Andy Andrews, Chuck Stewart, Joelle Ray, Mayor Meeker, Kristina Weeks, Brian Williams, Betzi Hekman, Maria Lemons, Sharon Delaney McCloud

April 21, 2009 (RALEIGH, NC) – Mayor Meeker proclaimed May 10-17 Raleigh’s first Fashion Week at the Raleigh City Council meeting held on April 21st..  The event will encompass three nights (May14-16).  Each night will include a cocktail party and a high-end fashion show.  Thursday will feature “Emerging Artist” night.  Friday will feature “Formal” night.  And, Saturday night will be the grand finale with Strut ’09 where fashions will be showcased from national designers, such as Alexander Julian, Mechantes, Peter Milar, and Rachel Weeks.

Joelle Ray, co-owner of Samuel Cole Salon and Salon Moxie and her Salon Directors, Maria Lemons and Kristina Weeks, were on hand to accept the honor of having the two salons named as the official salons of Raleigh Fashion Week featuring Strut ‘09.  “What a thrill to be named the exclusive salons of Raleigh’s first Fashion Week.  It was an amazing experience to be the exclusive salons of Strut ’08 last year.  We couldn’t wait to be a part of this event again and on such a larger scale.  Our stylists get to shine and express their creativity during runway events such as this.  They take this energy back to the salons and their clients.  It is awesome,” said Ray.

Samuel Cole Salon, located in North Raleigh on Newton Road, is an award-winning, full-service hair salon which has been featured in national and international publications such as Estetica (Italy), American Salon, and Salon Today.  It captured First Runner Up in Salon Today’s annual “Salons of the Year” décor competition, second only to grand prize winner, Frederic Fekkai’s salon in NYC.  It also continues to be recognized as one of “The Best Of” for Hair Salons and Color & Highlights in Citysearch’s Best in the Triangle readers’ poll.  Salon Moxie is an artsy, hip salon located on Falls of the Neuse Road in North Raleigh.  It also has been recognized by Citysearch’s Best in the Triangle readers’ poll as “The Best Of” for Hair Salons. In addition, it has captured Nickolodeon’s Parents Choice Award for “Best Teen Haircut”.  For more information visit www.samuelcole.com and www.salon-moxie.com .