Today I caught up with these fashionable folk outside the tents of Bryant Park:
Jacqueline and Mari (from left to right) are models hailing from Jamaica and Sudan respectively. The mannequins, signed to Djaaamee Agency, both looked radiant in Topshop dresses! Yes Topshop!
The divos on the right were walking way too fast to talk, but I appreciated their fearless outfit–the blonde high top and bowtie on the left, and the cut away top and bandana on the right.
Last night stars came out for one of the hottest annual events of the season, the MTV Video Music Awards.
With a scintillating Michael Jackson tribute, hip shaking Beyoncé performance, and a requisite Kanye outburst, it was certainly an entertaining show. Let’s take a look at how the stars flossed on the carpet:
The ever classy Diva Beyonce looked ravishing in a red mini dress with ruffles outlining her shoulder and neckline. Large silver earrings, stacked diamond bangles, and pointy toed satin pumps completed the simple look. While the idea and design of the dress are quite hot, something about the pull of the mini makes me go hmm…perhaps a quick trip to the tailor could have afforded a more forgiving thus flattering fit…
Younger sister Solange Knowles looked delightfully sophisticated in a one shoulder Armand Basi One black dress with dramatic shoulder and hem details. Solange’s dress speaks to her fun personality, and everything from her unique look to her bold silver earrings, platform pumps, understated clutch, and neon manicure were hot!
Alicia Keys wore black as well, glittering in a black and silver sequined Dolce & Gabbana shift topped off with strappy sandals. Alicia tends to go for grecian gowns in these situations, so I appreciate her switching it up a bit and going for something more youthful and event appropriate. Also, love how her black and silver bangles and large hoops complement her dress.
Keri Hilson offered her interpretation of a chic black red carpet look with a plunging zip front jumpsuit with white embellished shoulder details. While I don’t *love* the onesie, Keri manages to pull it off, making the outfit hot with the help of large earrings, a slick hairstyle, and black accessories.
Jennifer Lopez wore a Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 champagne dress, accessorizing the unique piece with Christian Louboutin peep toe ankle boots with a print stiletto heel. Marc Jacobs is a design genius, but I think this dress could have done without the velvet sleeves and neck tie, shining instead as a strapless stunner. That aside, the look gets an A for originality, and J. Lo’s smouldering makeup and withering stare can make anything hot!
Adrienne Baillon went for cute in a long sleeve yellow and pink print dress with silver necklaces, glittering bracelets, and roomy suede boots. I’m a sucker for yellow, so I adore her dress, but hmm…I think a pair of platform pumps would have accentuated her gams a bit more and added instead of detracted from her overall appearance.
Dapper Diddy stunted in a black suit with white piping, fleshed out with a black shirt and white tie. Guys, if you ever need suggestions on how to switch up your typical suit, look to Diddy. He looks simple, yet distinctly hot.
Lastly, headline making couple Kanye West and Amber Rose showed up rocking some of their signatures– spandex and heels for Amber, and a bottle of Hennessy for Kanye West. While the attractive duo looked…predictable for the casual awards show, all was overshadowed by Kanye’s questionable on stage antics. A fun somewhat fashionable prop loses its luster when the wearer doesn’t quite know how to handle it in public…hmm…
The last few days have been pretty crazy, but we haven’t forgotten about our Bombshells of the Day! Today we have Monique, a stylista hailing from Maryland:
She says, “When I think of my style, my focus is always FUN! I hate seeing someone people depressed or with low self esteem. I think that every person has their own personal “wow factor” that adds to their uniqueness, we just have to tap into it.”
“I am absolutely a top shelf bargain fashionista as I will not sacrifice quality and search out the latest sales and/ or discounts on quality items. No matter if I am in business attire or casual and comfy, I love “pop pieces/ colors” that allow me to add a bit of my own “personality” to the outfit.”
We can tell you have a great fashion philosophy, aptly reflected in your cute outfit choices!
What do you guys think of Monique’s style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature that showcases the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, and Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Hundreds of eager fashion enthusiasts crammed into the Bryant Park Tents on Friday night to view theThis Day/Arise: African Fashion Collective :
Arise is a global magazine dedicated to highlighting achievements in African fashion, music, and culture, and its Spring 2010 fashion show aptly reflected its mission.
Four designers: Jewel by Lisa, Tiffany Amber, Eric Raisina, and David Tlale showcased their skills before a crowd that included fashion notables June Ambrose, Bethann Hardison, Harriete Cole, and Claude Grunitzky as well as celebrities Damon Dash, Amerie, and Keri Hilson.
The first line to show, Jewel by Lisa, stuck to traditional African prints, offering interesting silhouettes like jumpsuits, glitter adorned tops with flouncy skirts, and paillette laced shifts with cut out backs.
Though adequately executed, I think this line could have pushed the envelope just a bit more by making its signature looks more singular and distinct. Many pieces reminded me of other lines–a mix of an African print top and polka dot shorts smacked of Duro Olowu, and short jumpers seemed reminiscent of Boxing Kitten. Is it just me?
Up next was Tiffany Amber, a Nigerian line designed by Folake Folarin-Coker:
Endlessly pretty, this crown jewel of the show comprised long, flowing dresses in yellow, floral, and metallic fabrics. I loved the vibrant colors, the effortless movement of key pieces, and that the dresses were ravishing without the aid of sequins, embellishments, or rosettes.
The cut was king, and Folarin-Coker shut it down. Can’t wait to see more from her.
Eric Raisina stunned the crowd with his shirred, fringed, tassled frocks in statement making reds, blues, and metallics:
While I appreciated his chic singularity, I thought that some of the pieces were a bit overdone.
Sometimes less is more.
David Tale closed out the show in a big way with simple items that flaunted large details like tassled capes, shoulder applique’s, and beaded extended shoulder boleros:
Tlale made a grand effort for his finale spot, but unfortunately everything seemed over the top and overdone. An appearance by Tyson was the succession’s only saving grace:
Fashion Week means tons of events, and our Fashion Bomb celebs have been out on the town!
Let’s take a look at what they wore on and off the red carpet and front rows:
Rihanna showed up for a House of Hype Dinner wearing lace sunglasses, suede heels, and what appears to be a sequined, embellished jumpsuit. We have lots of love for Rih Rih on the Bomb, but this particular look makes me go hmm…the outfit is definitely unique, but we’re not 100% sure it’s the most flattering…
Amber Rose also went for the onesie look for a Persona Magazine event, rocking a silver low cut ‘Kill Bill’ like jumpsuit and what is now becoming her signature albino contact lenses. Frightening eyes aside, Amber knows what works for her in the wardrobe department. That said, I’d love to see her switch it up a bit with maybe a pair of flowing high waist pants or billowing top. It doesn’t all have to be skin tight or spandex..hmmm….
Kelly Rowland and Amerie were spotted in Bryant Park wearing age appropriate short dresses with fun heels. Rising style star Amerie looks hot in her floral number, studded belt, and ankle strap sandals, but something about Kelly Rowland’s choice reminds me of She by Sheree hmm…..
Lastly, the Simmons sisters went for vamp at Charlotte Ronson’s show, wearing sophisticated all black outfits accented by strong red lips and cascading necklaces. The sisters are truly growing up beautifully, looking unquestionably hot with each camera flash.
What do you think?
Smootches! Stay tuned tomorrow for an MTV Video Music Awards red carpet run down and even more show reviews!
Bombshells!
I just got back from the Redbull Space at 40 Thompson Street for She by Sheree’s first Fashion Week presentation!
I ran up to the venue (fashionably late of course), and was met by a crush of people anxiously anticipating the Real Housewife’s New York debut:
The place was packed to the gills with fashionistas, stylists, bloggers, editors, and fans of Sheree and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Sheree presented the collection in stages, with groups of 3-5 girls showing items for half hour intervals. Take a look:
Sticking to a color palette of gray, black, royal blue, and yellow, Sheree offered viewers slinky dresses with ruched sides and cut out back details, high waisted wide legged pants, and cowl neck tanks worn with tulip pleated shorts.
Using lace, satin, light weight wool, and a bit of leather, she fashioned a line suited for a thirty something who stays on the social circuit, and needs a plethora of interesting outfits for hosting or hitting the town:
While the vision and design aesthetic were sound, Sheree’s collection still suffered from slightly poor construction and questionable fabric choice:
Creasing and tugging across the hips, wrinkles, and awkward draping made some of the items look much cheaper than their reported $200 and up price point. All in all, however, it was a great effort by Sheree, and here’s hoping she continues to refine her craft:
After the show I caught up with some of my fellow attendees.
Caught up with Sheree’s hairstylist Lawrence, who was working it in a pair of knee high black boots and jeweled jacket topped off with an orange Birkin Bag.
Finally met British import and sunglasses designer Stevie Boi (who we wrote about here) who was wearing a pair of his inventive shades with skinny cut offs and boots.
And parlayed with a host of other fashionable folks!
I also had to dip backstage and interview the woman of the hour:
What do you think of She by Sheree’s New York debut?
Yesterday the Fashion Bomb was in the building for the ARISE Fashion Show. While the presentation had tons of highlights like Sessilee Lopez, Chanel Iman, Arlenis Sosa, and Tyson Beckford stomping the runway (review to come), I couldn’t have been more excited than to catch up with Dwight of the Real Housewives of Atlanta Backstage after the show:
