Contestants Revealed For Bravo’s Launch My Line

Bravo‘s newest fashion competition show, Launch My LIne is premiering September 16. Yes, they’re doing ANOTHER fashion-competition show, but I know for a fact that this will be better than Fashion Show because I may or may not have seen a peak.



Here are the contestants (from the press release):

David Applebaum, Architect

Hometown: Houston, Texas; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.

As one of Southern California’s most respected architects, David Applebaum has done commercial work and designed the homes of countless celebrities including Cuba Gooding Jr., Diane Keaton and Frank Sinatra. Applebaum prides himself on his ability to produce both historical and modern designs. Holding a Master degree in Architecture from UCLA, he established his career and reputation for excellence at the architectural offices of Edward Grenzbach in Los Angeles, Franklin Israel in Los Angeles and Joseph D’Urso in New York City. Applebaum has been licensed to practice architecture in the State of California for almost twenty years. His professional philosophy is simple, “Live Where You Love – Love Where You Live.”

Kevin Black, Music Mogul

Hometown: Bronx, New York, N.Y.; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.

Kevin Black began his career as a roadie for Run-DMC, where eventually he was promoted to Tour Manager. Gifted with an innate sense of what could be hot and what could not, Black became the hottest radio DJ on the West Coast. In 1987, Black became the National Promotions Director at Death Row Records. He then moved to EMI Records, A&M Records as the National Director of Promotions. After leaving EMI, Black has carried such titles as Vice President of Urban Music at Virgin Records, Senior Vice President of TWISM RECORDS, Vice President of Rap Marketing and Promotions at Interscope Records, and served as a top level executive at Warner Brothers Music. Black has appeared on numerous television series and has affiliations with many of the world’s top artist including Prince, Janet Jackson, Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Black Eyed Peas, Mary J, Blige, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani among many others. Kevin lives by his personal creed: “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.” Currently, Black is the president and CEO of his own Promotion/Marketing/Management firm U CAN FLY HOLDINGS and is on the precipice of an exciting new chapter in his professional life.

Read on after the jump…

Marilyn Crawford, CEO

Hometown: Lancaster, S.C.; Currently resides in: Las Vegas, Nev. and New York, N.Y.

A graduate of the Harvard Executive Business School, Marilyn Crawford has established herself as the ultimate expert and spokesperson in business and entertainment. She is the CEO of Windsor PTM, a global strategic marketing company. She is also Chairman of 2810, a private business membership club. Crawford travels extensively around the globe for her clients which include: Coca-Cola, Sony Universal, Master Charge, CNN, Volvo, Larry King, Oprah, Russell Simmons and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Crawford has been named “Woman of the Year” from Arts Horizon and TD/Commerce Banks, and has received The International Women’s Exchange Compass Award, The Humanitarian of the Year Award and Ebony’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Eric Cubeechee, DJ

Hometown/Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Eric Cubeechee grew up in a home filled with delicious sights and sounds, soaking up the essence of music while watching his grandfather’s Cuban band. Cubeechee is now one of the premier disc jockeys in the country and bringing his talent to the small screen. Cubeechee has covered the Latin Grammy Awards and hosted Source Sound Lab (UPN), The Hip Hop Show (LATV), MTV Direct Effect and The Drop and Across The Hall (Latino Network SITV). Cubeechee has worked with A List artists such as Black Eyed Peas, 3-6 Mafia, Gwen Stefani and Justin Timberlake, among others.

Merle Ginsberg, Fashion Critic

Hometown: Atlantic City, N.J.; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.

Merle Ginsberg is an L.A. based journalist, editor, author and tv personality, and the editor in chief of the popular Hollywood fashion website Fashionrules.com. She has written on fashion, beauty and entertainment for magazines all over the world including W Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, The London Times, Elle Decor, People Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Maxim, The New York Times Magazine, British Elle and Glamour, International Cosmopolitan, and for websites The Daily Beast, IMG’s The Daily, and TheFind.com. She is the author of the bestselling book “Confessions of an Heiress,” and the design book “Hip Hollywood Homes.” She’s also appeared regularly on Entertainment Tonight, CNN, MSNBC, and The Today Show as a fashion expert.



Vanessa Gonzalez, Event Designer

Hometown/Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.

With almost ten years of experience leading events at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, Vanessa Gonzalez has gained a reputation for creating innovative and dynamic events highlighting the emerging art scene in Los Angeles. Featured in Angeleno, In Style and L’uomo Vogue, Gonzalez has garnered attention for her groundbreaking events that bring east coast glamour and style to Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Times, she is known for producing events that have made MOCA one of the “hottest social tickets in town.”



Dan Karaty, Choreographer

Hometown: Wyckoff, N.J.; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.

Dan Karaty is one of the hottest choreographers working today. In addition to his work on films that include “Music and Lyrics” and “Did You Hear About The Morgans” with Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker, Karaty has regularly appeared on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” One of the series’ most popular judges, Karaty is best known for his hip-hop choreography and thought-provoking critiques. . Born just outside New York City, his parents are Broadway veterans Tom and Jane Karaty, so it’s no surprise dance is a huge part of his life. He made his Broadway debut in the smash hit “Footloose” and soon thereafter began dancing with Britney Spears and the *NSYNC World Tour. Today he is a sought after choreographer who has worked on projects for Jessica Simpson. Kylie Minogue, Justin Timberlake, and Usher, among others. His work is infused by classic Broadway inspirations like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and trailblazers in hip-hop and pop culture like Michael Jackson. He currently has several film and television projects in development, as well as a Broadway production of his own.

Patrick McDonald, Fashion Writer

Hometown: San Luis Obispo , Calif.; Currently Resides in: New York, N.Y.

Patrick McDonald, better known as “The Dandy” to fashionistas everywhere, has been at the top of the New York fashion scene since his arrival in the late 1970s. Born in Germany to American parents, McDonald spent his early years in California before starting his career as a model. McDonald’s love of high fashion led him to pursue a career in the industry, holding positions as an assistant buyer at Barney’s and couture director at Fabrice. A style icon known for his unique look, McDonald has appeared in publications that include PAPER, Detour, New York, Numero, SoHo Style, Surface, The New York Times Lifestyle section, Sportswear International and Russian Vogue. McDonald has been voted one of Gotham Magazine’s 100 Best Dressed New Yorkers.



Louanna Rawls, Stylist
Hometown/Resides In: Los Angeles, Calif.
Rawls, the beautiful daughter of legendary standards singer and philanthropist, Lou Rawls was born in Los Angeles in 1969. She grew up surrounded by legends in the music industry and huge Hollywood heavy hitters such as Frank Sinatra, the Pointer Sisters, Tina Turner, Quincy Jones, and Clive Davis. Being a part of all of the glamour and rock and roll of the music industry, Rawls naturally developed a genuine eye and passion for fashion, style, and costuming. After modeling and acting in New York, mogul Russell Simmons gave Rawls her first break into styling. From there, she went on to style Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Robin Thicke and Patricia Arquette – to name only a few. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her dog Biggie Rawls, and continues to work as a celebrity wardrobe stylist and costume designer for movies and commercials. She also works as a personal shopper for some of Hollywood’s biggest names. She remains inspired by organic, eco-friendly clothing and well-tailored tees and denim.

Kathy Rose, Jewelry Designer 
Hometown: Tehran, Iran; Currently Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Born in Iran, Kathy Rose is an American jewelry designer to the stars.  Co-founder of the retail boutique, Roseark, and designer of her eponymous jewelry line, Rose’s clients include A-listers Charlize Theron, Madonna, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie and Penelope Cruz.  Rose was a finalist for the FGI Rising Star Award in jewelry and was selected to exhibit one of her pieces at the California Design Biennial at the Pasadena Museum of California Art.