After the Nolcha runway show and post-show frenzy died down, I stepped outside for a breather and a quick Q&A with Nolcha’s front of house, BJ Coleman. This was BJ’s first year working with Nolcha Fashion Week, he was attracted to the focus on helping indie designers get recognition, noting it’s more of a challenge and more fulfilling working with lesser known designers than with big established brands. Which he knows a thing or two about.

BJ boasts an impressive resume including working with Maury Povich, CNN, and Queen Latifah, by his senior year of college, BJ was hired as the personal assistant to Baby Phat creative director Kimora Lee Simmons. After graduating, BJ went on to work for NC Connect (Naomi Campbell’s Marketing and PR Firm) where he served as PR Account Executive and Celebrity Wrangler, handling and assisting the firm’s heavyweight accounts, including Dolce & Gabbana, Alicia Keys, and others. For four years, BJ was a key player in the Phat Fashions empire, serving as Senior Director of Marketing & Public Relations, where he built and developed an in-house PR division for the legendary hip-hop fashion house. In 2008, BJ became the Vice President of Entertainment & Talent for 5W Public Relations, a NYC-based PR agency where BJ represented such stars as Malinda Williams, Ray J, D-Nice, hairstylist Ted Gibson & rap star Trina. Most recently, BJ launched Coleman Entertainment Group in New York City.

Seriously did I ask for a sit down with the right guy or what?

I asked BJ for his Three Key Ingredients for a Successful Runway Show, and he shared the following:

• Securing media attendance at the show
• Managing the list and keeping the list organized
• Post show press and buzz

BJ brought up a good point with post-show coverage – it isn’t enough to simply get editors to attend the shows, the goal is to maximize the relationship from there on out and to leverage the show to bring in consistent online and offline coverage all season. Yes, BJ is a big fan of fashion bloggers and online media, noting that all of his clients want blog coverage and it’s how many people now get their news.

No doubt Nolcha and its designers are in good hands with BJ Coleman at the helm!

After being inspired by the Fashion Business Panel, I headed up to the Accessories lounge where I found a photo booth waiting for me. A free photo booth! And a lovely lady telling me I could take as many pictures as I wanted! Thank you Classic Photo Booth!

Well, feeling quite at home and volunteering myself for anyone going attending solo who wanted a photo booth friend (I am a fiend and met Holly Landau from the Fashion Business Panel this way – see above!) I decided to stick around for a bit and check out the 4 pm Luxe Collective Runway show. This show featured the following independent designers: Agnes Valentine | Dora Abodi | Elda De La Rosa Couture | KabukiU | MinnaK | Sodalicious.

MinnaK Models

While waiting for the show to begin, I was able to meet up with a Twitter friend of mine Lisa Barr @Bridalease, who writes for New York Bridal Fashion Examiner, so it was great fun having someone to chat with before the show started, not to mention nabbing a second row seat! I have to say, after a week of spending over an hour to see a 10 minute collection, it was so nice to sit down for a bit and enjoy multiple designers at a single show. In addition, the whole vibe at Nolcha was very relaxed – after the show many models stuck around to take photos with people attending the shows and everyone seemed to be having a really good time.

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On Wednesday during Fashion Week I took a break from the tents and headed to the Upper East Side to experience Nolcha Fashion Week – a four day alternative event showcasing independent designers. In addition to several runway shows, Nolcha hosted a Fashion Business Panel featuring Christine Driscoll, Business Development Manager of EDUN LIVE, Debora Pokallus, Founder of Bel Esprit Showroom, Elizabeth Olsen, Fashion Designer and Founder of Olsenhaus, Holly Landau, Leadership Expert and CEO of the consulting firm, Landau Leadership, Judy Galloway. owner of G Marketing Group, and Emcee Matthew Weiss, Global Learning Chair, Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

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