Hot! Or Hmm… Kelly Rowland’s Paris Fashion Week Spring 2016 Balmain Brown Suede Long Sleeve Mini Dress

Kelly Rowland was spotted at the Fall 2016 Balmain presentation! The songstress/actress slayed in a Suede Chocolate Long Sleeve Mini Dress from the brand’s Spring 2016 collection. The beauty also paired her look with matching lace-up booties and neutral makeup.

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Jourdan Dunn modeled the ‘fit on the runway with colorful heels.

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She looks great!
What do you think?

Hot! Or Hmm… What do you think of Kelly Rowland’s Spring 2016 Balmain Suede Chocolate Long Sleeve Mini Dress ?

 
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**Check out the amazing pics she posted on Instagram!**

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What do you think?

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

Splurge: Khloe Kardashian’s Kocktails With Khloe Christopher Kane Black Zipped Patent Pencil Skirt and Giuseppe Zanotti Black Raquel Cutout Suede Sandals

Khloe Kardashian was spotted outside of the set of Kocktails With Khloe in a $848 Christopher Kane Black Zipped Patent Pencil Skirt and $1,200 Giuseppe Zanotti Black Raquel Cutout Suede Sandals:

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Her patent leather pencil skirt features a high-rise, front zip fastening, and a straight hem.

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Her black suede sandals boast geometric cutout detailing and sky-high 5″ heels.

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She’s killing it this year!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get Khloe’s skirt here and sandals here.

Are you feeling it?

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The CFDA on the Future of New York Fashion Week: Is #NYFW Really Necessary?

Could the future of New York Fashion Week be in serious trouble?

Well, according to the CFDA (The Council of Fashion Designers of America), some vital changes are going to be made to one of the busiest times of year.

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We all knew something was up when the Council posted this cryptic message on their Instagram earlier this morning…

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And, (of course) people made judgments and spilled their own grand ideas regarding the future of New York Fashion Week.

As followers anxiously awaited, the CFDA soon released the official statement below:

“In recent years, evolutions in technology, consumer behaviors and needs, weather and physical seasons, and retail have challenged the role and impact of the current Fashion System:

As the organization representing American designers and the organizer of the official New York Fashion Week schedule, it is CFDA’s responsibility to evaluate the purpose of New York Fashion Week.  The intent of the CFDA study undertaken with The Boston Consulting Group in January was to question the status quo for our market, stimulate a dialogue in the American fashion industry and, and move towards long-term solutions together.

The unanimous consensus among our interviewees: the time is ripe for change in our market. ‘In-season relevancy’ emerged as a recurring idea. Beyond fashion shows, the delivery cycle and subsequent markdown cadence at retail emerged as a critical issue that needs to be addressed in our market to better match the actual, physical season and our consumers’ behaviors and needs.”

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Although I attended for the first time for the Fall 2016 presentations, I can really understand the question of in-season relevancy. In addition, I’ve also heard a few fashion insiders previously address the need for change.

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I kinda think NYFW is passé. Why go through all the hubbub when you can watch everything online? Of course the shows are fun, but nothing more than postering and primping (and a time for celebrities to get their shine).

To view the full study from the CFDA, see more here.

What are your thoughts?

Source: CFDA.com

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

Spring 2016 Style Inspiration: 5 Fabulous Fall to Spring Transitional Looks

If you’re anything like me, you started prepping your closet for a new spring wardrobe weeks ago. But, if you haven’t gotten quite that far yet, today’s What to Wear creations are especially for you.

As it’s no surprise, florals are the go-to print for Spring. Switch things up by adding a little pleat or ruffle detail. To get into the trend, dress up a pair of distressed skinny jeans with a white pleated blouse and a floral print blazer.

Spring 2016 Style Inspiration 5 Fabulous Looks Gucci Floral Print Blazer Alexander McQueen Pleated Blouse Alaia Embellished Suede Sandals Mark Cross Box Bag

Complete the look with a pair of embellished blush sandals, a leather box bag, a wide brim fedora, and oversized sunglasses.

Bomber jackets are a Spring must-have. Dress up this wardrobe staple with a floral print blouse and white skinny jeans.

Spring 2016 Style Inspiration 5 Fabulous Looks Antipodium Black Bomber Jacket Stella McCartney Eva Floral Print Blouse Christian Louboutin So Kate Saint Laurent Monogramme Bag with Tassel

A silver metallic pump, black monogramme tassel-embellished shoulder bag, and polished jewelry bring this sporty chic look together.

Opt for striking-hot hues in a matching crop top and pencil skirt set.

Spring 2016 Style Inspiration 5 Fabulous Looks Jonathan Saunders Ombre Crop Top and Skirt Gianvito Rossi Suede Pumps Givenchy Pandora Box Mini Leather Bag

Add extra flavor with a lime suede pump, Pandora Box mini bag, and gold chain-link earrings.

Upgrade your monochromatic wardrobe with a black and white off-the-shoulder top and pleated ivory shorts.

Spring 2016 Style Inspiration 5 Fabulous Looks Alexander McQueen Off The Shoulder Top 3.1 Phillip Lim Alix Mini Crossbody Bag Loeffler Randall Arbela Sandals

Give the look a chic finish with a pair of striped canvas platform sandals and a mini colorblock cross body bag.

Make your outfit pop in a pair of high waist trousers and a pink cashmere sweater.

Spring 2016 Style Inspiration 5 Fabulous Looks Miu Miu Cashmere Sweater AQAQ Laurent Trousers Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Salvatore Ferragamo Rainbow Shoulder Bag

Let your accessories do the talking with a rainbow striped leather shoulder bag, yellow patent leather pumps, and gold interlocking earrings.

And that’s it for today’s style suggestions. Which look is more your sartorial speed for Spring? Be sure to follow me on Instagram @StyleIsMyObsession for more stylish wardrobe and outfit suggestions. Based in LA and need personal styling? E-mail me at Danielle@FashionBombDaily.com

Show Review: H&M Studio Fall 2016

There’s no denying the vibrations of the “see-now, buy-now” movement in fashion right now. Designers in New York City, London, and Milan already committed to selling select pieces from their Fall collections, while many in Paris took a firm stand on holding fast to the traditional schedule and way of doing things—save for Courreges and Paco Rabanne thus far. Naturally, we all wondered how a brand like H&M would respond to this momentous change, given the brand’s position as one of the biggest fast-fashion retailers in the world and its ability to morph runway designs into affordable pieces months after the originals walk down the runway.

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Funnily enough, the Studio line won’t be buying into the idea—at least not yet. It wants to stick to the collection’s mantra, which was created as a stage for its designers to flex their prowess outside of nonstop retail pressures. And the show was a full-on production, even boasting a choir whose booming voices rung out as the looks made their way down the catwalk.

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The cast was a roster of heavy hitters with supermodels Pat Cleveland, Amber Valletta, Jourdan Dunn, Ashley Graham, and more posing in the ensembles. The assemblage was an ode to Swedish heritage with ankle-length colorful, embroidered frocks giving a nod to traditional Swedish folk dresses and an artful take on the print of the lynx on diaphanous trousers, tunics, and even a jumpsuit.

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A taste of the exotic and gesture to modernity were given with python thigh-high boots, cropped trousers, a short-sleeve moto jacket, and waist-cinching belt in both natural and red hues. Wide-brimmed hats with intricate beading topped off each look.

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The 80’s were captured with pinstripe bustiers, high-waist roomy pants, power suits, and double-slit pencil skirts.

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The designs will hit H&M stores and its online shopping portal in September. Like everything else the brand puts out, they’re sure to go fast.

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Thoughts on the latest from H&M Studio?

Images: VOGUE.com

Is Zoe Saldana’s Darkened Skin for The ‘Nina Simone’ Biopic a Problem for Black Hollywood?

Despite the various conversations that have circulated around Hollywood on the necessity and importance of diversity for media (especially over the past few weeks while gearing up for the Oscars), it seems one thing was slightly overlooked in the conversation: Promoting diversity WITHIN various minority groups. Well, that conversation resurfaced yesterday when the new Nina Simone biopic ad came out, showing a very darkened-up Zoe Saldana  in the role.Zoe-Saldana-as-Nina-Simone-Controversy-Poster

While many people (self included) were ecstatic about the theater debut of the film (set for April 22), others were discontent by the casting of Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone, for various reasons.

One of the biggest reasons for the discontent, however, became more apparent from the ad, where it was clearly evident that Saldana’s skin had been darkened with makeup to better reflect the melanin of Nina Simone. Although some may say that there’s nothing wrong with that, the first thing that jumped in my mind was, So…they couldn’t have found a darker-skinned actress to play the role?

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Why did the casting directors, producers and screen writers not consider nor think a woman of Simone’s actual skin color could play this role, but instead re-institute a similar idea of ‘blackface’ to the screen, this time using an actual woman of color (and in case some will argue this is not an example of black face, it’s still using makeup to portray a skin tone that is not one’s own).

Twitter user @Dart_Adams asked, “Why did they DARKEN Zoe Saldana rather than cast a darker actress since it was such a crucial part of Nina Simone’s story?”

Zoe+Saldana+VIP+Sneak+Peek+go90+Social+Entertainment-maiyetWas Saldana the only woman of color that could be found to tackle Nina Simone’s story? Was she the only woman of color in Hollywood willing to take on the role of one of America’s greatest musician activists of the 20th century?

@AntheaButler joked, “That Zoe Saldana pic as Nina Simone looks like the blackface of a bad Halloween or frat party.” For her part, Saldana has yet to respond to the backlash over the film’s new poster.

Now, don’t misunderstand that it is wonderful that Zoe Saldana has been given this opportunity to bring something to the role of Ms. Simone, and that this much better than the alternative (a non-black actress playing Simone). However… were there no other options that could have presented opportunities for more diversity of black women in Hollywood?

vintage-visions-nina-simone-fbd1Scenarios like this make one wonder why you don’t see many dark-skinned women in roles (even with the increase of diversity over the years), but still, how can you neglect a darker-skinned actress a role of another woman with her hue?

“We understand that there are these beauty issues,” Lanita Jacobs, an anthropology teacher at the University of Southern California, remarked on Zoe as Nina, “and sometimes what sanctions people’s right to speak on these kind of issues is whether they have had experiences born of what it means to have kinky hair, or to have wide noses or darker skin. Nina’s music taps into a certain kind of awareness born of the way she looks.”

Jacobs says casting the fair-skinned Saldana, then darkening her with makeup and giving her a prosthetic nose and an Afro wig, is particularly offensive to women who have had to struggle with acceptance because of their own dark complexions.

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People online have even made suggestions that Viola Davis, Uzo Aduba, or Lupita Nyong’o would have been more admirable selections.

Davis has spoken out before on discrimination she has faced in Hollywood, not jut for her age or gender or race, but specifically, by her being a darker woman of color. “When you do see a woman of color onscreen, the paper-bag test is still very much alive and kicking. That’s the whole racial aspect of colorism: If you are darker than a paper bag, then you are not sexy, you are not a woman, you shouldn’t be in the realm of anything that men should desire.” (TheGrio)

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What do you think of Zoe Saldana being cast in a role of a woman who faced constant prejudice due to her dark skin? Is this morally a huge flag about the lack of diversity within our black acting community, or should we just be happy about the opportunity and keep moving forward?

Paris Fashion Week Day 1 Recap: Anthony Vaccarello, Jacquemus, and More!

Paris Fashion Week kicked off on March 1st, which means we are now on the fourth and final city of Fall 2016 RTW fashion month. Emerging talents showcased on Day 1, including Y/Project, Koché, and 2015 LVMH Young Designer’s Prize winner Simon Porte Jacquemus of Jacquemus with highly imaginative collections. For the next 8 days, be prepared for nonstop show coverage, trend reports, and backstage details from Paris Fashion Week!

Youth Revival at Jacquemus

All eyes were on Simon Porte Jacquemus, who presented his Fall 2016 RTW collection to adoring millennial fans from all around the world. As a self-funded, self-taught designer and lest we forget winner of 2015 LVMH Young Designer’s Prize, Jacquemus promoted an accessible aesthetic complete with oversized geometric shapes, emphasized shoulders, and divine coats. Inspired items included a diagonal split pantsuit with decorative bow ties and a dress overlaid jumpsuit – certainly edgy for everyday wear, but his pieces got our brain cells moving on a Tuesday afternoon.

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Sultry As Usual at Anthony Vaccarello

Always expect Anthony Vaccarello to pump up the volume on sex appeal. It’s somewhat hard to believe that the brand has only been around for 7 years considering the celebrity diehards who consistently rock his designs: Diane Kruger, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and Nicole Ritchie plus: if you consider his hand at Versus Versace, the celebrity number jumps to include Ciara and Cassie amongst others. This time around, Anthony Vaccarello opted for corsetry detailing defined at the hip instead of the waist. It worked! Models were still characteristically sexy, but with a little bit more ease.

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Everyday Artifacts at Koché

You may not have heard of this brand, but French label Koché launched by female designer Christelle Kocher is bringing a phenomenal mix of craftsmanship and wearability to her designs. Kocher’s resume include Chloé, Sonia Rykiel, Dries Van Noten, and Bottega Veneta and thus, it is no surprise that the Fall 2016 RTW collection consisted of intensely handcrafted hoodies, sweaters, and jackets. Each a unique creation, fans standing by were surely tempted to snag a piece for themselves.

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And The Rest…

Y/Project stayed true to its unisex ethos and swung between historical references (see bishop sleeves) and inventive seductive dressing, such as exposed hips in leather bodysuits. Atlein, a brand founded by Antonin Tron, made its PFW debut (they don’t even have a website yet, check out their IG!) and impressed editors with his figure-flattering pieces that won’t break the budget. Anrealage took an abstract tact with boxy silhouettes, some even “coded” using a technique called visual cryptography, which made for a undeniably stunning presentation.

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What are your thoughts on Paris Fashion Week Day 1?

Check back in for our PFW Day 2 Recap!

  • Shows: Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and more!

Source: Vogue.com

Splurge: Khloe Kardashian’s Kocktails with Khloe Spring 2016 Cushnie et Ochs Indigo Stretch Denim Strapless Dress

Reality star Khloe Kardashian took to Instagram to flaunt her curves in a $1,550 Stretch Denim Strapless Dress from Cushnie et Ochs‘s Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear collection.

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The form-fitting number features an internal bustier and decorative front button closures. While Khloe accessorized her ‘fit with matching Christian Louboutin pumps, the runway model slipped into a pair of patent leather ankle strap heels.

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Cute!

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To purchase your own version, check out additional details here.

What do you think?

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

You Should Know: Christian Alaro

I don’t know what it is. But I’ve been on this “men’s style” binge for the past couple weeks.

Fashion Bomb Daily is a hub where all types of fashion creatives can garner inspiration while learning more about the hottest trends and what to wear/what not to wear. But, we do focus alot of attention of the women – let’s not forget about our guys!

So, with that, I figured I’d showcase ankara-enthusiast Christian Alaro hailing from Silver Spring, Maryland!

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Christian Alaro is the ideal destination for fashion-forward men who don’t mind making a statement. With a plethora of mind-numbing prints, Alaro’s love for mixing high fashion tastes with a street-style coolness proves that his designs aren’t for the faint of heart.

Versatility is another factor I search for when highlighting designers. I question whether the pieces can be dressed up while also possessing the ability to be dressed down, I also look for the overall appeal behind each design. (And, Alaro has surpassed all my editorial standards, lol!)

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And, ladies, fret not! Christian Alaro also caters to the fashionistas! Peep the ankara-inspired jacket below!

Prices for one of these dope designs can run between $60 and $100. But, the quality of each piece is worth every penny.

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To see more from the Christian Alaro brand, visit the official Etsy shop here. Or, follow this up-and-coming designer on the ‘Gram @by_christian_alaro!

What do you think?!

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

 

Hot! Or Hmm… Jessica Biel’s West Hollywood Au Fudge Grand Opening Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 7 White Floral Embroidered Strapless Dress and Christian Louboutin Rivierina Ankle Strap Pumps

Jessica Biel was spotted at the opening of her new restaurant Au Fudge in West Hollywood and she looked every bit of chic! The actress rocked a Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 7 White Floral Embroidered Strapless Dress and $745 Christian Louboutin Rivierina Yellow Ankle Strap Pumps.

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Jessica’s flirty look features pastel floral appliques, a fitted waist and a midi length. Although I couldn’t find her exact ‘fit on the runway, Giambattista Valli did confirm that this was, indeed, their design via Twitter.

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To set off the fresh vibes of her classic dress, Biel topped everything off with a pair of Christian Louboutin Rivierina Yellow Ankle Strap Pumps.

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These lovelies are crafted from yellow patent leather and also boast a gold specchio leather ankle strap and a 4.25-inch heel. (To cop the neon pink version, take a quick detour here.)

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Hot! Or Hmm.. What do you think of Jessica Biel’s Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 7 White Floral Embellished Strapless Dress and Christian Louboutin Rivierina Yellow Ankle Strap Pumps?

 
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I loovvveee this!

Perfect for spring, no?

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But, let’s hear what you guys think!

Thoughts?

 

Signing Out — Esmesha