The Models of Versailles 1973 Tribute Luncheon

The Renegades of Fashion: America's Secret Weapon

THE WAY WE WORE: GRACE JONES For André Courrèges

The Fantabulous Grace Jones for André Courrèges circa 1974.

WHAT'S HAUTE NOW: GUCCI ENTERS INTO THE COSMETICS MARKET

Gucci is set to branch out into a complete beauty brand. The Italian fashion house and its licensee, Procter & Gamble Prestige announced that they are renewing their current licensing agreement. Under the new terms, the extended license will now include the entire beauty category, including cosmetics and skin care products.

CHANEL GOES VIRAL

Not only is Peter Phillips the global creative director for CHANEL cosmetics and is known for creating hundreds of flawless makeup looks, he can now add video director to his name. Source

FIVE LOOKS: TUFI DUEK São Paulo FASHION WEEK 2011

A few of my favorite looks from Tufi Duek's collection during São Paulo Fashion Week Winter 2011 in São Paulo.The Tufi Duek label is sold in more than 150 stores in the United States.

2011 SPFW: Reinaldo Lourenço

Reinaldo Lourenço presented another one of his most elegant collections at the start of SPFW in a color palette of black and white with one or two print dresses. Known for his innovative silhouettes and expert use of fabrics, Lourenço featured embellished creations embroidered with thousand's of pearls, to include both the shoes and the handbags. He has mastered the use of leather in all of his designs which reminds me of Chado Ralph Rucci when it comes to incorporating leather with delicate tulle.

They say that YSL invented the tuxedo jacket for evening, he remade the jacket knee-length done in black and white. The collection is both, sophisticated and luxurious, because of the use of mink collars and intricately woven leather workmanship. I need to find out which stores carry Reinaldo Lourenço in the USA because I love what I see.
Photos: Charles Naseh

WHAT'S HAUTE NOW: DORIS AND DORIS

My fab daughter turned me on to the UK fashion label Doris & Doris and I'm hooked on their lovely creations which are perfect for the Spring and Summer. She didn't won't me to share this great find until she bought the two tops that she was interested in.

I told her she didn't have to worry about that because my blog doesn't get that much traffic and it's just a hobby of mine, but I do like introducing those who do read my blog to the latest in fashion and style, otherwise known as real style, sans celebrities. She also told me that they started out selling their clothing at a stall in Brixton Market, London... talk about enterprising.

I say this all the time to emerging fashion designers, if you can't get your clothing(foot) in the store(door) create your own E-commerce site, give the public what they want and you'll be in business, but please don't overlook great customer service.

ON THE RADAR:Franck Sorbier SS 2011 Haute Couture

Five Looks From Franck Sorbier 2011 SS Haute Couture

TWO LOOKS: Aminata Niaria For Gustavo Lins SS 2011 Haute Couture

Gustavo Lins is a Brazilian born fashion designer who is now based in Paris and has worked with some of the best in the Parisian fashion industry: John Galliano, Lecoanet Hemant and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Clean lines, draping and architectural details are his forte.

ONE LOOK: ROBERTA NARCISO FOR VALENTINO 2011 SS HAUTE COUTURE

Here we have model and Angola native, Roberta Narciso modeling this beautiful dress which features Valentino's perennial favorite, the detail of side ruffles. Gorgeous!

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli  have created yet another beautiful collection since taking over as the principle designers of the fabled 'House of Valentino' since his retirement. Feminine, ethereal, lux and elegant is best to describe the collection even with the muted colors used then add in the signature classic red looks peppered in for good measure. The entire collection was beautiful and each piece still bared the Valentino aesthetic along with Chiuri's and Piccioli's own design elements and attention to details.

TWO LOOKS: FARIDA KHELFA AND JOAN SMALLS FOR JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS 2011 HAUTE COUTURE

An '80s 'Super Model' and a new one on the rise, fashion week can't get any better than this.

TWO LOOKS: AJAK DENG AND ROSE CORDERO FOR ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER SS 2011 HAUTE COUTURE

Photo: Dominique Maitre



STRIKE A POSE: ESTELLE

WHO: Recording Star Estelle

Where: Tribute To The Models Of Versailles 1973 At The MET.

STRIKE A POSE: FASHION MAVEN JUNE AMBROSE

WHO: THE UBER FABULOUS JUNE AMBROSE 

WHAT: The Costume Institute Luncheon The 1973 Battle Royal at Versailles.

WEAR: Marc Jacobs Coat,YSL Dress, June Ambrose Turban, Hermes Birkin bag and Rodarte pumps.

Photo: Subjects Own 

STRIKE A POSE: SEDENE BLAKE FOR TOPSHOP

SEDENE BLAKE FOR TOPSHOP

Photos: TOPSHOP

Flaviana Matata For Top Shop 2011 S/S Campaign

Flaviana is certainly one model on the rise as one model to watch and I can't wait to see what the rest of the future has in store for her. See the rest of her campaign photos for Topshop here.

Inspiration: Josephine Baker

It's still cold outside and looking through the web for ideas to protect my hair I came across these photos of the iconic Josephine Baker wearing these beautiful scarves on the rear of her head. Even though one looks like it might be a hat, I still like the idea of wearing one in this manner. The best scarves to use are silk scarves because they won't dry out your hair. 

How to wear them: A beautifully printed one works best combined with a neutral colored ensemble. Comb hair back into a bun or braid, wrap and attach the scarf  to your head and be sure to secure with bobby pins. voilà! A simple, yet elegant look.
Photos: Corbis

From Runway To Reality: Rodarte With A Beautiful Twist As Seen By Mario Testino

Joan Smalls, Ajak Deng, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Anais Mali, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez in the February issue of VOGUE-US.

Photographed by : Mario Testino
Styling by : Grace Coddington
Wearing: Rodarte Spring/Summer Collection
SOURCE

Macy's Celebrates Fashion Icon: Eunice W. Johnson and The Ebony Fashion Fair

From January 27, 2011 through February 28, 2011 Macy’s will honor Eunice Walker Johnson for Black History month by showcasing select pieces from the legendary Ebony Fashion Fair collection in display windows at 10 select Macy’s locations.

Join Macy's Department Store in celebrating the legacy and contributions to fashion of Mrs. Eunice W. Johnson, co-founder of Johnson Publishing Company, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and the EBONY FASHION FAIR, the worlds largest traveling fashion show. At select Macy's, haute couture from Mrs. Johnson's extensive archives will be on display in special exhibitions. This is a not to miss event for all fashion lovers.

Scenes From Fashion Rio 2011

Scenes From Fashion Rio 2011

Fashion Rio is once again adding the sizzle to what makes Brazil be Brazil, haute fashions and haute models.  OESTUDIO brings innovation and progression to the runway once again by casting a runway composed entirely of black models. Enjoy!

(Photos: Caiuá Franco)

A Moment In Afro Her-story: Super Model Pat Cleveland

Living Legend Pat Cleveland

Pat Cleveland: Daughter,Mom, Icon, Living Legend and Super Model...Inspiration. Muse of the creme de la creme of designers from Halston to YSL. The walk, legendary, elegant...regal. The style...impeccable. I present you a bouquet of flowers for gracing the world with your beauty and elegance. Salut!

(Photos from my own personal archives of magazines)

Objet de beauté: Azzedine Alaïa's Wedge Sandal

These are so worth the money or can a woman find something similar at a lower price? The search is now on to find a bargain on these fab shoes. 

VOGUE BRASILS ALL BLACK ISSUE

VOGUE BRASIL'S ALL BLACK ISSUE

 Luana de Noailles

Paco Rabanne Favorite and Former Brasilian Fashion Model, Countess Luana de Noailles

Not wanting to be outdone by VOGUE ITALIA.  VOGUE BRASIL published their own all-black issue featuring Brasilian models of African descent. I love the photos, but it left me wondering was it needed since Brasil has such a large Afro-Brasilian population (2nd largest outside Africa) or that it's now time that they show their true diversity to the world on a regular basis instead of at Carnival time? Whatever it is, it's a first step in propelling the country forward inclusion and economic prosperity for all of it's inhabitants. I'm not reading about it nor am I hearing the same excitement the VOGUE Italia "All Black Issue" garnered a few years ago. The hoopla concerning that issue was like the world was about to come to an end or something which gives me one of those 'hmm' moments.I'm going to buy this issue so I can see the entire magazine, because of what I've seen of it so far consists only of the most pertinent models of today and not the history makers who I'm showing above and below.

Former Brasilian Fashion Model-Mira Fonseca

Former Brasilian Fashion Model-Vânia Cortez

Inspiration: Emulating Yves

Images of YSL's 1967 "African Collection" and

Marchesa's dress is from their 2010 Resort Collection

features striking similarities of Yve's collection.

The dress that Henrieth is wearing is by Gucci.

When I first saw this editorial of Henrieth Paul for the January issue of VOGUE Italia photograph by none other than Steven Meisel. I was in awe especially of the way the editorial pays a visit to a bygone era that many of us don't get to see anymore. That of a customer in a designers atelier being fitted for Haute Couture by the designer, his assistants or a group of "petite mains." Elegantly clad models parading in front of potential customers holding placards of the desired garments as the buyers sit in elegant Chiavari chairs inside a chic salon...crystal chandeliers complete that added elegance and ambiance. 

Thanks to Beauty is Diverse for the inspiration.

Source

The Look of The Day: Miss Lauryn Hill

Who: Miss Lauryn Hill
What: Rocking the mic at the CIROC's New Year’s party at Gansevoort Park  NYC.
Wear: It doesn't even matter what she's wearing just as long as she's back in my vision!
(Photo: Getty Images)

Afrolista of the Week: Joyce Mandi

I saw this lovely photo this morning on VOGUE Italia and had to find out who this magnificent woman was. As you can see she rocks!

 

Joyce is not only a model but she is face of FabAfrik Magazine  and GumBumper celebrity blog.

 

(Source) Photo's: Getty Images and Joyce Mandi.

Woman of Style: Suzanne Boyd

Suzanne Boyd

Only one form of communication can convey a mix of emotions at a single glance...the language of style. Full voluminous hair along with the unexpected sends a message of confidence and Suzanne Boyd is the epitome of style. Personally, with the editor of Essence leaving maybe they need to consider her for the job, because it could use a serious overhaul.

Occupation: Editor-in-chief of Zoomer Magazine, former editor in chief of Flare and Suede magazines.

Home Base: Toronto, Canada

Fashion Philosophy: Bold, striking, statement-making, comfortable and feminine. Best dressed.

Super Model Joan Smalls for Tom Ford Collection...

*Update: Originally written on 15 November 10, I'm updating it to include this fabulous video.

“It’s about individuality.“That’s why I put my own muses in the show—I hear them say, I can’t find that anywhere!" ~Tom Ford

...and other's modeling Tom Fords latest looks for his return to womens fashion design.

Tom Ford pictured here with model Karen Elson, wearing a look from his Spring Collection.

                                                                             Tom Ford's Muses


Source:VOGUE.COM-Simon Duhesme