The series features ten well known professionals who are highly regarded in their own field of expertise, but have always dreamed of having their own clothing line. These professionals will be paired with ten established fashion designers who will help them execute their dream clothing line. The winning professional will have their clothing line launched and their expert designer, who helped them along way, will receive $50,000.
Check out the sneak peek below:
Launch My Line Contestant Bios:
The Professionals:
David Applebaum, Architect
Hometown: Houston, Texas; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
As one of Southern California’s most respected architects, David Applebaum has done commercial work and designed the homes of countless celebrities including Cuba Gooding Jr., Diane Keaton and Frank Sinatra. Applebaum prides himself on his ability to produce both historical and modern designs. Holding a Master degree in Architecture from UCLA, he established his career and reputation for excellence at the architectural offices of Edward Grenzbach in Los Angeles, Franklin Israel in Los Angeles and Joseph D’Urso in New York City. Applebaum has been licensed to practice architecture in the State of California for almost twenty years. His professional philosophy is simple, “Live Where You Love - Love Where You Live.”
Kevin Black, Music Mogul
Hometown: Bronx, New York, N.Y.; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Kevin Black began his career as a roadie for Run-DMC, where eventually he was promoted to Tour Manager. Gifted with an innate sense of what could be hot and what could not, Black became the hottest radio DJ on the West Coast. In 1987, Black became the National Promotions Director at Death Row Records. He then moved to EMI Records, A&M Records as the National Director of Promotions. After leaving EMI, Black has carried such titles as Vice President of Urban Music at Virgin Records, Senior Vice President of TWISM RECORDS, Vice President of Rap Marketing and Promotions at Interscope Records, and served as a top level executive at Warner Brothers Music. Black has appeared on numerous television series and has affiliations with many of the world’s top artist including Prince, Janet Jackson, Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Black Eyed Peas, Mary J, Blige, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani among many others. Kevin lives by his personal creed: “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.” Currently, Black is the president and CEO of his own Promotion/Marketing/Management firm U CAN FLY HOLDINGS and is on the precipice of an exciting new chapter in his professional life.
Marilyn Crawford, CEO
Hometown: Lancaster, S.C.; Currently resides in: Las Vegas, Nev. and New York, N.Y.
A graduate of the Harvard Executive Business School, Marilyn Crawford has established herself as the ultimate expert and spokesperson in business and entertainment. She is the CEO of Windsor PTM, a global strategic marketing company. She is also Chairman of 2810, a private business membership club. Crawford travels extensively around the globe for her clients which include: Coca-Cola, Sony Universal, Master Charge, CNN, Volvo, Larry King, Oprah, Russell Simmons and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Crawford has been named “Woman of the Year” from Arts Horizon and TD/Commerce Banks, and has received The International Women’s Exchange Compass Award, The Humanitarian of the Year Award and Ebony’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Eric Cubeechee, DJ
Hometown/Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Eric Cubeechee grew up in a home filled with delicious sights and sounds, soaking up the essence of music while watching his grandfather's Cuban band. Cubeechee is now one of the premier disc jockeys in the country and bringing his talent to the small screen. Cubeechee has covered the Latin Grammy Awards and hosted Source Sound Lab (UPN), The Hip Hop Show (LATV), MTV Direct Effect and The Drop and Across The Hall (Latino Network SITV). Cubeechee has worked with A List artists such as Black Eyed Peas, 3-6 Mafia, Gwen Stefani and Justin Timberlake, among others.
Merle Ginsberg, Fashion Critic
Hometown: Atlantic City, N.J.; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Merle Ginsberg is an L.A. based journalist, editor, author and tv personality, and the editor in chief of the popular Hollywood fashion website Fashionrules.com. She has written on fashion, beauty and entertainment for magazines all over the world including W Magazine, Women's Wear Daily, Harper's Bazaar, Rolling Stone, The London Times, Elle Decor, People Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Maxim, The New York Times Magazine, British Elle and Glamour, International Cosmopolitan, and for websites The Daily Beast, IMG's The Daily, and TheFind.com. She is the author of the bestselling book "Confessions of an Heiress," and the design book "Hip Hollywood Homes." She's also appeared regularly on Entertainment Tonight, CNN, MSNBC, and The Today Show as a fashion expert.
Vanessa Gonzalez, Event Designer
Hometown/Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
With almost ten years of experience leading events at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, Vanessa Gonzalez has gained a reputation for creating innovative and dynamic events highlighting the emerging art scene in Los Angeles. Featured in Angeleno, In Style and L’uomo Vogue, Gonzalez has garnered attention for her groundbreaking events that bring east coast glamour and style to Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Times, she is known for producing events that have made MOCA one of the “hottest social tickets in town.”
Dan Karaty, Choreographer
Hometown: Wyckoff, N.J.; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Dan Karaty is one of the hottest choreographers working today. In addition to his work on films that include “Music and Lyrics” and “Did You Hear About The Morgans” with Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker, Karaty has regularly appeared on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” One of the series’ most popular judges, Karaty is best known for his hip-hop choreography and thought-provoking critiques. . Born just outside New York City, his parents are Broadway veterans Tom and Jane Karaty, so it’s no surprise dance is a huge part of his life. He made his Broadway debut in the smash hit “Footloose” and soon thereafter began dancing with Britney Spears and the *NSYNC World Tour. Today he is a sought after choreographer who has worked on projects for Jessica Simpson. Kylie Minogue, Justin Timberlake, and Usher, among others. His work is infused by classic Broadway inspirations like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and trailblazers in hip-hop and pop culture like Michael Jackson. He currently has several film and television projects in development, as well as a Broadway production of his own.
Patrick McDonald, Fashion Writer
Hometown: San Luis Obispo , Calif.; Currently Resides in: New York, N.Y.
Patrick McDonald, better known as “The Dandy” to fashionistas everywhere, has been at the top of the New York fashion scene since his arrival in the late 1970s. Born in Germany to American parents, McDonald spent his early years in California before starting his career as a model. McDonald’s love of high fashion led him to pursue a career in the industry, holding positions as an assistant buyer at Barney’s and couture director at Fabrice. A style icon known for his unique look, McDonald has appeared in publications that include PAPER, Detour, New York, Numero, SoHo Style, Surface, The New York Times Lifestyle section, Sportswear International and Russian Vogue. McDonald has been voted one of Gotham Magazine’s 100 Best Dressed New Yorkers.
Louanna Rawls, Stylist
Hometown/Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
Rawls, the beautiful daughter of legendary standards singer and philanthropist, Lou Rawls was born in Los Angeles in 1969. She grew up surrounded by legends in the music industry and huge Hollywood heavy hitters such as Frank Sinatra, the Pointer Sisters, Tina Turner, Quincy Jones, and Clive Davis. Being a part of all of the glamour and rock and roll of the music industry, Rawls naturally developed a genuine eye and passion for fashion, style, and costuming. After modeling and acting in New York, mogul Russell Simmons gave Rawls her first break into styling. From there, she went on to style Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Robin Thicke and Patricia Arquette – to name only a few. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her dog Biggie Rawls, and continues to work as a celebrity wardrobe stylist and costume designer for movies and commercials. She also works as a personal shopper for some of Hollywood’s biggest names. She remains inspired by organic, eco-friendly clothing and well-tailored tees and denim.
Kathy Rose, Jewelry Designer
Hometown: Tehran, Iran; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Born in Iran, Kathy Rose is an American jewelry designer to the stars. Co-founder of the retail boutique, Roseark, and designer of her eponymous jewelry line, Rose’s clients include A-listers Charlize Theron, Madonna, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie and Penelope Cruz. Rose was a finalist for the FGI Rising Star Award in jewelry and was selected to exhibit one of her pieces at the California Design Biennial at the Pasadena Museum of California Art.
"LAUNCH MY LINE"
Contestant Bios
The Experts:
Akiko, 32 – Hometown: San Diego, Calif.; Currently Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
Akiko, a favorite designer among many A-list celebrities, was born and raised in San Diego, California. As an aspiring designer at the age of nine, she started sewing under the direction of her grandmother and eventually started designing her own creations while still in high school. After obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion design from Otis College of Art and Design, Akiko was able to launch her career. By 2003, she had established herself in the industry with her flattering, feminine chic pieces, soon recognized as a note-worthy designer. With inspiration from art, vintage prints and embroideries, Akiko has become known for designs that flatter the female form.
Coco, 37 – Hometown: Thailand, Currently Resides In: New York, N.Y.
Born in Thailand, Coco spent her childhood plastering her bedroom walls with the pages of fashion magazines, dreaming of taking her place as a creator in the beautiful make-believe worlds found in each image. Since then she has become an award-winning graduate of the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, and a represented fashion designer with the ADA in Paris. With her unbreakable determination, she has been delighting fashionistas and buyers since launching her eponymous line in 2000, and her designs have been featured in Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Now on hiatus, Coco is taking time to embrace life, and accepting consulting work, and some freelance design projects as long as it allows her to travel and enjoy New York, where she now makes her home.
Emil, 39 – Hometown: Linz, Austria; Currently Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
Emil first fell in love with fashion when he was five-years-old, while watching his grandmother as she crafted dresses. Passionate, and filled with the desire to design, he made the move to London from his native Austria after finishing his education as a textile engineer. He secured a position within one of the world’s leading costume couture houses, and was finally able to create his own avant garde line, EMIL Couture. Emil has consulted for a number of high-profile clients, including Stevie Wonder’s wife, famed designer Kai Milla.
Galina, 45 – Hometown: Odessa, Russia; Currently Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
As a young girl in Russia, Galina learned to sew and crochet from her grandmother, an established dressmaker. After cultivating a deep love of fashion she went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and graduated with honors. Soon thereafter, she started pursuing a career in high-end fashion, creating her own label, Single, with her husband and business partner, Michael. Single is a luxury collection known for its classic sensibilities and exuberant European fabrics, which promote women’s confidence and independence in style. Galina’s sought-after designs have been available in Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales and other exclusive boutiques and online retailers worldwide including Net-A-Porter.com.
Jim, 35 – Strathmore, Calif; Currently Resides In: West Hollywood, Calif.
At the age of 10, Jim sewed his first garment. Decades later, after working his way to the top of the design ladder and relocating to Los Angeles, he has worked with top entertainers including Ryan Seacrest, Hayden Panettiere and The Pussycat Dolls. With many career highlights bolstering his design roster – like making a dress for Evangeline Lily for the cover of Los Angeles Magazine, designing and constructing a red leather Jumpsuit for Christina Milian – it’s no surprise that Jim's designs have become international. Whether he is tailoring Prada or John Varvatos for Neiman Marcus, building custom pieces for Fredericks of Hollywood's A list Fashion show or saving the day for Lady GaGa and her dancers with tour wardrobe specialties, Jim is consistently proving that he is Hollywood's "Go To Guy."
Julie, 30 – Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.; Currently Resides In: Silverlake, Calif.
After graduating from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, and spending over ten years in the fashion industry, Julie launched Rhys Dwfen in 2006 to realize her vision of the perfectly modern sweater. The Los Angeles native focuses the line on smart, sophisticated pieces that are adorned with eye-catching details. She carefully tailors each garment with an eye towards creating a sleek silhouette, and svelte, expensive looks that transition deftly from office to night. Since its inception, Rhys Dwfen has garnered praise and editorial coverage in top trade and lifestyle publications. The brand was also awarded one of only eight coveted spots for emerging designers in Gen Art's 10th Anniversary Fresh Faces Fashion Show during LA Fashion Week in 2007. With showrooms in Los Angeles, New York and Canada, Rhys Dwfen is available in better specialty boutiques throughout the United States and abroad.
Roberto, 41 – Hometown: Bal Harbour, Fla., Paris, France; Currently Resides In Hollywood, Calif.
Roberto was first discovered by Karl Lagerfeld after he graduated from the prestigious, Studio Bercot in Paris. Born in Quito, Ecuador, Roberto considers himself a citizen of the world, having worked in Paris, Bal Harbour and Hollywood since 1987. He is also an accomplished fine artist, who has shown in several prominent art galleries, including a recent couture performance exhibit at the Karsten Greve Gallery in Paris. Roberto's design philosophy is Le Divine in Design rooted in his South American heritage and Europe's legacy of luxury and savoir-faire. Roberto's designs have been featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W and Elle. He has created garments for many celebrity clients – most notably award winning singer, Carrie Underwood.
Susan, 26 – Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.; Currently Resides In: Pasadena, Calif.
Fresh out of design school at American InterContinental University, Atlanta, Susan took a leap of faith and drove to Los Angeles, California in search of a job. Fortunately, Lady Luck was on her side and she shortly landed a position designing swimwear. In 2008, Susan started her own line, Elevate & Collide, which garnered notice for its versatile and contemporary looks. Susan has swiftly made a name for herself as one of the youngest rising stars in fashion.
Thai, 28 – Hometown: Olympia, Washington; Currently Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
Thai graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2002. Following graduation, he earned the title of Associate Designer for BCBG Max Azria, which he held through 2004. Since then, Thai has become the designer of choice for prominent Vietnamese entertainment production companies, Asia Entertainment, Van Son Entertainment and Thuy Nga. In 2008, Thai and his partner, Helen Nguyen, opened showroom and storefront, Thai Nguyen Couture, in Westminster, California. Thai's professional motto is "Live for FASHION. Set the TREND."
Tressa, 32 - Hometown: Norwich, Vt.; Currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif.
Tressa is the founder of Fierce Couture. She started the experimental fashion line in 2003 and shortly thereafter, her work caught the attention of GenArt, a prominent showcase for emerging artists. In 2004, Tressa was chosen as one of their Fresh Faces in Fashion. Since then, the playful and unexpected designs of Fierce Couture, which explores the relationship between the graphic line and the three-dimensional body, have shown in Berlin, London and across the United States.
"Launch My Line" premieres Wednesday, September 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.
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