New Vlog Shatters Stereotypes by Featuring “Fab Fun” Muslim Talent

April 20th, 2009 – Fashion designer Samira Atash is weary of the continuously negative coverage of Muslims in the mainstream media since 9/11. So she has decided to do something about it. Samira has recently launched Beauty and the East TV, a vlog that features the positive side of Muslims through the universal language of expression – art and entertainment. “There are millions of moderate Muslims who live in the West who are tired of being associated with terrorism. They want to be seen as moderate, peaceful, and fun citizens of the world”, states Samira.

Beauty and the East TV is one of the first lifestyle sites of its kind to showcase Muslim/Middle-Eastern musicians, comedians, artists, designers, film-makers, actors, journalists, poets, photographers, writers, dancers, and leaders - all from different cultures and races who share their personal stories and talents in a positive way. Beauty and the East TV encourages dialogue with the West and promotes unity among Muslims themselves, many who are also divided due to language and cultural barriers.

Beauty and the East TV posts existing videos featured online and also produces its own original episodes through its sister company, PlanetPix Productions. Hosted by Samira Atash, the episodes are gaining popularity on the web. Samples of content and programming include concerts, fashion shows, comedy tours, special events, talk shows, beauty segments, personal stories, travel diaries, Eastern cuisine, and more.

Through Beauty and the East TV, Samira hopes to create cultural understanding between the West and the Eastern world through the powerful lense of the media.

About Samira Atash

Samira Atash is an award-nominated New York-based fashion designer and entrepreneur who has received international media attention for her work. In addition to design, Samira's passions are film and music. She taught herself how to play the harmonium and keyboard, sometimes guitar, and has appeared in film and television. Samira also has written several scripts that she hopes to turn into feature films or shorts.

Samira developed the concept for Beauty and the East TV after seeing the emergence of raw talent among Muslims and Middle-Easterners who often go unrecognized by mainstream media. She also realizes firsthand how difficult it is to grow up in the West without role models to identify with. Samira hopes that by introducing Eastern artists to the world, stereotypes will shatter and cultures will find common ground with each other.