SoftSheen-Carson® Dark and Lovely and ESSENCE Magazine Kicked Off the National Search for the NEXT Dark and Lovely Fashionista in New York City

WHAT:

SoftSheen-Carson® Dark and Lovely® partnered once again with ESSENCE magazine in search for the next Dark and Lovely Fashionista. The Dark and Lovely Fashionista Model Search kicked off in New York City with a live casting event hosted by Dark and Lovely's very own Brand Ambassador Bria Murphy. The winner of the 2011 Dark and Lovely Fashionista Model Search will win a trip for two to New York City, as well as a hair makeover by SoftSheen-Carson's Artistic Director and Celebrity Hairstylist Johnny Wright, plus a $5,000 shopping spree with Celebrity Stylist Carlton Jones.

The live casting call included an exciting panel discussion covering the hottest topics on beauty and fashion. Panelists included: Bria Murphy (Dark and Lovely Brand Ambassador), Corynne Corbett (ESSENCE, Beauty Director), Carlton Jones (Celebrity Stylist) and Eric Bland (Celebrity Stylist and SoftSheen-Carson Style Squad Member). All participating contestants will have their photo taken on site and will be asked to express to the panelists Why they are Dark and Lovely. Contestants must RSVP to attend the live casting event. Contestants can also enter online at www.essence.com/iamdarkandlovely.

WHO:

Bria Murphy – Dark and Lovely Brand Ambassador

Angela Guy – SVP, General Manager, SoftSheen-Carson

Corynne Corbett – ESSENCE, Beauty Director

Mikki Taylor – ESSENCE, Editor-At-Large

Eric Bland – Celebrity Hairstylist & SoftSheen-Carson Style Squad Member

Carlton Jones – Celebrity Stylist

Merrell Hollis – Celebrity Make-Up Artist

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

WHERE:

PANEL DISCUSSION and LIVE CASTING CALL

Metropolitan Pavilion

125 West 18th Street

New York, NY  10011

The contest began May 24, 2011 and ends on August 8, 2011.  Please visit www.essence.com/iamdarkandlovely for live casting locations, times and official contest rules.

To view and download video and still images, please visit  http://makeepicmedia.com/MNR/DarkAndLovelyFashionistaSearch