Fun Black Fashion Fact + Contest: Toukie Smith

Did you know??
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That the fabulous and trailblazing Toukie Smith was the first African-American model to have a mannequin designed in her likeness?

Ms. Smith, who appeared in campaigns for Chanel, Versace, and Norma Kamali among others, also graced the pages of Vogue, ELLE, Ebony, and Cosmopolitan, just to name a few. Toukie’s history-making mannequin was crafted in 1978, the same year she won the Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year award.

*CONTEST ALERT!*

The first person who can tell us which iconic designer Toukie Smith is closely related to (hint: he received his own Fashion Bomb Black History Month tribute a few years back), will win this limited edition Carol’s Daughter Roses & Honey Shea Soufflé
…a rich cream moisturizer fragranced with fresh cut roses, honey, almond, anise and banana. Yum!
E-mail thefashionbombcontest@gmail.com with your answers!

*We have a Winner!*

Fashion Bombshell Dionne was the first to correctly guess that Toukie Smith is the sister of iconic designer Willi Smith, who’s received his own Fashion Bomb tribute. Dionne, third from left in the strapless dress, cites Tracy Reese as the black fashionista she receives inspiration from because, She takes into account the female body when designing and creates something that is not only timeless, but also truly special. To me she is THE quintessential fashion bomb! And she’s even wearing a Tracy Reese frock in her pic– loves it!
Congrats to Dionne and thanks to everyone who played!
~Adriana

Carol’s Daughter Giveaway Day!!

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Hey Bombshells!
We like to keep things super exciting, so in the spirit of V-Day, fashion, and fun, we’re giving away a few indulgent Carol’s Daughter products!!

Keep checking in throughout the day for contests and Black History trivia. We have a few cute prizes…yay!

Vintage Style: Lena Horne

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Back by popular demand is a lil’ bit of “Vintage Style” by Intern Contestant-turned-Contributor, Ashley. Check it out!

Very few women can manage to be as poised *and* sizzling hot as Lena Horne was in her day. With a penchant for coyly demure necklines and super-sexy silhouettes, this timeless siren was known as much for her beauty as for her professionalism, class, and talent. While the Brooklyn native certainly made history as the first African-American singer to sign with MGM, it was also her style that made me sit up and take notice.

Ms. Horne stuck with no fuss, streamlined pieces that complimented her oh-so-enviable curves. One thing I love about the days of Old Hollywood is the glamour that permeated just about every aspect of their lives, whether you went out dancing at the Cotton Club or hit up a boxing match. Even if we don’t have her diamond-cutting cheekbones or statuesque figure, we can still strive for some of the poise and grace Lena herself embodied.
Borrow a little bit of Lena Horne’s subdued sensuality with dresses that feature daring little necklines and figure skimming silhouettes!

1. Abaete Carolyn Dress, $425 2. Hervé Léger Paiellette Covered Bandage Dress, $2,070 3. Badgley Mischka Pleated Dress, $695 4. A.B.S. Sateen V-Neck Gown, $204 5. Satin Pleated Sweetheart Dress, $30 6. Vera Wang Chocolate Ruched Taffeta One Shoulder Dress, $768
Who knew such subtlety could be so sexy?
~Ashley

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Snaps for Ms. Ashley! I’m so glad her Vintage Style will now be a recurring feature on the FB, aren’t you?
~Adri

Michelle Obama Lands Vogue’s March Cover

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Today the Washington Post confirms that Michelle Obama will appear on Vogue Magazine’s March issue. Shot by Anne Leibovitz, the cover is only the second in Vogue’s history featuring a first lady. Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley interviewed Michelle for the cover story, and said it was, “one of the best experiences of my life.”
Michelle opted for designers like Jason Wu, J.Crew, and Narciso Rodriguez for the shoots, and apparently didn’t need help plucking looks that worked for her.
Vogue’s keeping the hotness coming for 2009. Will you pick up this issue?

I-D Magazine Salutes 12 British Bombshells

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I-D Magazine’s new issue will have 12 different covers featuring Britain’s most standout supermodels…

Legends like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Twiggy, Stella Tennant, Susie Bick and Yasmin LeBon make appearances, as do pretty young things like Lily Donaldson, Agyness Deyn and Jourdan Dunn.
Source

DJ Premium Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas

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Nothing to wear for V-Day?
Check out Fashion Bomb friend DJ Premium for red hot frocks, stilettos, and more:

1. Vivienne Tam Grecian Dress, $225. 2. Oh…Deer! Studded Two Color Sandal, $220. 3. GSUS Plaid Ruffle Dress, $130. 4. Betsey Johnson Roselyn Platform, $135. 5. LaRok Level Mini, $198. 6. Betsey Johnson Rex Shootie, $87. 7. Betsey Johnson Show Baby Hounds Tooth Jumper, $146. 8. Creative Recreation Cesario Hi, $95. 9. Just Cavalli Roman Printed Satin Bustier Dress, $795.
I heart that Vivienne Tam!!! See more selections here.

Bag Trend Alert: Long Chain Straps

Drop your clutches ladies!
For a night on the town, try popping on a small bag with a metallic chain long enough to wear across the body:

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While Vanessa and Solange’s chain linked wonders are most likely Chanel, you can get a similar look with these options:

1. Nine WestRanya Small Flap, $69. 2. Forever 21 Croc Heart Clutch with Chain, $20. 3. ILK Patent Ada Shoulder Bag, $86. 4. Marc Jacobs The Single Evening Bag, $575. 5. Betsey Johnson Crossbody Rose Evening Bag, $150. 6. Forever 21 Quilted Box Handbag, $20.

Fun Black Fashion Fact: Ophelia Devore

Did you know??

In 1946 model and entrepreneur Ophelia Devore started Grace Del Marco, the first model agency in America to focus on ethnic talent…

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By way of her company, Devore identified and nurtured the careers of several household names, including Diahann Carroll, Richard Roundtree (Shaft), and Cicely Tyson.

Like Bethann Hardison, Ophelia Devore was an activist for black inclusion in the fashion industry. Her courage and initiative helped pave the way for models of today!

Home Decor: Romance

Fab intern candidate Suzy got us thinking about home decor, and what better time to add some whimsical (and budget-friendly) romantic accents to your abode than Valentine’s Day?

How do you set the mood at home?
~Adriana

Hot! or Hmm… : The 2009 Grammy Awards

Hey Fashion Bombers!
Vuitton here with a red carpet edition of Hot! or Hmm for the Grammy Awards. Some kept it haute while others left us scratching our heads. Let’s take a look:
Jennifer Hudson wore a fabulous origami pleated RM by Roland Mouret dress with suede navy Louboutin pumps…

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…she looked amazing and her performance and award only added to her fabulousness. Do it Jenny!
Kim K was saucy in this cute Toni Maticevski number with silver Louboutin slingbacks….
…I think she looked hot! And her makeup gets two thumbs up.
Leona Lewis chose this Randi Rham nude dress for the festivities…
Something about it makes me go Hmm...maybe it’s because the dress is too close to her skin and hair color?
Queen Latifah presented an award in a navy blue strapless flapper style dress…
…She looked beautiful. She rarely disappoints.
Our friend Fanny was there in this sequined halter…
…I’m actually not mad at this dress. Fantasia stepped it up a notch, and her shoes are pretty dope!
LeToya Luckett stunted in this fuchsia number with a multi-colored python clutch and sky-blue Louboutins…
…Cute look, and that necklace is to DIE for!
Solange made an appearance in this canary yellow cocktail with a vintage Chanel purse and Pierre Hardy open-toed heels…
…She definitely looked cute, but I’m getting more Hmm…than Hot! I expected more from Solange!
Songstress Estelle wore this Bernard Chandran dress with Giuseppe Zanotti open-toed booties to go for a more edgy look on the red carpet…
The chunky necklace is haute, but you can’t really see it because of the shoulder detail of the dress. Hmmm…
Jordin Sparks wore this embellished floor grazer by Arizona based designer Debra Davenport
I like the silhouette of the dress, but something about the pattern makes me go Hmm…
Vanessa and Angela Simmons looked cute and springy in their dresses…
…loving that bright yellow, Vanessa!
And lastly Keyshia Cole vamped it up in this black, semi sheer gown…
Hair and makeup were en pointe, but I’m not feeling this dress. The fit leaves a bit to be desired, and the sheer overlay makes me go Hmm… Maybe if the dress were shorter I’d be sold…
What do you guys think?
~Vuitton
PS Red Carpet Regular Rihanna was noticeably absent. Hmmm…