This weekend I received a flurry of requests from eager Bombshells asking me ID to a dress Swizz Beatz’s ex wife, Mashonda, wore to her King Magazine cover party:
Zatannya said, “Can you PLEASE HELP me find out where this dress comes from. I will need it for my birthday party in October.” Nikki said, “It’s a little risqué, but I’m turning 21 relatively soon, and this dress will fit right into the debauchery I have planned. Can you help me find it?”
While Mashonda revealed on her website that the dress is a custom made number by brand l’Impasse, all I could wonder was why so many 21-year-olds would want to rock a dress with sheer panels on each side and a v-neck so low that one false move could spell a nip slip.
Mashonda is a lovely woman–she looked pretty as a peach for her cover party. And some could argue that her dress was very apropos for a fete thrown by King, a magazine known for its celebration of T&A.
But do you think her dress was too racy?
I know I’m a conservative Suzy, but even if I had the body to rock this, I’d choose not to. The harassment from men on the street is enough–even when I’m fully covered up. I can’t imagine the crowd’s reaction to this hot number. But what do I know?
What do you think of Mashonda’s dress?
*And for those who want to purchase, you can visit L’impasse Boutique at 29 W 8th St, New York, NY. Call them at (212) 533-3255 if you’d like to inquire about having your own custom dress made.
April 11, 2011 9:57 am
she looks good just not my thing, gets more on the h*e-ish side than glam-ish side.
themanetopic.blogspot.com
April 11, 2011 9:58 am
I think her dress was appropriate for the occasion. I can’t say that I would wear something like that to a party. I always felt that when you wear outfits that are very revealing, people may get the wrong impression of you. I am think that a woman can be sexy without revealing a lot.
April 11, 2011 10:07 am
I dont like the seam on the mesh otherwise its hot. I think if it fits well go for it. If I could yes I’d rock the likes of this to a club or party.
April 11, 2011 10:23 am
I think she looked HOT. If you have the figure to wear something like that–which she does–then go for it!
April 11, 2011 10:25 am
im always given a little pause when someone has sides so revelaing that it looks as if they arent wearing any underwear. although i have heard that alot of these dresses have panties kind of sewn in. how true that is, i dont know. i love the front of the dress, but im not loving the mesh sides. looks a little stripper-ish.
I agree with SheMadeULook, the seam is distracting.
April 11, 2011 10:26 am
Whether or not it’s too revealing I would say depends on the occasion and body shape/size. What’s revealing at church isn’t so at the Playboy mansion. This dress on Cassie isn’t going to have the same effect is does on Mashonda (and vice versa), and that’s no offense to the thin ladies at all, but Mashonda is spilling out of that dress. While I wouldn’t wear this, I understand men like pretty things to look at, but they just don’t have to see ALL of my pretty things at once.
April 11, 2011 10:31 am
Definitely revealing… but then again I think she’s trying to make a statement. Her ex and A-Keys have been smearing their love affair in her face. I think this is just her retaliating.
April 11, 2011 10:33 am
I think it’s too much. You can be very sexy and leave something to the imagination. I think the dress looks great on her, but for the everyday woman going to the club? Nope.
April 11, 2011 10:37 am
this dress is just a heap of sequins and mesh – it’s not remotely memorable or dramatic. i am not against revealing clothes per se, but if you want to make a statement, then wear something that is more creative than this!
April 11, 2011 10:53 am
This dress is way too busy and ugly.
April 11, 2011 10:54 am
hey i say if you have the confidence and the body to pull it off go for it. she’s a grown woman and she looks great.
April 11, 2011 10:56 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQbRueYel88 this girl made something like this back in dec. Im sure she can make it to her specs.
April 11, 2011 11:01 am
on mashonda i think this dress is too revealing and kind of vulgar. her breasts are way too big for the low v-cut neckline and look like they are about to spill out. compound that with the see through side panels and she looks kind of slutty and like she’s trying too hard. i think someone with smaller breasts could pull this dress off without it looking so trashy. i guess right now a lot of young women’s (as evinced by many fashionbombs) go to look is the tight, short, and revealing dress, which although it might be sexy, isn’t winning any points for being fashionable or creative. and i don’t think men have any excuse for harassing women, no matter what they wear. we need to start holding men to a higher standard of behavior.
April 11, 2011 11:02 am
Ok… The dress is hot and extremely sexy!!! I think it was totally appropiate for the occassion. Plus its a freakum dress! To me the key statement in the article is, ” even if I had the body to rock this, I’d choose not to”. Really, I think you would~ wink!
go Shonda
April 11, 2011 11:17 am
not to throw shade but rihanna has worn way more revealing stuff than this, and I can name a gang of other celebs who have had their own nearly naked moments
April 11, 2011 11:18 am
If you had the body you def. would if it was your style.
This is still a style thing. Maxi skirts give other folks pause.
April 11, 2011 11:24 am
I think the dress make mashonda look desperate…sorry. It’s like a coming out dress for her…look at me, I’m over the swizzbeat/alicia keys thang…I’m back…I’m doing my own thang…and I get all of that…but you have to be careful about those coming out outfits…I’m not throwing any shade…she’s fab…
There is also the school of thought that you are to wear extra revealing clothes when on a date – not when hanging with your girls…I don’t know…I don’t go anywhere anymore anyway…
April 11, 2011 11:26 am
She looks good, but the cleavage is a bit much. I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to wear this at 21, way too revealing.
April 11, 2011 11:54 am
Short and tight is one thing, but short, tight, and see-through? Why wear clothes at all?
These dresses with the mesh and the cut outs so that people know you’re not wearing underwear, or when you can see nipple, are trashy. There’s something to be said for leaving certain things to the imagination.
April 11, 2011 12:05 pm
Mmmmyeeeeeah.
The mesh is strained. The sequins are offending my spirit. The puff sleeves are disturbing my bowels.
It’s like Amber Rose and the Golden Girls created a line of clubwear – with Dolly Parton as the design director. So in a word: This can’t be life.
April 11, 2011 12:05 pm
She looked great BUT the dress would have been more classy with (perhaps) a mock neck collar. With so much revealed by the mesh on the sides, it wasn’t necessary to show “boobage”.
April 11, 2011 12:07 pm
I think that the dress was appropriate for the occasion, but it was ill fitting. If she wants to wear see-thru that has the possibility of buckling on the sides, then the body has to be smooth–no lumps or bumps! :)
April 11, 2011 12:09 pm
Mashonda is BEAUTIFUL but I think she could have had a little more on. You have a child…Why are u in the club with no drawls on? Also, I think the dress is squeezing her breasts too hard. I swear in one closeup I saw a vein.
April 11, 2011 12:10 pm
This dress is worn to a King magazine event, I understand but she had to basically be naked because of the mesh. This is a mother of a young child. I think its really trashy. And as far as the horde of 21 year olds asking for where they can get the same dress must learn towards the fact that the only thing that they see that they have to offer is their bodies and that’s sad, not everything should be on display.
April 11, 2011 12:12 pm
This dress was for a KING magazine cover. Anyone who is familiar with the publication would know that girls are usually half naked in bikini’s on the cover. I think the dress was appropriate for the occasion. But if it were for an Essence party, then it would have been too revealing.
April 11, 2011 12:31 pm
I’m far from 21, but when I saw this dress I knew it was a MUST have for my approaching 27th birthday. Now, I’m married so I don’t need the sheer side panels lol… I’ve already been “chose” lol… but I think the entire look was very hot and something many could pull off. There’s nothing like a tight, mini with some type of sparkle to make you feel like a queen on your birthday. This is the perfect example of a birthday dress to me (sans the side panels).
April 11, 2011 12:36 pm
Umm have you seen the way 10 year olds and other tweens dress before we start talking about grown 21 year olds? These girls have on full faces of makeup, go to spas etc. That bothers me more than 21 year olds wearing revealing dresses.
April 11, 2011 12:39 pm
Why show it all off? What happened to elegance and class?
Who must you show the side & top of your boob and your hips to be perceived as sexy?
This look, to me, shows lack of confidence and looks desperate. Even a Herve Leger is a better example of how to be sexy without going overboard.
Ladies, we need to set a higher standard for ourselves. Let’s do better.
April 11, 2011 12:52 pm
I think she looks great, but I’m sure I wouldn’t be saying that if her body wasn’t great. Some people can pull off looks, others cannot. I think Mashonda’s gorgeous though…lol
April 11, 2011 1:02 pm
I’m more conservative as well…but I can’t help it but to think she is trying to make Swiss be like “Dang I shouldn’t have left her” To me it seems she has turned slutty to cope with the relationship loss
April 11, 2011 1:20 pm
I think the dress was appropriate for the occasion and I agree with SheMadeUlook….the seam is not hot.
If it were me having a dress made I would have chosen either the low cut front OR the mesh sides not both. Too sexy for me with ALL that skin showing. And knowing me I would’ve gone for the low cut front just not that low. Dont wanna leave home and ppl KNOW i’m not wearing panties…
April 11, 2011 1:20 pm
I highly doubt Swizz Beatz could give a da*n about Mashonda. He already knows what she looks like and he left it. So this dress is just sad to me. And I do see lumps and bumps through the side panels of this dress. Ew. Would have been hotter without the mesh. Don’t let a man take your self respect!
April 11, 2011 1:22 pm
PS. Her FACE is beat! Beautiful. To bad she takes away from her total package w/ all the skin.
April 11, 2011 1:26 pm
those tacky, TAC-KEE sequins remind me of the HIDEOUS costume i had to wear to my tap recital when i was 9 (god! i hated taking tap)!
the god-awful sheer sides REEEEEEK of ‘desperation’ to me.
NOT wearing panties is ALWAYS a fashion no *cough-rihanna-cough*!
there. nuff said. :-(
April 11, 2011 1:49 pm
If Amber Rose and the Golden Girls (with Dolly Parton as the design lead) team up for a line of convertable video girl/socialite dresses, I predict this will be the signature piece.
April 11, 2011 1:50 pm
Hmm. Why are my comments not going through.
April 11, 2011 1:51 pm
Alright let’s try this again: If Amber Rose and The Golden Girls teamed up to create a high fashion line of convertable hoochie-to-high tea evening wear (with Dolly Parton as the lead designer), this would be the result.
April 11, 2011 1:54 pm
The dress is horrible and cheap looking! What happened to class and elegance? You can show some skin, but putting everything on display just makes you look cheap. What hey, it’s her body so she can wear what she wants! smh!
April 11, 2011 2:05 pm
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Where to begin? She’s beautiful…but, the dress is too tight, the sheer side panels, short length and plunging neckline are too much in one dress. And, as if that wasn’t enough, let’s throw some sequins on it for good measure.
The rule of thumb is usually cleavage or legs on display. Both is risque and borderline vulgar, but the mesh tilted it all the way to distasteful.
April 11, 2011 2:14 pm
I think she is a beautiful woman and looks fine for the venue like others said. It is not like she is picking her son up from school, going to the store or going to work in it. It is a club/party dress where you most likely where it once(maybe twice) and not again. The mesh sides isn’t bad in and of itself but I think she forgot the rule of picking ONE focal point, if she wanted to show her boobs then she didn’t need the sides and vice versa. But I don’t think this dress is all that bad compare to the other celebs who wore way more revealing dresses i.e. JLO and the infamous green Versace dress, to me that was to much
April 11, 2011 3:05 pm
I thought fashion was all about taking risks? Hence the word “risque.” I’m sorry Claire but its almost like your contradicting yourself. This dress is no different than the “risque” outfits we’ve seen posted on your site worn many celebrities, especially the Norma Kormali (sp?) post with Ciara and Rihanna and they’re both YOUNGER than Mashonda.
April 11, 2011 3:14 pm
@Thepretty1 I think fashion is about taking risks, but it’s also about being tasteful.
And as a lot of commenters said, there are several focal points going on with Mashonda’s look….the sheer panels, plunging neckline, and high hem, that take it a bit too far (only my opinion).
With the Louise Goldin dress Rihanna wore in the Norma Kamali post, there are sheer details, but no plunging neckline or high hem (it’s a long dress with a high neckline). Ciara is wearing a long sleeve top with sheer details…and long pants.
It’s ok to be a little saucy in my opinion without letting it all hang out.
But to each his/her own. I did make the point that Mashonda looked pretty and that it was probably apropos for the King Magazine function.
April 11, 2011 3:17 pm
I think the dress is appropriate for her King magazine party. I don’t see anything wrong with her wearing this dress. No she’s not 21 and yes she is a mother but hey she got offered to be on the cover and have a party thrown in her honor why not wear a hot dress?
April 11, 2011 3:23 pm
Wow I didn’t realize the side panels were see-through. Too much! It was cute and sexy on its own.. the side panels make it a bit sleazy. And even though it’s an inanimate image, i’m worried about a nip slip. Them thangs are about to pop out!
April 11, 2011 3:41 pm
Ugh. Side boob. *gags*
April 11, 2011 4:00 pm
hello everyone…off topic…but I did the big chop this weekend and I just returned from the gym…easiest work out ever…lifeisgood. Asyouwere.
April 11, 2011 4:12 pm
I think she looks great. She could look a lot worse. And she doesn’t look trash or slutty because of her attitude and confidence says that she s a lady. I do think the top the dress is cut to low. One or the other has to go. But she looks nice and I seen for worst from girls in the club. I always feel over dress lol.
April 11, 2011 4:29 pm
I’m glad you did a post on this Claire. When I saw the pic this weekend I was shocked and disgusted, I think any piece of clothing that implies and blatantly shows that you have no undergarments is trashy. I used to like Mashonda but lately these choices have seemed knee jerk and not thought out. ESPECIALLY considering the fact that she has children, i would not like for my mother to wear something like this. I am also 21 and wouldn’t even think about wearing something like this. Harassment from males is enough during the day but wear this to a nightclub and you are asking for it shall i dare say! that’s just my opinion
April 11, 2011 5:20 pm
For the event shes wearing it to i guess its appropriate but i couldnt imagine myself wearing that anywhere. But im surprised so many ppl like the dress if someone as say rihanna was wearing this, i dare say most would say she looked slutty. So maybe its all about whos wearing it…
April 11, 2011 5:35 pm
Visible seam is not hot. I guess Swizzy and Alicia’s thing really messed homegirl up cuz she look like a str8 scalliwag. I definitely think it appropriate for a ta ta mag party. But the seam makes it look even cheaper than it already does. Clearly many people have no morals…just look at the length of a dress these days…
Maybe next time she’ll wear Rihanna’s shorts lol.
April 11, 2011 5:38 pm
Mashonda is beautiful BUT this dress is borderline trashy. She would have made way more of a statement if the dress covered her up a little more..
April 11, 2011 5:48 pm
Can I just point out that those sheer panels are much wider than I originally thought…there is more sheer paneling then sequined fabric…
April 11, 2011 5:57 pm
trashy? she is a woman with a gorgeous body and is showing it off. stop labeling other women. mashonda has always been classy in interviews and other wise so to deem her tasteless because of a dress is ridiculous as hell. it’s a nightclub not bible study, let her have fun.
April 11, 2011 6:12 pm
I love the dress! Aint like she naked. You just see some skin. Besides i dont kno if this is specifically true for the dress she is wearing but a lot of these sheer or see thru dresses come with flesh tone slips or undies so she probably is wearing one. Besides 1. she is a grown woman 2. im sure not every woman thinks of her ex whenever she gets dressed sheesh. My only peeve is that for a custom made dress it doesnt fit.Its too tight (the pulling on the sides) and too low cut (spilling over!) Higher neckline and looser fit and it would be perfect.
April 11, 2011 7:00 pm
I find it weird that Mashonda wears this dress and its considered being revealing BUT if Rihanna was wearing it she would of gotten Fashion Praise! Heck if the situation between Mashonda and A.keys was reverse, most of the comments would be positive Personally, she looks gorgeous in the dress, the only thing I would change is the revealing side boob through the mess.
April 11, 2011 7:59 pm
She looks cute. – the end.
April 11, 2011 9:25 pm
She looks beautiful so what that the sides are cut out we have seen worse Rihanna barely wears anything she’s always half naked (Rolling Stone Cover) and many more so is Ciara so please don’t make a big fuss about Mashonda’s dress she looks absolutley beautiful and if she wants to celebrate her body let her if I had her body I would too but please don’t act like its the worst dress you’ve ever seen google Rihanna Ciara even Toni Braxton in that white dress ok!!
April 11, 2011 9:35 pm
I like the dress and I think she looks good in it. Just noticed the side seam. With that aside she looks good.
April 11, 2011 10:08 pm
I didn’t get a chance to read all the comments, so I may be reiterating what’s already been said. But simply put “She’s doing too much!” It screams desperation, maybe not at her ex but in the “she’s single and ready to mingle” sort of way. She’s beautiful and I’m sure she can look show stopping in something more conservative. This dress is Too Tight, Too Low cut, has Too Much sheer and just Too exposing. And I have to agree with Claire, I get inappropriate, overtly sexual attention from men when wearing baggy sweats. What kind of attention do you think you will get from men in a dress like that? Its an open invitation to be harassed. Sexy is not defined by a lack of clothes, its best to leave something to the imagination.
April 11, 2011 10:31 pm
I think that she looks hot!!! If you have the body and the confidence to pull this look off then go for it. She’s a grown woman who can wear what she wants, so who are we to judge.
April 12, 2011 1:08 am
i think it’s a hot look- for the right body type and she pulled it off. YES it’s way too much but you only live once and it appears she didn’t carry herself in a slutty manner–for me that makes a big difference. Put this dress on a different personality and she may be offered $20 to go into a dark alley with a strange fellow. Revealing, sexy clothing can still be worn with class when pushing the fashion envelope…
April 12, 2011 1:18 am
in comparison to rihanna….she is “current” and an it girl so ppl look to her for fashion inspiration and to be shocked by her wardrobe-which has been questioned in the media. But with Mashonda- she doesn’t really have a “place” in the industry so some folk may feel like she’s vying for attention any way possible. simply put, she’s wearing a revealing dress that she looks good in. Everybody can’t do it and everybody doesn’t want to do it. there are some ppl that can wear a paper sack and someone would still comment on how her breast are too big and she needs a sweater over it! LOL. Maybe her son won’t be so quick to jump at any chick wearing a tight dress cuz mommy wore them all the time lol idk…
April 12, 2011 7:26 am
Who said she wasn’t wearing underwear? Google: C strings
hmm i’m 21 and I think if gf wants to be hawt & stand out at her party– this dress would do it.
I personally think there’s a bit too much going on: it’s short, with too much cleavage on display with the sheer side panels with the sequins with the highshoulders. meh -_-
April 12, 2011 8:47 am
why can’t a woman be sexy after 21 & kids? What’s the age/ovulation cap for sexy? This might be a question better suited for abelleinbk.
April 12, 2011 4:14 pm
She looks awesome. She’s divorced not dead. You go girll!
April 12, 2011 4:22 pm
Snaps for Mashonnda!
April 13, 2011 10:41 am
Its hot and she looks hot in it!! Would we be having this discussion if it was Beyawnce?
April 13, 2011 8:30 pm
She looks HOT the mesh on the sides can stay. On a rack i can see how it can come off as trashy but she wears it well. Her body is on point, very sexy
April 16, 2011 6:35 pm
Im surprised L’Impasse is still open. It is an institution in NYC and if you wanted to look HOT (or slutty/attention-grabbing – to each his own bc it was all there) you skipped the d&g store and went to L’Impasse.
My girls and I would shop there religiously in our early 20′s and if you were serious abt your partying so did you… glad to see their style hasnt changed lol
thanks for the memories :-)
May 10, 2011 1:51 pm
I think the dress is VERY CHEESY!!! It’s very “BUNNY RANCH” meets “LAS VEGAS SHOWGIRL”!! Why do black women think it’s sexy to reveal their ENTIRE body to the world? It’s actually sexier when you cover up your body with a SICK outfit,but only REAL fashionistas are creative enough to do that. L’IMPASSE BOUTIQUE is the store she got this from,and I’ve been there……HORRIBLE!! The store is completely filled with STRIPPER clothes!! The quality OF THEIR STUFF IS HORRIBLE!! I would NEVER spend my money in there,and the owner is a FAST-TALKING SCAM ARTIST!!!
March 22, 2012 9:02 am
[...] Pumps. L’Impasse is known for constructing saucy pieces with sheer sides (you may remember Mashonda wore one of their dresses last year): Don't Her cool yellow heels have a 2″ platform and 5.25″ heel. They also come [...]
August 2, 2012 10:13 am
Unfortunately, this is the way of the world. Glamour is out and vulgar is in. People talked about Janelle Monae’s boring look…”why does she have to wear tuxedos all the time.” I applaud a young lady in the entertainment industry that does not feel that she has to degrade herself no matter how “great” her “body” may be.
Young women, (and unfortunately some “old” women alike) please keep some mystery about yourselves. This is not sexy. Sexy is not a dress, it’s a state of mind. Trust me, you will be respected much more for your confidence, grace and elegance than for how much skin you show.