With our new snapshot section, I find myself looking for and getting familiar with some of the world’s best fashion photographers. David LaChapelle stands out from the pack as he mixes religious and political messages with pop icons, exposing–in technicolor–the glorification of celebrity and the inconsistencies between what we claim to believe and what we do.
When I heard there was a Dave LaChapelle exhibit in Paris, I hurried down to Monnaie de Paris to see what was what:
Memorial Day might have been low-key for the fashionable but they made it up for it in stylish droves this weekend with a slew of events, including the MTV Movie Awards. So who lit up the red carpet and who went down in flames? Let’s take a look!
Ciara popped up at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan in this rubberized mini-dress with a gold-spangled waist. A matching column of bracelets and classic black Louboutin stilettos round out the look. I’m mixed about this one: love the colors (the fuchsia pop of color on her lips is genius) but feel like CiCi’s way too committed to this dominatrix steez she’s got going and should switch it up every once in a while, Hmm…
Back in the U.S., probably the hottest event of the weekend was the MTV Movie Awards in LA and one of our fave Bomb celebs, Taraji P. Henson, kept the black mini-dress theme going in this artistic Roberto Cavalli number with a ruffled bustle, black peep-toe platforms, and a satin minaudière. Her chic choppy ‘do and minimal accessories save the dress from being too cutesy; Taraji’s been going for the edgy yet feminine look lately and I’m feeling it on her. Hot!
I normally find Vanessa Hudgens très adorable but this peach Max Azria slip dress fails to flatter her shape and looks more like a true nightie than a lingerie-inspired gown. I get the look she’s going for (think Michelle Pfeiffer in “Scarface”) but it just doesn’t come together, especially since her loose hair and chunky sandals seem to weigh down the look instead of enhance it. Love the wooden clutch, though.
Keke Palmer’s red carpet style continues to mature, and she sparkles in this abbreviated salmon-hued Elise Øverland sheath with a beaded Art Deco print. I want those grey shoe boots for myself but not on Keke, though–they’re too heavy for such a flirty number. It’s a halfway Hot…
Forest and Keisha Whitaker also stopped through the MTV Awards:Â his grey suit paired with black Air Force Ones (check out the matching grey gum sole–OK, Forest!) is a perfect foil for her body-hugging, shimmery metallic number. The silver clutch and fluorescent shoes round out the ‘fit nicely. Definitely a coupled-up Hot!
From the neck down, I’m loving Lil’ Mama’s 1950s-inspired, flirty look but the 1980s hair stops me dead at Hmm.
Before she and Jamie Foxx got into some heavy PDA on stage (someone please explain why?), Halle Berry struck a pose as she arrived at Spike TV’s Guys Choice Awards. Back to rocking her trademark short ‘do and wearing the heck out of a thigh-grazing, black halter Riller & Fount jersey dress, HB is in fine form–Hawt!!
Loving bombshell Rosario Dawson‘s asymmetrical, faux-wrap gold frock, which she sported at this weekend’s Global Green Millennium Awards, but think the ensemble would have been better served by strappy, open-toe evening shoes, Hmm…
Tatyana Ali‘s modern “ladies who lunch” look at the Boyle Heights charity event is just lovely (very First Lady Obama-esque) but as gorgeous as she is, her hair brings the glamour down a (big) notch, and gives her look a bit of a frumpy air. I know many of us Black and Brown folk love our long hair but I’m worried that every time I watch “Fresh Prince” reruns and then see Tatyana out and about, I feel like I’m stuck in a time warp. And not in a good way. Hmm…
I’m not normally a fan of Lisa Raye‘s style but homegirl is stuntin’ elegantly in this fabulous satin number. The colorful beading, drawstring shoulders, and filmy A-line silhouette fit her beautifully, not to mention those shoes…the shoes are in-sane! I’m about to write a Mail Bomb myself to find out where I can get ’em. Definitely hot!
Finally, ever since Claire’s post on Yodit Eklund, I’ve been craving African prints and L.A.-based DJ Rashida‘s form-fitting Boxing Kitten sheath is my favorite Hot of the bunch. The “America’s Best Dance Crew” spinner hit all the right notes at an MTV Movie Awards pre-party, giving major style with her dress, gold accessories, and black ankle-strap pumps. The ivory hair clip with feathers gives her a playful yet regal bearing that make this look a Hot from head-to-toe!
~Adri
Today Swagger brings us Gogo, a high school student spied shopping at Rue de Roquette near La Bastille:
She’s not your typical fashionista: none of her clothes are designer and she just kind of pieced together her look using elements of her wardrobe. She spices up her all black ensemble with a cute belt and hat.
He won in an almost landslide vote, as readers said, “I def believe Serge should win because he needs a make over BADLY!!” and “Now that he’s approaching “grown man statusâ€, I don’t think he needs to be dressing like he did four years ago in high school!”
Sarah says, “Serge and I just want to say Thank You Fashion Bomb for the clothes and to all those who voted for him! Surprisingly my boo wasn’t mad when I told him about the contest, he laughed and said I was crazy lol, but appreciated my effort to help him upgrade his style. Thanks again! :)”
Super cute!
Serge, enjoy your new gear, and be sure to send us a pic of your new, updated look!
After stumbling upon Potty Mouthed Accessories by Locher’s, I’ve been keeping an eye out for funny, irreverent fashion accessories. I was tickled by this $240 Jessica Kagan Cushman ‘Ripped Off By Chanel’ bangle:
The brassy resin black and white bracelet is perfect for the stylista who doesn’t take fashion too seriously.
Mix and match your bangle with the following for a Chanel Inspired Look:
WWD reports that stuntastic shoe maker Jimmy Choo is partnering with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to create Project PEP, a limited edition collection of handbags and shoes whose proceeds will support the Simelela center in South Africa:
Ranging price from $95 to $995, 25% of sales will go to Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
