SUNDANCE CHANNEL PUTS IT "ALL ON THE LINE" WITH NEW FASHION SERIES FEATURING INDUSTRY LEADER JOE ZEE
Eight-part series debuts Tuesday, March 29th at 10pm
New York - January 18, 2011 Sundance Channel captures the drama of reinvention in its new non-fiction fashion series, "All On The Line," starring fashion powerhouse and Creative Director for ELLE, Joe Zee. Airing on Tuesdays from March 29th to May 17th at 10pm et/pt, this hour-long show will capture the dramatic world of designers struggling to save their lines and keep their dreams alive. With creative direction, business advice and a little tough love, Joe Zee will break down the line, and its designer, before they are put to the ultimate test of presenting to a buyer.
Sundance Channel EVP and GM Sarah Barnett comments: "'All On The Line' takes us into the real life dilemma that fashion designers face: how to stay true to your vision and at the same time create a line that's commercially viable. These designers with huge personalities, and even bigger dreams, face some difficult truths and Joe Zee is the perfect person to deliver those truths. He brings positivity, honesty and charm to his critiques, and is truly passionate in his aim to help designers succeed. We are happy to welcome him and the series to the Sundance Channel."
Each episode of this eight-part series will feature one designer who has reached some success on their own, but roadblocks have put them at risk of losing their business. That's when Zee steps in to diagnose the problem. Critiquing everything from design to production, he serves as a mentor, while preparing the designers to present their line to a buyer who will make or break their design dreams. Through the process, Zee hopes to unlock each designer's true potential and re-ignite their love for fashion, but ultimately, it will be their own choice whether or not to take his advice
The designers are no strangers to fashion: some held executive positions at label giants, most sell in select boutiques around the world, and all are on the brink of bankruptcy. The featured designers are:
*Liquica and Andrei. This real life married couple fell in love at first sight have been in business together for 8 years. Liquica Anggraini, who is originally from Indonesia, designs and Andrei oversees the business aspects of their line Radenroro, which has been featured in InStyle and Daily Candy. He's invested over $300,000 in their line and if this season doesn't sell, they have to close their doors.
*Dana Maxx- After graduating from FIT, Dana Maxx worked for Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson before launching her own line in 2007 to rave reviews. Her designs have been featured in WWD and Front Row Magazine and her line has grown rapidly, perhaps too quickly. Dana is struggling to keep the company afloat and is in danger of becoming an overnight success with no staying power.
*Leila Shams - a former director at DKNY Jeans, Express and Bebe, Leila launched a Spring 2010 that has made significant strides for a first-time collection, but the cost of the launch has forced to sell her apartment and go into debt.
*Gemma Kahng - the former fashion icon was born and raised in Korea. She came to the U.S. at age 14 and graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in Fashion Design. She broke into fashion in 1990 and soon had a hit design as part of the 1990's power suit revolution. She was sold at major retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales, and was making millions. However the stress of her incredible success took its toll on Gemma and as she became overwhelmed with the business, she couldn't keep her designs fresh, hired the wrong people and burned through her millions when she was no longer in demand. Gemma is at a crossroads, either she gets back on track or she is going to quit trying.
*Jedda-Kahn - Jedda-Kahn launched his first line in Spring 2005, but now his biggest accounts have dropped him and he is barely holding on by a thread to his fashion dreams. Despite his celebrity followers and couture clientele, Jedda-Kahn is struggling. He can't borrow any more money and he isn't making enough to keep going.
*Julia Alarcon- knows about second chances, she decided to go back to school and pursue a career in fashion and the age of 39. After graduating Parson's with her sister, the pair launched a line that quickly got recognition from press and sold their line to major boutiques. They were chosen as Women's Wear Daily's "designers to watch" in 2008 and the GenArt "fresh Faces in Fashion" in 2009 and 2010. Now that her sister has left the business, Julia is in severe financial trouble. She fears it's too late for her and if Joe Zee can't give her line a second chance, it may be.
*Kara Janx- Originally from Johannesburg South Africa, Kara appeared on the second season of "Project Runway," where many viewers thought she should have been in the final three. The exposure helped her get her designs into hundreds of boutiques across the country, but there was push back from some major retailers who thought of her as a reality star rather than a credible designer. Now with the economic downturn many of the boutiques that embraced her have gone under or cut back on orders. In addition, Kara is now a wife and mother struggling to balance the life of a fashion designer with being the mother of two small kids.
*Layla and Josh- Layla L'obatti became hooked on lingerie while studying at FIT. After working for several fashion companies including intimates for Tommy Hilfiger and Nicole Miller, she decided to make her dreams a reality by creating her own line, Between the Sheets. The line has been featured in Fitness Magazine, Marie Claire, Women's Wear Daily and is sold is several boutiques; however, she and her fianc� Josh have maxed out their credit cards and they still haven't been able to truly break into the intimate apparel world. Layla and Josh have had to put their personal lives on hold until they can make the line a success. Right now everything is at a breaking point and they need Joe to help them find the right path.
Tapping into the true essence of the fashion world, "All On The Line" was shot in New York City and produced by Authentic Entertainment.
As the creative director for ELLE since 2007, Zee has helped to further elevate the publication into the successful fashion magazine that is today. He began his career at Allure Magazine and from there became the fashion director at W Magazine, then contributing editor for Details and Vanity Fair. He has also been creative eye behind advertising campaigns for brands including DKNY, Perry Ellis, Kenneth Cole, Sean John, Banana Republic, H&M, Estee Lauder, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Chanel, Coty and others.
The web address for "All On The Line" is sundancechannel.com/all-on-the-line.
About Sundance Channel
Sundance Channel is the destination for What's Next, Now. Showcasing both today's creative icons and the emerging talent of tomorrow, Sundance Channel tells credible, authentic, and emotionally immersive stories of Invention, Fashion, Film, Travel, Design, and Enterprise. Launched in 1996 and owned and operated by Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC, Sundance Channel provides perspectives dedicated to founder Robert Redford's mission to celebrate creativity. sundancechannel.com
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns and operates some of the world's most popular and award-winning entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, Wedding Central and IFC Entertainment (IFC Center, IFC Festival Direct, IFC Films, IFC In Theaters and IFC Productions). Additional information about Rainbow Media's multiplatform brands is available at www.rainbow-media.com.
|