Face of AKD to Appear at NYC Calendar Release Sept. 6

For the first time in sports entertainment history, New York cheerleaders have put together a stunning NFL-style swimsuit calendar that is targeted towards the fans of the team they support, but who have no official cheerleaders: The New York Giants.

Entering their 3rd season as the “unofficial” dancers of the Giants, the Gotham City Cheerleaders (GCC) have produced a 12-month pin up calendar for the 2013-2014 football season titled, ALL IN, NEW YORK. The calendar takes an editorial style spin to the paradise-like locations fans have always seen with most NFL cheer calendars. Instead, the calendar was shot and produced in the paradise streets of New York.

As the official uniform sponsor of the GCC, Angela King Designs 2013 Sports Model Search Winner Alexa Kobylarz will attend the release party on Friday, September 6 in New York City. 

The GCC releases their 2013-2014 ALL IN, NEW YORK Swimsuit Calendar on Friday, September 6, 2013 at M1-5 Lounge in Tribeca from 6 pm-10 pm. They will perform various routines and showcase some of their featured swimsuits from various local NYC designers. Tickets are open to the public and can be purchased at www.nyunofficials.com/CalendarPremiere.

Follow Alexa - 2013 AKD Model Search Winner

Visit the Model Search Website

Alexa's Blog- My Year as the Face of AKD, # 3

Hey Costume Lounge visitors! I hope this post finds you well. Sit back and relax because I have a big update for you!

On July 25^th, I finally made my way to San Antonio for my AKD and Go Wild! Wear photoshoot. I was so excited to finally meet Angela and the rest of the AKD staff; Marissa (AKD’s Production and Marketing Assistant) even greeted me with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers when I got off of the plane! From the airport, Angela, Marissa, and Sharon (AKD’s General Manager) and I went to lunch at Boudros, a restaurant along the famous San Antonio River Walk. Then we walked to the Alamo and visited the Long Barracks Museum there; I always love to find out the history behind the places I’m visiting! We then headed to Angela’s home in McQueeney where I stayed at her guest house on the lake—what a beautiful and peaceful setting! Later that evening, we enjoyed the water ski show where two of Angela’s children, Gerrit and Ava, showed off some of their tricks. The show was very entertaining and it was great to see how supportive Angela and her family were of each other!

The next day was the big day—my photoshoot! I couldn’t wait to model all of the latest AKD designs, but I was also eager to see which of my designs Angela chose to make. When I arrived at the shoot, I easily spotted my designs out of the large rack of uniforms—the vibrant colors immediately caught my eye and were hard to miss! The four finished sets were identical to my designs, and it was amazing to see my personal ideas brought to life.

Here is a behind-the-scenes picture of me sporting my coral one-shouldered design with Angela:

I can’t thank her enough for believing in me and my dream of designing dance wear! We finished the day with a lovely dinner in Gruene at the Gristmill River Restaurant and listened to some live music at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.

Next, it was off to Pro Action Dance at the Palms in Las Vegas! I was excited to attend the convention for the second year in a row; last year I went on behalf of the Honeybees, and this year I was representing AKD! I loved seeing familiar faces from professional and college dance teams and meeting new ones as well; the dancers and choreographers alike created a motivating, positive and fun atmosphere for everyone in attendance. It was also an honor to learn from the one and only Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo, better known as Nappytabs! Throughout the weekend, I sported my four designs as well as Angela’s designs in class. I was unbelievably humbled by the compliments I received about my designs and grateful that they were well received. The AKD booth remained busy as well, with Angela, Sharon and Rani (AKD Style Pro) doing a wonderful job engaging current and potential AKD clients; everyone couldn’t get enough of AKD at Pro Action Dance!

When we weren’t working in Vegas, we certainly took the opportunity to enjoy ourselves and each other’s company. From delicious dinners to a memorable Pro Action cocktail party in the Palms’ Two Story Sky Villa (check out the picture below of us on the hilarious rotating bed!), it was wonderful getting to know Angela’s longtime colleagues in the industry. Watching Angela reunite with her closest friends was an absolute joy; there was a sparkle in her eye and you could tell she was in her element.

After the final performance at the Pro Action Showcase, I was sad to leave Angela, Sharon, and Rani. However, I couldn’t help but be thankful for the opportunities gained and connections made on the trip. Once again, I cannot thank Angela enough for her hospitality, guidance, and generosity. She along with AKD have definitely made an impact on my life, and I can only hope to one day inspire others in the same way she has!

Next month, I’ll be writing about a very exciting international trip I have in a few weeks with the Brooklynettes! Can you guess where we’re headed? Here’s a hint—it is known as the “Lion City.” Come back next month to see if you’re correct!

Dream BIG!

Alexa

AKD Pro Action Las Vegas Video

Thank you to Pro Action for hosting AKD and 2013 Sports Model Search Winner Alexa Kobylarz this weekend in Las Vegas! 

Enjoy this video, and see behind the scenes photos on Facebook:

Alexa's Blog - My Year as the Face of AKD, #2

Hey everyone, I hope you’re enjoying your summer… a lot has happened since my first post! Back in May, I was rounding out my season with the New Orleans Hornets Honeybees (now Pelicans) and graduating from Tulane! It only gets better from there... 

I am unbelievably excited to reveal that I am a new member of the 2013-14 Brooklynettes! I can’t wait to share my journey with you. While the audition process certainly pushed me to my limits, every second was absolutely worth it.

When I was surrounded by over 300 dancers on the morning of June 15, the idea of being a Brooklynette seemed light-years away. After learning an across the floor combination and an intricate routine to Beyoncé’s “Grown Woman” (which included a vogue death drop!), I survived three cuts and made it to the next day of auditions. Here’s a picture of me about to hit the floor!

The next day, 39 hopefuls and I were introduced to the 10 returning Brooklynettes. As they strutted into the gym dressed in coordinated camouflage outfits, we knew these women meant business! Brooklyn-born choreographer Rhapsody taught us a routine to “Grind or Die” by Eve. We only had one chance to perform it for the judges, so it was go hard… or go home! Thankfully I was one of the 32 finalists to make it to training camp, but I knew my work was far from over.

Training camp required finalists to participate in a quick interview, learn a short athletic routine and clean Rhapsody’s dance to perform at finals. I exceeded my expectations when it came to the athletic routine; I never thought I would be able to do the tricks they threw at us! As training camp came to an end, I felt the pressure of finals weigh on me. The next day, we performed the athletic routine for the judges in groups of 10 and Rhapsody’s piece in pairs. We patiently waited for the judges to deliberate, and after an hour they came back into the studio to announce a team of 20 talented and gorgeous dancers… and I was one of them! I cannot wait to work with and learn from my new teammates; I am already feeling so blessed to be on the BEST dance team in the NBA!

The excitement did not end there. The following day, I auditioned to film a Good Morning America segment for Madonna’s “Addicted to Sweat” workout DVD. Out of 500 dancers and fitness-enthusiasts, myself, fellow Brooklynette Amy and about 30 others were chosen to burn off some calories with the one-and-only Madonna herself! Here we are after a long and exhausting day, but the memory will last a lifetime.

What an introduction back into the New York dance scene! Just another day in the life of a dancer I suppose. Hard work really does pay off!

I can't wait to return to show you more behind the scenes of my rookie season with the Brooklynettes, capture my first photo shoot as the Face of AKD and unveil the "Alexa" Collection available exclusively at Go Wild! Wear. 

Dream BIG!

Alexa

Meet Alexa on Facebook

Visit the AKD Sports Model Search Website

Where Are They Now?

Recently we caught up with some of our 2012 and 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Finalists. These ladies are truly amazing!! Do you have an update? Send photos and comments to laura@gowildwear.com. 

2013 NATIONAL TOP TEN ALEXANDRA

Alexandra was a stand out ranking in the National Top Ten in 2013 representing the Atlanta Hawks NBA Dancers. During her audition this summer as a veteran, Alexandra took confidence in wearing Go Wild! Wear's sequin crop halter and sequin tiny short. After auditions the director said they have to get some of those amazing shorts! Congratulations Alexandra on your veteran status with the Hawks! 



2012 FINALIST MICHELLE K.

You'll remember Michelle - during the 2012 Sports Model Search Contest she was rounding out her season with the San Antonio Spurs NBA Dance Team and serving for the United States military. Since then, she has relocated to St. Louis where she's been able to capture another pro level team position while wearing AKD Go Wild! Wear at auditions. She said she was the ONLY contestant in a colored brief, which really helped her stand out! Now she's wearing another one of AKD's most popular pro cheerleader uniforms as a St. Louis Rams Cheerleader! 



2013 NATIONAL TOP TEN CAITLYN R. 

We all remember the bubbly adorable Caitlyn representing the Texas State University Cheerleaders and placing in the 2013 National Top Ten. It was no surprise that Caitlyn's great looks and charisma captivated the judges at Houston Texans Cheerleaders auditions! She's sure to be another crowd favorite for one of the most recognized NFL teams in the country. Congratulations to Caitlyn for her first year cheering in the NFL! 



2012 NATIONAL TOP TEN STEPHANIE JILL

Stephanie Jill spent many years wearing AKD as a member of the New York Islanders Ice Girls, then was named to the National Top Ten in the 2012 Sports Model Search. Stephanie Jill retired from the NHL and entered a new arena in entertainment and modeling - she is your 2013 Ms. New York United States! Often described as a proud New Yorker, Stephanie Jill will compete this summer at the 2013 Ms. United States Pageant in Washington, DC. Best wishes Ms. New York Stephanie Jill Chernick!

Check back in the coming weeks for more exciting news from our 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner Alexa Kobylarcz!

Learn More About the AKD Model Search     

Submit a Contestant Update

Alexa's Blog - My Year as the Face of AKD

Hey AKD fans – Alexa here! I am thrilled to communicate with you all through my first blog post for The Costume Lounge! 

Since being named the winner of the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Contest, I have experienced some bittersweet and important moments in my life. 

In April, I performed at my final New Orleans Hornets game as a Honeybee, and this month I will officially be a graduate of Tulane University with a degree in marketing. What an exciting (and somewhat scary) time in my life! I included some photos here of our final game as a Honeybee. That's me kissing the Hornet - the blonde on the upper left. Love him!

I can’t wait to see what this summer has in store, from modeling the new Go Wild! Wear designs at the official photo shoot to representing AKD at Pro Action Dance in Las Vegas—and hopefully many other things in between!

My first duty as the 2013 Face of AKD is to design a rehearsal uniform for the up-and-coming Pelicans Dance Team. The NBA Hornets have undergone re-branding and are now known as the New Orleans Pelicans. Although I will not be auditioning for the Pelicans, I am looking forward to having some involvement with this new team by outfitting them in custom-designed Go Wild! Wear.

When I set out to design the practice uniform, my main goal was to find a perfect balance between comfort and style. I want the girls to feel secure while dancing but it needed to have that “Alexa” flair to it. Stay tuned for the official unveiling of my design!

Be sure to visit The Costume Lounge every month as I update you on my journey with AKD - or subscribe by entering your email above. Next month I’ll reveal which of my designs made it to the new Go Wild! Wear collection as well as some other exciting news… Stay tuned!

Dream BIG!

Alexa

Meet Alexa on Facebook

Visit the AKD Sports Model Search Website

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 Beyoncé 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

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

Shop Go Wild! Wear

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.

 

 

Visit the Official AKD Sports Model Search Website

 

Shop Go Wild! Wear

 

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

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

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!  

 

Angela King Designs, Inc.