Afrolista of the Week: Colombian Actress and Model Indhira Serrano

Today, I present to you our beautiful sister from Colombia, Indhira Serrano. Indhira Serrano is a well known actress and model in Colombia. She rocks and so does the 'Fro!'

Check out her blog.

Happy Birthday To Naomi Ruth Sims...Super Model...Icon...!

Happy Birthday To Naomi Ruth Sims...Super Model...Icon...Author...Mogul!


Today marks the birth date of Naomi Ruth Sims. Naomi Sims was born on March 30, 1948 and graced this universe with her beauty, style, intelligence and business savvy, only to become one of the worlds top models, a highly successful businesswoman and author.

Naomi died on August 1, 2009. She may be gone, but she's never forgotten and as long as we say her name and celebrate her legacy she will never die in our hearts.

WHAT'S HAUTE NOW: ESPADRILLES BY NINE WEST

Haute fun in the summertime! The must have trend of the season...Espadrilles and right now I'm loving the latest collection from Nine West! They're perfect with almost anything.

To see the rest of the collection of Espadrilles, click here.
Photos: Nine West

A WOMAN YOU SHOULD KNOW: Trenesa S. Danuser, Vice President, Global Communications-Estée Lauder Inc

Trenesa Stanford-Danuser is the Vice President, Global Communications and Strategic Alliances, for Origins Natural Resources and Ojon Corporation, divisions of The Estée Lauder Companies. Since early 2004, her strategic communications acumen and creativity have led the brand"s global media interactions, launching well-known franchises such as the delectable, trend-leading cocoa therapy™, the groundbreaking integrative skin-care philosophy of Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ and, an industry first, Origins Organics™, the first prestige, multi-skin beauty line with a USDA organic certification.

 

Her global strategy development and communications responsibilities span the 27 countries and territories where Origins is sold, including Japan, Hong Kong, Spain, France, Australia and the United Kingdom. Her recent involvement with Ojon has opened the door for strategic avenues the brand has yet to fully explore. Marketing wild-crafted beauty products found in the world"s rainforest's, Ojon"s unique story and commitment to environmental sustainability creates an exciting new challenge for the New Yorker.

 

She is a graduate of the University of Florida, earning a BS in Broadcast Journalism. She is an active member of eWomenNetwork Foundation Advisory Board, Fashion Group International and Cosmetic Executive Women. Stanford-Danuser has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Essence, Redbook, BE, Family Circle, Shape, Self, Beauty Fashion and Cosmetic World. She lives in New York City with her husband and children.

To learn more about this inspiring woman, click here.
Photos: Estée Lauder Inc and Darryl Calmese Jr.

WHAT'S HAUTE NOW: PEBBLE LONDON JEWELRY

Pebble London

With Summer just around the corner, I'm currently crushing hard on these beauties. I already have two pairs of the Fulani style earrings, but I don't have this style below:


Gold Plated Large Curved 'Star Fruit' Earrings


Gold Plated on Brass large curved 'Star Fruit' earrings. The earrings are 2 inches in width, 3.25 inches in length, and are suspended from a Gold Plated flower decorated wire hook. Price: £130.00 The earrings are also available in medium size.


Large Gold Leaf Hoop Earrings (I've Got two pairs of these)


Gold leaf hoop earrings based on the Star fruit. Measures 2.5 inches across with a drop of 2 inches.
Price: £140.00 They are also available in small and medium sized earrings.



Brass Multi-Strand Wire Torque Necklace


Brass multi-strand wire torque necklace. The inner diameter of the necklace is 4.5 inches, (expands), and the drop length is 5.5 inches. Price: £120.00

Pebble London began as an excuse to spend lots of time exploring India, and their first collections used faceted and tumbled semi-precious stones they sourced throughout the India. Nine years later, their travels now include India, China, Africa, Thailand, and South America, and they have expanded the collections to include metals, stones, wood, glass, coral, and amber.

Traditional tribal jewellery is a big influence and they find sources of traditional pieces from tribal groups in Africa, the Pacific, China, Afghanistan, Nepal, and India. Pebble London has worked with several well known designers throughout the years to include the late, Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli and other well known fashion designers.


This is only a small amount of what Pebble London has to offer because their collection is rather vast and extensive. You can click here to view the rest of the collection. Pebble London ships mostly throughout the world.

Photos: Pebble London

ONE TO WATCH: MODEL SHANEKE GUYHER

Sheneke Guyher

Former Saint International Model, Shaneke Guyher will eventually be on the lips of a lot of people in the fashion forums and hopefully in fashion editorials and magazine covers all over the world in the near future. Shaneke hails from Jamaica and is now signed to Elite Models and Muse Model Management. I can't wait to see her on the runways and in print.

Photo: Elite Models

The New Queen of Fado: Mariza née Marisa dos Reis Nunes

Mariza-A Rainha do Fado

Mariza knows that on the shoulders of Amália Rodrigues she now stands as the reigning Queen of Fado by being an ambassador of sorts to spread the beauty of one of Portugal's national treasures, it's music.

Soulful and haunting, fado (meaning "fate" in Portuguese) captures something essential about Portugal. The songs are often about love and loss. Often a fadista is a woman dressed in black, singing with great dignity and drama, accompanied by a Portuguese guitar player and a classical guitarist.



The genre can be traced back to the 1820s in Portugal. Some say it came earlier from Africa, while others attribute it to the sailors and fishermen off the Portuguese coast. It took root in the working class bars of Lisbon and gave rise to 20th century stars like the unforgettable Amália Rodrigues. Today, a young generation of fado singers is embracing the centuries-old music, redefining and reinvigorating the tunes. And the reigning fadista is Mariza.

Mariza was born in what was then Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), Mozambique to a Mozambican mother and Portuguese father. The family emigrated to Lisbon when Mariza was three, and since then, she has been surrounded by fado; the singing never ceased in the Mouraria tavern her parents owned.
 


Mariza and another one of my favorites, singer, Concha Buika.

In 2001, Mariza released her first album, Fado em Mim. National and international recognition quickly followed. In 2003, she was selected "Best European Artist" by BBC Radio 3; the following year, she won the "European Border Breakers Award," an award sponsored by the European Union. In 2007, her album "Concerto em Lisboa" was nominated for a Latin music Grammy. Mariza also starred in the recent music documentary, "Fados," by director Carlos Saura.

Website
Source
Photos: Getty Images

JILLY FROM PHILLY AKA JILL SCOTT IS BACK TO SERENADE US!

Jill Scott on the set of her latest video.The three-time Grammy-winning singer/actress is shooting the music video for the new single "Shame" off her upcoming fourth album, "The Light Of The Sun." The new album is set to release later this year. Read the rest here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS DIANA ROSS!!!

"THE BOSS MISS DIANA ROSS"

 Today is the 67th birthday of Miss Diana Ross née Diana Ernestine Earle Ross (born March 26, 1944)  an American singer and actress...Former lead singer of The Supremes...Living Legend...Style Icon...One of The Worlds Greatest Entertainers...Mother to Five Wonderful Children and a grandmother to one, who all simply adore and love her...Inspiration...Businesswoman and Yes, you have earned the right to be addressed as Miss Ross and then some!

If being a Diva is classified as a woman who cares about demanding respect from people who happen to be in her presence, then that's what I'll be.

I love you and thank you so much for everything that you've inspired a whole lot women to be...The Boss! You are the epitome of class, grace, style, beauty, glamour and dignity and may GOD continue to bless you with longevity because "Our World Would Be Empty Without You!"

ELEGANCE PERSONIFIED!

A Woman You Should Know: Activist Suzanne "Africa" Engo

"There's nothing more glamorous than a woman who gives back by changing lives"

Suzanne " AFRICA" Engo is an African born, American and British Bred /Activist Personality/ Producer, she currently is the CEO of Girl Behind the Camera Productions as well as the executive director of the New York AIDS film festival and museum which she does in collaboration with the United Nations.

Suzanne is the daughter of Judge Paul Bamela Engo ( former UN ambassador of Cameroon to the United Nations) and current International Court Justice and Dr. Ruth Bamela Engo ( former Senior Advisor on Africa to the former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan) and Currently Executive Director of African Action on AIDS.

Suzanne first gained prominence for her, “I Love Africa” project that was created to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa, originally by running from New York to Chicago back in 2008 and again raised funds and AIDS awareness in 2010 by running in Europe and Africa for the cause. Suzanne is also a member of the THE ENGO GROUP, a private financial holding company with real estate and business development projects in Africa as well as media and charity holdings in the Europe and America.

Suzanne splits her time between New York , Rome and their Africa Offices. Miss Engo works with numerous celebrities on their philanthropic endeavors and has collaborated with many of them on eradicating AIDS on a global level. If you want to support Africa and the Staying Alive Foundation by making a donation please visit her FirstGiving Page.


Photos: Getty Images

WHAT'S HAUTE NOW: NIEVES LAVI NEW YORK

NIEVES LAVI NEW YORK SPRING/SUMMER 2011

The Designers Sharon Lavi  and Sam N. Velez

Spring has arrived and I'm currently loving the latest collection from Nieves Lavi New York. Their 'Printastic' dresses appear to float across the body, which to me equals comfort. Their 2011 SS Collection is available both here in the USA and at select stores internationally. Nieves Lavi New York is the creative collaboration between Sharon Lavi and Sam Velez. Sam N. Velez serves as Creative Director for Nieves Lavi while Sharon Lavi serves as Art Director for the label. To learn more about the label click here and their Facebook page.

Photos: NIEVES LAVI NY

Objets de beauté: Collages By Michael Roberts

Maybe you've seen him sitting front-row at many of the worlds runway shows or you've read his witty and oftentimes humorous column for Vanity Fair, Michael Roberts is a very talented man. Vanity Fair's fashion and style director, Michael Roberts' illustrations and camera have been everywhere lately and he can count me as a fan of his work.

               Michael Roberts Presents One of a Kind Intricate Cut Work Collages in Wooden Frames.

I had no idea that he has branched out into delivering one of a kind art for sale until I saw these beauties while perusing Couture Lab to see their latest arrivals for Spring. Not only does he have an eye for style and the gift of the pen, Michael Roberts has also published four books of illustrations: The Jungle ABC , Mumbo Jumbo , Snowman in Paradise , and The Snippy World of New Yorker Fashion Artist Michael Roberts. I love these!

Photos: Wire Image/Couture Lab

Preserving Our Image: Artist Brianna McCarthy

Art Work By Artist Brianna McCarthy

I love art of any kind and I love the beauty that Briana McCarthy creates and the above drawing is just a sample of the beauty that this talented woman creates. Her artwork depicts the beauty of the women of the Caribbean and their surroundings. And if you've never seen any of her paintings, you should because they're beyond gorgeous!

Brianna McCarthy is an artist who lives and works in Trinidad &Tobago. In 2005 she exhibited work as part of the Trinidadian delegation to Venezuela for the Festival of Youth and Students XVI. In 2008 she showed a collection of drawings and paintings in a group exhibition at the Alice Yard in Trinidad and began an ongoing online exhibition of her work at http://briannamccarthy.blogspot.com/. In 2009, her "12 Girls" was presented at Trinidad's Erotic Art Week, at the Brooklyn Bar Gallery. To order prints and to see her portfolio of art available for sale, click here and here.

(Source)

Photos: Brianna McCarthy

ONE TO WATCH: AUSTRALIAN MODEL AYOR MAKUR CHUOT

While glancing through the April issue of Marie Claire magazine, I came across a stunning editorial featuring this beautiful model by the name of Ayor Makur Chuot who also goes by the name of Sarah C.

Ayor's Editorial For The April Issue of Marie Claire Magazine.

I quickly went straight to her modeling agency to find out more about her and it seems that she's not only signed with Scene Model Management in Australia, she's now signed with Elite Model Management in NYC. Ayor was born in Sudan, but now resides in Australia and is now presently working in NY. Sarah is also involved with an organization in Australia, titled , "The Future of Modeling" which aims to promote and enrich the beauty of Sudanese women and enhance their strength, intelligence and energy in their lives. Check out the rest of her portfolio here and here and Editorial scans-->

Photos: Marie Claire/Elite  Model Management/Scene Model Management/Absinthrill

WHAT'S HAUTE NOW: NORMA KAMALI FOR WALMART

I've been meaning to write a post about this brand ever since I purchased a few pieces from it a year ago and just never got around to it until I went to WALMART'S website to order another top. Norma Kamali is not only known for her legendary swimsuits, but she's also known for her ingenious use of jersey knits. Here she creates these versatile dresses, outer garments, tops and bottoms in a collaboration with WALMART which can be mixed with high-end pieces to create the perfect look. The collection is limited to black with a few colors and prints available. The sizes available are from small to plus sizes, so if you're looking for glam looks for less, then check out the rest of the collection here. If you're not satisfied with NK for Walmart and want to see more, then check out her eponymous line here for an even larger collection from the "Queen of Versatility."

ATAUI DENG AND ATONG ARJOK FOR MACY'S

ATAUI DENG FOR MACY'S SPRING CAMPAIGN

ATONG ARJOK FOR MACY'S SPRING COLLECTION

Photos: Macy's



It's All In The Details: Stella McCartney Fall 2011

All the best from Stella McCartney's Fall 2011 RTW Collection.

See the rest of the collection here.

DEFINING FABULOUS: SHOWSTOPPING MARSHA HUNT

"Afrolicious Marsha Hunt!"

 

In the late '60s and '70s, only a few Afros were as powerful and majestic as singer, model and actress, Marsha Hunt's. The Philadelphia-born beauty made a bigger name for herself in London, when she began starring in the British production of  the ground breaking musical "Hair," instantly becoming the toast of London. Hunt's beauty was so stunning, it left Mick Jagger smitten enough to fall in love with her and write, "Brown Sugar."

From the pages of VOGUE UK.

After a decade of modeling, acting, and singing, Marsha Hunt became a writer, releasing novels and memoirs, including "Repossessing Ernestine: A Granddaughter Uncovers the Secret History of Her American Family," a recount of her search for her father's mother, a free woman of color who was mysteriously banished to an asylum for 50 years. In 2004, Marsha Hunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after a complete mastectomy, she celebrated her survival by recreating her 1969 cover pose for British Vogue on the cover of her book titled, "Undefeated."

Some only remember Hunt for posing nude for the cover of British Vogue's January 1969 issue (below), she was much more than that iconic cover which eventually introduced her to a whole new legion of admiring fans, Marsha held Europe in the palm of her hand. Today, Marsha Hunt still calls London home, along with she and Mick Jagger's daughter, Karis where she still holds London in the Palm of her hands and she's still a beauty icon.

One of my favorites: Oh, no! Not the Beast Day.

Marsha Hunt as she is today, and just as beautiful as ever.

Photos: CV/GUK