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Friday, March 6, 2009

Africa Fashion Week 2009, Trailer





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Africa Fashion Week 2009, An Intercontinental Experience on a Global Scale


Inaugural Africa Fashion Week to bolster continental design industry

Johannesburg, South Africa. The African fashion industry will be scoring the winning goal during the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup in June, with the announcement of the inaugural Africa Fashion Week taking place in Johannesburg in June.

African Fashion International (AFI), which runs Cape Town, Joburg and Durban fashion weeks, will present an eight-day showcase of the continents’ leading designers from 12 to 19 June 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre, culminating with the African Fashion Awards. Africa Fashion Week will replace the more localised Joburg Fashion Week on this years spring/summer calendar.

"Global attention will be firmly focused on Joburg during the Confederations Cup, and Africa Fashion Week will afford the continent's top design talent the opportunity to attract world's attention, says Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI chairperson. " It is our mission to take African fashion to the world and this Pan-African showcase is a fulfilment of that aspiration."

Dr Moloi-Motsepe added that African Fashion Week would benefit the South African textile industry, inter African trade as well as capitalise on global interest in the continent as a creative source.

"Inter-African trade is an underexploited source of growth for Africa whose share of global trade is only 2 percent. In 2006, only 16% of South Africa’s exports were destined for the continent, yet it is widely acknowledged that increased inter-African trade is a way to improve the economic environment of the continent and establish an economic infrastructure that will attract more capital investment. "

Dr Moloi-Motsepe continued "The fashion business is a serious one and in these turbulent times, the industry needs all the support it can get. In South Africa alone, the clothing and textile sector generated sales of over R18.4 billion in 2006 and the sector contributes 1.8% to overall employment in this country. By comparison the British creative industry brings in 21 billion Pounds Sterling but there is no reason why we cannot compete in the global market by focusing on our own unique selling points, lower volumes, higher price points and creativity."

It is in the creative realm that African influences are already being seen in international collections; a trend, which Claire Hamilton of global fashion consultancy WGSN New York, believes is only going to grow. "Tribal or ethnic prints have been popular on the runways for several seasons and right now the "African" aesthetic – defined especially by textile patterns, or beadwork – is very appealing."
The most recent issue of T Magazine, the fashion supplement created by The New York Times, features a fashion shoot that looks at African motifs in design, showing items from Louis Vuitton, Missoni and Oscar de la Renta in this "African" context.

New York Fashion Week held in February this year hosted an African Fashion Collective featuring designers Xuly Bet (Mali), Stoned Cherrie (SA), Momo, and Tiffany Amber (Nigeria) showing off an array of African inspired collections and presidential prints.

Added Hamilton "New York's hippest boutique, Opening Ceremony, which is very influential in the young and trendy designer market, highlights particular countries when stocking its store. Previously it has looked to Sweden and Japan. But for spring 2009, it is stocking African designers."

Africa Fashion Week which will feature designers from up to 15 countries is set to become an annual event that will eventually be hosted by different countries on the continent, with organisers confident that it can evolve into one of the world’s major fashion weeks.

Joburg Tourism Company CEO, Lindiwe Mahlangu commented that by hosting the Confederations Cup and events like Africa Fashion Week, Joburg would once again be cementing its status as a world-class African city. "This initiative from African Fashion International will showcase the very best of Africa’s creative design talents to an unprecedented global audience in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup in 2010."

"Just as all the infrastructure and investment tied to the World Cup will benefit the continent as a whole in years to come, this fashion showcase should also leave a lasting legacy beyond 2010, stimulating the sector by taking African fashion to the world" says Dr Precious Molo-Motsepe

For more information visit www.africanfashioninternational.com

About African Fashion International (AFI)

African Fashion International (AFI), founded, owns and operates the African continent’s most respected and directional fashion weeks, namely Cape Town Fashion Week, MTN Durban Fashion Week (50% ownership), Audi Joburg Fashion Week (autumn / winter) and Joburg Fashion Week (spring / summer), in addition to other fashion-related strategic marketing initiatives.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Design Indaba 2009: Karen Monk Klinjstra Winter Collection '09

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Winter Collection '09 for Karen Monk Klijnstra was defined as "a cross-pollination of urban wasteland, recyclable fabrics, interesting textures and futuristic, psychedelic colours."

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Photocredits: Simon Deiner/SDR Photo
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Bobby Taylor, Ladybrille Woman of the Month!

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Years ago, for the Nigerian entertainment world, there was no public relations network to speak of. Today, there is not only a space for young Nigerian entertainers to turn for help on their ascend to stardom– but also a space for communicator to use their skills.

What, or who, was the catalyst for this evolution? Her name is Bukky George Taylor aka Bobby Taylor and she is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for March 2009!

Over the last few years, Canadian based yet world jetsetter Bobby Taylor has taken the Nigerian entertainment industry by storm. Her clients include hip-hop sensations Eldee and M.I., singer D'Banj, stylist to the stars Remi Fagbohun, and others. Truly the innovator, Taylor through her business Bobby Taylor Consulting has given the Nigerian entertainment industry a facelift.

Recently, LADYBRILLE.com caught up with the talented Bobby Taylor. We chatted about everything from her family, her personal style and her favorite fashion designers, to challenges she’s faced so far in the industry.

We give you Bobby Taylor!

LADYBRILLE.com: You have emerged as a leader in Nigeria's PR industry. Please tell us about your journey thus far. How did you get your start in the business?
Bobby Taylor:
It’s a bitter sweet journey when you start your own business. There is so much to learn where public relations is concerned. I learn something new everyday! As challenging as it might be, it’s a fantastic line of business. I have a passion for PR and for people in general so it works well for me.

I got started when I got my calling! I was inspired by very many people around me and I knew I could bring a lot into the world of Public Relations and so I went for it and I have absolutely no regrets.

LADYBRILLE.com: When did you know it was time to open your own agency? What was the start-up process like?
Bobby Taylor:
I knew it was time to open up my own agency when I decided I was ready to do this and do it well and do it hard! I have always worked in the line of public relations and felt it was time to create a business that would provide excellent services.

The start up process was not easy. Picking a team, starting with a bit of capital, etc. No start up process is easy however; it was worth every bit of it!

LADYBRILLE.com: Thus far what has been your most challenging moment running Bobby Taylor Consulting?
Bobby Taylor:
[B]alancing my work with family. I have been married for almost 6 years and I have a 3 year old . . . and I want to have a bigger family too, and then balancing all that with work has been the most challenging moment.

I have a very great partner who helps me pick up my slack sometimes so it’s great! Shuttling between two countries as well is not very easy either! Somehow, in all of this, everything is working out fine!

I think I am getting a hang of it though. I make sure I make time for the family because without them I am nothing . . . and then I also make time for work too. If it means sleepless nights then it means sleepless nights.

LADYBRILLE.com: Being that there hasn't really been any one in the role of PR gatekeeper for Nigeria's entertainment scene before you came along, what has that been like wearing that hat? What are some challenges that you've faced? Some great triumphs? What do you love about the industry?
Bobby Taylor:
Do I wear the hat? I am humbled. It hasn’t been easy because there are tons of things that need to be set in place as far as the Nigerian entertainment scene is concerned. Our artists work hard and I appreciate hard work . . .we need more structure in the industry and these artists cannot do it alone. Other than artists, there are the authors, the poets, the small businesses, the big businesses, the events, the products and the personalities that need PR specialists.

I would say that I have faced challenges in the area of people not understanding what a publicist is and folks not seeing the need to have a publicist. It is a big battle because our big artists and even emerging ones, need publicists! I think the greatest triumph for me is seeing other publicists in Nigeria emerge. I love it. We need it!

I love the life of the industry . . . its always throbbing . . .its always fresh, it’s always new. . . there is always something going on. Nigeria’s entertainment industry doesn’t ever sleep.

LADYBRILLE.com: You've also broken in to fashion representing clients like stylist Remi Fagbohun and the like. Tell us what that's been like thus far. Is that a completely different animal than working for the musicians and other entertainers?
Bobby Taylor:
I learnt a lot working with Remi Fagbohun, who is an amazing New York celebrity stylist by the way! I learn a thing or two from the various personalities that I come across and I trust they learn from me too! Fashion is definitely a different market than entertainment. Each client is different regardless of whatever industry they are in. The job is putting them in the forefront of media and making sure that their target market is reached and that the image of the client is on point and a lot more other things! Everyone is different and I guess that’s the exciting thing about my work . . .the different personalities. . . it’s fresh every time.

LADYBRILLE.com: How big a part of your life is fashion? Who are some of your favorite African fashion designers?
Bobby Taylor:
I love fashion, it's great but I have my own sense of fashion. I don’t follow trends; I am very much into unique things. My favorite African fashion designer is Chichi & Chichi E. While I probably cannot fit into any of their clothing, I appreciate their sense of style, the uniqueness of their clothing and their attention to detail. I don’t wear many clothing from African Fashion Designers but I do have a Tiffany Amber outfit that I love to shreds! So yes I love Tiffany too! I wear lots of polo’s from “Azure” as well! I love quality polo’s that I can wear with jeans because I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of female…

LADYBRILLE.com: Describe your look/your style?
Bobby Taylor:
It depends on my mood! I like unique items…I don’t shop where everyone shops…If I see something and I like it then I will wear it. There are the days where I am wearing a tank top and sweats and my converse sneakers and then there are days where I am wearing a dress that makes me look like I work on a farm [she adds] trust me these peasant dresses are hot. . . and then there are days where I break all rules of fashion and then there are days when its time to be glamorous!

My hair always makes a statement . . . My hairstyle changes very often. I love accessories, afrocentric looking accessories. . . So my style is versatile . . .ha!

LADYBRILLE.com: As a person in the public eye, I'm sure people are always looking to see what you're wearing.What are some tips that you can give our readers on how to be effortless chic?
Bobby Taylor:
I am in the public eye and I simply just wear what makes me comfortable. You have got to be comfortable. When you are comfortable in your skin and in your outfit, your confidence will do the work for you!

To reach Bobby Taylor contact her at

Bobby Taylor Consulting
bobby(at)bobbytaylorpr.ca

~Interview by Niama Sandy
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

TIE CON 2009, the BOLD Entrepreneur!

A wise man once said, in an interview we conducted a while back, that, "when your back is against the wall, that’s when human beings are the most creative!" This remains so true and is the underlying theme with TIE CON 2009! TIE CON urges you to take charge of your life and DARE to be the BOLD Enterpreneur! It is indeed why we here at Ladybrille will be participating this year and are excited for what has been dubbed the largest entrepreneur event in the world.

Check out the details for TIE CON 2009 and mark your calendar now!

TiEcon 2009: The BOLD Entrepreneur

History tells us that in every economic downturn a new group of corporate giants are born. Microsoft, MTV, HP, Disney, IBM, Proctor & Gamble… in fact 16 of the Dow Jones 30 companies were launched during a recession or depression.

It takes a truly BOLD entrepreneur to launch and grow a business in the current economic climate. TiEcon is just the stimulus needed to jumpstart BOLD entrepreneurs and pull us out of this recession. On May 15th and 16th, TiE Silicon Valley presents the world’s largest conference on entrepreneurship: TiEcon 2009 for the BOLD Entrepreneur. Celebrating the extraordinary person who thinks Big and Out of the box, Learns to adapt to changing conditions, and Dares to create his or her own future. Over 4,000 participants will engage in a rich dialog with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, industry executives, and thought leaders in two action-packed days at TiEcon 2009.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

Will you be BOLD enough to create the opportunity?

TiEcon 2009 Highlights

TiE50- The 50 hottest startups

This year’s TiEcon will host the first annual showcase of 50 of the most promising startup companies across five focus segments. . This year’s focus segments are: Consumer Web, Internet Infrastructure, Cleantech, Wireless, and Software. The 50 companies will be selected from hundreds of emerging start-ups after a rigorous screening process that includes reviews from industry experts as well as voting by the wider segment community. Attendees will receive a brief overview of the focus segment, and learn how the TiE50 company addresses needs in that industry.

Power Connect - Power Networking with a Segment Focus

TiEcon 2009 introduces a premium networking session, PowerConnect, to facilitate meeting with industry experts relevant to your interests. The 5 focus segments for PowerConnect – Consumer Web, Internet Infrastructure, Cleantech, Wireless, and Software - match the 5 focus segments for TiE50. Each day, PowerConnect participants will spend almost 3 hours over lunch with 100 other relevant entrepreneurs, industry leaders and VCs with similar background and interest in their segment area. The sessions will include intense interaction at a small group level, as well as interactive panels with leading industry experts in that segment. PowerConnect attendees will “deep dive” on relevant topics and walk away with newfound insight from focused discussions on a particular technology area, as well as 100+ relevant connections in their area of interest.

Business Bootcamp - Starting a company. Running a company. Taking it to the next level.

All of these require more than technical ingenuity and a bright idea. Even the boldest entrepreneur needs to consider the practical aspects of managing a company such as funding, legal issues, building teams, scaling sales and creating hype through PR campaigns. This year’s TiEcon will offer four bootcamps focused on these key areas. These interactive bootcamps will, require attendee participation and o.er hands-on experience. Our workshop leaders are experts in their fields and will offer battle-tested tips and insights to give a venture its greatest chance for success.

Who will attend TiEcon 2009?

TiEcon 2009 attendees will include more than 4,000 intellectuals from across the world bringing together a complete ecosystem for accelerating the full cycle of a company’s development from funding to launch, growth and success. Attendees span the spectrum from entrepreneurs creating new companies, financial market experts, government policy makers, eminent personalities from academics and media.

TiEcon is ideal for:

• ENTREPRENEURS who just had a flash of a billion dollar idea

• MULTINATIONALS who are developing new corporate initiatives

• STARTUPS & EARLY STAGE COMPANIES developing a viable business model

• PROFESSIONALS offering legal, financial, marketing, engineering services

• SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS looking to make a world of difference


In short, TiEcon is ideal for the ENTIRE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM.

About Previous TiEcons

TiEcon is TiE’s premier annual event and is the largest convention in the world dedicated to entrepreneurs. Recent TiEcons have featured some of the most distinguished speakers from the industry including: Recent TiEcon’s have featured some of the most eminent speakers from industry including Steve Ballmer, Carly Fiorina, Eric Schmidt, Jim Clark, Larry Ellison, Thomas Friedman, Narayana Murthy, Ted Turner, Bill Campbell, Scott Cook, John Doerr, Vyomesh Joshi, Robert Ingram, Thomas M. Siebel, Dr. Sashi Tharoor, Peter Thiel and Meg Whitman.

About TiE

TiE is a global, not-for-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurs across its international network. Since its founding in 1992, TiE has grown to become the world's largest organization for entrepreneurs and professionals, with membership spread across 53 chapters in 12 countries. Membership includes over 1,800 experienced entrepreneurs and business executives as Charter Members, and over 12,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals asMembers. Top Venture Capital firms, Fortune 500 corporations, and professional service providers are among TiE sponsors.
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West Africa's Next Top Model Steps into the Heart of Africa [Nigeria]

For Immediate Release

WEST AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL STEPS INTO THE HEART OF AFRICA (NIGERIA)

FOR 3 CASTINGS IN 3 MAJOR CITIES ON MONDAY, MARCH 9 IN PORT HARCOURT, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 IN ABUJA AND ON SATURDAY, MARCH 14 2009 IN LAGOS

NEW YORK, NY February 27, 2009 – The West Africa’s Next Top Model show scheduled to begin production in West Africa, in the second quarter of 2009, is scouting for models in 3 major cities in Nigeria[the Heart of Africa]: Port Harcourt, Abuja & Lagos. Scouting for Port Harcourt will be on March 9th, 2009 at Arriva Hotel off Stadium Road Port Harcourt at 8am. In Abuja on March 11th, 2009 8am at The Mediterranean Recreation Center Plot 1141 Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja and in Lagos on March 14th, 2009 at 8am in the True Love Magazine Office 13b Bishop Oluwole, Victoria Island, Lagos. Applicants must be of West African heritage to qualify.

The show will be produced by StatsMedia Group an international production company owned by Tope Esan StatsMedia is the only company granted the exclusive rights from CBS Paramount International Television to produce this reality show in Africa. With the initial start up being in West Africa, the format will be produced every season by region on the African continent. True Love West Africa is the media partner and official magazine for West African’s Next Top Model. Soundcity/Spice TV is the broadcast partner for the show. The winner will receive a lucrative international modeling contract, a cover of True Love magazine and numerous endorsement deals from various companies in the fashion industry nationally and internationally.

WEST AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is a format of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL®, which is produced by 10x10 Entertainment and Bankable Productions. Executive Producers are Tyra Banks, Ken Mok and Daniel Soiseth. The dramality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. ANTM is licensed in over 100 countries. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are sold internationally by CBS Paramount International Television.

This version of Next Top Model will not only highlight the models of West African decent but the continent of Africa for its tourist attractions, cultures, values and its booming 21st century economy.

Contact Details
For more information about Sponsorship & Advertising on West African’s Next Top Model, please contact Executive Producer Tope Esan e-mail tope@wafntm.com. For all other inquiries on the show please contact ICY Public Relations at 305.940.0067 and Bola Atta (Bolaatta@gmail.com)

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Monday, March 2, 2009

The 2009 Independent Handbag Designer Awards™ Now With Matching Shoes


Designers, this is an opportunity you should not miss! Jump on it and spread it to your design buddies!

What: Handbag Designer 101 presents the Third Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards™, the only handbag (and now shoe) design competition of its kind in the world applications process is now open. Sponsors include CRYSTALLIZED (™) - Swarovski Elements, Singer Sewing Company, WWDMAGIC, Parsons The New School for Design, Pantone, Foot Petals, Devi Kroell, The Fashion Center, UK Trade and Investment, The Garment Industry Development Corporation, The Luxury Institute, Ripe Ideas, Soho House NYC, Red Branch Public Relations, Collective-E, Miss Meghan, Braccialini, Rosangel/Gran Centenario, Wathne Limited, M&J Trimming, Leather Suede Skins, Rosen & Chadick Fabrics, RIRI Zippers/Pacific Trimmings, Verve NYC and Bottomless Closet.

This year's ICONOCLAST Recipient is Lulu Guinnessfor her 20 years of Lifetime Achievement in Handbag Design.

Who: All finalists will be invited to participate in the Third Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards™ that will take place on June 17, 2009, at the New York Historical Society in New York City. Over 500 members of the fashion industry, including press and retailers, will attend the Independent Handbag Designer Awards™.

A Judging Panel consisting of Famed Handbag Designer and 2007 IHDA Lifetime Achievement Recipient of 2007, Carlos Falchi, Lisa Smilor (Associate Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America:CFDA), Stephan Toljan, (CCB Vice President Market Management of Swarovski), Devi Kroell (Creative Director for Devi Kroell), Katie Hoy (Trade Marketing Manager for Singer Sewing Company), Tina Aldatz (President of Foot Petals), Meghan Cleary (Miss Meghan: America’s Shoe Expert) and Julia Poteat (Assistant Professor of Fashion Methods for Parsons The New School for Design) will decide who has the "Top Handbag and Shoe Design" and select a winner from each respective category.

Why: Designers will win the opportunity to:

- Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED (™) - Swarovski Elements: Receive a crystal sponsorship with free access to crystals and Swarovski know how, to produce a limited edition of the winner bag. In addition, the winning handbag will be featured in several CRYSTALLIZED (™) channels and communication tools in the US and internationally with industry and end consumer exposure.

- Best Handmade Handbag: Win the chance to have a ‘designer feature’ on Singer Sewing Company’s website, as well as creating a downloadable pattern for the Singer audience and a new SINGER CURVY™ sewing machine

- Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design: To be showcased at WWDMAGIC with a free booth and display as well as develop a capsule collection for well-known retailer

- Best Shoe in Overall Style and Design: To develop capsule collection in collaboration with Foot Petals as well as being showcased at WWDMAGICwith a free booth and display

- Best Student Made Handbag: Win a prestigious apprenticeship with Devi Kroell

- Best Green Handbag: Win the chance to work with top Green brand and develop a collaborative product

- Most Socially Responsible Handbag: Win recognition on the world-wide platform for creating a beautiful bag that impacts a local culture

- Audience Fan Favorite: To be determined the night of the event

When: June 17th, 2008, 7pm

Where: The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 76th & 77th Street

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Design Indaba 2009, UNDACOVA Winter Collection '09

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Undacova is a newly launched label determined to put the "F" back in fun for men's lingerie. They also have a women's line.

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Photocredit: Simon Deiner/SDR Photo
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Design Indaba 2009, Carducci Women Winter Collection '09

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Francois Rall for Carducci Women Winter 2009 incorporates a lot of juxtapositions. For example, straw hats juxtapose finely tailored suits while long dresses are contrasted with platform strappy sandals. Nevertheless, the collection does not lose focus, which is to remain timeless, especially in this recession prone times.

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Design Indaba 2009, Hip-Hop Winter Collection '09

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South Africa's Hip-Hop Label showed a funky yet elegant collection for Winter '09

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Photocredit: Simon Deiner/SDR
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Design Indaba 2009, Fashion Shows-Backstage

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Design Indaba is one of South Africa's largest trade event representing various sectors of South Africa's design industry. The trade event has two major offerings, the Design Indaba Conference and the Design Indaba Expo. The Conference gathers the brightest minds in graphic design, advertising, film, music, fashion design, industrial design, architecture, craft, visual art, new media, publishing, broadcasting and performing arts to do and talk the business of design.

The Expo on the other hand, is an opportunity for all the aforementioned stakeholders to showcase their works. Specific to fashion, it's an all out event as designers get even more creative and models can break a smile and bring out their inner actresses and actors. This year's fashion designer participants at the Expo were some of the strongest of names in the industry including fashion labels like Stoned Cherrie who just showed at New York Fashion Week Fall 2009, Hip-Hop, Craig Native, Karen Monk Klinjstra and many more. Enjoy the Backstahe pictures at the event as we bring you more images from the fashion show:

Photocredits: Simon Deiner/SDR Photo

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