A Work Of Art: Nicola Vassell For Avenue Magazine

Woman about town and former model, Nicola Vassell graces the cover and the pages of the May issue of Avenue Magazine. Avenue  Magazine is one of Manhattan’s oldest society magazines, and one of the first publications in the United States that highlights the exclusive access to Manhattan’s elite, their affluence and influence by offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the people and their lifestyles. 

I've written about Nicola before, since she is a major player in the NYC area and global art world who's not only known for her edgy and impeccable style, but is also known as the woman who single handily made The Deitch Projects as one of the worlds best galleries. Town and Country magazine has also named her as one to watch and meet in 2011. Nicola Vassell is now the director of The Pace Gallery in NYC where she will continue to make waves with her keen eye for talent.

Photos: Juan Algarin

Need To Hear: Imany Mladjao

If her face looks familiar, it could be that you've seen her on the pages of Essence magazine and in other publications. Imany Mladjao is a Paris-based former Ford fashion model from the Comoros Islands who brings her own beautiful blend of blues, rock and soul to the airwaves. Lovely voice from a lovely woman.



Check her out for more info at: 
http://www.imanymusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/imanyeasy

Need To Hear: Les Nubians"Afrodance"

                                                                        AFRODANCE!

"Former "Top Model" Julie Woodson"

"Former "Songstress and Activist, Jean Pace"

I'm been doing the "Afrodance" for a very long time and it's nothing but a straight out love affair with who I am.



Be sure to get your copy of Les Nubians' latest CD, Nü Revolution.

Shakara Ledard For CHICO's

"Shakara Ledard for CHICO'S Spring Catalog"

It's great to see Shakara back on the scene and I must admit there has been an resurgence of many of the "Top Models" from the '80s and '90s and these women still look great! Shakara is signed with One Management. Check out CHICO'S latest ad campaign and also their new Spring arrivals here 

Photos: CHICOS|One Manaagement

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

ONE TO WATCH: Annie Ngasi Ilonzeh

Watch Out World, Here Comes Charlies Newest Angel, Annie N. Ilonzeh!

Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly and Rachael Taylor on the set of the television series “Charlie’s Angels” on March 16, 2011 in Miami Beach, Florida. Former General Hospital star Annie Ilonzeh was also the first actress to be cast for the new Charlie's Angels TV series.





The actress is from Grapevine, TX. also appeared on Melrose Place and other television shows, scored one of the three main roles in the ABC project, from Sony Pictures TV and Drew Barrymore's Flower Films.

The new series, is a remake of the 70s original and is a modern take on the now infamous story of Charlie's Angels, set around three private detectives - Kate, Abby and Marisa - who meet when they are all employed by the same mystery man. I say, this just may be must watch TV. Stay tuned! Congratulations to Annie Ilonzeh for scoring a big win!

Photos: Getty Images/ABC TV

DEFINING FABULOUS: INDIRA CARVALHO

Brazilian Top Model-Indira Carvalho

"Indira Is Absolutely Stunning In These Editorials"

Indira Carvalho is a top model with WMA in Brazil.

Photos: WMA/L'Officiel Brasil

A Woman You Should Know: Brazilian Poet Elisa Lucinda

The cover of her number one bestseller: Parem de Falar Mal da Rotina (Stop Talking Little Routine)

"Education, coupled with the desire, generates the possibilities." Our revolution is only educational. Education is going to change everything." ~Elisa Lucinda








On this blog I do my best to highlight the women of the African Diaspora who live throughout the world that many of you may not see in magazines and in other blogs unless you speak the language. My father always taught us that no matter where we (people of African descent) lived in the world, we are still family in the truest sense connected by our shared heritage. And I personally believe that language and culture should no be the determining factor as to how and why we interact with each other.With this said I now present to you well known Brazilian poet, actress and activist, Elisa Lucinda.



Elisa Lucinda Gomes dos Campos, is a poet, journalist, singer and actress in Brazil who uses her position to raise awareness to the disparities in educational opportunities in her native Brazil. Elisa knows that words are powerful, so powerful that she learned to master and utilize the full potential of this tool which became the raw material of many of her poems, essays, dramas, and also an efficient instrument of seduction. Elisa works tirelessly to ensure that all Brazilians, especially the children who live in the favelas are included in the transformation of society through education and awareness. Elisa conducts poetry writing workshops at her Escola Lucinda de Poesia Viva.



Photos: RAÇA BRASIL/Leya Publishing Group

STRIKE A POSE: HERIETH PAUL FOR RAD HOURANI 2011 FALL/WINTER RTW

Herieth Paul for Rad Hourani 2011 Fall/Winter RTW. See the rest of the collection here.

Photos: Rad Hourani

ONE LOOK: MIU MIU 2011 PARIS Fall Fashion Week Prêt-à-Porter

Melodie Monrose for Miu Miu...see the rest of the collection here.

Ataui Deng Model of the Moment for 2011 Paris Fall Winter Prêt-à-Porter /RTW

For Haider Ackerman

Top Model Ataui Deng for Manish Arora

For Rick Owens

DEFINING FABULOUS: TAMARA DOBSON

Tamara Dobson was an American actress and fashion model who was born in Baltimore, Maryland and received her degree in fashion illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Dobson was statuesque model who was 6 feet 2 inches of pure glamour and elegance. Tamara's imagery graced the pages of  Vogue, Glamour, Ebony, Jet and Harper's Bazaar magazines. Tamara was best known for her roles in '70s films, Cleopatra Jones and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold, Fuzz, Norman...Is That You?, Come Back Charleston Blue and Chained Heat and also television numerous television shows. After modeling, Tamara became a commercial property owner and developer in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Dobson died on October 2, 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland. Today her iconic beauty lives on in those who celebrate her legacy.

WORDS OF WISDOM

WORDS OF WISDOM

BE AN ORIGINAL. DON'T BE A COPY.
DO YOU. BE YOU. DEFINE YOU.

Vlisco's 'NOUVELLE HISTOIRE" CAMPAIGN

Vlisco's 'NOUVELLE HISTOIRE' CAMPAIGN 2011

STUNNING AS USUAL!

Nothing says the start of the Spring and Summer season than fabric in bright and vivid colors which makes one spring back to life and as usual Vlisco delivers. Vlisco drew their inspiration from our own rich heritage in creating their new fabric collection 'Nouvelle Histoire'. In the collection, iconic Vlisco designs are rediscovered and redefined into new narratives, resulting in illustrative memoirs with a twist. The unmistakable Vlisco sense of sophistication is enhanced by the use of familiar colours. 'Nouvelle Histoire' consists of modern-day collector's items from Vlisco’s own Golden Age, a genuine treat for true fashionistas.
If you sew and create your own one of a kind fashions, then be sure to check them out here and be inspired.

Photos:Vlisco

Afrogasm

Absolutely Stunning!

When I saw this magnificent Afro I had to have it!

"Gotta love the Afro in all of it's magnificent glory."

(Source)