My Fashion Show Production

Thanks to Youa Vang and Berduction for this amazing video from the Fashion Show I produced for HMF.

I had an amazing time and I can't wait to produce for HMF again and again and again!

HMF Rock Meets Runway!

HMF ROCK MEETS RUNWAY! (HMF 2012)

Hmong Music Festival (Hmong Music & Arts Festival)

I added the "Music & Arts" in parenthesis because that's what the HMF event was really about.  Although the main focus was on the music and the 29 artists flown in from all over the states, there were also other important aspects of the event as well. Among the musicians were other artists showcasing their crafts with the art of Dance and Fashion. One of the main events of the day was a Fashion Show that I was honored to produce: "HMF ROCK MEETS RUNWAY!" where we featured 10 amazing young Fashion Designers who were truly ambitious in pursuing their definition of art. The line-up ranged from new designers like Aroosa to more established veterans of the runway like Vam.

I was asked to produce HMF's Fashion Show a little later than usual. I joined when the designers were already selected and the models were casted by one of the show's main sponsors, REVIVED.  We had an amazing group of Designers (Sendy Lauj, Tazme Moua, Pang Sophie Lovanyi, Pa Kou Xiong, Yer Vang, Stacey Lo, Amy Yang, Aroosa Shaikh, Song Vue and Vam Moua) who worked so hard to showcase an array of styles and trends for the future of fashion. Most pieces were Ready To Wear while a few were more of a Formal Affair.  The show was located in Fresno and I live in the surrounding LA area. Immediately I knew this project was going to be a challenge since it meant I'd have to drive up and down for rehearsals and meetings.  Although Fresno is at least a four hour drive (one way), without skipping a beat, I took on a project that I knew was going to consume my everyday routine.  I didn't sleep until 2am and had to be up by 5am for work almost every single day.  It was going to be like this for another 2 months because I still had my "day job" to worry about, along with a very active 6 year old son, who's schedule was even more hectic then mine.  I took on the challenge and charged ahead.  I had a passion like no other so I took on the project with hopes that it'll eventually turn into something major. I believed in the HMF vision and I could only hope that with my expertise, I would be able to help bring that vision to life.

It's now June 1st and the Fashion Show has already ended.  The event took place on May 26th at the Fresno Fair Ground.  This was also my very first time working with the Central Valley Hmong Community. I've produced Fashion Shows for the Hmong Community in Minnesota, the Hmong Community in Santa Ana and Long Beach and for some of my private clients around the Central and Southern California regions, but for the Central Valley Hmong Community, this would be the first.  I have to admit that although I'm a professional and have been in production for awhile, I was quite nervous.  I felt the pressure twice as hard because I was now working with a community that was very new to my art. HMF alone was a new event and the pressure was not only on the Fashion Show but on the entire showcase.  Without making this blog too drawn out, I just wanted to talk a little bit about the show and the things I've learned from working with my community.

The HMF Fashion Show was on an all volunteer basis. The event was a collection of volunteers from the designers, models, dressers, stylists, hair, makeup artist, the DJ and the producer herself.. (Yep, that's me).  Being a producer, I'm my worst critic and so therefore, I over-analyze everything and in my head, the show could have been so much better, but in reality, I know we all did a fantastic job. Yes we ran into technical difficulties, yes we had people who were late (including me), yes we had people who were scared and nervous and yes we had issues at front and back of stage, but in the end, we all came through and I do believe we put on an amazing show.  We had some great feedbacks and with this being our first show, I have to say it turned out pretty darn good.  We had an amazing group of sponsors: Myself included, REVIVED, My Decor and D&V Cosmetics.  My Decor is owned and operated by Dong and I am so happy that he was part of our Set Design team.  He truly brought my vision to life and I am so thankful to have him as a sponsor.  A fashion show is never complete without a huge runway statement and on my turf, we were going to have exactly that! Dong delivered and I was totally impressed and in awe of the absolute professionalism that surrounded him.

The Fashion Show was amazing and I met a wonderful group of young men and women who were not afraid to step out in faith and pour their hearts out on the runway.  We had models who were walking for the first time and models who also did hair and makeup for others.  My two personal Stylists (Jesse Lopez and Kashia Moua) even reported back to me that "there were absolutely NO DIVAS!".  I am so proud of everyone involved and also to the audience members who made that extra effort to come early and support us.  The show started roughly around 1:30 pm and lasted about an hour.  With a few technical difficulties, we pulled it off, and the people I met during this whole process has truly lifted my heart to keep doing what it is I love to do.  I was able to utilize my passion to infuse my love of fashion and working with people into one.  I am the luckiest person to be able to relate to so many people from all walks of life.  I was not only a producer but I was also a mentor and a coach to those who volunteered to build on confidence and poise.  I wanted to make sure everyone was celebrated and appreciated for the hard work they contributed to the show.

Over and above everything I do, I am a Visual Concept Designer, so my mind is always running with creativity.  With this being a Festivity of Music and Arts, you can only imagine where my head is today. I know HMF will be an event that'll only get bigger and better so I can only hope that the Fashion Show will also be bigger and better as well.  If you were one of the lucky ones to experience this spectacular event this year, just know that next year will only be better. If you weren't there, I hope you come next year to witness history in the making.  HMF represents a wide range of demographics ranging from the classic musicians to the new generation of musicians and artists of tomorrow.  We are not only representing who we are today, but we are setting an example to our kids who will one day become leaders of their generation.

I am so proud of everyone involved and I hope that you are part of this event (as a volunteer or an audience member) each and every year.  I give a standing ovation to the Director and Executive Directors of HMF!   Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such an amazing purpose of paying it forward for our future generations.

To my designers and everyone involved (Dressers/Hair and Makeup Artists): I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for trusting me with your designs, your vision and ultimately your brand.  I can only hope that I've done you proud as well. Until next year, keep designing and I hope to see an even more advanced and established artist in you! I love you all!

To Ge and Kathy, my HMF Coordinators: Although this was our first time working with one another, you both were such troopers and helped me pull off an amazing show. I can't thank you enough!

To my two personal Stylists, Jesse Lopez and Kashia Moua: I couldn't have done this without the two of you right next to me. You are forever in my heart and I am so happy and so blessed to have you on my team. I hope you'll continue to be right next to me for many more projects to come.

To my two Miss Hmongs (Miss Hmong United 2012 Ariel Yang and Miss Hmong Teen 2012 Jaclyn Xiong): Thank you for setting your crowns down for the day to help your fellow artists shine. You exemplified what a true Miss Hmong represents and its giving back to those who supported you as well.  Thank you for volunteering as part of my backstage crew in helping Jesse and Kashia in the background.

To April: You are one of a kind. I'm so grateful that you've been on this journey with me for a few years now. I am so happy that you have never stopped chasing your dreams and are always willing to help and do what it takes to reach your ultimate goal. We have even more projects to work on and I can't wait to have you right next to me! Thank you for being such a hard worker and being part of the Sheng Moua Production team!

To DJ Peekaboo: you were amazing behind that turn table.. I know it was your first fashion show and was probably very different from your everyday disc jockey projects but I'm so happy you took a risk and stepped out in faith with me. Thank you for all your time and effort in making the show so successful!

I walked in as a producer but I walked out as a friend, a sister and a mentor to a group of individuals whom I've never met before. I also met many of the artists from all over the states (some I'm huge fans of) while some I met for the first time, such as Proto-J and Julie Fang to those I've been waiting to meet in person such as Pagnia Xiong, Kristine Xiong and Kong and Shu Lor.  Among the amazing artists, I also met staff and crew members of HMF such as Honza (The best MC and our very own Ryan Seacrest) to Cher Peek Lee, an amazing young filmmaker who has an eye beyond his years. I am so proud of the young HMF production team and I can't stop smiling at the thought that I too was part of this amazing group of leaders. HMF is truly history in the making and I can't wait til next year!

My sister Kashia and I with brothers Kong and Shu Lor

The amazing angel voice Kristine Xiong and my sister in Christ

Susan Vang-Xiong (Artist Relations Coordinator), Honza (Our amazing MC)
Julie Fang (Whyte Shadow) and my sister, Kashia

HMF's new artist winner and my brother in Christ, the very adorable, Alex Thao 

Fashion Show Photos by Jeremy Chaimontree and Phillip Ly So

See more pictures on my facebook page (www.facebook.com/shengmxiong) 

See you next year at HMF 2013! 

HMF Fashion Show Updates

As you know, I am currently in the middle of a Fashion Show production phenomenon that's going to happen on May 26th in Fresno California.  We have an amazing group of young designers who has lots of passion, hope and desire for a higher level of creation in transforming who they are and the collections they plan to showcase.  Everyone has a full time job and most of them are still full-time students.  They are taking time to design part time for this amazing event and I am so proud of them.

This past weekend, May 12th was our first official meet and greet, rehearsal and fitting session.  I, along with a few others, are from SoCal, some from Sacramento and Fresno.  The show is in Fresno so that's where we all gathered.  It was such an amazing day and what an honor it was for me, in one day, to meet so many amazing, amazing ladies with such talent, beauty and passion for what they do and for where they want to go with their careers.

We had a vast group of individuals who were designing, modeling, hair, makeup artists and volunteering for the first time and I'm just so happy that they've chosen this event to do so.  I am so happy with our HMF Fashion Cast and Crew and I sure hope they are happy with the direction we are headed.  As the models can tell you from our past rehearsal, this is not going to be your "typical" fashion show, but more of a "show that showcases fashion" - It means, we are putting on a show that showcases not only the fashion, but the person behind it as well... Without giving it away, you surely do not want to miss this show.

I wanted to also take this time to welcome our official DJ for the show.. His name is Larry Chang, aka DJ Peekaboo, all the way from Sacramento. I never thought it would be so hard to find the "RIGHT" DJ for the show, but after speaking with 4 different DJs, Peekaboo was perfect and he was as passionate as I was and was ready to take part of something super amazing! I know, I'm a little bias because I'm producing it... but I am my very own #1 fan so I guess I'd have to root for myself as well.. (wink, wink).  All kidding aside,  we are so happy and honored to have DJ Peekaboo, an amazing mobile DJ, join us..  I am looking forward to an awesome show with a wonderful cast and crew!

(https://www.facebook.com/DjPeekaboo)

Here are some photos from our rehearsal on May 12th..  More to come..
(See more photos from my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shengmxiong)

All Photos are courtesy of Jeremy Chaimontree of Jem Chaimontree Photography.

Hmong Music Festival

***

First of all, I'm so sorry that I've been so MIA on my blog..  When it rains, it pours!! I've never been so busy in life.. but its so wonderful to be busy with something your heart so desires for and that is Passion, your own personal passion. I am tired because I also have a full time job, and I'm still very active in the Fashion and Entertainment Industry in SoCal,  but I'm never too tired when it comes to something I LOVE to do...  It all comes from doing what you love and the passion that truly drives you even when every single part of your body tells you to sleep by 2am because you have to be up by 5am for work!! ....... haha.. I love it! Ok so on to my first official blog.

I am producing a fashion show for the Hmong Music Festival (HMF) in Fresno, CA on May 26th from 12pm to 12am midnight! Why in Fresno you ask? Well, incase you don't know my ethnicity, I am Hmong. We are a descendant of the Chinese family but we are not Chinese (I hope that makes sense).  I will dedicate a blog solely on my culture if anyone is interested... but.. let's move on.  Majority of the Hmong community lives in the Central Valley (here in California anyway) so Fresno is usually the hub of all Hmong community events.  

HMF is the first and the biggest Music Festival that the Hmong community will have ever seen or be part of. I've been singing since the age of 15 and never would I have ever thought this day would come so soon.  Why? Because we are a very small community compared to other asian communities and our huge events are still run by a more "cultural traditional" mentality.  Don't get me wrong, I love my culture and the morals and values that comes from it, but I just know that the time is here for change and movement for the new generation.  We've been in the United States since 1975 and its now 2012.....  If you want to see movement for the future of our community, ladies and gentlemen.. the time is now! The future is here and HMF is the driving force behind it.  Although this will be the first year of an event that'll last and keep growing even bigger and better, we know there's a lot of pressure and a lot of doubt.  All we are asking is for everyone to have an open heart and an open mind so that we can show our future leaders (our kids) that WE made that change for them. We are the new generation and it is now up to us to lead the pack.  

HMF is not affiliated with any of the Hmong New Year or Hmong non-profit organizations in Fresno.  HMF is run by an amazing group of young achievers, believers and a mixture of men and women. They are full of hope and very very selfless.  They are young, but that's why we were brought here to the States right? To have a proper education, to learn how to flourish amongst those that already do...  These young leaders are a true testimony to why we should open up our hearts and support what our future will become.  This might spark a new group to do something else to help the Hmong community grow even more...  whatever it is, its a start and I'm so proud to be part of this team.  Yes, we have a lot of pressure and a lot to prove, but no matter the outcome, the most important thing I want everyone to get from this event is that someone stepped out and "tried".....  "I'd rather try and fail then fail trying at all" - I'm sure you've all heard that saying before.. and that's what HMF is all about... They are trying to help our generation grow into something bigger and better.  

I live in SoCal, which is not as Hmong populated as the Central and Northern areas of California.  Although I am mostly in the LA area, I still participate in many of the Hmong events.  I've been a Hmong vocalist since I was 15, had the chance to tour America with a a band that's carved their way into our history: Voltage.  I've had my 15 mins of fame grazing magazine covers, featured on the radio, received awards, have a few albums out and to part of a duet that will last forever "Ib Sim Neej"... but nothing compares to how our new generation's going to be.  We opened up the gates to music but HMF is opening up the gates to all facets of art, such as Fashion, Beauty in hair and makeup, Dance, Music, mentoring, coaching and teaching musical instruments, promoting our DJ's, and mostly shining a light to the art of what started it all... the musicians and the vocalists of yesterday and today.  The true message behind it all is empowerment and taking self initiative to believe in yourself and own the artist in you! 

The Festival is going to be a family event that involves everything from the Fashion show to boot camps, hands-on interactive games, sponsored events, fashion styling sessions (by myself), vocal lessons, DJ lessons...... you name it, its all going to be at the Festival.. We encourage everyone to bring their kids because they are our future leaders. Let them come and experience a day of joy, excitement and a movement that can say they too were a part of! I am so proud of the team, the concept, the movement and finally.. I can't say this enough... the Change for the betterment of our community! 

There is an initial entrance fee of 15.00 and all kids age 10 and under are free.  This is a Hmong driven event but its open to the public so please come and support us and encourage us to also be part of the mainstream world of art.  We are already in it, but we are scattered all over the world and HMF has found a way to bring us all together! You will truly be amazed.. or at least walk away with a sense that change is possible and you too can make a difference. The Fashion Show is also offering a very limited VIP seating for an additional $10.00 which will also come with a free gift bag.  The Fashion Event room has a very limited seating capacity and it starts right at 1pm so you MUST be there early.  Additional to that, there will be a red carpet event that starts off the Festival so come early to see all your favorite artists, musicians and me (wink) on the red carpet! This is your time to be face to face with some of your favorite artists from other parts of the world! 

The Fashion Show first and foremost is produced and sponsored by myself, Sheng Moua,  "REVIVED" and "My Decor by Dong".  We have 10 amazing Fashion Designers and an amazing backstage crew that'll make this event blow your socks off.  I know I can't do it alone, no one can.... HMF is all about collaboration and allowing the artist in all of us to shine and this is what the Fashion Show is all about! The show is "HMF Rock meets Runway!" What does that mean? This is NOT your typical fashion show...  yes we are showcasing the designers but the models themselves are also an artist too.  This event will allow them to become the artist of a model, an actor and a chance to express who they are as well.  We will have a live DJ who will showcase his own creativity with the music of the show.  Its going to be a very fun filled event but the most important part of the show will be the message behind every single artist on that stage, from myself to the designers, the models, the volunteers, the backstage crew to you, our audience members! Come watch and have fun, but also come and open up your heart to the messages we have behind the show and the clothes....  I am producing the show, and I can promise you that this will be a show that you'll walk away with knowing you were a part of something amazing.  It'll be a show that encompasses not only the beauty of the Fashion world, or the vision of HMF but the messages we are hoping to share with all of you. Let us open up your eyes to how we (You and I)  can partake in helping our kids thrive for the future of our community! 

Come support me, your favorite designer(s), artist(s), your friend(s)....  whomever it is, JUST COME!! Be a part of the movement of change for our future. 

For more information and ticket info, go to the links below: 

http://www.aznlive.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AZNLIVE

https://www.facebook.com/Hmong.Music.Festival

Youtube promotional HMF videos: 

http://youtu.be/yOPL7GMqm_U (English) 

http://youtu.be/Wx2JOx0w4-E (Hmong) 

***** I hope to see you all there and meet all of you at my booth! 

Come out and support the Hmong Community by being involved as well.  This will be the first but an opening of what's so much more ahead...  

Oh... btw, did I mention that everyone involved in this event is "volunteering?" including me!...... Giving back to our community, that's what HMF is all about!

Hmoob Sib Pab Hmoob! See you there my beautiful people!