Hey!
We always like to keep you hip to up-and-coming/new designers. Today’s subject is Deborah Ababio, creator of Asara Dee bowties:
Asara Dee specializes in funky bowties with a feminine twist made of high quality silk satin, printed cotton, and afro printed fabrics.
The bows can be work a multitude of ways: In your hair, on a shirt, or as an accent to a skirt:
Attach a gold chain and wear it as a necklace:
What do you think? Would you rock one?
See more at www.asaradee.com.
Sammy B Designs first flew onto my chic radar at last year’s Harlem’s Fashion Row, where the Pratt graduate showcased looks characterized by cut outs and sheer paneling on a landing strip of a runway.
I checked in to www.SammyBDesigns.com recently to see what she’s been up to, and was pleasantly surprised at her new collections:
The Glitz and Glam collection is perfect for the gal about town who just likes to sparkle a little brighter than the rest…
Jail Stripe Hues is for the style renegade who doesn’t shy away from prints, patterns, or dangerously high hems…
Technicolor Dreams is for the bold and adventurous girls who have no problem rocking neon green, pop pink, or deep violet:
And Swim and Bodysuit is earmarked for those who don’t mind making a serious splash poolside:
Sammy describes her line as, “sassy, sexy, and ultra cool fused with street credibility.”
What do you think?
Hey Guys!
So in my quest for perfect Coachella outfits, I’ve been searching high and low, trying to find a mix of retro chic outfits with boho glam accents. I recently hit up a vintage t-shirt store in Soho, but was disappointed when the only shirt I found featuring a person of color was from an old Anita Baker concert!
So when I stumbled upon Laudme, I was instantly intrigued.
They offer vintage feeling t-shirts featuring stunners like Eartha Kitt, Josephine Baker, and more.
Coming in light spring colors like pink champagne, seafoam, grey and creme, the t’s are perfect for an outdoor concert or super steamy summer day. And compared to the vintage concert t-shirts I spied in Soho that cost $150 plus (yes!), these t’s are still somewhat affordable at around $44.
My eyes are fixed on that Josephine Baker tank! I just might have to come with me to Coachella…
If you’re interested in getting one too, visit Laudme clothing at www.laudme.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/laudme.
Last night I went to the Film Forum to see Bill Cunningham, New York, a documentary profiling one of New York and fashion’s most prolific and celebrated photographers. Bill took us along as he cycled through city streets, discreetly snapping away at the outfits of everyday people. His love for yet detachment from fashion made an impression–I left inspired by an icon and living legend.
Bill Cunningham’s film is not, of course, the only fashion flick that has proven touching or enlightening. There are at least four others that both educated and entertained. Read on for my picks for the best of mode in motion:
1. Bill Cunningham New York
I’ve already gushed about it here and on Twitter, but it’s a must see. Bill has been snapping editors like Anna Wintour and Kim Hastreitor, dandies like Patrick McDonald and Shail Upadhya, and fashionistas like Anna Piaggi and Iris Apfel for 50 years. What was most striking about the exposé was the dichotomy between what Bill records and what Bill lives. He sits front row at fashion shows here and abroad, but he himself doesn’t own even a wardrobe full of clothes. He leads a very simple life in an apartment consisting primarily of filing cabinets and a twin sized bed. His most prized possessions are his bike and his camera. It’s fun to see his evolution and inspiring to observe his humble and tireless devotion to the craft.
2. The September Issue
This one’s a no-brainer. Go behind the scenes with Anna Wintour, the most powerful woman in fashion, as she and her editors at US Vogue prepare the all important September issue. Tune in especially for cameos from Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley.
4. Seamless
This flick, released in 2005, focused on four young designers as they competed for Vogue’s CFDA Fashion Fund award: Alexandre Plokhov of Cloak; Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler; and Doo Ri Chung of Doo.Ri. Though some names might seem familiar now, they were relatively unknown during filming–some were still working in their parent’s basement trying to make it. Out of the other films I suggested, this one is pretty slow (and borders on boring), but is a must if only to give you a background on some of the industy’s hottest talents. To whit: We see Proenza Schouler winning the CFDA Fashion Fund in 2004; they won the CFDA award for womenswear designer of the year in 2007 and are nominated again this year.
5. Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton
Though significantly shorter than other films, this option offers a look at Marc Jacobs before he was the expertly chiseled, diamond earring sporting glam god he is today. Cameras follow him from Paris to New York and back as he prepares his Marc Jacobs line and collections for Louis Vuitton.
Those are on my ‘to-see’ list.
What are some of your favorite documentaries?
*New Yorkers, Bill Cunningham’s documentary stops showing April 7th at the Film Forum. Click here and get your ticket before it’s too late!
Designer Laquan Smith sent over images from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection for his lower priced line, LQS.
Titled ‘Hard Candy,’ each piece has delectable names like Mimosa, Pralines & Cream, Toasted Almond, and Toffee.
Comprised primarily of yummy colors like bubblegum pink, peach tart, tangerine, and sour apple green, the collection features catsuits, skirt suits, and mini dresses earmarked for the saucy, contemporary set.
It figures–dresses from this collection have been spied on industry hotties Rihanna, Cassie, Nicki Minaj, and Selita Ebanks.
If you want to make a splash this summer, it’s necessary you do so in at least one of these looks:
What do you think?
See more at www.laquansmith.com. And promise, buying details to come!
Hey!
Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Rocawear offices by Times Square and previewing Rocawear and Artful Dodger’s Fall 2011 menswear collections:
Rocawear Mens Fall 2011 Collection
If you’re not familiar with Artful Dodger, they’re the more punk inspired arm of Rocawear clothing. With the motto, “Kick a$$ and die young,” the line is for the rebellious type whose wardrobe consists mainly of slightly controversial t-shirts, dirty wash jackets, and double faced western shirts.
For Fall 2011, Artful Dodger men can look forward to tie-dye jeans, two toned camouflage pieces, funky t-shirts, and studded leather biker jackets.
Also on tap: fedora style hats, cross body bags, and easy sneakers and boots.
And over at Rocawear…
It seems Mr. Carter is going for a more preppy vibe with pants with better fits, striped cardigans, and even colored denim. Gone are the ostentatious logos adorning each breast pocket or jeans leg. The former logo has actually changed completely–instead of the Rocawear flame, each piece is marked with a silver plaque reading ‘R+’ for Rocawear, plus.
The clothes definitely have a more grown up, classic feel. It seems the brand is tapering its baggier options to appeal to a larger demographic.
It works!
What do you think?
See more at www.rocawear.com and at www.artfuldodger.com.
Smootches!
Hey Guys!
So this past weekend, while in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with some friends, I passed by a photo shoot in progress.
Ever curious, of course I had to ask what was going on!
The photographer introduced himself as Ray Brown, and said that he was also the designer for Ray Vincente Fashion Studio.
Brown has been a designer for the Ray Vincente line since 1983, and creates eclectic creations for both men and women.
Intrigued? See more at www.rayvincentefashion.com.
Also, just for fun, a few more snapshots from my day in Dumbo:
I love New York!
So since I’ve been in Europe, I’ve been scouring the streets for the best in urban fashion.
While in London, I met up with DJ Josh Madden, who put me on to French jewelry brand Nous Sommes (www.noussommes.fr):
Inspired by hip-hop’s Jesus Pieces, the line of pendants depicts stars in the worlds of music, movies, and fashion including Michael Jackson, Karl Lagerfeld, Rick Ross, Lady Gaga, Grace Jones, Spike Lee, and more. Fun and funky, they’ve been spied on Teyana Taylor, Rick Ross, Amber Rose, and Karl Lagerfeld himself.
Nous Sommes (French for “We Are“) necklaces allow you to rock and represent the faces of those you admire or aspire to be. Cool concept, non?
Coming soon: pendants featuring Jimi Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe.
The Designers of Nous Sommes with Terry Richardson
The pieces are 170 Euros ($230) each. A splurge, yes, but can you put a price on cool?
See more at www.noussommesblog.tumblr.com and purchase at www.noussommes.fr.
I have the Grace Jones necklace and I love it. Picture to come!
What do you think?
*Thank Josh (pictured below rocking a Nous Sommes necklace), for the tip:
Josh wrote about our encounter for Paper Magazine. Read about it here.
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