For the first time in NFL history, Payton is the first head coach suspended by the league for any reason, accused of trying to cover up a system of cash incentives to players for performance within a game – what has become named a bounty system: extra cash for players who deliberately take an opposing player out of the game. While similar systems have existed in a shadowy form in several teams, as well as several other sports, this was the highest profile revelation of such a practice, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appears to be making the New Orleans Saints the example – by dealing out the harshest punishment to a team in NFL history.

Not only was the head coach, Sean Payton, suspended for a year without pay, the former defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, completely banned from the league, a $500,000 fine was issued to the team, their second-round draft picks were also taken away, and the Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis was banned for the first eight regular-season games next season, and the assistant coach Joe Vitt has also been banned for the first six games. This again set a new precedent – it is believed that this was the first time a general manager was suspended by the NFL. All of this, in the coming year – in which the Super Bowl is to be held in the city of New Orleans, the Saints’ home city.

This overwhelming and crippling decision to completely eviscerate a NFL football team is an attempt to show other teams how serious the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, is taking this issue – yet, the ruling is being discussed across the nation as a whole, and will have a ripple effect in the Nation Football League. Continuing discussions go on as the commissioner also determines a pending punishment for players as well – and this is being reviewed by the NFL Players association.

This all comes as another major blow to the city of New Orleans, after several hits have impacted the city in past years. Natural disasters such as Katrina, oil spills in the Gulf, the entire rebuilding process, the mass exodus and return of citizenry to the area – and now this almost fatal blow to one of the spiritual hearts of the city – the New Orleans Saints. Even in the harshest times, and the most depressing years of recent history, the people of New Orleans have rallied behind their home team with an almost religious fervor – every time a game is played, the city is dressed in the famous black and gold to celebrate and share in the games.

Even now, the citizens of the city are not taking this news lightly. This week, as the news was made public of the harsh treatment of the city’s home team and its coaches, many of its citizens are bringing out the black and gold to show support for the city and its team. Where you would normally see the transformation of the city on game days, now you can see the black and gold colors being raised and worn throughout the city at all times – a sign of the city’s resilience and unbreakable spirit.

Billy Schell, of NOLA Shirts commented on the emerging trend: “When the times get rough, this city does not give up – not on its team, not on its people. We stand together – and have pride in who we are, what we have been through, and what we will continue to accomplish as a city – and while we may be punished to serve as an example to the other cities teams, you will be surprised at how the New Orleans spirit reacts – it will only get stronger and more determined. We are already seeing a huge increase in the sales of black and gold hats, shirts and the like – people here want to show that we are not going give up – and we will come back from this stronger than ever.”

NOLA Shirts continues to provide awareness for the Crescent City – through its hardships, and its celebrations. The subtle message of pride and hope have helped it to become a quiet success story in the midst of all of the turmoil, and the future continues to look brighter – both for the city, and its recovery from recent times, and for its residents – like Billy Schell, who decided that even in the worst of times, showing some civic pride and his love for the Crescent city, he would create a way to allow others to embrace New Orleans soul and spirit – with style.

About NOLA Shirts:

NOLA Shirts is the proud provider of high quality shirts, hats, and apparel embroidered with the many symbols of New Orleans spirit and soul – the Mardi Gras Crown, the famous Pelican, and the venerable Fleur De Lis. These products were designed to help others show their love of one of America’s most authentic cities, but to also represent and embody the resilient spirit of the people and culture of New Orleans. To learn more about NOLA shirts, you can visit their website at http://www.nolashirts.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

3D Industries is proud to now offer new GREEN materials to its clients. In today’s age of green friendly, earth conscious consumers, we are now sourcing more innovative, eco-friendly construction materials. Many goods can be manufactured from these materials; everything from technical jackets, requiring heavy duty materials and construction, to lighter fabrics for t-shirts, breathables and swimwear.

“By utilizing new materials like 100% organic cottons, Eco-Lite polymers, recycled plastic fabric blends, soy silks, bamboo fabrics, jute, corn fiber and more, we can offer our clients a more complete resource for cutting edge technologies,” said Corey Herde, 3D Marketing Director.

“Many items can be produced in these materials at relatively the same cost of production, but offer a clean alternative and an advanced selling point. So, we are pretty excited to be offering our customers these new construction methods and the many different advanced fibers being produced by eco friendly resources,” Herde adds.

About 3D Industries:

For over 30 years, 3D Industries has manufactured custom technical clothing, sportswear, and accessories for OEM’s and top aftermarket brands worldwide. Headquartered in Lake Forest, CA, USA, their team of designers, developers and production professionals are experts that understand technical apparel and accessories; from ascetics to the performance logistics for many sports and apparel industries.

3D industries factories are capable of producing a wide range of technical apparel products and sportswear and are compliant to the highest level of quality standards and timeline assurance in the business.

For more information please visit the 3D industries Website: www.3d-ind.com .

Media Bio: Designer Allie Yoko founded White Iguana Apparel Company (wiapparel) with the simple idea of adapting the comfort, skin care, and environmental benefits of bamboo fabric for women and men’s athletic apparel. Now, just a few short years later, we are designing and selling our own line consisting of men’s leggings, women’s leggings, hoodies, men’s athletic shirts, and women’s athletic shirts. These products allow you to protect your sensitive skin from the uncomfortable and chemically treated athletic apparel sold by other brands.

White Iguana Apparel researched various materials before choosing the fabric best suited for soft and comfortable athletic apparel that is hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, and naturally anti-microbial. In using microfiber bamboo fabric, more money is spent on our fabric so you can benefit from the unique features it provides.

White Iguana Apparel’s comfortable performance athletic apparel line ( www.wiapparel.com/store/ ) also protects you from both the heat and the cold. This means there is no need to buy separate products when it’s hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Our White Iguana Apparel will help keep you comfortable in all climates.

Also, to combat the trend of exporting jobs overseas, our athletic apparel is 100 percent made in the USA. White Iguana Apparel leggings, hoodies, and athletic shirts are made with certified bamboo yarn that is made into fabric in the USA and the products are produced in California.

As our story continues we will explain the many benefits of bamboo fabric and the additional measures we have undertaken to do our part in preventing the destruction of the ecosystem in which we live.

Please try our comfortable athletic apparel today and receive a $5 discount by entering coupon code WIAMR upon checkout.

More information: www.wiapparel.com .

“I am excited to be designing a T-shirt on behalf of Starlight and Forever 21,” said Corbin. “As a Starlight ambassador I have been inspired by the children and families I have had the privilege of meeting along the way, and by the strength they’ve shown in the hardest of times. I encourage everyone to get involved with Starlight and help lift the spirits of these brave children.”

To see pictures, quotes and to learn more about Corbin Bleu, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, Audrina Patridge, and Paris, Nicky and Kathy Hilton’s involvement, please go to www.starlight.org/forever21press.

“This campaign is something very special for us,” said Forever 21′s Senior Marketing Manager Linda Chang. “We are so thrilled to use fashion towards a good cause, helping hundreds, if not thousands of Starlight’s seriously ill children and their families.”

The special line of T-shirts will be available for purchase in select Forever 21 stores and online at Forever21.com. The T-shirts will retail for $12.80. Additionally, each celebrity’s original artwork will be up for auction at Starlight’s eBay store ( www.ebay.com/starlight ), starting Dec. 21.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation:
When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation(TM) has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight’s programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone.

Through a network of offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

About Forever 21, Inc.:
Forever 21, Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, is a specialty retailer of women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, known for offering the hottest and most current fashion trends at a great value to consumers. Forever 21′s model of fast fashion works by keeping the store exciting with fresh merchandise offerings brought in daily. The retailer operates over 450 stores in the United States, with international operations in Canada and Japan.

Each recipient of the above awards will be eligible to contact David to make arrangements to be fitted for a design of their choice; selections will be made from his current inventory of “Look Book” fashions and will be custom fitted to their personal dimensions as couture design dictates – the hallmark of DAVIDESIGNED’s Exclusive Prive’ service.

After all, it is only right that the latest award recipients should celebrate their newest trophy win with a new outfit; and what better way to do it than with couture? Each award winner should call David directly at the phone number listed below, or contact him by sending a message through his Web site, also listed below and highlighted as a hyperlink. This offer is to remain active and available for three (3) months beyond the evening of the 2009 Emmy Awards of September 20, 2009, so qualified awards winners should not delay in claiming their gift!

DAVIDESIGNED is a one man show: as a couture designer, he works almost completely by himself; David hand-selects fabrics, accessories and notions, designs and makes his own patterns, and handcrafts every creation. He excels at one-on-one exclusive designing and fitting, and utilizes ages old, established techniques to assure impeccable quality in construction and design implementation. He has created single fashion designs for clients, as well as wardrobes to accommodate the need to mix-and-match and accessorize appropriately.

“Youth has never looked so sophisticated, age never so young and ebullient,” says David Van Akin.

Designs featured herein have been made for purposes of Web site look-books, inventory samples, and runway shows; all designs are custom made to the client’s, and of course, David’s, specifications. Every effort will be made to accommodate the client, should a suitable design choice not arise from the current inventory with regard to color, size, and design.

DAVIDESIGNED’s list of loyal clientele proves the allure and timelessness of his work, which includes celebrities and discerning women of culture. His “one on one” couture approach prevails. He personally selects the fabric and all other materials for the garment, and actually handcrafts the total product. What he envisions is a select clientele who are totally on board with this “exclusivity.”

Available by appointment only, and may be reached at (310) 275-9353, or the company Web site: www.davidesigned.com .

DAVIDESIGNED is a one man show: as a couture designer, he works almost completely by himself, and has done so since he started his couture business in 2005; David hand-selects fabrics, accessories and notions, designs and makes his own patterns, and handcrafts every creation. He excels at one-on-one exclusive designing and fitting, and utilizes ages old, established techniques to assure impeccable quality in construction and design implementation.

He has created single fashion designs for clients, as well as wardrobes to accommodate the need to mix-and-match and accessorize appropriately. As a result of his couture work ethic, David is comfortable working with almost any kind of fabric, including – of course – designer and couture fabrics which many shy away from as they tend to be challenging to work with, if not downright impossible at times.

“Youth has never looked so sophisticated, age never so young and ebullient,” says David Van Akin.

The photo with this announcement reflects two recent additions to his Gallery One Collection; the top left is a vintage silk fabric encrusted with hand-sewn beads and pearls (front and back), and was restored by David and fashioned into an Art Deco flapper style short slip dress – he added a Swarovski crystal and silver bugle beaded collar to the front and a silk under slip; the bottom left is a James Galanos plaid silk fabric with AB sequins applied all over – this has been fashioned into an empire style sundress with “Band-Aid” straps, bandeau style bodice and pleated skirt – there is purple satin piping detail at every seam. These are representative of his Gallery One Collection and its homage to the Jazz Era and is David’s interpretation of contemporary vintage couture.

“All are one of a kind creations, and ‘wearable art.’ I like to call these designs ‘a new vintage for a new age,’” says Van Akin.

He has also restored vintage fabrics, and re-worked intricately beaded fabrics and garments for individuals as well as institutions, among them the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for an Erte costume; he enjoys the challenge of such endeavors and welcomes requests to consider such projects. He is happy to accommodate his client’s needs with regards to other designer’s fashions as well; he will salvage damaged couture fabrics, replace embellishments, repair and re-size fashions as needed. Your treasures will be treated as just that: treasures.

Designs featured herein have been made for purposes of Web site look-books, inventory samples, and runway shows; all designs are custom made to the client’s, and of course, David’s, specifications. David may eventually decide to mass market specific Collections; however, he is currently entertaining the concept of EXCLUSIVITY, and therefore continues his Couture Line presently. David will be introducing via his Web site some new designs that he has currently added to his Cruiseline Collection, as well as a new Collection that will be labeled “DAVIDESIGNED, 90210″ slated to feature a special occasion fashion line.

DAVIDESIGNED’s list of loyal clientele proves the allure and timelessness of his work, which includes celebrities and discerning women of culture. David has no desire currently to do a “Line” for mass manufacture. His “one on one” Couture approach prevails. He personally selects the fabric and all other materials for the garment, and actually handcrafts the total product. What he envisions is a select clientele who are totally on board with this “EXCLUSIVITY.”

Available by appointment only, David may be reached at (310) 595-5704 or via the company Web site: www.davidesigned.com .

The new company will comprise three brands: The Lab of Denim/Limited Edition (price points ranging from $80 – $130), West Coast (prices points ranging from $60 – $100), and New London (price points ranging from $50 – $80). Product will begin shipping in July and will include nationwide department stores and independents boutique, including Downtown Locker room, Doctor Denim, and Man Alive, among others.

In addition, the company has taken 100 percent ownership of its manufacturing facility in China. According to King, this gives Lab of Denim strategic advantages in this premium niche market.

Says King: “In Whispering Smith, The Lab of Denim has found an ideal synergy with a well established and financed partner, who will facilitate full support of the sales, distribution, and logistical functions.”

Designer and co-owner Frym says the emphasis of his denim range is in the details. He is not afraid to experiment with different washes and finishes and the final results are truly unique. Smart wooden hanging labels come with certain styles of jeans, while others are sold with tags which contain downloadable MP3 files!

Frym, who has been designing denim for more than 20 years and who says his first pair of jeans were “Lee Cooper,” says denim is a “live item” which the world will never stop wearing or wanting.

The Lab of Denim “boutique” style showroom is located in Manhattan at 241 West 37th Street, and provides a glimpse not only at the one of a kind denim products, but also at the creative mind of its founder.

For further information, please visit www.thelabofdenimusa.com.

Today, Combines and other related athletic camps are held for athletes as young as eight-years old. These Combines provide aspiring athletes with the opportunity to showcase their talents to scouts in a very up close and personal environment.

It is this growing phenomenon that led company founders, Emory Williams, Jr., a former football player and athlete, and Sean Taylor, deceased NFL player for the Washington Redskins, to launch a brand that would clearly identify Combines through a line of Combine athletic sportswear/performance wear, shoes, accessories, and pro-day sportswear.

And, so the Combine brand was born. They set out to find new products that would accommodate and excite new and upcoming athletes as well as everyday consumers. They also created a full line of sports drinks, energy drinks and bottled water.

Through licensing and manufacturing, the Combine Nation has positioned their company as a premier powerhouse of high-performance sportswear, athletic sport shoes, leisure apparel and accessories.

“Athletic Combines are the ultimate and most noted of all athletic events in the area of training camps, sports clinics, and other competitive sporting events,” Williams says. “That’s why we wanted to create one brand that would celebrate the athletes involved in these athletic endeavors.”

Combine Nation’s mission is to promote: professionalism, athleticism, integrity, and competitiveness and to provide a platform for people to achieve their dreams. And, they plan to instill these ideals through this new and innovative concept of Combine clothing, accessories, sports drinks, energy drinks and bottled water.

“We all know the importance of brands and the role they play in a product’s success,” Williams adds. “And, our goal is to become one of the hottest sports brands in the world.”

For more information, visit: www.thecnation.com.

“We are not new to the industry,” Rafael Fernandez, MyChristmasSweater.com, co-founder says. “We started with our retro jumpers and are now expanding our line due to the great reception that we received. Our research also revealed the increasing popularity of ugly Christmas sweater parties in the U.S.”

It is the company’s belief that these “ugly” sweaters remind people of times gone by. And, in today’s world, sometimes a look back is what necessitates a positive leap forward.

My Christmas Sweater not only offers a wide array of ugly Christmas sweater choices, it also provides reading forums, blogs and links to other sites. Additional product offerings include: jumpers, t-shirts, sweater vests, mittens and hats.

“These are great gifts to provide to family and friends around Thanksgiving,” Fernandez says. “It will put them in the holiday spirit and people can plan holiday parties around these ugly Christmas sweaters to kick off the holiday season. They’re great fun for everyone!”

These kooky and ugly Christmas sweaters will be available for sale starting June 1, 2009. Choices include: Cheese-O-Rama, Reggie Reindeer, Silly Granny, Party Santa, and more.

The parent company, My Christmas Jumper (www.ChristmasJumper.co.uk), has received much media attention in the U.K. and with the launch of MyChristmasSweater.com, they are sure to knit their way into the global market of comedy fashion.

The young tween, who is the only known case of chromosome-12 inversion in the world, stands head and shoulders above his teachers and classmates, and doctors expect him to reach eight feet before he’s done growing.

Make Your Own Jeans contacted Brenden Adams and his family after seeing them on television and offered to create a pair of their custom-made jeans specifically for Brenden.

“Brenden wears the jeans proudly and looks nice too,” says Brenden’s mother. “I never imagined he’d actually have pants that fit.”

“In a world filled with people of all shapes, sizes and varying physical needs, the fashion industry has to recognize that not everyone is a perfect size,” says Make Your Own Jeans’ Harry Shahari. “Make Your Own Jeans is a fashion savvy company that recognizes the importance of non-conforming, eye-catching styles.”

Since opening their doors Make Your Own Jeans has specialized in jeans and suits for wearers who have difficulty finding manufacturer’s jeans that fit. The company is made up of a team of young, dynamic clothing professionals with over 25 years combined experience who have often worked with men and women like young Brenden whose physical conditions make it difficult to find comfortable, well fitting clothes.

Make Your Own Jeans was recently featured on the National Marfan Foundation web site, an organization dedicated to men, women and children with Marfan Syndrome (a genetic condition which affects the body’s connective tissues) and has worked with many individuals suffering from limited mobility.

“I recommend these jeans for anyone who isn’t satisfied with the sizing of ready-made jeans,” says Shahari. “Our custom made jeans will make you feel good and look good.”

Make Your Own Jeans, a leader in creating custom jeans, has seen its products featured in publications such as Oprah’s O Magazine, Instyle, American Way, Craft, and the Tampa Tribune. Client satisfaction and positive ratings have earned the company great repeat business. Make Your Own Jeans continues in its quest to assist clients in designing a pair of jeans that compliment not only their body, but their personality as well.

The link to the pictures of Brenden Adams wearing his custom Jeans is: http://www.Makeyourownjeans.com/brendencustomjeans

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-UV_edsDHg&hl&autoplay=1 400 326]

Most custom designs are available for less than $50. For more information, visit http://www.Makeyourownjeans.com.

For Custom Suits the category link to their website is: http://www.Makeyourownsuits.com

For Custom Shirts the category link to their website is: http://www.Studioshirts.com

[tags]Custom Jeans for Brenden Adams[/tags]