\Tennessee model Hollis Wakeema walked for Cushnie et Ochs. I talked to her backstage as well:

See more of her bio in the Fashion Bomb Model Manual.

Cross Colours was one of the first brands to make ‘urban’ gear fashionable.

Before Rocawear, Phat Farm, and Fubu, Cross Colours was the streetwear brand of choice for hip hop heads. Created by Carl Jones, a graduate of Otis Parson’s School of Design, the clothes were without prejudice and appealed to anyone with a penchant for bright colors and an understanding of political and social messages.
Did you own any Cross Colours gear?

All that Cross Colours talk made me nostalgic for vintage TLC.

Check out their first 1992 video, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg:

Hey!
So the first day of Fashion Week was so exciting! My homie Charles and I dipped into the Cushnie & Ochs show, then hit up a few parties for Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen.
I’ve got a couple videos and pix for Monday, but if you can’t wait until then, some shots of Real Style:

Check back in for more Fashion Week updates:)

Bisous!

Fashion Week kicked off last night with a star-studded Vogue/BMW event and The Fashion Bomb was in the house, of course!

I kicked it on the red carpet with loyal readers and Fashion Bombshells Pietrina and Joy, who were sporting some fierce, camera-ready Real Style.We even had us a lil’ exercise in workin’ the Top Model poses and faces! Inside, the action centered around this ultra-luxe, 7-series Beemer, which Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia‘s Editor-in-Chief, helped to design. I spotted quite a few celebs working the room, including FB favorites Joy Bryant, Chanel Iman, and Arlenis Sosa.Of course, I had to ask C. Iman about the new “Gossip Girl” scoop reported by our very own Vuitton. She shared that she’s always looking to try her hand at new opportunities, and seemed really excited about striking a pose in front of the (TV) camera. You know we’ll be tuning in!I also chatted with Chanel’s mom, China Robinson(between Chanel and I, above), who often travels with Chanel and is enjoying seeing the world herself. Both mother and daughter were lovely as can be and it’s clear where this top model gets her inner and outer glow from. And yes, that’s none other than Fashion Bomb friend Ryan Leslie next to Chanel!One of the highlights of the evening was meeting the stunning Arlenis Sosa, one of my favorite models and a fellow Dominicana. We gabbed away in Spanish for quite a while on everything from the fittings she’s doing for the shows to the goings-on in our native D.R. As sweet as she is gorgeous, I’m going to love watching her star continue to rise!
It couldn’t have been a better kick-off.
Stay focused on The Fashion Bomb for continuing New York Fashion Week coverage this and next week!
~Adriana

Hey Fashion Bombers!!
So I just arrived in NYC! Fashion Week fun starts today, but first we have a couple Mail Bombs…
…we’ll keep it short!

First Kenyatta says, “I’m trying to find out where I can get the grey pumps Kourtney Kardashian is wearing in this picture. I think I saw the same pumps on Heidi Klum a few months back and I absolutely love them…“
“…Where can I find them?? Thanks!“
Adriana found that Heidi and Kourtney are wearing these Yves Saint Laurent Platform Pumps in grey…
…get them for $795 at www.ysl.com.

Next, Melody asks, “Can you tell me where Bey got this cute Prince shirt?“
Yup! Beyonce found her shirt for $35 at cybershop www.viktorviktoriashop.com…
…get your t by going here.

Christina says, “I have a pretty good grip on jumpsuits, but I have been dying to find a reasonably (reasonable meaning not straight off the runway) priced jumpsuit like this:”
“I love the length! I LOVE the fit! HELP!“
Sure! Get an Angela Simmons red carpet look with these high and low price options:
Left to Right: Bebe Silk Twill Jumpsuit, $129; Marley Silk Wrap Jumpsuit, $395.

And lastly Tiffany says, “I wanted to know who designed this dress Tiny is wearing? She looks so fab!“
Adriana found that Tiny is wearing this $2,800 Herve Leger Sequin Bandage dress…
…Oh, and like her shoes? Get a similar pair for less here.

That does it!
Stay tuned later today for a bit of NY Scene with Adriana. I’m going to try to make it to the tents today, but honestly I’m a bit jet lagged! If anything I’ll be sure to hit the ground running this weekend, and deliver fresh pix, reviews, and news around the clock.
Bisous!

As we previously noted, 2009 marks Barbie’s Golden Anniversary and even at 50, this number one stunna still turns the heads of young (and not so young!) divas everywhere! Did you know that some of Barbie’s most iconic incarnations have been African-American-influenced?

The “Julia” Barbie, based on Diahann Carroll and her sitcom of the same name…Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie based, of course, on the legendary dance company…Pepper Barbie, one of several created as part of a collection by renowned African-American designer Byron Lars. Like Marie Antoinette meets Pam Grier–all kinds of fierce…Diana Ross Barbie by Bob Mackie, for which Ms. Ross provided an actual face sculpt…And Hard Rock Cafe Barbie, who’s screaming for a matching Lenny Kravitz Ken doll ;-).
Makes you want to start collecting them again, no?

Barbie’s been influential in so many budding fashionistas’s lives that it’s no wonder designers lined up by the dozen when asked to offer their interpretations of this timeless fashion plate. Alexander Wang, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Catherine Malandrino, Baby Phat, Diane von Furstenburg, and Michael Kors are just *some* of the 50+ designers who will outfit Ms. B at her own special runway show in the tents at Bryant Park on Saturday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. during New York Fashion Week…and you and a friend can be there to see it all, thanks to fabu Fashion Bomb sponsor American Express!AmEx will give two seats to Barbie’s 50th Anniversary Runway Show to one lucky Fashion Bomb reader!
The first person to tell us Barbie’s full real name wins the golden tickets. E-mail us at thefashionbombcontest@gmail.com with your answers!
See you in the tents!
~Adri
*Sorry but this contest is open only to Fashion Bombshells within commuting distance of NYC!
*Thanks to Angelic Dreamz for the images!

That all-around style maven extraordinaire B. Smith was the first African-American model to land the cover of Mademoiselle?

The eponymous B. (real name Barbara) evolved from model to multi-hyphenate style mogul with her uber-successful line of restaurants, home interiors, style manuals, and jewelry.

In addition, Ms. Smith is a spokesperson for several top national brands, and is frequently seen on NBC’s “Today” Show, “Good Morning America,” and “The View,” in addition to her own show, “B. Smith with Style,” which is now broadcast on TV One.
I’ve been to her restaurant here in NY and must say the food is the truth.
Learn more about the divine B. at BSmith.com!
~Adriana