Where did the week go, ya’ll? Nonetheless, I’m happy it’s Friday! Today for our Fashion Bombshell, we’ve got Amber from New York City:
She told us, “My name is Amber and I’m located in New York City.”
“My style is classic yet on trend and a great mixture of high and low fashion items.”
“On my blog, I don’t just talk about my outfits.”
“I also give my readers tips and tricks how to maximize their wardrobe with existing pieces, different ways to style those pieces year-round, and how to dress for your body type.”
“I’m a huge fan of FBD and read it daily.”
“It would truly be an honor to be featured on your blog. Thank you for your consideration.”
Yaaaas! As someone who suffered that New York cold while there for NYFW, I gotta give you props for looking so chic outside! Personally I like all your looks, as they are polished and versatile. Keep a look out for Amber’s looks on IG: @cocoabutterdiaries. Let us know in the comments, what do you think of her style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
The name Sonique Saturday may not ring a bell at first, but trust us when we say you’ve seen her work before. Saturday, a celebrity stylist, is the conceptualist behind the now-famous ‘You Fake Like This Birkin’ bag that comes under her BellaDonna collection. Over the years, the humorous bags have garnered the attention of celebrities, who have rocked the bags as satirical commentary to the idea of designer purses.
Although she was spotted sporting her bag during NYFW a few seasons back, it would be her client, Amber Rose, that would bring the bag to notoriety and make it a huge trend to the conversation of controversial fashion statements.The main goal of Saturday’s message is to encourage others not to find self-worth through materialism. Therefore, it is understandable that she has recently taken to Instagram to rant her rage over Gucci’s new Fall 2016 handbag, which strangely markets a bag with a similar design aesthetic:
After seeing what Gucci, whose highly sought-after collection showed on Wednesday, Saturday and her fans took to social media to highlight the interesting similarities between her own work and that on a black tote bag from look 19 of the show: the word ‘real’ spray painted over the official Gucci logo. In an Instagram post, that has since been deleted, the stylist noted “too bad I’m not getting that check for @Gucci stealing my creation” expressing that she was proud to see her work on the runway but unhappy with the lack of acknowledgement that it was her bag that drove the inspiration.
However, let the record also show that this year’s collection was in collaboration with artist and musician Trevor Andrew, who has many images of his hand-painted designs in a similar spray-paint effect as those that walked the catwalk on his Instagram.
In an interview with WWD about the underground artist who would be collaborating on the collection, Gucci creative director Allesandro Michele did say he was a fan of the artist’s work, despite his particular usage of the brand logo. “I saw the way Trevor was using the symbol of the company and I thought it was quite genius,” Michele said, “It’s completely different than the idea of copying. It’s the idea that you try to [take to] the street, through language like graffiti, the symbols of the company.”
Although we can’t argue either to or for the appropriation of Saturday’s ideas, Michele’s explanation of Trevor’s inspiration could explain where the idea for the bag came from. However, perhaps the question is where did Trevor receive his inspiration…
This is definitely an open-ended debate. What do you guys think? Did Gucci steal Saturday’s designs? Are all designs free to the world unless copyrighted, or was this an instance of similar ideas that happen to resemble each other?
Friday’s are my favorite time of the week, because we get the weekend AND we get a Bomber! Today we’ve got Rahiem from Philly:
He says, “My style can be defined as simplicity at its best.”
“Elegantly and stylishly fashionable.”
“Simple, creatively casual but chic at the same time.”
Check out more photos he sent along:
Okay Rahiem! I love your outerwear choices and that plaid men’s suit. Stay up to date with Rahiem on IG: RadioRahiem0319. But let us know! What do you think of his style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
“When black women are together, a sacred space can be conjured. Let the conjuring begin!” ~Oprah
Yesterday, I was blessed to attend yet another ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon! I’m a member of Colgate Optic White’s Designer Smile Squad, and as a sponsor of the event, they flew Pierre and I to LA to werk the carpet and talk celeb style with a few of our favorites.
Kelly Rowland stopped and smiled bright in mustard and cream separates.
Zendaya blew kisses in Thakoon.
Letoya Luckett pledged her allegiance to FBD in a slamming white jumpsuit.
Shaniece H is SO gorgeous! She divulged she was wearing a Mugler dress.
Lastly, Lala was red carpet host and looked bomb in a Victoria Beckham dress. She is killing it!
As for me, I wore a blazer dress I scored in Lagos by a brand called Things Nigerians Love or TNL Designs, topped off by pink Versace sandals. Pierre wasn’t allowed inside the actual luncheon, but let me tell you: it was powerful! Actress, dancer, choreographer, television director, television producer and Award recipient Debbie Allen gave a rousing speech about encountering closed doors, brick ceilings, and white only establishments when she first expressed interest in art and dance.
Though she felt she was unwanted at certain dance studios, she went anyway. Her mother instilled in her pride, intelligence, and the ability to dream. Debbie credits her longstanding success to working for a purpose greater than herself.
Hopefully Essence has a transcript because she brought the house DOWN.
Though I was sitting maybe…1 foot away from Oprah, I wasn’t nimble enough to get a picture with her this year.
There’s always next year!
I love Essence Black Women in Hollywood because it always leaves me feeling encouraged, powerful, and unstoppable. I hope you feel that way as well.
See the full red carpet here.
What do you think?
Images: Karl Pierre/Getty
*Many thanks to Teresa and Rondel for this wonderful opportunity!
Jennifer Lopez gave ballerina’s a run for their money last night on American Idol in a bodysuit and $4,500 tulle skirt by Valentino. She accessorized with $845 Giuseppe Zanotti Triple Strap sandals.
Her top and skirt were modeled in Valentino’s Spring 2015 collection.
Her triple strap sandals are rendered in blush patent leather.
I love it! It’s whimsical, yet still gives J. Lo’s signature sass.
What do you think?
Designers are usually lauded or harshly criticized for the collections they produce. And if they’re hired as creative directors for major fashion houses, the scrutiny can be even more palpable. If anyone can attest to that, it’s Massimo Giorgetti. His premiere collection for Pucci since Peter Dundas’s departure, though creative and inspired by the wonders of the ocean, wasn’t widely well-received. Criticized for being too literal in his interpretation for his spring collection and not exuding enough of the Pucci essence, Giorgetti went back to the drawing board and took cues from recently inaugurated creative directors of other houses by consulting the archives.
For fall, Giorgetti was committed to deliver an assortment that delivered on his research, notwithstanding the engagement of his own inspiration in this season’s assemblage. Think The Himalayas meets it-girl trends with an abundance of vintage, deliciously vibrant Pucci prints thrown into this kaleidoscope of high voltage, wintry gear.
Giorgetti spared no expense when artistically palavering with the color wheel. Greens ran amuck on coats and skirts. Blues and reds streamed through vivid color blocked sweater dresses and bodysuits. The overcoats were, for lack of better words, to die for. Emblazoned with snowcapped mountains, swirling patterns, and even elongated, padded bomber jackets, this season teemed with some very eye-catching garb. Satin sweaters with exaggerated shoulders had the house’s namesake (PUCCI in all caps) cheekily ornamented across the chest, which are sure to get into the hands of every trendy fashionista. I’m waiting with baited breath to see J. Lo and Beyonce give us a little fever in a few of these skirts.
This season seemed a lot more athletic than spring, given the stronger, more defined silhouettes, but that could just mean Giorgetti wanted this season’s woman to command lots of attention, but still exercise practicality given the forceful, frigid winter experienced by many today. All-in-all, his efforts in utilizing his creativity and investigating the root of Emilio’s aesthetic did Giorgetti all sorts of justice. It seems like he found his way at the top of the mountains he placed on a few of his pieces. A clever middle finger to the naysayers of yesteryear, if you ask me.
Floral print, lace, fanciful embroidery, princess-perfect tulle: these elements lie at the foundation of the Alberta Ferretti brand. Her looks consistently make the red carpet a prettier place and inject an unforgettable delicacy and charm into any affair where they’re worn. Her trademarks were all on display for Fall.
Lace, bedroom-ready pajamas, and fur were thrown in the mix right out of the gate: anchored with embellished takes on the slipper. Suiting was easy and functional, yet polished, while slip gowns were often paired with a cozy coat for a sample of real-time wear.
Florals—even for Fall—are no longer groundbreaking, but they were executed perfectly here on billowing shirt dresses with pink lace collars and roomy belted jumpsuits. Landscape patterns were also present on sheer watercolor-inspired button front shirts and trousers and pleated skirt gowns that unfortunately erred on the side of dowdiness.
Embroidery was on display in the form of petals scattered on charming sheaths and flare dresses, a romantic coat, and retro-inspired skirt suit—in larger form as well on glossy gowns.
For the modern fashionista with a cleaner take on style, there were some pared-down ensembles that purified the collection’s extravagant and poetic palette. Simple dresses, suiting, bias-cut numbers, and the aforementioned one-piece in neutrals were all uncomplicated and in a way seemed to represent wardrobe staples alongside the assemblage’s more whimsical designs.
A beautiful collection for sure that challenged Ferretti’s go-tos at times—a fur-detailed dress for instance—but ultimately went back to her old and fine faithfuls. After all, if it isn’t broken, then why fix it?
We’re on the scene at the 2016 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon, where it is is currently going DOWN in Beverly Hills. Plus, all the style stars are out!
Let’s take a look at a few looks that definitely caught our attention:
Anika Noni Rose had one of my favorite looks of the night, wearing a Tracy Reese watercolor-inspired dress with gold sandals. The dress seems a little too tight in places, but overall, I say it’s cute!
Media extraordinaire Shonda Rhimes came rocking a daisy-inspired dress, with matching yellow shoes to match. I’m indifferent to the outfit, what do you guys think?
Our imaginary best friend Kelly Rowland kept it classy and casual rocking a white silk shirt with some bright yellow pleated trousers. This is the definition of cute and comfortable!
The ever-timeless Tika Sumpter kept it natural hollywood glam in a simple black dress, black pumps and statement red-lip. I know it’s probably so underwhelming, but I love this look on her!
Our recent TBT fashionsta Keke Palmer came playing NO games in a black/nude sheer turtle-neck bandage dress. She paired it with some strappy sandals and her hair in a half-bun. Weeeeeeeerk Keke.
The awesome Amber Riley wore an Eloquii yellow dress with some fuzzy red Altuzarra sandals and matching red lip.
Mara Brock Akil went biker-chic in a beautiful black silk top under a black leather jacket. She paired it with a beautiful sequin green pleated skirt and open-toed sandals. I love this look!
Mama Bear Claire Sulmers came and slayed in a TNLdesigns green and cream double-breasted dress, pink Versace sandals and a YSL gold clutch. Hot!
The sweet Aja Naomi King wore a black and white dress, mixed with inverted black and white heels.
Letoya Luckett came rocking her blonde ‘do, with a white romper and green accessories. I love her leather shoes!
Serayah showed out in a green Loza Maleombho dress, Sophia Webster shoes, an Alex Woo necklace and Emm Kuo clutch. Not really my taste, but I can say it’s definitely festive!
Actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell looked stunning in a cream strapless, wide-leg romper, pairing it with minimal accessories, black heels, but a poppin’ lip! I love her carefree take on fashion, because she still does the darn thing!
The always fashionable Zendaya stepped on the scene in a burgundy Thakoon silk dot robe and jumpsuit, pairing it with some white pumps. I’d wear this outfit in a heartbeat!
Tia Mowry mixed printed like a pro in BCBG separates.
And that does it for now!
Stay tuned for even more from Essence, including personal insight from our EIC, Claire.
Until then, who had your favorite look from the festivities?
Images: Getty
Taraji P. Henson looked fabulous on last night’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon wearing a $1,195 Alexander Wang fringed vest, $695 fringed skirt and $1,395 Brian Atwood black fringed sandals.
Her fitted vest features leather and fringe grommet detailing all around the hems, including the lapels and backside.
Her high-waisted mini skirt also features the leather and fringe grommet around the hem.
While Alexander Wang does make Black Fringe sandals, we discovered these black fringed, open-toed sandals by Brian Atwood that look a lot closer to what Taraji wore.
Cute! While I think there might be a little too much fringe going on in one photo, I would love some of these as separates! If you’re up to purchasing any of these items, you can grab her vest here, her skirt here, and her heels here.
So how do you feel about Taraji’s look? Let us know in the comments!