Texas founder Mary Kay Ash.

Mary Kay Inc. sees potential in the immigrants’ battered apartments and modest tract homes. Both Mary Kay and rivals such as Avon have recently seen sales swell among Latino immigrants in California.”*

*From: http://www.latimes.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The Miss Latin America Organization continues to expand its network of pageant affiliates nationwide and has just added Oklahoma to the growing list of states holding preliminaries to select their delegates to the Miss Latina US™ and Miss Teen US Latina™ national pageants. Higher Reach Enterprises by LCM has picked up the state license and will produce the first ever Miss & Teen Oklahoma Latina™ Pageants in history. Oklahoma is the latest state to become part of the largest Latina pageant network in the world started in the United States.

“We’ve seen an increased interest of young Hispanic women in participating in our pageant,” said President and Founder Acirema Alayeto. “I think it is a further indication of the new generation of Hispanic women evolving in the United States; one that is intent on obtaining recognition of the personal and cultural attributes of young Hispanic women beyond their physical beauty. Their desires for achievement, recognition and the betterment of themselves and their families are shaping the future economy and culture of this country.” Alayeto concluded.

More states are sought for greater representation of the Latino population that now stretches all over the country as never before. Since 2003, national heritage representations are also being accepted.

Previous Miss Latina US titleholders have come from Arizona, California, Florida, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah and Washington, D.C. They have been of Mexican, Cuban, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Peruvian, Bolivian, Costa Rican, Nicaraguan and Dominican descent, a testament to the vast number of nationalities that comprises the large Hispanic population now living in the United States of America.

The winner of the Miss Latina US Pageant advances, in representation of the USA, to the international competition to select Miss Latin America held annually in different Latin American countries. Single Latinas ages 18 to 27 are encouraged to participate in their state preliminaries or apply for state representation where none exist. Information on participation and directorship opportunities can be found at www.missamericalatina.com.

The current Miss Latin America is attorney Heidi Garcia of Guatemala. Yalena Matos (Cuban) of Oregon holds the Miss Latina US title and Nicole Korrody (Mexican) of Texas reigns as Miss Teen US Latina.

# # #

About Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc.: based in Miami, Florida, it is the oldest and largest producer of Latina pageants worldwide. Beginning in 1981, founding President Acirema Alayeto created an international pageant system where Latin American women from around the world annually compete for the title of Miss Latin AmericaA®, best known worldwide as “Miss America Latina.” The company also produces the annual Miss Latina US™ and Miss Teen US Latina™ national pageants.”*

*From: http://www.prlog.org
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish