Welcome to the Costume Lounge by Angela King Designs

Sit back and relax in The Costume Lounge - a blog by Angela King Designs and Go Wild! Wear. Since 1989, AKD has been creating top fashions in cheerleading, dance and performance wear. In the Costume Lounge, we discuss today's hottest trends and topics, who's wearing what, how to get the competitive edge in performance fashion and more. Once you are caught up on the latest news, browse our fashions at www.gowildwear.com or drop us a line at sales@gowildwear.com. Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, March 29, 2013

Congratulations to the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner!


Angela King Designs is proud to announce the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner is Alexa Kobylarz of New Orleans, Louisiana!

Originally from the Jersey Shore, Alexa is a captain of the New Orleans Hornets "Honeybees" Dance Team. At the age of 21, she will soon complete her bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University. Recently she was cast as a featured role in a Spike Lee film and danced onstage with BeyoncĂ© during the Super Bowl halftime show.

As the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner, Alexa will appear in an upcoming photo shoot modeling the latest fashions by Angela King Designs, the creator of costuming for NBA, NFL, NHL and other performance teams. She will be the featured cover girl on Facebook, Gowildwear.com, and numerous marketing campaigns in the coming year. Alexa will also have the opportunity to serve as an AKD and Go Wild! Wear brand ambassador at dance and cheerleading events.

Alexa noted, "It would be an honor to be chosen as a model for Angela King Designs to not only positively represent myself but my entire Honeybees dance team. We all put in so much time and effort for our team, and I think that our love for our job shines through, from performing on the court to interacting with Hornets fans at appearances."

Alexa's commitment to her team will be rewarded as well. Not only will Alexa receive a $500.00 personal Go Wild! Wear merchandise credit, but her team will be outfitted in Go Wild! Wear practice attire. Alexa and Honeybees Manager Ashley Deaton will work together to create a new rehearsal look for the 2013-2014 season.

Alexa was selected over a two month process with over 165 applicants taking part. Applicant criteria included women over the age of 18 residing in the United States or Canada who are currently or have at one time performed on a collegiate, semi-pro or professional performance team, typically athletic organizations and educational institutions. Applicants hailed from numerous states and leagues.

In round one, the public voted based soley on applicant photos, narrowing the pool to 60 Semifinalist candidates. In round two, Semifinalist photos and applications were presented to a panel of AKD Celebrity Judges including producers of sports entertainment, reality television, film, modeling, pageantry, fitness and professional cheerleading. These judges selected 30 Finalists to advance to the Video Round. In this round, candidates submitted short personal statements by video, which again were viewed by the judging panel. After much deliberation, the National Top Ten Winners were introduced, leading to the announcement of the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner!


"I was won over by Alexa's energy and charisma. She has a defined style that's really appealing. Alexa will represent the AKD line beautifully," said AKD Sports Model Search Judge Fred Gaudelli, Producer of NBC Sunday Night Football and multiple Super Bowls.

AKD Founder and President Angela King-Twitero remarked about the 2013 contestants, "I am impressed beyond words. The strength of talent and intelligence, in combination with beauty, is rather amazing. The cheerleading world needs to take notice! This industry is made of high achievers! Thank you all for being role models and caring about the legacy you are creating."

Congratulations once again to winner Alexa Kobylarz! YOU are the 2013 Face of Angela King Designs!

Shop Go Wild! Wear


Visit the Model Search Website

See All Contestants on Facebook

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Model Search National Top Ten Show Off in AKD

Thanks to the 2013 National Top Ten Winners for sending in their photographs wearing their AKD Sports Model Search T-shirts! Each of the Top Ten receives a $150.00 AKD / Go Wild! Wear merchandise credit and will be followed and supported in the coming year right here on the Costume Lounge! You are ALL amazing, talented super stars!

We can't wait to announce the winner on Friday, March 29 on Facebook. Stay tuned!
 Alexandra, Georgia 

Caitlyn, Texas

Julia, New Jersey

Katrina, California

Aryn, North Carolina

Jacqueline, Nevada

Sydni and Alexa, Louisiana

Shenette, North Carolina

Danielle, New York 

Not pictured - Denita, Georgia

Visit the Official AKD Sports Model Search Website

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Spotlight on Style Pro Megan Savage

MEGAN SAVAGE
Phone: 1-877-97-GO-AKD, x717
Email: Megan@gowildwear.com
Location: Denver, Colorado
Territory: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming

Background: 
  • Dancer, NBA Denver Nuggets (2 years)
  • Armed Forces Entertainment overseas performance tour 
  • Cheerleader, NFL Kansas City Chiefs (1 year)
  • Director, Rocky Mountain RockStarz alumni performance group (3 years)
  • Kansas State University "Classy Cats" Dance Team
  • Head Instructor and Nationals Judge, Universal Dance Association (UDA)
  • Former high school dance team coordinator 
  • Elected member of the Colorado Spirit Coaches Association
  • Elementary Education Teacher for students with special needs

ABOUT MEGAN SAVAGE: 
Megan's roots began in Kansas as a stand out performer. During her days at Kansas State University she performed with the nationally ranked Classy Cats and began instructing summer camps for Universal Dance Association. During her five years with UDA, she was a head camp instructor for high schools and collegiate programs and a Varsity national competition judge. 

Megan instantly won over the judges at the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders auditions, where she became a rookie during her first NFL audition. During that year she received accolades as "Rookie of the Year" while cheering at the Hall of Fame Game and in the NFL Playoffs. During this time, Megan coached a competitive high school dance team and influenced the team's tremendous growth of technique, performance skills and character. 

Megan ventured to Denver, where she again performed for the pros as a Denver Nuggets Dancer. Megan enjoyed the fast-paced NBA environment including an overseas tour in support of American troops, and performing with artists including Coolio, MC Hammer, Otis Day, and Digital Underground. 

After "retiring" from the NBA, Megan became the director of the Colorado Rocky Mountain RockStarz - a group of alumni NBA and NFL dancers who performed for charitable events. Her responsibilities included raising sponsorship, designing marketing campaigns, recruiting and selecting the team members. Megan also enjoys consulting future pro dancers as a member of Going Pro Entertainment staff, holding workshops and one-on-one training sessions in the Denver region. She continues to serve the dance community as an elected member of the Colorado Spirit Coaches Association. 

With a 10-year history in Education, Megan continues to teach in Denver schools while carrying out her passion for performance as an AKD Style Pro. In her free time, she enjoys snow boarding with her fiancee Ben and planning their 2014 wedding!

View AKD Style Pro Directory

Monday, March 25, 2013

Announcing 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Top Ten ... PLUS ONE!

Today, Angela King Designs takes one step closer to naming the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner. Chosen from over 165 entries, 30 finalists have proven their talent and poise through video submissions. Watch the videos here 

"On behalf of our judges, I would like to announce the 2013 AKD Model Search National Top Ten PLUS ONE! Due to a tie, I have granted the judges permission to name 11 contestants into this amazing group of women. Our judges spent many hours in review of each of the 30 finalists. All of the finalists deserve high praise. Thank you everyone and congratulations to our 2013 AKD National Top Ten! On Friday, one of these ladies will be named the 2013 Winner!"
- Angela King-Twitero

2013 AKD MODEL SEARCH NATIONAL TOP TEN .... PLUS ONE!
Check back on Friday, March 29 as we name the
2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner on Facebook.

 
 
 
 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Style Pro Audition Attire Top Picks for 2013

NFL Cheerleader auditions are underway, and NBA Dance auditions will begin as early as June 2013. At Go Wild! Wear, our team of Style Pros are experts in products, fabrics and ordering processes. 
Located across the United States, these performance and attire consultants offer their favorite Go Wild! Wear selections here:

Sandy Charboneau - Tampa, Florida: "One of my favorite designs has been this adorable custom attire for Maria, a 2012 rookie NFL Cheerleader. She rocked her audition in style with this 4-fabric original set." Inquire about custom audition attire

Rani McLenon - Phoenix, Arizona: "When I saw this top and short set, I could not get over the RED HOT METALLIC fabric! The "Metallic Touchdown" set would look good on a variety of figures and really make the candidate stand out from the crowd!" Link to this product.

Laura Eilers Clark - Washington, DC: "If I were going through auditions again I would definitely go with FRINGE! This Fringe Halter & Short Set is available in a variety of colors and MOVES with the dancer. Love it!" Link to this product.

Kelly Stewart Barker - Atlanta, Georgia: "I adore the new Athletic Shrug Set. It provides a look that will definitely be noticed AND versatility so the candidate can be seen in long sleeves and sleeveless!" Link to this product.

Ashley Worrell - Kansas City, Missouri: "If an audition candidate can wear a skirt, I would highly recommend the "Lightning Strikes" set, which includes a halter and vibrant 2-tone skirt in mesh and metallic colors. The skirt is super tiny and looks great with boots!" Link to this product.

Rebecca Girard - Lansing, Michigan: "As a former NBA director, I have been most drawn to women auditioning in basic colors but include a fabulous pop of color that sets them apart. That's why I love this collar halter and brief set! It's simple but brilliant!" Link to this product.

Darlene Clancy - Jacksonville, Florida: "I love the new Circle Tie Top! I recommend pairing this with a basic brief or short since the top is so different and noticeable!" Link to this product.
 
 


Friday, March 15, 2013

30 Finalists Named in the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search

Our top 60 semifinalists have now been narrowed down to 30 finalists! One of these women will be the 2013 Face of AKD and Go Wild! Wear!
 
From March 4-8, over 165 applicants were in the AKD Sports Model Search preliminaries! Applicants were ladies over age 18 hailing from the United States or Canada, who are current or alumni performers of collegiate, semi-professional, or professional organizations. With over 23,000 votes submitted via Facebook, public voting narrowed the pool to 60 Semifinalists. Semifinalists were reviewed by the AKD panel of celebrity judges, selecting 30 Finalists!
 
Finalists will now submit a final short video to be seen by the judges March 21-24, followed by selection of the National Top Ten and reveal of the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner on Friday, March 29!

Congratulations to the following finalists! Get a closer look of the ladies on Facebook.
2013 AKD SPORTS MODEL SEARCH SEMIFINALISTS
MEET THE CELEBRITY JUDGES
  • Fred Gaudelli, Producer of "Sunday Night Football" and Super Bowls XLIII, XL, XXXVII and XLI, 10-time Emmy Award winner
  • Steven Schillaci, Talent Producer of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," past Talent Producer for American Idol, Radio City Music Hall, Chelsea Lately, House of Blues
  • Glenn Daniels, Casting Director in film, TV, and theater, launching film careers of Lisa Kudrow, Woody Harrelson and Ethan Hawke, Miss Universe Pageant Judge
  • Sherlyn Roy, Oxygen Magazine and Swimwear Illustrated Cover Girl, IFBB Pro, Former 49ers NFL Cheerleader, Co-host of ESPN's American Muscle
  • Ginger Mueller, Co-Owner & VP Sales, Mueller Sports Medicine - America's top sports medicine supply company, Former LA Rams and Raiders NFL Cheerleader

Angela King Designs, Inc

Go Wild! Wear

Monday, March 11, 2013

60 Semifinalists Named in the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search

From March 4-8, 2013, over 165 applicants were in the AKD Sports Model Search preliminaries! Applicants were ladies over age 18 hailing from the United States or Canada who are current or alumni performers of collegiate, semi-professional or professional organizations. 

With over 23,000 votes submitted on Facebook, public voting narrowed the pool to 60 Semifinalists. These ladies will now progress to evaluation by a panel of celebrity judges, selecting 30 Finalists on Friday, March 15. 

Congratulations again to the Semifinalists! Get a closer look of the ladies on Facebook.

2013 AKD SPORTS MODEL SEARCH SEMIFINALISTS
 
MEET THE CELEBRITY JUDGES
  • Fred Gaudelli, Producer of "Sunday Night Football" and Super Bowls XLIII, XL, XXXVII and XLI, 10-time Emmy Award winner
  • Steven Schillaci, Talent Producer of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," past Talent Producer for American Idol, Radio City Music Hall, Chelsea Lately, House of Blues
  • Glenn Daniels, Casting Director in film, TV, and theater, launching film careers of Lisa Kudrow, Woody Harrelson and Ethan Hawke, Miss Universe Pageant Judge
  • Sherlyn Roy, Oxygen Magazine and Swimwear Illustrated Cover Girl, IFBB Pro, Former 49ers NFL Cheerleader, Co-host of ESPN's American Muscle
  • Ginger Mueller, Co-Owner & VP Sales, Mueller Sports Medicine - America's top sports medicine supply company, Former LA Rams and Raiders NFL Cheerleader

Angela King Designs, Inc

Go Wild! Wear

Friday, March 1, 2013

Final Tribute to our 2012 Model Search Winner


This past year we were very fortunate to have been introduced to one of today's most beautiful, charistimatic, and kind-hearted role models in the cheerleading industry. Upon the judges' selection of Toni Damico as our 2012 Sports Model Search winner, we knew that it was the right decision for the AKD brand and for Toni herself. Being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader and dancing for the University of Minnesota, she has had experience in the NFL and on a collegiate level.


 
It was obvious that Toni was a fan favorite based on the Facebook voting poll, and ultimately made it to our top 30, top 10, and eventually number one by the judges' pick. Our celebrity judges shared their reasons for choosing Toni as the 2012 Sports Model Search winner:
 
"Toni impressed me as someone who sets goals and works hard to achieve them. She won me over with her intelligence, poise, and passion for cheerleading." 
-Fred Gaudelli, Producer, Sunday Night Football, NBC Sports
 
"I think all of the top ten women were beautiful, genuine, and well spoken. They would have represented the AKD brand and themselves successfully... but for me, Toni had that little extra something known as star quality."
-Glenn Daniels, Casting Director in Film and Television, Miss Universe Judge 
 
"Congratulations Toni! Your photogenic qualities make you a great choice for AKD."
-Ginger Mueller, VP Mueller Sports Medicine, NFL Cheerleader Alumni   
 

      
We could not have been more impressed by the energy and poise that Toni exhibited during the official Go Wild! Wear photoshoot last July. She modeled the outfits incredibly and as a result, every picture turned out to be better than the last! 
 
 
We want to sincerely thank Toni for being a pleasure to work with over the past year and for doing such a great job representing Angela King Designs and Go Wild! Wear! We wish her well in her future goals and achievements and have no doubt that she will succeed. 
 
On Monday, March 5, AKD will launch the preliminary voting phase of the 2013 Sports Model Search. Visit the AKD Go Wild! Wear Facebook page to cast your vote March 5-8. Stay tuned throughout the month of March as the selections are narrowed down by our celebrity judges - experts from the industries of reality TV, film, modeling, pageantry, sports, fitness and performance. The 2013 winner will be announced on March 29!