A new Mnet series "Alpha Girls" documents what it takes for four women to make it in the world of fashion, music and art. The Asian and Asian-American alpha girls lead exciting lives that include plenty of personal drama.
What exactly is an alpha girl? She's the leader of the pack, the dominant female and, in this case, girls who have taken a creative career path.
The alpha girls are TOKiMONSTA, a DJ and producer; Mina Kwon, an artist, illustrator and graphic designer; Lanie Alabanza-Barcena, the founder and lead designer of Hellz Bellz; and Soo Joo Park, a fashion model.
Not only will the original show let viewers observe the alpha girls' exciting daily lives but it will feature cameos by musicians Skrillex, Pharrell, Swizz Beats, Jay Park and designer Jeremy Scott.
TOKiMONSTA, aka Jennifer Lee, is known for her unique take on Indie Electronic/R&B/Dance Music. She earned national media attention from Pitchfork, MTV, VIBE, Billboard, and Rolling Stone and was ranked LA Weekly's #1 female DJ in Los Angeles. In 2012 TOKiMONSTA took part in the Full Flex Express Tour, the first electronic music-themed train tour across Canada with Skrillex and Diplo.
Korean artist, illustrator and graphic designer Mina Kwon is known for her fresh look at modern day hip hop and street culture. With close ties to YG Entertainment's G-Dragon and Big Bang as well as Illionaire's Dok2 and Jay Park, word of her hip and edgy style has spread globally. She designs mix-tape and album covers for big name artists such as Chris Brown, Sean Kingston, and Soulja Boy. Long time friend Pharrell Williams is a fan of her work and recently asked her to design his birthday cake. She also contributes to the art direction on his music videos.
Soo Joo was studying architecture at UC Berkeley when she was discovered in a vintage clothing store. Now she's a top model on high fashion runways. She has modeled for Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Emporio Armani, Ter Et Bantine, Osklen, Alexis Mabille, and Vivienne Westwood. And she was featured in Dazed & Confused, Vogue Korea and Elle Mexico.
Lanie Alabanza-Barcena has always been obsessed with fashion. She started her career at the streetwear apparel company Alphanumeric and spent three years as the art director of Rocawear before launching her own clothing line Hellz Bellz.
Her edgy design aesthetic has led to collaborations with companies including Stussy, Vans, Nooka, Reebok, Sanrio Japan and G-Shock. Finding inspiration in all things subversive, Lanie's vision has made Hellz a sought after alternative clothing label.
The first episode of "Alpha Girls" airs in the U.S. at 8p.m. ET/PT on Feb. 26. You can see episodes at www.mnetamerica.com and Mnet America's YouTube channel www.youtube.com.mnetamerica. For more information, visit www.alphagirlstv.com.
