A Heartfelt Thank You for 2014

Happy 2014

MY OPINION ON GIFT CARDS

Tis' the season for giving, for opening up our hearts to give and receive the goodness of the season and humanity. Time to reflex on all of the events of the year and the people that surround us.

Christmas for some is a little more stressful, especially for those that have huge families, tons of friends and employees. If you are a giver, like myself, you kind of become Santa.

I like to make lists, not because it's Christmas, because I make lists for everything. I do have a naughty and nice list.

Spouses or partners, family members, friends and even my employees are thought about, I think of each one and buy something from the heart that represents who they are in my mind and what they mean to me.

So each gift, bought or made, had a thought process behind it. Now getting to the gift cards, don't get me wrong, I like gift cards because no one knows what to buy me so it's easier for the giver. What I get from everyone is  you're hard to buy for. My response is, if you really know me it is so easy to get me a little something, something!!

With regards to gift cards, this is what goes through my mind when I get when I get a gift card; you did not think of me, you got it just to get something and some people would be insulted (hint, hint) because you did not put on your thinking cap and look back or think back when we had conversations, or when you visited my office, or my house or really looked at what I wore, colors I frequently use, or smelled the perfume or cologne I wore, ETC. These are little things you catch when speaking or dealing with someone.

I speak to stylists, personal and corporate shoppers and they will tell you, always think of whom you are shopping for and make your decision prior to shopping, it will make your shopping experience easier. So don't be discouraged on giving gifts cards, they're great but they should be your last resort.

BTW, if you find yourself giving gift cards, Department stores are safe to give; if you are buying for a special someone, at least know what they like, for example, an athlete should get a gifts card from Sports Authority or Dicks, not Home Goods; your grandmother should not get a gift card from Victoria Secrets, maybe Ann Taylor or have something specially made for her from us, www.franovik.com, and if all else fails and you don't know which card to get, you can never go wrong with food.  

Have a Happy Holiday!!!

Viktor Franovik

 

 

   

FRANOVIK will show the awaited MEN collection called FUNKY

Gentlemen, after creating stunning pieces for the women of the world, we have decided to put out the collection everyone has been waiting for FUNKY by Franovik.

All of the pieces Francisco and I have worn in the past shows were all created by us, it was not available to you, the consumer. Now in a "Landmark" decision we are going to give it a go.

Now our male fans can be seen in "Wearable Pieces of Art" for men. We are proud, overdue but after a small hiatus, Francisco and I regrouped and decided to change gears.

This show promises to the highlight of the year, another important show stopper for the Beautiful city of Panama. I have been to Panama so many times, even want to buy an apartment or house for vacations.
Panama is full of history, the people are friendly, the food amazing, shopping is incredible and cheap, the beautiful sights and I can't forget the Nightlife, it's another Miami or San Juan, these cities are always compared.

Everyone should visit Panama at least once in their lifetime...Actually, you should all make plans to visit Panama in October and head to Panama Latin Fashion Week.

On a personal note, I want to take this time to thank our very special friend, FEDERICO VISUETTI, you have restored our faith in something called friendship. Mucho Exito y Mil Bendiciones para ti y tu familia!!!!
See you there!!!!

Viktor Franovik
www.franovik.com
www.modelsanddesigners.com
info@franovik.com

FRANOVIK on their way to Panama Latin Fashion Week

Franovik Designs invited to the well awaited Panama Latin Fashion Week. This very important fashion show is produced by the world renown Panamanian designer Federico Visuetti.

We had the pleasure of participating together in 2009 while doing Funkshion Fashion Week in Miami. Although we did not get to work together we always felt the respect among our peers.

Earlier this year, we almost got the chance to work together again at the DREADFUL NIGHTMARE  Latin fashion show in New York, but as luck had it, Federico was spared the whole ANGUISH, Thank God (TG).  

This show promises to the highlight of the year, another important show stopper for the Beautiful city of Panama. I have been to Panama so many times, even want to buy an apartment or house for vacations.

Panama is full of history, the people are friendly, the food amazing, shopping is incredible and cheap, the beautiful sights and I can't forget the Nightlife, it's another Miami or San Juan, these cities are always compared.

Everyone should visit Panama at least once in their lifetime...Actually, you should all make plans to visit Panama in October and head to Panama Latin Fashion Week.

See you there!!!!

Viktor Franovik
www.franovik.com
www.modelsanddesigners.com
info@franovik.com

THE MAN BEHIND THE LENS

I had the pleasure of interviewing Don Seidman; although I had written a draft prior to the interview, I really have to re-think this whole article. I need to do all my readers proud.

I was amazed by this Man's life. I knew of some of his accomplishments, mostly his pageant work and the stuff we have done together and, but it was a true joy to learn more about Don and his body of work.

I will start by saying Don Seidman is an American photojournalist primarily working for himself with an extensive resume expanding over 50 years of work and collaboration.

Don being a professional and a perfectionist brought over 5 photo albums and his IPAD for me to look over, we looked at the books one by one and each picture had a story.

At 19, Don served on the USS Saratoga carrier while in the US Navy; while there he received training as a photographer and photographed all the events for 2 years. As part of his duties, in June of 1956 President Dwight (Ike) Eisenhower came on aboard to watch air maneuvers. Don was assigned and had the opportunity to take candid photos of the Eisenhower, the president staff and the fleet.  

In August 1957 after being discharged, Don always wanted to play baseball and tried out for the Jacksonville braves, an affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves. Don had the desire but realized he was not going to be a major league player so he went back to first love, photography.

After the season was over he went back to Chicago and landed a job at the Harold Gutsman studios, where he photographed debutants and society wedding. Don also became an agent for New York Life insurance, where he sold life insurance for 12 years.  

I was amazed by the stories and the historical events he had pictures of. Don toured Alcatraz after they shout it down, somewhat of the last supper; had pictures of President Dwight Eisenhower and number of celebrities, which he had permission to shoot from their managers and publicists.

Let me tease you all with a few of the BIG names: Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Gloria Estefan, Bob Barker, Norm Crosby, Florence Henderson, Anna Nicole Smith, Howie Mandel, Dick Clark, John Belushi, Don Rickles, Liberace, Harry Chaplin, John Davidson, Joan Rivers, Brook Shields, Paul Newman, Sha Na Na, NSync, just to mention a few.

 

Don worked and photographed the Chicago Cubs, Barbizon Models for 30 years, Venus Swimwear for 10 years, and the Rock Group Creed for 2 years. In addition, what blew me away was he worked with the greats from modeling agencies like Eileen Ford from FORD models, Wilhelmina from Wilhelmina Models and John Casablanca from John Casablanca schools and modeling. He's the man!!!  

Don also worked with Evil Knievel for 3 years from 1973 to 1976, and yes, he covered the horrific 10 car/3 truck jump where Evil fractured his hand, bruised his back and kidneys. Also covered the 1975 13 single Decker bus jump, where he landed on the last bus, fell and fractured his pelvis, broke his hand and suffered a concussion.    

Don has contributed his work in a magazine called Pageants, a book dedicated to all types of pageants; I looked through it and was quite taken, even had a good laugh with some of the pictures.

His combined areas of expertise include pageants (Miss Universe Organization (US states and International), Mrs. World and Mrs. America, sports venues including the 1995 Super Bowl and all its parties, the World Series in 1997, society weddings, fashion shows & shoots, concerts and the Winterfest Boat Parade.

In 1983, Paul Newman was in Fort Lauderdale filming Harry & Son. Don's studio lot was behind the set where they were filming.  Don walked out and asked Mr. Newman if he could take his picture of him and Mr. Newman graciously agreed. What a Guy!!! 

In 1990, Don was signed as official souvenir photographer for the Miss Universe Organization. There the concepts of pageant posters, and memorabilia became the normal for the pageant system and was adopted by other pageant systems. That relationship lasted for 22 years, where Don photographed the most beautiful women of the world. (Not a bad job for doing something you love and getting paid for it!)

Don also photographs delegates for the Mrs. America and Mrs. World Pageant for the past 12 years.  Don has driven over one million miles throughout North America and one and a half million air miles worldwide on paid jobs.

Among the countries he has visited, Russia, India, Turkey, Hawaii, all the countries in the Caribbean, all the countries in South America and Central America, and still travelling. In September of this year, Don will be flying to China to photograph the Mrs. World pageant.

Don never took it easy, he worked and worked, had no down time for himself but that's what kept him young. A married man, beautiful wife and raised to beautiful daughters, one a Physician Assistant and the other in Marketing Executive.

Fast forward to 2008, the moment Don and I met it was an immediate click for me. I understood and acknowledged this professionals work. I knew in my heart this man was going to be good for me and Franovik's future.

I have had the pleasure of working with Don and he has given me much joy and amazing pictures. Some even becoming ICONIC images in the fashion industry like our yellow dress. Speaking about our yellow dress, this infamous yellow dress has graced the bodies of Beautiful models; obviously no model has been able to create the flower effect that Morgan Quinn has, and NO photographer has been able to capture or re-create the flower effect like Don has. Actually, one of our garments, shot by Don, graced the cover of Elegant Dreams in May 2013.

Don has done dozens of events and photo shoots for us, including the very first fashion show for Miss Earth United States and Miss Teen Earth, Franovik put on in Las Vegas. I am at ease when I know that he is there and I know that I will get amazing pictures.

The comments I get from all my models, my hair and make-up artists, is always the same; they love working with him, no attitudes and an ease to work with. He directs the models and we work together with no issues, you must realize, we are both artists in our own right but to work together, putting egos aside to create the perfect work environment is a task in its own but Don makes it seamless.  

Don is always on time, always very helpful and always a gentlemen. I have worked with many photographers; but none like Don.

This man is in another league, A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

As a token of my appreciation to Don, I wanted to write and showcase this man's work. It's a shame that other people and organizations have not given this man his props. It's been a true honor working with Don and I hope to continue to work with him for many more years.

Visit his website www.donseidmanphotographers.com and check us out at www.franovik.com and www.modelsanddesigners.com.

 

Viktor Franovik

info@franovik.com

 

 

Linda Scott, Franovik Designs and Fashion Designers to the Rescue!!

Linda Scott, model and producer of LS1426Inc fashion week produced a week of amazing venues, all to benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County, Inc.

Linda joined forces with Fashion designers to fund raise for this very important cause. Linda approached Franovik Designs to be in the show as the only Florida Couture designers. Naturally, this was a perfect fit for us because we also fundraise for so many charities like Angel's Pediatric Heart House, the prestige club, ASPCA, American Heart Association and now proudly Sickle Cell.

This disease has not been in the public eye as other diseases like heart, cancer, HIV and others. After reading about it, I noticed as the other diseases, it affects so many lives and regions. It is important to read about it and place it in the public eye as well.

I found and copied this information from the Sickle Cell Disease Scientific Research Group located in Bethesda, Maryland.  

Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary disease of the red blood cells, which affects the oxygen carrying process of the hemoglobin. Sickle Cell Disease affects the lives of approximately one out of every 500 African Americans, 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanics, and 80,000 other Americans. Sickle Cell Disease is also found in people from South and Central America, the Caribbean, and racial groups of European and Asian descent.

To inherit the disease, an individual must receive the gene for sickle hemoglobin from both parents. Individuals who receive one gene for normal hemoglobin from one parent and one gene for sickle hemoglobin from the other parent inherit the sickle cell trait, not the disease, and are carriers.

One in every twelve African Americans has sickle cell trait. There are rarely any clinical problems associated with the trait, but those individuals, as carriers, can pass the sickle gene to their offspring. If two carrier individuals have children, there is a one-in-four chance with each pregnancy of having a child with sickle cell disease.

For some time, scientists have understood the hereditary defect in the sickle hemoglobin responsible for sickle cell disease. Sickled and rigid cells are unable to move as easily through the smaller blood vessels. The occlusion impairs blood flow and causes spontaneous recurrent bouts of debilitating pain called “crisis” and acute damage to various tissues and organs. Sickle Cell Disease afflicts children as young as six months old, and causes extremely painful episodic maladies that require long hospitalizations and tremendous emotional support.

About Sickle Cell Disease and the Sickle Cell Trait:

What Is the Sickle Cell Disease?
It’s a group of related disorders that affect red blood cells.

Normal Red Blood Cells
move easily through the body. That’s because they’re:

·       soft

·       smooth

·       round

With Sickle Cell Disease,
Red blood cells can become:

·       hard

·       sticky

·       shaped like crescents of sickles.

These changes can cause numerous medical problems.

Sickle Cell Disease Can Cause Several Health Problems
For example:

Infections
Curved, sticky blood cells can clog the spleen and prevent it from doing its job— helping the body kill germs.

Anemia
Sickle cells have a shorter life than regular red blood cells. The body cannot make new red blood cells fast enough to replace old ones. With fewer red blood cells, organs and tissues do not get the oxygen they need.

Organ Damage
Lack of oxygen over many years can lead to tissue and organ damage in any part of the body.

Pain
Crescent-shaped cells can get stuck in smaller blood vessels. This may block blood and oxygen flow to tissues, resulting in pain.

Complications during Pregnancy
A woman with sickle cell disease can have healthy baby. However, risks are involved, and both she and the baby should be closely monitored by a health-care provider. Prenatal care is very important!

Hand-And-Foot Syndrome
This involves pain and swelling of the hands and feet. It’s caused by sickle cells that clog the blood vessels of the hands and feet. It usually occurs in smaller children.

Leg Ulcers
Poor circulation can lead to sores that are difficult to heal. These often occur around the ankles.

Jaundice
This is a yellowish tinge on the whites of the eyes. It’s usually painless, but it indicates a problem with the blood.

Other Problems Associated With Sickle Cell Disease Include:
Chest Pains and trouble breathing
Stroke
Gallstones
Blood in the Urine
Pneumonia Painful Erections in men

Visit their website, there was much more information or write or call should you have any questions.

The Sickle Cell Disease Scientific Research Group
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Two Rockledge Center
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7950
Bethesda, MD 20892-7950
1-301-435-0055

It's also very important to mention the Sickle Cell Association of Broward County for local Floridians.

Sickle Cell Disease of Broward

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County, Inc. is a non-profit, 501© organization that was established and incorporated on December 23, 1977 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida through the efforts of the late Attorney Henry Latimer and the late Mrs. Cheryl Peterman. The Association began its operation in Fort Lauderdale and gradually expanded its service base throughout Broward County into Hendry County. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County, Inc. is one of 15 Chapters within the State of Florida. Since its incorporation, the Association’s purpose has been dedicated to addressing research, medical, social, psychological and the informational needs of individuals and their families living with Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait.

We strongly support legislation committed to the Sickle Cell Disease causes on all levels; we actively solicit funding for Outreach Services for our clients and their families; we promote Community Outreach and share ideas that will enhance the Sickle Cell Outreach Programs and disseminate literature and information about Sickle Cell Disease.

The Association has been able to provide the following Outreach Services to our clients, their families, and the community:

Community Awareness:
Health Screen and Blood Drive Sickle Cell Presentation to area Business Community Leaders and Schools.

Social / Client Services:
Cultural Activates/ Referrals/ Counseling Limited Financial Support Thanksgiving basket, Emergency Funds for Food and Prescription.

Fashion Designers, like many others are unsung heroes; we participate in many events to raise money for charities and needy causes. Franovik Designs are just one of those designers that participate as part of our company Mission and Vision.
I  want to Thank Linda Scott and everyone that take the time to think about someone else besides them and does something to better this world of ours.

Viktor Franovik

www.franovik.com

The last show of the year

So last Sunday Franovik Designs did their last show of 2012. We were included at LS1426 Inc fashion week. The show was held at the Marriott Biscayne Bay in Miami from 6 to 9 under Linda Scott Productions.

This show was very special; the fashion show was for plus size models. Franovik got the chance to participate and produce a few pieces using plus size models. It was quite the experience, as fashion designers we tend to go with the norm, smaller sizes, taller, stick figure models but the reality is we dress women, all sizes, races, colors, etc.

All we want is for people to see our creations, not only on a mannequin in a store but on a real body.

It was a beautiful day; we walked in and immediately felt the love. We were the only Couture designers from Florida. Miss Linda had models for us and proceeded to a conference room for us to fit the ladies.

We had 18 pieces, fit the ladies, and decided to go with 12 pieces. I, as usual, brought my entourage of assistants, including the fabulous Kathy Nunez from Face Future, CEO of KN Cosmetics, to do all the makeup, 13 girls to be exact. Needless to say, the makeup was flawless.

I don't know how Kathy does it but the lips were amazing, the highlight of my evening. She makes those lips look like vinyl-latex, smooth and wet. I mean, I wanted her to do my lips, MUAH!!!

While the ladies were getting their faces done, I got a chance to meet the other designers (hey Miss Suzette), models, sponsors, photographers, media and the DJ....Very important for me because I needed to discuss start, breaks and where I wanted to cue the music.

My photographer arrived; Don Seidman, so we looked at the place and went ahead to discuss the evening agenda and what kind of pictures I was looking for. Don met the models and spoke to them on what he needed from them. Take your time, he says, it's not a rat race, it's your time to shine.

Sometime went by and Steve, Marnie and Julio from Amplification Inc, (newly acquired marketing company for Franovik) show up to interview us, Kathy and the models. I was interviewed first while we did a run through with the models.

I really need to get a grip while being interviewed; Jeez, I really let go, it's funny, somewhat flaming, (LMAO). Then Francisco is interviewed and he's the complete opposite, he gets nervous and forgets his words and goes west with his thoughts!!

So show time is approaching, the show is late, almost 2 hours late. Show starts and we are the first to present; you know I'm going to open up with a bang, I want to set the tone, I want every other designer to go after us, to catch us, to top us.....

I spoke to all the ladies before, I wanted them to celebrate their womanhood, go out there and be fabulous, show everyone model realness and have fun with it. Well, the ladies did not listen to their designer and went with uptight modeling instead of having fun and it shows in the pictures.

I don't understand, they were getting pictures as well, wouldn't you go for awesome pics, instead of uptight, no smiles, flat pictures. Bummer!!

OMG, before I forget, we had our very first Asian Model (Vivian) and Plus Size Model (Jennifer). So Vivian is Korean and was leaving to Korea the following morning. Jennifer is local (South Florida) and wants to be a fashion designer too, she showed me some of her drawing, very cute, there's potential there.

All in all, we had a very nice time; the crowd was very enthusiastic and proper. Linda was in control but very cool, nothing fazed her, it was her way and you had to do it her way, she ruled!!    

 I look forward to next year with Miss Linda at another venue; lets' not get into that....Anyway, as I said before, our last show of the year. We will take a well deserved break, vacations from fashion, although I will be writing, photoshoping, creating the new catalog, and gearing up for 2013.

Talk to you soon....Kisses,

Viktor Franovik