**For Immediate Release**
*Downtown-based Fashion Designers and Artists Network to Get Work*

First-ever F.A.D. event dubbed a huge success.
Reacting to the dismal economy that has stifled so many promising creative talents recently, several small businesses and organizations gathered last week—along with 200 others who joined in the fun—to create a networking event specifically designed to support downtown-based fashion designers and artists.

The event, called F.A.D.: Fashion & Artists Downtown, was organized by a few women-owned business owners who had the common feeling that, while much was being done to help established businesses recuperate from the stagnating economy and the financial affects of September 11th, not much was being done to help emerging businesses—specifically those trying to make of a go of it in the creative arts. The group thought of creating an informal networking event and ultimately, an organization, whereby emerging artists and fashion designers could feel comfortable asking for assistance and contact information, to help them mobilize their struggling businesses. That’s when F.A.D. was born.

The event was held last Thursday evening in lingerie and accessory designer Sheila Walker’s TriBeCa loft space, Sheila Walker Studio. Organizers solicited sponsorship from neighboring businesses such as South’s tavern, Edward’s restaurant, and also from fashion-friendly liquor sponsor Campari.  In addition to Ms. Walker who designs a collection called She She New York, other co-hosts included North Fork Bank; SoHo Creative, an artists management firm; The Gallagher Group, a marketing and PR firm; and Showroom Access, a virtual online showroom. Guests were encouraged to mingle with others who attended the event and discuss their current business or dream business. Those guests who showed "proof of networking" received gifts on their way out the door, courtesy of Tony & Tina, Tani Keller Designs, and Dough Ray Me Fine Baked Goods. Sound was provided by Aardvark Audio, and deejays Red and Kinetic NRG spinned tunes to keep the energy high and the mood "creative."

Designer Ricci Kisembo of Kisembo & Co. had this to say about the evening,
"Thank you for organizing such an inspiring event. It’s not too often that emerging designers and artists have a platform to obtain some crucial links that can help their businesses grow. The F.A.D party was a definite hit."

Efforts are currently underway to create F.A.D. into a non-profit organization which can financially support emerging designers and artists that are working in Lower Manhattan, and to build a networking database and web site for interested members.

For more information, contact:
The Gallagher Group
Michele Gallagher/Fara Rosenberg
212-367-9054
michele@thegallaghergroup.net or fara@thegallaghergroup.net

Photos available by request