A PLATE OF THIS A CUP OF THAT: ANGELAIAM ANGELA SIMMONS

"Never give up on your dreams, push, and

be your biggest supporter"

-Angela Simmons

Wednesday July 31, 2013 was a big day for Fashion Designer/ Philanthropist Angela Simmons. We all see her on the BET network hosting the hit show 106th and Park but there is so much more Angela Simmons has set her talents upon.

Well, Angela along side friend Alisha Crutchfield (fashion director for the Miss Universe Organization and styling consultation for celebrities among other remarkable work) have founded their own brand and website by the name "ANGELAIAM" which promises to promote fashion, beauty, wellness, and empowerment.

What big day was this for Angela Simmons might you ask??

This day was in celebration of her E-Commerce site launch for ANGELIAM! You can expect to purchase new items as well as vintage! Up and coming fashion designers and also her own new hair extension line called "ANGELAIAMHAIR". Her launch party was held in style at the 5th Ave Henri Bendel here in New York City. Not only did she give her supporters the evening to join in with shopping and performances, but also the company of a few guest celebrity friends!

ANGELA SIMMONS

Angela Simmons took to the red carpet with much style and grace! We're talking head to toe flawless. Her ensemble consisted of a flirty off white pleated skirt with a long sleeve silk top. She nailed this look with the KILLER Giuseppe Zanotti knee high, pointy toes boots that were to die for! As she spoke about the process to developing her site she states:

Angela Simmons: "To finally get it out there and to see how the people like it is most important"

I had the great pleasure of speaking with Angela about her recent Girl Talk Take Over event with the Boys & Girls Club of Newark. Angela hosted a fun yet educating day for promising young girls using fashion, health & fitness, and performances from her brother Diggy Simmons and co host Bow Wow. With such inspiring events we had to ask this question:

APAC: "What advice would you give to young ladies?"

Angela Simmons: "When it comes to career things never give up on your dreams, definitely push and to be your biggest supporter its really important. Its definitely about yourself and having confidence within yourself to get things done."

AMANDA SEALES

Vh1's Amanda, who wore very trendy patterns on the red carpet from H&M and Zara accenting with abstract accessories to compliment, won us over with her charismatic persona and smile. Have just finished season 3 of Smirnoff's Master of the Mix and Death of the Diva she has newly written and is performing her own audience interactive show being performed at The Stand NYC called "Its Complicated"!

Being that her new project is hilarical answers to serious questions about love we figured we'd ask her this:

APAC: "What is the best relationship advice you can give?"

Amanda Seales: "Don't chase anyone your not ready to catch"

STALLEY

This Ohio native rapper is known to catch your attention with his smooth yet real lyrics. While he is currently signed to Rick Ross label MMG he has put forth many of singles (including "Lincoln Way Nights" and "Swangin", mix tapes, and is due to release his debut album to be announced this year!!! He hit the red carpet with great energy wearing a t shirt by the company WTAPS, RRL denim jeans, and the perfect New York footwear Nike!!! As he was being asked from another reporter; "What look are you going for tonight?" I offered my own synopsis in stating "The New York look" !

HANNAH BRONFMAN

The first to hit the red carpet for the evening was DJ Hanna Bronfman. She caught my eyes wearing one of our "Fashion Lights Report" features Kesh x American Apparel! Not only is she a DJ but she is also a restaurateur, entrepreneur and featured in a documentary that showed at the Tribeca Film Festival called "This is my Reality" according to other sources. Be sure to look out for her success to come!

RAQI THUNDA

We all know Raqi Thunda for being a cast member on VH1's Love and Hip Hop NY! No matter what has occurred on the show she has since built more of a fan base and showcasing her DJ skills at some major events! I will say to any and everyone, that Raqi was definitely a pleasure to meet and interview. She represents all women that are in a profession that is male dominant but manages to remain at the top of her game. Not to say that there isn't female DJ's around or that aren't main stream but here in NY there isn't any on the major radio stations. Having the chance to meet her gave me an opportunity to ask her the one question I've had in my mind:

APAC: "I love that you are a female DJ , I feel like in that industry there is not a lot of women. What advice would you give to any inspiring female DJ's?

Raqi Thunda: Just go for what you know, you have to be super strong. Don't let these boys tear you down. There's going to be a lot of guys out there to ask you about your technical skills. Just make sure you let them know that yes you have all the skills and you do it in 8 inch heels and a thong, HELLO!!"

Raqi walked the red carpet wearing Gucci and Valentino and to accent her ensemble, a very classic vintage pair of sunglasses. We wish her nothing but success in the future!

ARIANE DAVIS

Ariane Davis is famous for being a cast member on VH1's Love and Hip Hop ATL. When Ariane Davis emerged on the red carpet she rocked the most chic ensemble and looked FAB doing so! As she stated "I'm wearing the basics". Nicely tailored top, shorts from a boutique located in Mississippi and Zara footwear.

In person she has the most welcoming personality and professional stature. Through her show we've seen her aspirations to become a singer. Of course we had to ask:

APAC: "What advice would you give to aspiring singers?"

Ariane Davis: "Keep going, no matter what. Don't let anything stop you, please keep going, follow your dreams, chase them, run after them. If the door closes, let another one open, another one will fly open."

As she is currently filming now for the next season of VH1's Love and Hip Hop ATL be sure to follow her come up!!!

TAHIRY

Known for her role on VH1's Love and Hip Hop 3 is urban model Tahiry Jose. She has graced the cover of King magazine and has graced the pages of XXL, VIBE, Complex, and many others. She took to the red carpet in a angelic dress by ASOS, stylish pink low pointy toed heels by Sergio Rossi, and to top it off a classic YSL clutch!!

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.......

MODEL SHAUN ROSS