CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

Fashion's Night Out Highlights 2012 New York City

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Watch the hot highlights from Fashion's Night Out in New York City, 2012.

New Arrivals for the AW12 Baukjen Collection

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New lines added to the AW12 Baukjen Collection. Check out their website!

H&M Labor Day Deals!

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H&M, Hennes and Mauritz, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics, is thrilled to announce fantastic Labor Day sales for the entire family. Starting August 30th and running through September 3rd, the Swedish retailer will offer internationally influenced trend pieces and updated basics starting at just $5.00!

H&M will also have street crews at the following locations handing out coupons for 20% off any item of choice:

New York: 
59th Street and Lexington Avenue
42nd Street and 5th Avenue
Penn Station
18th Street and 5th Avenue

San Francisco:
150 Powell Street
150 Post Street

Los Angeles:
3rd Street Promenade
Hollywood and Highland
 

World Premiere Commercial Video and Behind-The-Scenes Footage of Coco Rocha

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WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET - FALL 2012
 
Model Coco Rocha takes center stage in a television ad entitled 'Alter Ego'.  Performing a carefully choreographed dance routine, the multi-talented Rocha demonstrates that being a great model can sometimes mean more than just striking a pose.  For the spot she perfected her moves with the help of Broadway choreographer Laurin Latarro.  Featuring approximately 12 different head-to-toe looks in the 30 second spot - Rocha becomes the tap dance equivalent of a quick change artist.  All plays out with a surprise reveal that takes the concept to the next level.

The TV spot is part of the White House Black Market overall Fall 2012 marketing campaign that includes broadcast, print advertising and direct mail.

The print ads and marketing images, photographed by Glen Luchford, also carry through with the dance theme. Shot on the same set at the TV spot, the images feature Rocha in various states of dance as well as some more traditional fashion poses.


Production Credits:
Model - Coco Rocha
Director - Matt Bieler with participation of Johan Renck

Photographer - Glen Luchford
Creative - Ceft and Company New York
Choreographer - Laurin Latarro

Hottest party during Fashion's Night Out: French Connection SoHo

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Just got the scoop!

You can pick up our exclusive Fashion Week dress for $72 along with a 20% discount on all full price merchandise, free FC gifts with a purchase of $250 or more and a musical performance by Outasight.


 ·         Soho Flagship store @ 435 West Broadway at Prince Street from 6pm to 10pm

·         20 % discount on all full price merchandise

·         Free FC gifts with a purchase of $250 or more

·         Performance by Outasight









 

Diary of an actress #16: Interview with the girl version of John Candy: the fabulous Jen Ponton

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Candy Washington: Hi Jen, do you want to tell us what draws you to entertainment industry and how you got your start?

Jen Ponton: Hey Candy! I have to tell you, I've known what I've wanted to do my WHOLE LIFE--like, since I was 3. And what's KEPT me here is the joy of creation and of connecting; creating stories and characters that deeply affect people. I got started in New York, actually, experimenting in college--I was close to the city, and I thought, why not try to go to some auditions? Why not see if I can get an agent? And I did! I was called in for "Hairspray" on Broadway a couple of times in college, and I went to lots of shoestring theatre auditions. I did a lot of learning how to be professional. I interned with a theatre on the Lower East Side, and within a year of graduation, I was working my first NY show--"Happy Hour." :) Isn't that everyone's first NY show?

CW: You’re worked on iconic New York shows like 30 Rock and Law & Order, can you
tell us about those experiences?


JP: Oh, I had the BEST time on 30 Rock. It was my first big, union TV job, and they just took such good care of me. Probably the most notable part was that I was working opposite Kelsey Grammer, and he and I hadn't interacted yet. I was taken in for rehearsal with him, and this man is HUGE. I look up and he's just giving me his quintessential facial expression and goes, "Hi there, I'm Kelsey," to which I replied, "Of COURSE you are." He stepped out of frame for his exit, which is, of course, when I get my money shot--and after I did my thing, he goes, "That was EPIC! Kid, you SOLD that scene!" It was also REALLY fun working with Jack McBrayer (Kenneth), just because we had all these non-verbal parts of the montage where he makes his Kenneth faces, and I just got to PLAY!

I also had an AMAZING time with SVU, in a totally different way--clearly, it's much more dramatic material, so that alone was a nice, meaty aspect. But also, I was working alongside this dynamite set of actresses, and I made some really wonderful friends! Also, the director for my episode, Helen Shaver, was absolutely incredible, and gave a lot of personal direction and attention--we were all playing characters coming forward about rape, so Helen was very hands-on in getting raw, haunting performances from all of us. She was so wonderful to work with, and at the end, she said, "That was beautiful work. You should be proud." I'd love to work with her again, she was so compelling.

CW: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as actress? And how did you overcome them?

JP: I think my biggest challenge was getting clear on what I really, really wanted--and that's what took me from doing children's theatre to working on primetime network TV. I was content where I was, but when I really got real with myself, I wanted to be in sitcoms. I wanted to be making people laugh on a BIG level! Also, one of the biggest challenges that I think we all face is patience and trust in the process. These things don't happen overnight, and sometimes they happen over years--just keep going. Just keep planting seeds and watering them and trusting that flowers will bloom, because with time, they will! I have a feature film in the can that's been in post for nearly a year, and I believe it's going to put me on the map--can you imagine how much patience I've had to cultivate since we wrapped?!

CW: You have a lot going on with social media and I love it! Any tips and tricks for your fellow actors?

JP: Consistency, and HootSuite! We can't all be at our computers 24/7, and why would we want to? Make sure to try and communicate every day, and pre-program good content with HootSuite so that you don't have to worry about it. :) I also started my own business called Ships Ahoy! this year, and it's all about helping actors with their marketing, including social media: www.shipsahoybyjen.com The blog is super-informative and shares all my favorite tips!

CW: What’s one thing about you that only my readers can find out here?

JP: Ahh, what a good question! Here's one that only my best friend knows--I know all of LABYRINTH by heart. Yup, I can recite the entire screenplay along with the movie--I watched it endlessly until I was 18 or so! I also own the soundtrack and listened to it to fall asleep. ;)


CW: You have an awesome blog, what brought about the John Candy reference?

JP: Thank you! :) It was TOTAL lightning-strike inspiration. I absolutely adore John Candy--who doesn't?--and I was thinking how, no matter how funny he was, he was all warmth and love, and never anything cruel or shaming. And that resonates so much with me; I feel I have that same spirit. Then I was like, hey--funny, sweet fat guy...funny, sweet, fat girl...WHAT IF JOHN CANDY WAS A GIRL? Boom.

CW: What’s your dream role?

JP: I would really, REALLY love to star in a sitcom--and to have my character be a little similar to Jane in Drop Dead Diva. They've gotten that gorgeous actress (Brooke Elliott) to the point where she's just slammin', and it's so rarely about her size at all. I'd love to still keep my goofiness and my playful essence, but for it to allow for a beautiful, plus-size woman to just be the star, no strings attached? I'd love that. And my feature, FRANNY, is paving the way for that, I think--my director, Ash Christian, is really wonderful at telling underdog stories with a lot of love, not poking fun at them. He made FRANNY this really lovely character who happens to be fat, but the movie isn't a fat joke. It's a real story about this girl finding herself and finding happiness.

CW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

JP: I see myself tremendously successful! I think the next 5 years will have seen my star launched--that I will have landed that sitcom, that I'll be working regularly in films, and that I'll be just so grateful for everything. It might even be time for a family for my husband and I by then!

CW: Do you have any advice to other actors just starting out?


JP: Research! Oh man, research--so you can hit the ground running! Read Bonnie Gillespie--her books and her columns. Start following Dallas Travers. Make relationships, and start the habit of marketing NOW. :) And also read MY blog! www.shipsahoybyjen.com


CW: What’s the best way for us to connect and keep up with you?

JP: Definitely my Facebook page and Twitter! Those are updated every day, and my blog is updated weekly! I also have a newsletter that goes out monthly, giving only the juiciest news: jenponton.com/signup.html

Contact:

jenponton.com
jen-ponton.blogspot.com
@JenPonton
facebook.com/JenPontonActor
JenPonton@gmail.com

Click here for the next entry: Diary of an actress #17: Interview with Interview with theatre and film maven, Samantha Payne Garland
Click here for the last entry: Diary of an actress #15: Interview with creative monster Wendy Rosoff

New York International Gift Fair: Bodacious booths and even better brands

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NEW YORK, NY (2012): The most impressive thing about the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) is the elaborate and highly stylized booth displays that are peppered throughout the shows. The booths really create mini experiences that allow the buyers, retailers, press, and boutique owners to become a part of and immerse themselves. The show included various sections like driven by design and a designated area for sustainable brands.

One of my favorite booths was Jonathan Adler that included comfy couches, pillows, and house-wares with psychedelic designs. Of course Joya offered the most lovely smelling candles and oils. Think of them as art that adds ambiance and smell to your home.

Another standout booth was Eva Solo. What made this brand so interesting was the vast array of modern, sleek, and sophisticated products for the kitchen, bath, outdoors, and interiors design. Their products are must-sees for the New York buyer or buyers within other regions looking to add a chic twist to their selves. This design forward and innovative company is actually based in Minneapolis.



The breakout designer of this show was Sarah Swell whose staple is sterling silver pieces with sparkling diamonds. The tagline of her inspired and artistic jewelry is ‘The Nature of Your Surroundings’ and she does not disappoint. The down-to-earth designer, from Oakland, CA, uses hand-fabricated castings in original wax for her unique pieces that vary in sterling silver, 14k gold, oxidized metal, and more. One trend that Sarah delivers on flawlessly is contrasting matte metals with shiny metals that can be mixed and matched for all occasions.

What also drew me to this designer was her desire to create pieces that have movement as well, from necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. She also likes to add a dark edge to her collections while maintaining a natural and wearable aesthetic. Her pieces don’t only look good, but they feel good too. In fact, she recently launched a new bridal collection at a higher price-point, featuring 18k yellow-gold pieces with conflict-free diamonds for the natural and alternative bride. My favorite ring was cast from a tree branch that the designer found herself. Sarah Swell brings ethereal-chic to a whole new level.

Diary of an actress #15: Interview with creative monster Wendy Rosoff

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Candy Washington: Hi Wendy, do you want to tell us how you got your start in the entertainment industry?

Wendy Rosoff: My true start was at age 7, I sang with The Metropolitan Opera and The City Center Opera Children’s Chorus. I performed in NYC and toured nationally for 4 seasons, I was even fortunate enough to originate a role in the American premiere of The Cunning Little Vixen, which was designed by the incredible Maurice Sendak. I still have sketches that he made while I was standing in front of him in a foam rubber suit that would eventually become my costume.  It was magical!

CW: What were some of your first projects?

WR: Besides working in the opera, I got involved with singing in jingles and doing Voice Over work pretty early on as well. I also sang on many of the Sesame Street albums that were all the rage when I was young.

CW: I really love the NOH8 campaign, can you tell us how it came about that you were involved in the project?

WR: I love the campaign too! Here’s how it happened: The producers of Falsettos at The Third Street Theatre in West Hollywood came together with photographer Adam Bouska to shoot the cast as part of the publicity campaign for the show.  One of the main themes of Falsettos asks the question, what makes a family? The main characters are two gay men, a straight couple, a lesbian couple, and one incredibly well adjusted, mature kid. It was a perfect fit for the NOH8 campaign!

CW: What was it like shooting the campaign?

WR: Easy breezy!  Adam and his team have it down to a fine science. They know exactly what works and they make it so fun. My favorite shot is the entire Falsettos cast along with our director, Richard Israel. It just feels like family…. a very beautifully retouched family.

CW: My readers are dying to know, what's it like being a part of the Falsettos cast? Tell us more about the experience.

WR: Falsettos has always been a dream show of mine. I saw it on Broadway in the 90’s with the original cast and I remember not being able to move out of my seat when the show was over. Something inside you permanently shifts when you see an important piece of theatre.  For me, Falsettos is one of those shows. Being able to perform it with our stellar cast and be on the other side of the experience was a huge gift.
As far as what’s next for The Third Street Theatre, I’m happy I’m currently in rehearsals for their production of THE FULL MONTY playing the role of Vicki Nichols. The show begins previews on September 5th.  I can’t say enough about the cast and creative team…magic abounds!!!

CW: I see that you wrote and starred in Confessions of a Christmas Banshee, what was that process like?

WR: Honestly? It’s what I imagine giving birth would be like. Messy. Beautiful. Painful, Exhilarating. Scary as hell and everything in between. In my mind, creating one’s own content is probably the most gratifying and brave thing an artist of any genre can do. I’ve grown so much from all of the projects that I’ve created, but Banshee holds a special place in my heart, because it was my first. I’ve learned so much since then…I can’t wait to do it again and make it bigger and better.

CW: How do you deal with wearing multiple hats in the business? Actor and writer? Do you wear any others?

WR: I do. On any given day I act, sing, dance, write, direct, choreograph, teach and edit professionally. I know it sounds crazy, but I love being a creative hybrid. Why? Because we live in a time when we CAN be all of these things. There is absolutely no reason to wait for someone else to give you permission to be the most prolific artist you can be. That and I’m a control freakJ Yes, there are definitely days when I feel like a lunatic but I love knowing that I am doing everything in my power to live my creative life to it’s full potential.

CW: Do you have any advice for other actors and creative professionals?

WR: To quote from the film All About Eve, “Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!”
I think ours is a bumpy life. And we choose it. There are massive ups and downs but if you actively work on mastering happiness and gratitude during the day to day of it all, then you’re in good shape. For me personally, when I finally discovered the difference between achievement and success, my life changed for the better.

CW: What's one role you would love to play again?

WR: None. I’d love to re-examine some of my own material and play the roles again as they shift with rewrites, but there would be significant changes.  I would love to continue to challenge myself with new material!


CW: What's next for Wendy Rosoff and how we can stay connected?

WR: There is a short film called Hard Sell that I play a role in that has been accepted into the No Budget Film Festival in downtown LA on Sunday, August 26th, and The Full Monty at The Third Street Theatre officially opens on September 7th. I’m also writing a short musical film that I’m about half way through… Just need to find a few more hours in the day. You can find me at www.wendyrosoff.com, or my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/wendyrosoffpage, and on twitter @wendyrosoff. Please stay in touch!!!

Connect with Wendy: 

Click here for the next entry: Diary of an actress #16: Interview with the girl version of John Candy: the fabulous Jen Ponton

Click here for the last entry: Diary of an actress #14: Teen Vogue interview with Eva Chen and Candy Washington plus updates!