Well, officially the class that I had that required me to maintain this blog is over. And, I must say these last two months has opened my eyes to the bloggisphere, and I admit, I quite like it. Once I got comfortable enough with posting my views for the world to see, I noticed that the ideas which I wanted to share were coming more rapidly. In all honestly, maintining a blog is not as easy as one may think, as I have stated in the past. However I have realized that once you conntect with you audience, it motivates to post, comment and check your blog as well as others. To my readers, I would like let you know that this may very well be my last post on this blog. However, becuase I have actually gained insight and interest in the bloggisphere you will be hearing from me soon. I can almost gaurantee, if you like what you read on this blog, continue to search, for other fashionable post that I develop. When I first registered this blog, it generated an automated post saying hello world. But now I am actually ready to say hello bloggisphere, hello world, my name is Samira and I am a blogger!
Over the years I’ve had some interesting opportunities and experiences within the fashion industry – particularly with what I like to call Urban Couture. This part of the fashion industry includes higher end urban lines that are chic stylish, and still considered to be exclusive enough where they are not offered in typical stores. Heck, some are not even sold in Canada.
Last week I attended fashion shows at L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto, and before I go any further… I have to give my hats of to Kidrobot.
In the last few years I have attended a handful of fashion shows and events during popular fashion weeks such as L’Oreal’s and Toronto Week of Style. And, as coveted as these fashion weeks are, one would think that all of the shows will be the must see events of the week, I mean, these shows are supposed to attract the who’s who in the fashion industry in Toronto. Not so fast… to my surprise all of the shows I have attended are not all that great, and I was seriously beginning to question the shows.
The majority of them seemed to be what I call half done. It was as if there was not a lot of effort put into planning and executing these events in Toronto. Honestly, from a junior event planners perspective, most of them could have been a lot better.
But, after Friday night, my perception has been changed. During this years fashion week I was lucky enough to attend Kidrobot’s fashion show, held at Circa nightclub. For those who are unfamiliar with Kidrobot, it started as a toy company that grained so much recognition from their toys that they diversified and began to make clothing.
Some might be thinking what is so special about toys turned into clothes, but Kidrobot is a brand that the minute you see their line, there is this indescribable love that will take you over. If that happens then you know that Kidrobot is absolutely for you.
At Fashion week this year, they successfully executed a smooth and engaging show. This level of organization, creativity and professionalism did not surprise me coming from Kidrobot, because they deliver high quality products all the time. What did surprise me is that I finally attended a fashion week where I was able to go to a show where I left knowing this was a show I would attend again.
Like many fashion shows they did start fashionably late, but in the end it was well worth the wait. Each model pulled off their look, kept the audience interested and gave the show a twist by having each model tag a two-foot Dunny that headed the stage. The outfits were styled well, colors and designs were banging, and all the models actually looked good.
But above all of this, the highlight of my night was the mix and mingle afterwards in the Kidrobot room. That’s right…for all you Kidrobot lovers out there – there is an entire lounge that is dedicated to Kidrobot, that includes a museum of customized toys, munnys, zipper pulls, bots, smorkin labbits, and a bar decked out with Kidrobot wall paper.
At the end of the night all I heard was good reviews about the show. Everyone was pleased and all I can say is – I can’t wait for next year!
As you have probably read already, I am currently learning about the detail involved with practicing pr, especially regarding blogging. However, as I have been taking a closer look at the blogging movement, as fast as this method of communication is growing, it still not practiced as often as it should by pr professionals.
In an interview with Jennifer Jones, Steve Rubel from Edelman PR suggests that there are many pr professionals who are accepting of blogging and other various social media practices however, are not at the level where they are embracing it, and using the features of these communication tools to their benefit. With increased amount of methods provided to communicate and disseminate messages to target audiences, it’s both interesting and surprising to know that there are not more professionals who are using these tactics.
Blogging as I am learning makes a big impact when you are trying to have a conversation with targeted audiences. It also helps to promote various initiatives undertaken by organizations, and is not just a communication method that is used between individuals. But, with the infinite opportunities offered with social media, it’s said that these methods are beginning to reshape common practices within the profession.
The media release is seen as one of the most popular communication materials, commonly used for organizations to communicate their messages and initiatives to audiences through the media. However, with the rise of social media forums this method has come under major review. Focusing on print communications and the one-way method of sending information through releases, is beginning to be overshadowed. More emphasis is being placed on making releases more conducive and focused towards various social media networks and outlets such as PRNewswire and Technorati are developing tools to enable this.
Outlets such as twitter has become a popular way to promote various initiatives, while building your audience reach as well as your brand. Twitter allows members to microblog about events which are then broadcasted to various people in your audience; individuals who in this case have specifically chosen to follow you and listen to what you have to say.
In order to ensure effective communications, and that you successfully persuade your audiences to understand and accept your message, professionals must be willing to engage with them in these areas. Audiences are continuing to develop various ways to share opinions and have conversations. They’re able to instantly conduct two way communication without having to know, see or hear the people they are speaking with. pr should actively be doing the same. Communications has changed on paper, thus pr practices need to be changed as well. According to views expressed on PRNewsonline, finding various ways to engage in conversations with targeted audiences will give our practices more credibility, and enable us to develop strong audiences and consumer bases.
One can say that the work has doubled because no longer can we depend on one-way communications… I write, you read. Acknowledging that audiences have a say and are discussing issues without pr practitioners input, will help us to become more comfortable with those conversations, pay closer attention to them, and eventually enable us to learn how to become part of thm and effectively work as communicators. This way pr professionals can ensure they are in the know, no matter what forum the conversations are being held in, and will have the tools to successfully communicate messages.
The questions that I find myself asking now are, because of all of the possible changes and advancements taking place within social media, why are some pr professionals apprehensive to widely adopting social media practices? Why do they shy away from considering these forums as vital places where communication takes place between their audiences? Is it because they are opposed to change? I say, why not learn how to put a new spin on information, and change the widely accepted ways used for conducting common practices. It will only help keep us on our toes.
Is it just me or have you noticed that R & B has died? Rhythm and Blues as my generation and those before me considered it, is no more in my opinion. Hits from artists such as Brian McKnight, Tyrese, Aaron Hall, Jodeci, R Kelly, Xscape, SWV, Brownstone…my gosh, the list just goes on and on. What happened to this type of music? Remember those songs that had lyrics that made you think that artist read your most personal journal or diary. I am talking about those songs that had you doing an entire routine in front of your mirror – invisible mic and back-up singers. Standing in the rain singing “How Could the One I Gave My Heart To?” with Aaliyah and everything.
Memorable music. Romanic, walk in the park, lovers quarrel songs that just touched your core, is ever so rare.
Now the requirements for R&B has changed drastically. New artists, have to have a look…and that’s it. I feel like labels are just deciding to make it work. Once they singer looks great, and can carry a tune, is all they need to work with. With the exception of a few artists, of course.
Content now, is very unoriginal and predictable. I feel labels are not interested in putting effort into developing lyrics and song structure…actual music. And what makes it worse, is that audiences allow them to think that every artist can get away with repeating the same phrase two to three times as their chorus.
Many people may disagree with me but, I feel like it is time to say “out with the Omarios, Dreams and Sean Kingstons, and bring back the Carl Thomas’, Donnell Jones’, David Hollisters, and Jon Bs. Please.
What should I write about? And How should I start? Are two questions that I find sifting through my mind every time I sit to write a posting. Anxiety literally sets in, as I worry about my credibility and being part of the blogging world without losing an audience that I haven’t had an opportunity to meet.
Essentially, my blog was set up as part of an assignment for a class I’m in, and while learning about blogging, I feel like there has been so much emphasis placed on commenting and making the right comments on blogs. This class was my first exposure to blogging and social media, and as part of my assignment I have to make comments and post on my blog. And every time I have attempted to post a comment, it’s like I have — what I like to call — a “cyber anxiety attack”. My brain runs through about a hundred different questions — after it has just taken me an hour to think about the topic I am going to write about – and my fingers just freeze.
What do I write?
Will they get where I am coming from?
Will they be interested?
Will anyone comment?
Does any one else feel like this?
As the time passes I find myself becoming more engaged with blogging, so the main question I have been asking myself recently is how can I get over this?
The one thing that I do know, is getting this blog started and managing my cyber rep is much harder than I anticipated.
After much thought about the industry I want to start my communications career in, my heart fails to stray from the fashion or entertainment. I must admit, I once believed working in these segments would be extremely glamourous, but, I have heard that it is not exactly what I expected. The most disappointing piece of information I have gathered, is that this is probably one of the most difficult industries to get a start in — especially if you don’t know the right people! It has me wondering if there is any hope for a determined junior communicator. How can you make a substantial contact in these industries? Even though the individuals whom I speak to with experience in these areas continue to discourage me from choosing this avenue to start my career, I remain steadfast in my decision. However, there is one thing that never changes, I always seem to take on the challenge. I have decided that part of my plan will be to try and gather information from fellow practitioners by blogging. Although this is something that is very new to me, I would like to share my experiences with you. Welcome to FashionablePR — learning what it takes to open doors and practicing communication in the fashion and entertainment industries.
