What's The 411 took part in The Art of Luxury Series, hosted by the expected NBA #1 Draft Pick for 2013, Nerlens Noel and International Model Carissa Rosario. In the ambiance of opulence at the Walt "Clyde" Frazier Wine and Dine, a fun-filled afternoon of luxury items targeted to men was had by all. Exclusively outfitted and geared toward Men, the Art of Luxury Series sets a benchmark as the ONLY annual male-oriented event during NBA DRAFT WEEK highlighting accouterments targeted toward men. Sporting enthusiasts and athletes came out to celebrate in a sea of watches with major bling to a private trainer that can reduce body fat at the speed of light. As I moved from one luxury station to another, I saw a good number of items an NBA ball player would need. The NBA Draft Players need to take heed - a little bling on your wrist or a no-nonsense trainer can take you a long way!
On the Court, that is Clyde Frazier's media room . . . Basketball player Corey "Hurricane" Booker came through and spoke of his "first job" playing in Brazil. He indicated that it's much easier to play throughout the world due to the fact that we are a global society. He also gave a shout out to the Harlem Globetrotters and the "pick-up games" . . . the legacy that remains.
NBA Draft pick, Mason Plumlee, now selected by the Brooklyn Nets, made himself available for photo ops and gave thanks to Duke University's Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Standing next to him, was a daunting moment. He's 7 feet tall.
Actor, Sean Ringgold, of the soap opera One Life to Live hung out with us in the media room. Behind the plexiglass with designs replicating a miniature basketball court, all you can see were cameras flashing and a smile that can be seen for miles. During his interview, he sped off upcoming commercial projects including that One Life to Live is being bought by Oprah's OWN, cable network. That made many fans happy.
And, back to the Bling . . . LaCole Broadus, Personal Trainer, demonstrated various ways to tone and build muscle mass.
"I went from a size 16 to a size 6 in six weeks", said LaCole Broadus.
With an elite clientele from entertainment to government, Ms. Broadus and her husband created Fitness Compulsion six years ago. The amazing duo originates from an extensive background of 20 years in fitness and 10 years in the fashion industry.
"I went from 50 percent body fat to 8 percent body fat when I compete," Ms. Broadus continued.
And, she's a Mom of three children! Who can compete with that?
Jeffrey P. Jacques, representative of the clothing brand Parrish Nation (PN) shared with us the PN line of florals and stars and stripes in tribute to the fourth of July. Parrish Nation originated in 2006 with a graphic tee line. What better way to celebrate the holiday but with a bold and bad t-shirt, dashing with color and design.
Eyevision, started by a team of college students, who are presently entering their sophomore year, is a tee shirt line with a logo of an Egyptian symbol that stands for peace, power, and wealth.
"We've got what people want. We've got a hot design" said one of the team members.
With an aggressive and positive attitude the skies the limit for the young entrepreneurs making it happen.
Trukfit, based on Lil Wayne's brand was in the house.
"It's for those who find inspiration in the street and for people living on the edge. The fun summer fashion line is on display because "Lil Wayne loves basketball," explained Trukfit's volunteer for the day.
This activewear was created to be appealing for skateboarders to basketball players and enthusiasts.
And of course, we must have sweets in support of this masculine ambiance. Sweet Love Company displayed an awesome custom made assortment with the NBA insignia right dab in the center. For the basketball players that dropped by her table, the response was, "I shouldn't do it. It's messing up my diet". But of course, they take a sample. Wink.. wink! As the owner puts it, "they deserve to be sweet loved too".
And last but not least, for the upscale jet-setters, The Secret Lounge was on hand specializing in men's and women's accessories, jewels, furs, costume design, all in an amazing space with a caterer. This Montclair, New Jersey husband and wife team had so much BLING displayed that my eyes blinked twice when entering Clyde Frazier's spot. Wow!!!
The Art and Luxury Series was presented by Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations, High Flyers Club, 3P Media, Black Enterprise Magazine and Vodkila.