A Moment In Afro Herstory: Kathleen Cleaver and Angela Davis

What more can one say about these two that hasn't been written before. 

                                          

Emanuela de Paula For GQ South Africa

Brazilian model Emanuela de Paula burns up the pages of GQ South Africa's June issue.




Source

First Lady Michelle Obama Wows In Tom Ford and Barbara Tfank

Mrs. Obama looks stunning in this gown by designer Tom Ford at an elegant, formal state dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, the first lady wore a white gown with a crisscross halter neckline. Mrs. Obama's hair was pinned up in a chignon, which showed off dangling earrings. She accessorized the look with white opera gloves and a silver clutch bag.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, in London.

Her ice-blue, floral-jacquard dress is by designer Barbara Tfank, in which she paired with a light purple bolero.

THESE WEDGES TAKE CENTER STAGE

Charlene Dash is checking out these silk lace print over navy suede, round toe platform shoes from the Nicholas Kirkwood's Fall 2011 collection. Her verdict? Fabulous...

Amazingggg Grrraceeeeee!

Amazzzzzingggg Grrrrrace! Grace Jones has been “Defining Fabulous” for over sixty years.

Thank You Oprah Winfrey For 25 Glorious Years!

Homage To La Baker

Over the years many women have either tried to copy the style and beauty of Madame Josephine Baker. Few have succeeded and several have failed. I've got to give it to 'Super Model" Rose Cordero for being  a dead ringer, no pun intended, of Josephine Baker with her most recent editorial for Tush Magazine, shot by Ellen von Unwerth.

In my own personal opinion the only two models in the past who pulled off an identical Josephine Baker look-a-like have been former "Super Models" Pat Cleveland and Billie Blair, everyone else comes in a close second. Either way they looked glamorous while trying with their own personal spin on giving a tribute to the iconic Josephine Baker.

Preserving Our Image: Artist Carlos Spivey

I first fell in love with Carlos Spiveys beautiful artwork when I visited The Essence Music Festival a few years ago. Any woman or man who creates positive imagery of our beauty is all right with me. His images are beautiful in their depiction of our beauty and to me that says that he loves and appreciates who we are as human beings.

His artwork transcends the optical limitations of this world with images of dignity that reflect the cultural diversity of African people in a modern, traditional and even cosmic context. He says that he is an Ancient Futurist and  paints stories, Afro Centric tales of love and loss on this physical and on the spiritual plane. Parables with universal themes that reflect a spirit of hope and perseverance. His stories are filled with love, beauty and sacred totems.

Here is another one of our best creative minds whose beautiful works of art should be gracing your walls. His mosaics are to die for and believe me if I had the money I'd have him create a mosaic in my bathroom. You can find more about this brilliant man and to purchase his collection here.

Naomi Campbell: Fashion Relief

There's nothing more beautiful and rewarding then a woman who gives back.

Glamtastic Flashback: Mounia

                                          No one exemplified elegance like Mounia. Circa 1979.

Haute Hats!!!

The Editorial...

...the inspiration. Pamela Joyner looks fabulous as always.

The "hauter" the better, hats have always been a staple for the stylish woman.

Photo: VOGUE Italia

Preserving Our Image: Raúl Guerra

I came across these beautiful prints during my search for global beauty and style and found these beauties by artist, Raúl Guerra. These prints are from Guerra's "Wrapped In Pride" series.


They live me saying, "Love Thy Head Wrap."

Source: Raúl Guerra

What's Haute Now: MYHABIT.COM

Psst! Look who's joining the growing lists of private sales sites?  It’s from a trusted name and website we already hold near and dear to our hearts and ummm, purses…Amazon.com has just launched its new private sale site- offering discounted rates of hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands: MyHabit.com. 


If you already have an Amazon account you're good to go since membership is free and you can sign in using your information. Since it just started, most of what was offered is already sold out and with up to 60% off, I guess it would be. My Habit.com offers, clothing and accessories for women, men and children. 
Happy Shopping.

Who's Got Style: Lindiwe Suttle

For those of us who truly love women from all walks of life, especially those who put the 'S' in style, one can add Lindiwe Suttle to the mix. I've been a fan of her Mom's ever since I first saw her on an episode of Oprah, so we know where she gets her sense of style from and Lindiwe is a beautiful style icon in her own right. Lindiwe has the basic elements of real style: intelligence, charisma, talent, an array of impressive accomplishments and to top it all off, total individuality. Lindiwe is also the face of Woolworth's beauty campaign, "Come Together."  Lindiwe, like other stylish women around the world are proving to be the embodiment of international style worth taking notes from. Check out her latest video from her new CD, "Man Made Moon." To learn more about this fabulous woman, click here.




Photos: ELLE South Africa/Woolworth's

Beyoncé - Run The World (Girls)

...and this video.


While I'm no longer a girl...I believe the phrase should be: "Women Run the World."

Le Look Du Jour: Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs

Who: Designers Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs
What: The 2011 American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC.
Wear: Cushnie et Ochs

ONE LOOK: Naomi Campbell for Igor Chapurin

Naomi walks the catwalk for Russian designer Igor Chapurin.



Naomi Campbell showed she still has an astonishing figure on the catwalk at a fashion show held in Moscow yesterday. Naomi, who turns 41 on May 22, has been modelling since she was 15, was wearing a white and grey cat suit which made it look like her curves had been painted on.

On Monday, she is hosting a Fashion For Relief charity catwalk event along with VOGUE Italia's Franca Sozzani at the Cannes Film Festival to raise funds for those affected by Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

Thandie Newton Covers InStyle UK

The gorgeous Thandie Newton on the cover of the June issue of InStyle UK magazine.

Le Look Du Jour: Monique Péan at MoMa's Party In The Garden

"Monique Péan At the 2011 MoMA Party In The Garden Gala"

                                         
                                     The Details: The fabulous shoes and one of her signature necklaces

For those of you who don't know anything about Monique Péan, Monique is a former Wall Street broker turned jewelry designer that works with indigenous artists on three continents and uses only found materials, recycled metals, and responsibly mined gems in which a portion of the profits goes to philanthropic organizations. Her company's collaboration with the nonprofit group Charity: Water will provide clean drinking water for more than 3,000 people for 20 years. "There's nothing more beautiful than a woman that gives back."

Le Look Du Jour: Shingai Shoniwa At Buckingham Palace

Shingai Shoniwa in Dolce & Gabbana at the Young People and the Performing Arts reception at Buckingham Palace.



Photo: PA

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

Glamtastic Flashback:Debra Shaw for Christian Dior Haute Couture S/S 2007

In Full Bloom...



When I saw Debra, I couldn't get her image out of my head and neither the exquisite workmanship of the collection.

It had to be the color or was it the music... Puccini's Madame Butterfly, either way I was spellbound and transfixed on the collection.That day the geisha of the East met the geisha of the West in living color.

GUCCI, UCCI..........

Graffiti Chic featuring Beyonce and Siri Tollerød in GUCCI'S feathered dress from their 2011 S/S RTW.

ONE TO WATCH: ACTRESS PATINA MILLER

**I originally wrote this in February and now I'm re-posting it again because Patina's star is on the rise. From what I heard come from Whoopi and Aretha Franklin is that she just may be in Aretha's biopic. Everyone slept on Tika Sumpter and now she's on everyone's radar.



If I find them, you'll read about them here, plus I love to spread the word about those who are traveling under everyone else's radar while the rest are so caught up on the top five females of the entertainment field. I present to you actress Patina Miller. Patina Miller plays Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi's movie character) in the new Broadway version of Sister Act the Musical which hits Broadway on March /24/11.

Actress/Producer Whoopi Goldberg and Actress Patina Miller

Born in Pageland, SC., music has been a part of her life at an early age. Patina was also one of three finalist for the role of Effie in the movie Dream Girls. She was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and won the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Choice Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Deloris Van Cartier in the West End production of Sister Act. Previously in New York she played Dionne in The Public Theater's 2008 production of Hair at the Dela Millercorte Theatre. Ms. Miller also appeared on the ABC daytime television program "All My Children." She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University. {Source}


Patina Miller (with the Afro) in the March issue of Vanity Fair for their Broadway-Bound Belles editorial shot by Ruven Afanador.


Talented, beautiful and accomplished! I can't wait to see what the future holds for this young woman and hopefully talent will out rule name recognition because she is definitely one to watch.

Click here to follow Sister Act the Musical on Twitter and Facebook.



Photos: Catherine Ashmore/Vanity Fair/Playbill/ABC

Man of Style: Architect David Adjaye

Stefano Tonchi Celebrates the W May Design Issue and the Book Launch of David Adjaye's A House for an Art Collector. David Adjaye is an award winning architect of the eponymous, innovative architectural and design firm whose work spans across a diverse and global platform.


Proudly boasting a multicultural and multinational team, Adjaye Associates is stimulated and nurtured by the broadest possible perspective and curiosity, resulting in a rupturing nucleus of creativity and building a legacy to be reckoned with.

Adjaye was born in the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam and travelled the world with his diplomatic father until the family settled in London. He earned his BA at London South Bank University, before graduating with an MA in 1993 from the Royal College of Art. I will definitely be adding this book to my bookshelf.