Hey!
Today I attended the Tracy Reese show at Lincoln Center: It was a bit warm out, so I was toasty in my vintage fur. Thankfully my American Apparel chiffon oversized button up and Zachary’s Smile skirt allowed a bit of ventilation. Staying true to my New Year’s Resolutions, I accessorized with the statement of all statement necklaces…
While Sterling St. Jacques made a splash at Studio 54, male model Renauld White revolutionized the industry by demanding equal representation in mainstream publications. In November 1979, White was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of GQ magazine (a fact oft overlooked as the first black man to cover GQ was Swiss born Urs Althaus in 1977).
I actually had a chance to meet and chat with White, who attended the Byron Lars presentation I wrote about on Essence.com. According to White, he got his start when he came to New York from nearby New Jersey one day to demand that agents at Wilhemina models allow more people of color the chance to compete in the industry.
He said, “I wanted to bring about change. I really confronted the establishment about why there were not more black male images. At first I thought I was going to get thrown in jail and beaten up because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and behind the times, and that they had to listen to me.”
“They offered me a contract because they thought that I would fail. Eventually I proved myself.” White went on to not only cover GQ, but also score major campaigns with Black Tie cologne, Vitalis, and Arrows Shirts. He was the first black man to work the runways for Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren. He also enjoyed success in Europe, where he walked for Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Cerutti, Valentino, Armani, and Versace.
White later transitioned into the world of theater. He appeared on the soap opera “The Guiding Light,” for many years and now participates in several plays. His advice for aspiring models is, “We know we have to work…there’s work to be done. I try to talk to as many young people as I can, and encourage them to follow their dreams and to aspire to greater things outside of modeling. Modeling is only a bridge. What are you going to do after modeling is over? I had a 30+ year career, they don’t make those anymore. I encourage them to do amazing things. Take the money, go to school, open up a business, be an entrepreneur, and be self reliant.”
I took a picture with Renauld after speaking with him:
He’s still got it!
This post is sponsored by African Pride
Three times weekly for the next five weeks, African Pride will be giving away a year’s supply of their Olive Miracle line to lucky winners on the brand’s Facebook page.
On March 16th, African Pride will kick off the “My Pride. My Way.” campaign in style with a star-studded soiree at Atlanta’s historic King Plow Event Gallery. Stay tuned for an opportunity to win free event tickets on The Fashion Bomb!
Hey Guys!
Today’s Bombshell is Howard University alum and blogger Leslie from LA:
She says, “I believe that my style is a juxaposion of high end and low end items, because while I adore all things designer, I can’t get enough of H&M.”
“… Some of my style inspirations are Tracee Ellis Ross, Ashley Olsen, Genevieve Jones, and Kerry Washington.”
” The effortlessly chic looks those ladies pull off typically leaves me with my mouth agape and my eyes green with jealously!”
“… Ohh to have the wardrobes they do at my disposal! Until I do, I stay FLYY in everything I wear! “
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Hey Guys!
So my first show today was Jason Wu located at 548 West 22nd street and 11th avenue. It’s still pretty frigid and the show was in a remote location, so I had to rock one of my vintage furs (I bought it in Paris).
Hey Branford! You look cool and relaxed. I’m not hip to the young kid’s lingo. What exactly is #Norazb…?
At any rate, tell Branford what you think of his steeze here:
Fashion Bomber of the Day is a feature that showcases the singular style of male Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Hey Guys!
So my first show today was BCBG at the tents!
Front row regulars Ashanti, Garcelle Beauvais, Taraji P. Henson, and Kelly Rowland came through to see the brand’s latest collection. Afterwards, I went to grab a bite to eat at At65, a café by Lincoln Center.
Bomb reader Leslie nominated her little sister Felicia for today’s Bombshell feature:
Of her sister style, Leslie says, “If I had to describe her style I would say Solange meets Zoe Kravitz meets MIA.”
“More Zoe because Zoe said her style is “I don’t give a f**k”.“
“.. I would also her style is effortless because my sister literally throws anything on and makes it work.”
“… From her crazy patterns to her quirky nails and accessories she truly is a fashion bombshell.”
” I am so proud of the woman she is becoming (gets good grades in college, works part time, good head on her shoulders.”
“.. At times I get jealous of her fashion sense but really I am living vicariously through her:)”
Aww, how sweet is that? Cute style and great accessories, Felicia, well done.
What do you think of Ms. Felicia from North Carolina?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Though we tend to think of Tyson Beckford as the consummate Ebony Adonis, apparently his singular gait and breathtaking good looks could only hold a candle to those of Sterling St. Jacques, one of the first black male models.
With a strong 6’2” build, defined cheekbones, and gray eyes (often covered by blue contacts), St. Jacques was the toast of the town in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. A notoriously good dancer, Sterling frequently set the dance floor on fire with his good friend and model Pat Cleveland, along with socialites Bianca Jagger and Caroline Kennedy.
Sterling St. Jacques and Pat ClevelandBianca Jagger and Sterling St. Jacques. Ron Galella, 1978.Caroline Kennedy with Sterling St. Jacques at Studio 54, 1977.
Pat and St. Jacques were particularly close. They jet setted all over the world, appeared in public as a couple, and were even briefly engaged in 1976 (though St. Jacques was widely reported to be gay).
St. Jacques appeared on the cover of Playmen magazine, participated in the historic Grand Divertissement at Versailles in 1973, and walked for Givenchy, Willi Smith, and Halston. He also secured small acting roles in Eyes of Laura Mars and the Italian film Sistemo l’America e torno.
Center, with Pat Cleveland.
A true renaissance man, St. Jacques also sang a handful of disco hits in the early 80’s.
The man about town attracted men and women alike, who lavished him with gifts, money, and trips to foreign locales. It was largely rumored that St. Jacques was the son of Hollywood actor Raymond St. Jacques; by many accounts this was untrue–most believe the two were lovers. St. Jacques died of AIDS complications in 1984.
Bianca Jagger and Sterling St. Jacques. Ron Galella, 1978.
Caroline Kennedy with Sterling St. Jacques at Studio 54, 1977.
Hey Guys!
So today I present you with Fashion Bomber Regis from the Bronx:
He says, “I just wanted to submit my pictures to say I did it. I love your blog…I look it up everyday to see people like myself doing it in fashion.”
“…As far as my style goes I would say that I’m a skater meets professional.”
“I love ties and button ups, but then I’ll pair them with some nice fitting jeans to make it a little more urban. Fit is everything to me.”
“My favorite style icons are Jay-Z and Teyana Taylor (weird, I know).”
“3 things i can’t live without are: my Ray Bans, Iphone, and Metrocard! Lol (I’ll go out naked but I can’t leave without these things!!”
Very cool, Regis. What do you think of today’s Fashion Bomber?
Fashion Bomber of the Day is a feature that showcases the singular style of male Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
