Category archives: Featured Artist

  • In honor of New York Fashion Week, it's only right to highlight fashion designer, Michaela Cirlugea. The items that this well-seasoned designer all center around threading art and fashion together, but also "to create items that are as versatile as possible." The array of diversity is seen throughout Cirlugea's collection of the years. To view more of Cirlugea's latest designs, click here.
  • "Fashion is a form of self-expression for every person. There is no choice. Everyone must participate." -Allyson Jacobs I remember sitting in seminars during my undergrad years, and having discussion of non-verbal forms of expression. Fashion is the voluntary and involuntary image that defines, and sums up your character in an instant. For fashion designer and AFP's Fashion Director, Allyson Jacobs, she recognizes the power of fashion. What's her style? I define it as clean and bold. There's always a statement within each item, but the clean cuts and lines provides balance.  Born and raised in Louisiana, Jacobs was taught the ropes--fit, style and fabric--of fashion at an early age from her mother, Jean. Now residing in New York City, she currently designs luxury lines for private clients. Outside of running her own line, Jacobs  "works to seek out and support other emerging fashion designers who exhibit artistic talent and determination." These emerging designers that Jacobs works with have been showcased in NY Fashion Week and, some have went on to gain amazing editorial exposure in major publications. Learn more about AFP's Fashion Director and designer, here. -Heather Liggins
  • After a cold, snowy weekend, warm your soul up with DJ JP SOLIS. This New York based  10-year full-time DJ, creates curated tracks and mixes of pop music and oldies. Alongside of fusing sounds together, JP SOLIS is also the music director and founder of NOISE212, where "his ability to create a frenzied vibe out of thin air...combines feel-good pop with progressive underground sounds to create a type of sonic soup...." Below is a clip of one of JP SOLIS' sets, confirming his versatile mix of music.  Listen to more tracks by JP SOLIS here. -Heather Liggins  
  •   Featured in one of our  "Art in the Morning" segments, we are highlighting Juan Manuel Parajes again, but digging a little deeper into this street collage artist. What best describes his artwork: Unfinished geometric elements, lines intercrossed towards the infinite... All suspended, floating, in a ground swell of manifold and solid colors...Everything, as a whole, in constant movement, but also suspended in the air... Juan Manuel Parajes uses layers of iconic images--the late Steve Jobs, Jimi Hendrix, Malcolm X, among other visuals stimulants--creating a classic artwork, knowingly or unknowingly. His artwork has been shown at Christies Gallery in Paris, France to Villa de Arte Gallery in Barcelona, Spain, claiming an international presence. There's something always alluring about street art. Maybe it's the beauty of the unexpected. The unexpected location (outside of museum or gallery spaces) and message. Parajes manages to harness this complexity. Want to view more of Parajes' artwork? Click here. -Heather Liggins
  • Think warm thoughts. As the peak of the winter season (the treacherous months from January to February)  is about to approach, swimwear designer, Lila Nikole Rivera, reminds us of the warm months ahead. Recently showcasing her collection at the AFP's Closing Party at Miami Art Basel, Rivera offers a wide range of selections both in design and cuts. These handmade garments--worn on the likes of Kim Kardashian to super model Tocarra Jones--caters to individuality and expression. Need more proof? View, buy and learn more about Lila Nikole Rivera here. -Heather Liggins  
  • Zef Noise, born Emilio Zef China in New York, was raised in Hobokin, New Jersey. This  electronic Violinist and vocalist is diverse in his artistry, tapping into all realms of music-improvisation, songwriter, and producer. Adding on to Zef Noise's laundry list, he has collaborated with pop artist Keith Haring, Art For Progress, spoken word artist Jim Carrol, just to name a few. With his versatile sound from electronic, rock, hip hop to experimental, Zef Noise's music can speak to everyone. To listen to more of his music, click here. -Heather Liggins