I chit chatted with Solange at the Tracy Reese show to ask her about her style and a few of her fave designers.

She was super cool and down to earth!

What do you think?

I caught a bit more Real Style out and about in the tents:

Jennifer keeps it chic in a vintage dress, leather jacket, and booties, while Andre represents for the men with skinny jeans, a blazer, and a smart bag.

What do you think of their style?

Did you know???

Ugandan model Kiara Kabukuru had one of the longest CoverGirl campaigns of any black model.

Discovered in a shopping mall in Los Angeles when she was only sixteen years old, Kiara went on to walk for Chanel, Balenciaga, Sonia Rykiel, and Dolce & Gabanna before appearing on American Vogue’s July 1997 cover:

She recently appeared in Italian Vogue’s All Black Issue:

And currently lives in New York City.

British staple TopShop is finally set to invade US shores April 2nd.

WWD says, “After months of delays due to construction and permit problems, the British fast-fashion retailer owned by Sir Philip Green is set to debut.” The first store will be in New York; no word on when or if the brand will expand nationally.

On Friday I was still a bit jetlagged, so decided to keep it low key with the Cushnie et Ochs show:

If you’ve been reading the Fashion Bomb, you’d know that the dynamic Parson’s alumnae behind the line were the recipients of a $25,000 Ecco Domani Fashion Award to show at Fashion Week.
With all their accolades, I was super excited to see what they would send down the runway:

Their Fall 2009 collection focused on subdued blacks, grays, and whites accented with pops of futuristic metallic. Edgy and eye catching, the ladies went for drama with dresses, jackets, and pants with singular details like cut outs, single arms, liquid materials, and high collars:

While I gushed over some of the more club ready frocks, I felt perhaps the ladies pushed the envelope too far with certain looks–some sheer tops, short skirts, and super tight satin dresses seemed more bawdy than sexy…

They may have overshot just a bit, but they have the proven talent to bring it back. I look forward to seeing their future collections.
After the show, I stopped backstage and interviewed Carly Cushnie about the line’s inspiration:

What do you think?

\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