To most people, Ryan Spicer was a typical seventeen-year-old, Cleveland native, who attended St. Ignatius High School.  However, over the past few months, he has caused quite a buzz that is starting to give him recognition around the city. Spicer had a realization that he wasn’t contributing enough to his peers, and after much thought and research, he came up with the idea of organizing a benefit concert.  He planned on donating all of the proceeds to various foundations, and the concert was going to be called RapCure.  When it came time to select a cause to donate to,  Spicer knew he wanted the proceeds to go towards ‘ The Woo Who Foundation‘ and ‘The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’.  When I spoke to Ryan, he said, “My two best friends mothers died of cancer, and my grandmother has MS. While searching for a unique service activity to join or create I thought of them.”  Many months later, Spicer has now created a unique event where he can have fun with all of his friends while giving back to good causes.  The support of his friends and family has allowed RapCure to grow into a bigger event than Spicer could’ve imagined.  You can expect to see one of the hottest concerts of the year, this Friday night.  Mark Spicer’s words: it’s going to be crazy!

Check out Ryan’s top picks by each performer attending RapCure:

1. Luvi- ‘Stay Out’

2.  Rak Smith- ‘Where I’ve Been’

3. Chip Tha Ripper- ‘Catch Da Beat’

4. Shwayze- ‘High Together’

Tickets are now on sale at all NEXT locations- $30 plus tax for general admission, $50 plus tax for VIP.  Gates open @ 5PM- first act goes on @ 6:30PM.  For more information check out RapCure’s official website, here.

Stop in any NEXT location for this exclusive offer!

Stop by NEXT Akron for the official, Pre-Launch party featuring amazing summer styles that you don’t want to miss out on- can’t wait to see you there!

Check out the latest episode of NEXT “The True Culture”.  For modeling inquiries, please contact us at NextCleveland@gmail.com

Photo Cred: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/maurice-sendak-quotes

Since today marks the loss of a beloved American illustrator and author, Maurice Sendak, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to a great legend. Sendak’s enchanting children’s books have been enjoyed by adults and children for generations.  His ability to depict life lessons through words and drawings have inspired artists everywhere.  Check out this sick time-lapse video of a Sendak-inspired mural constructed in Brooklyn, in 2009, for a gallery called Espeis Outside:

The 9th Annual Fashion Week Cleveland began this past Friday, and it continues through this coming weekend.  I’m proud to announce Fashion Week Cleveland as the largest Fashion Week outside of NYC and LA.  FWC is known for entertaining runway shows, but its phenomenal educational workshops, seminars, and films, which deal directly with fashion, but mainly focus on the industry as a whole, have really put us on the map for this event.  This year’s theme is ‘Fashion Forward‘: a perdiction of the future of the evolving fashion industry and Fashion District, in our city.

Although half of the week has passed, including my favorite event: Glam Jam: Music and Fashion in the Rock City (a live runway show featuring body art as fashion), before you make plans for the weekend, be sure to check out the amazing FWC events happening around the downtown area on the official website. Here are my picks for top events for the second leg of the week:

1. Dressed- The Movie

Where: Cleveland Museum of Art- Morley Lecture Hall

When: Friday, May 11th @ 6:45 PM

Following the viewing of the film, there will be a question and answer session with the film’s director, David Swajeski and the star of the production, Nary Manivong. As a young, aspiring fashion designer, Manivong moved from Ohio to NYC to begin a fashion career.  The film depicts Manivong’s life as he fled from Columbus, with nothing, and finally made it to New York Fashion Week. Tickets cost $9 for general admission and $7 for seniors, students, and museum members.

2. The Artist’s Salon

Where: L’Albatros- 11401 Bellflower Road

When: Friday, May 11th @ 9:00 PM

Meet the models, designers, and committee  from FWC as well as other people intrenched in the industry.  The event is free and part of the ‘official’ Fashion Week party series.

3. Fashion Week Cleveland: Designer  Runway Events & Black-tie Gala

Where: The Halle Building: 1212 Huron Road

When: Saturday, May 12th @ 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:30.  Tuxedo required)

In my opinion, Saturday night’s end to FWC is the most exciting event of the weekend. Located in the heart of downtown, the historic Halle Building is a perfect setting for this party.  Doors open at 7:30 PM and the official cocktail hour starts at 8:00 PM.  There is going to be a Pop- Up Mall, exhibit showing retro styles from the Halle Department Store, and musical entertainment.  At 9:30, the runway shows begin.  VIP admission is $100 and general is $40.  Dress to impress and be sure to check out the Official After-party at Cowell and Hubbard, following the show.

My first product choice–the kid’s Toms, are new to the Next Beachwood store. Pictured below are some of the available colors. They are too cute and I definitely plan on picking up a pair for my little cousins!

Kid's Toms

The next picture is highlighting more of a look than one specific product. The look features pants from Obey, a tank from 10 Deep, and shoes from Vans. Very casual cool look.

My last look for this week features another 10 Deep tank, 10 Deep shorts, more Vans, and a hat from Fresh.I.Am. Definitely a great beach look!