Scenes From The Afrika21 Mixtape Project in Planet Brooklyn

Fashion Designer Hekima Hapa at the Afrika21 Mixtape Project recently held in Brooklyn, NY which featured emerging African artists and entertainers. Read the rest at the New York Times.


The event bought out this best in Brooklyn style.


Ethiopian singer, Sheba performed at the event.


Jewelry designer, Alicia Piller wearing one of her unique designs.


Stylist and fashion buyer, Izetta Henderson.


Photos/Source: New York Times

Defining Fabulous:Thalma de Freitas

I've selected Brazilian singer and actress Thalma de Freitas as a woman who defines all that is fabulous. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Thalma was raised in a musical household. Star of several novela's in her native Brazil, music seems to be her first love. Thalma's voice is magical and her beauty is undeniable and I love everything about her style that is uniquely her own. Thalma is also in the latest campaign for one of my favorite stores when I lived in Germany, C&A. I told my daughter that the nearest one is in Mexico and she gave me the old side-eye...We need C&A to come here. Either way, Thalma is pretty amazing!

One of my favorite photos of Thalma.

Le Look Du Jour: Solange Knowles in Alessandra Rich

I don't want to deviate fro a great cause,  but one can't help but notice Solange's effortless style and beauty. In the above photo Solange glams up the red carpet at Denise Rich's Angel Ball in a beautiful one shouldered pearl-embellished gown from designer Alessandra Rich's AW 2011-2012 Collection .

The Angel Ball is an event held in honor of Gabrielle's Angel Foundation which is an organization dedicated to cancer research. At this years gala they raised an amazing $3.3Million dollars for cancer research.

Photos:PCN

Le Look Du Jour: Solange Knowles at CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Party

Solange with SUNO designers, Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty wearing a look from their S/S 2012 RTW.

Solange Knowles has quickly become one of the women we love to see out and about and what she'll be wearing next. The woman has come into her own as a style icon and trendsetter who marches to the beat of her own drum. Solange was recently spotted at the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund Cocktail party which was attended by the creme de la creme of the American fashion industry and today's trendsetters. She looks fab as ever!

Photo:E Sung

Cover Wars: Beyonce for Harper's Bazaar-November

I'm still hoping for a model who is working to grace the cover of some of the American fashion magazines. It's been over ten years in the making and I guess the current trend will continue. Anyway, Beyonce looks fabulous as always on any cover she's on.


Cover No.1

Cover No.2

Photographer: Terry Richardson

Fashion Editor/Stylist: Andrew Richardson

Source: Harper's Bazaar

What's Haute Now: Anna Maria Horsford Jewelry

Actress Anna Maria Horsford Wearing Her Own Designs

We all love head turning pieces of jewelry and other adornments that catch our eyes, so why not check out the beautiful creations from legendary actress and jewelry designer, Anna Maria Horsford. Those of you who aren't familiar with the name, let me state that Anna is an actress who has appeared on television and in the movies, most recently she has been cast in the new comedy, Reed Between the Lines.

Her AMH jewelry is beautiful collection of custom crafted earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces and more.

AMH Jewelry is available online for your shopping pleasure.

Photos: ESSENCE/AMH Jewelry

Culture News: Actress Viola Davis for ELLE Magazine

The beautiful and super talented Viola Davis for the November issue of ELLE Magazine.

Photo:ELLE

Fro's I Love: Graziele Cardoso

I'm not one to ignore the diverse beauty that composes the women who belong to the African Diaspora , especially my people in Brazil by thinking that I can't relate to them because of our so called language barriers and customs. I see the beauty in everything around me and I don't believe in negating my people. As unique as we all are one look just doesn't define our diverse and culturally rich beauty. Graziele is a favorite model of mine who is known for her beautiful Afro and she is also one whom I've also noticed on other blogs as well since I first wrote about her.

LB

Straight Off The Runway and Onto The Street:Shala Monroque Prada SS 2012

When I saw a photo of a headless woman (on the right) wearing an off-runway look from PRADA'S SS 2012 Collection, I knew it had to be none other than Shala Monroque and after a little searching my guess was confirmed. It was indeed Shala who was photographed after or before the Miu Miu SS 2012 RTW show wearing the above skirt but with a different applique and color. I knew she'd do it before any one else would including the so called fashionable celebrities because she's done it before. I guess it does pay to have Miuccia Prada as a friend.



Photos: Go Runway

Preserving Our Image: Artist David Cowles

Actress Angela Bassett

Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice

Singer India Arie

Alicia Keys, President Barack Obama and Will Smith

President Barack Obama

Tyra Banks

I've been collecting images of David Cowles for some time now for a blog post about his work. If you haven't seen some of his iconic caricatures of celebrities you're missing out on an artistic treat. David Cowles is a highly noted caricaturist, illustrator and cartoonist. Cowles' work has appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Vibe, Time, Newsweek, Playboy, People,Money, Worth, Fortune, The New York Times,and other prestigious publications. To check out more of his work click here and here.

Actress Pam Grier


Photos:David Cowles

Need To Hear: Elle Varner

I'd like to thank fab daughter number three for introducing me to the musical sounds of new comer Elle Varner. Elle is that breath of fresh air that we all need to hear. Check her out here and here.

Fashion News: Jason Wu For TARGET

Jason Wu will be the latest designer to participate in a TARGET collaboration. I hope his clothes are classics in the same realm of Isaac Mizrahi's for TARGET, which in my opinion was one of the best collaborations ever. The collection will be available February 5, 2012. 





Source:WWD

Glamtastic Flashback: The Staple Singers

The Staple Singers would have you thinking hard, dancing hard and even praising hard all at the same time. You just don't find great music like that anymore that can do all three things.

Le Looks Du Jour: Julia Sarr-Jamois Paris Fashion Week 2012 RTW

Julia is one of those fashion personalities that I look forward to see grace the streets during fashion weeks all over the world.



Photos: Phil Oh/ Mr. Newton