So last night intern Adriana and I made our way to our last show of the season, Baby Phat:

…Kimora was celebrating her 10th year of runway shows, and we were pumped to be in the building!
Packed with New York’s finest, the show is always exceedingly entertaining, thanks to a bass driven soundtrack, hot models, and funky clothes. Though the show aimed to start on time, people took a while to get to their seats, so I seized the moment to snap a few pics. Caught up with Lala…
..who was wearing a LaRok skirt and YSL sandals, and finally met Serena Williams!!!
She was in a major rush to get to her seat, but was gracious enough to take a quick picture with me. Had to do it for mom!!!
Finally, the show began, and other notables like Carmelo Anthony, Danity Kane, Alexis Phifer, Ice T, Coco, and Maxwell filled in the front row:
The collection offered a melange of themes, mirrored in thigh skimming belted Safari dresses, Seventies era jumpers, maxi dresses and hippie-esque headscarves, Western style fringed suede vests, and Mideastern turbans:
Eye catching yet simple, Kimora’s collection was fashioned to fit her target demographic of around the way girls with a splash of spunk. I myself was drooling over the models’ blinged out rings, bangles, and necklaces that glinted in the spotlight:
…I’ll take five!
All in all Baby Phat reflected the fun mix of couture and culture that Kimora has been bringing for the past 10 years. No Fashion Week could be complete without it!
After the show was the afterparty, and Adriana was tuckered out so we parted ways…
I went with my buddy to the Plaza Hotel for a continuation of the festivities:
…the celebration was grand, and the Plaza’s ballroom was packed with partygoers sipping champagne and snacking on ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.
Kimora was out of reach, but I was juiced to finally meet Dee + Ricky (creators of the lego pins for Marc Jacobs)…
…and we toasted to the end of Fashion Week. Now it’s time to rest up!
Hope you enjoyed Adriana and I’s coverage of Fashion Week. Let us know!
Oh and I took my Flip Video with me to the show and caught some Real Style…stay tuned for that on Monday.
Smootches!
*My dress and earrings are from Pieces, medallion necklace by Jenny Dayco.
*Special Thanks to: Carlos, Jerome, Leanne, Stephanie, and Tamar!!!

Hey!
So while I’m sure all of you are *loving* the fashion week rundowns, I know you still want your regular Mail Bombs!

….the’terns and I have been crazed this week, but we’ve solved just a few for your viewing pleasure!
First up, Tiffany says, “So I was getting my daily gossip fix over at YBF and stumbled across this fabulous outfit worn by Rihanna…“
“...If you could help me find similar pieces to recreate this look I would be so grateful.“
Get Rihanna’s look by combining the following high and low end items:
1. United Bamboo Shawl Collar Jacket, $545. 2. Forever 21 Sunglasses, $6. 3. Delia’s Boy Solid Tank, $6. 4. Geren Ford Denim Stretch Twill Zip Back Skirt, $114. 5. Liz Claiborne “Idol Pleasures” Stretch Bracelet, $35.
Next, Jay says, “I was wondering if you could tell find me similar shoes to the ones Tatyana Ali and Elise Neal are wearing??“
If you want a strappy look with ankle details, go with this $179 Rio Leather Sandal…
…from http://www.bebe.com/.
Next, faithful Bomb reader Whitney says, “I was wondering if you could find a similar dress to the one Janet is wearing??“
Get in control with this $170 Lauren Ralph Lauren Duke Luxe Jersey Dress:
Miriam says, “I know this is jewelry, but it still counts as fashion mail bomb emergency!! Jordan Sparks wore this chain linked earring at the VMA’s, and I am in LUUUUV with it!!!“
“… I can’t seem to find anything like it anywhere, so can you help??!! I hope so!“
Adriana stepped in, saying, “It looks like Jordin is wearing Pantera’s Feather Ear Cuff…“
“… which you can find at Lisa Kline for $1,125.00. If you want a more affordable alternative try this $40 Earwrap with stud...”
“...from Bajoran.” Thanks Adriana!
Nathalie E says, “Claire and Crew: I saw Jada Pinkett Smith in this fabulous dress on Letterman last night and I have to have it for an event I’ve got coming up…”
“… Could you help me with some budget friendly alternatives to this fabulous dress?“
Aramide and I conspired to find you these affordable options:
1. Rachel Pally Black One Shoulder Dress, $99. 2. Vince One Shoulder Cotton Dress, $94. 3. Arden B One Shoulder Pencil Dress, $118.
And we had a few party related queries!
Nazly says, ” I was wondering where I could find a bag like this one?“
“…. Also where are her shorts from?”
It looks like Maya of Boxing Kitten is wearing a vintage Gucci bag along with shorts and top of her design. Find vintage Gucci’s on Ebay, and pick up a Boxing Kitten outfit here.
Lastly, Gina says, ” I am curious to know the designer of the skirt and suspender combo worn by Enyinne of Uptown Emerging Designer’s Market at Fashion Bomb’s second anniversary gala.”
“Moreover, where can I purchase the exact or similar ensemble???”
Enyinne says, “That is from Adeleke’s collection – The Olori Collection. That particular design is available by request only right now but you can email Leke at leke@adelekesijuwade.com“
Also, pssst, songstress Keyshia Cole was also spied wearing an Adeleke dress recently…
Get with it!
That does it for today.
There were a *ton* more that we didn’t get to, but check back in next Friday, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Smootches!

Hey!
So last night after Reem Accra, I tucked into the Zac Posen show in the Tents….

…it was a celebrity swapmeet with Jada Pinkett Smith…
…ALT, Venus, Serena, and Anna…
…as well as a host of other celebs, including Rachel Zoe, Patricia Field, Joy Bryant, and Nina Garcia perched on the front row.
I heard a guy behind me say that he wished to run down and take a picture with the Williams sisters, but was afraid of bodyguards. In the end he decided to stay put….I did the same!
After a bit of hubbub, the show finally started. What can I say? I was impressed:
…Zac showed what he does best: alluring cocktails and fluid gowns, amply ready for any red carpet…
..dominated by flowy fabrics, Zac kept the crowd entertained by balancing neutral white and black with pops of leopard print, yellow, and peach, and throwing in the occasional tailored jacket for good measure:
While he lost me for a second with a couple frothy frocks…
…overall, Zac hit this collection out the water, and I saw many lithe little numbers trendsetting sirens would pluck for an awards show or any other high flashbulb event:
…fierce!
While I hesitated to snap pics before the show, I two-stepped my way backstage afterwards to see what I could see.
I bumped into Joy Bryant, who is tall, thin, and beautiful:
…she was in the middle of telling her friend that she had just ‘thrown something on’, but her frill laced outfit was very apropos.
Also said ‘hey’ to old friend Alexis Phifer..
…who is seriously making me want to pop on a red lip.
And of course, had to sidle up to the man of the hour…
…Zac Posen himself! He was super busy receiving accolades, but took a moment to cheese with lil ol me!
With all that excitement, I was done for the night, but no worries: I’m getting my gold stilettos out for the Baby Phat show and afterparty tonight! Should be a good, fun ending to an eventful fashion week.
Stay tuned!
Smootches!
*Shouts to Inaje, Janelle, and Lawrence! You’re the bomb!!!

Just dipped into the tents…

…for the Reem Acra show where I sat diagonally across from Sanaa Lathan and Ashanti. My pic:
…here’s the professional shot…
Much better.
The house was packed with other stars, including Aubrey and DWoods of Danity Kane (and Aubrey’s skirted pooch), and the Jays from America’s Next Top Model.
The show itself was *beautiful* if not a little all over the place. In my little green notebook, I cited several influences: Indian inspired beadwork to Chinese mandarin collars and Western shirdresses redone in silk…
Competing penchants aside, I was literally floored by the succession of extremely luxe fabrics and details of sequins, brocade, and silk, along with eye popping colors of hot pink, tangerine, iridescent to deep blues, and gold…
…a random choice, but of all the shows, Reem Acra stood out as one where I would unflinchingly wear anything straight from the runway (including the shoes!). Though rich, the collection was wearable and in moments breathtakingly beautiful:
Smootches!
*Dress by Tibi, jacket and cocktail ring from Pieces!

Hey!
So while we all know the names of the season’s hottest young models like Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, and Arlenis Sosa…

… we’ve been spying lots of new and perhaps unknown faces on the runway this season!
Today, I decided to give you guys a rundown of a few lesser known faces in the Fashion Bomb’s Model Manual.
First, we have Hollis Wakeema…
Born in 1984, this Memphis Tennessee native has been ruling the runway since she signed with Vision Management in 2005. She debuted in the Catherine Malandrino’s 2005 fall show, then went on to walk for Vivienne Tam, Marc Jacobs, and Diane von Furstenberg. Now with New York Models, she is the face of Paul Smith Women.
This season, catch her in Douglas Hannant, Nanette Lepore, Benjamin Cho, Marc Jacobs, Sophie Theallet, Chris Benz, Tracy Reese, Abaeté, Rock & Republic, and Rachel Roy.
In past seasons, she’s been plucked by Vivienne Westwood, Baby Phat, Tracy Reese, and Duru Olowu!
Next we have Joan Smalls…
This 20 year old siren of Puerto Rican descent is currently signed with Elite models. In 2008 she became the face of Ports 1961, appearing in their print campaign.
Spot her this season in Ports 1961 and Tracy Reese.
In past years, she’s done Diane von Furstenberg, Sass & Bide, Benjamin Cho, Heatherette, and James Coviello.
Up next: Samira Carvalho Bento…
This 18 year old Brazilian beauty was discovered in Garota da Capa 2002 contest organized by the Brazilian Raca magazine. Signed with Ford models, she debuted by opening and closing Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring collection in September 2007.
This Season she’s stomped in Tracy Reese, Betsey Johnson, and Sophie Theallet. In past seasons, she’s been busy with Alexandre Herchcovitch, Custo Barcelona, Diane von Furstenberg, Heatherette, Monique Lhuillier, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Baby Phat, Tommy Hilfiger, Yigal Azrouel, and L’Wren Scott.
Finally we have a few up and comers who have been spied on the runway (but their bios are not quite known).
There’s Nana whose been spotted in Tracy Reese and Halston…
Sana Soegaard who lit up the runway at Cynthia Steffe and Tracy Reese…
And Shelby Coleman…
…who also made an appearance in Tracy Reese, but has been seen this season at Threeasfour and Tory Burch…
…and made cameos in the Resort collectins of Akris and Giambattista Valli.
Gorgeous!
Smootches!
Shouts to style.com and nymag.com for images and info.
*Let me know if I missed anyone!

Adriana took in the Milly by Michelle Smith show last night.
Enjoy!
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When I walked into Milly’s Spring/Summer 2009 show, the first thing I noticed was a tall, dramatic Moorish arch painted at the top of the runway. Subtle orange lighting and moody, Arab-influenced music also set the tone for what I thought would be a sartorial Moroccan adventure. Imagine my surprise, then, when the show began and, instead, the lights went super-bright and the music changed to blaring sixties rock. As models sporting raffia cotton, crocheted beanies, and trippy prints began to stride down the runway, it became clear that the bernous and fezes I expected were not to be.

Milly’s collection carries Barneys’ upcoming holiday theme, “Have a Hippie Holiday,” right on through to spring. Billowy peasant dresses, tie-dye, and seemingly homespun embroidery, among other things, dominated the Moroccan influence, which was certainly present in the caftans, lace patterns, and some of the hues. It was clear, however, that designer Michelle Smith took the bulk of her inspiration from the era of flower power and free love (though I learned that her trip to Marrakesh was indeed the likely inspiration for the stage’s setting).

Smith balanced the sixties hippie look with more conservative, streamlined pieces that took their cue from the non-rebellious part of the population during that decade (think”Mad Men”). Nehru-like jackets, silk chiffon blouses with ruffled neck ties, and A-line skirts were done in uber-feminine silks, sateens, and jacquards to satisfy the Milly fans who love the label for its classic feminine tailoring with a vintage feel (like me).

There was nothing really groundbreaking about the collection as the sixties have been done so frequently as to not be much news to anyone. There were some standout pieces, though (a persimmon-colored ruffle sleeve dress, below) and the music itself was so good that I had to ask one of Milly’s reps if they would post the playlist on their Web site when they showcase the collection on it. I saw quite a few heads bopping to it along, too, and while the show’s clothes may not have made waves, it certainly made watching them a lot of fun.
Love, peace, and hair grease,
Adriana

*While I hit up the Russell Simmons and Betsey Johnson afterparties last night, seems Andre Leon Talley was hosting an event for Jennifer Hudson. A few pics:

I must say, Jennifer looks ravishing in red.
*Speaking of JHud, she’s on the cover of Upscale Magazine’s September/October Issue:
…which happens to have a little article on the Fashion Bomb on Page 63!!!
Click to enlarge
It says, “Aside from providing the latest style trends and stories, [the Fashion Bomb] also takes readers on virtual journeys to events like the renowned New York Fashion Week…” Who Me?!?
Pick up your copy of Upscale today!
*And it seems designers are reacting in interesting ways in regards to the ‘Black Model Issue” with some like Sophie Theallet using all black models…
..to others like Betsey Johnson using just one:
Why the extremes? Can’t the runways simply reflect your average New York city street? We’ve got a little bit of everything!

Hey!
So while Adriana took in an afternoon show yesterday, I headed to the tents for Vivienne Tam…

…I took my buddy Stephanie with me into the Promenade…
..and almost immediately caught sight of recent US Open winner Serena Williams sitting front row:
I was excited–I knew my mother (an avid tennis fan) would have died to have me snap a picture with her, but for the moment I sat in my seat and took in the collection. I must admit, seeing Serena might have been the most interesting part of the show:
Tam, raised in Hong Kong, is known for an ‘East meets West’ or ‘China Chic’ sensibility, mirrored in her marriage of Asian inspired tailoring with Westernized fabrics. Chinese influences were evident in high neck dresses with floral appliques:
But with the exception of a few pieces, the collection seemed to be less chic and more reminiscent of a secretary of another generation: think 70’s and 80’s inspired separates and dresses in florals, reds, and pops of purple:
…while lovely, the offerings were almost shocking in their simplicity, and I was left looking for the piece that would make my mouth water.  It came, in part, towards the end of the show, where Tam flexed her skills in cocktails of eye catching colors that melded textures and tones (think satin with sheer, patent leather with chiffon):
…gorgeous. The show ended on a high note, but not quite high enough to offset the rest.
What do you think?
Smootches!
*After the show, I tried to catch Serena, but seems she’s as fast off the court as she is on! Homegirl was gone like lightning, but hopefully I can catch up with her later.
**My dress is by a label named Zoa (currently at Pieces in Brooklyn), Shoes by L.A.M.B (I LOVE THEM!), Jewels by Jenny D, natch.

Adriana does Iodice. Enjoy!
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Iodice is a contemporary Brazilian label known for its denim and simple sophistication, with special attention to easy, feminine silhouettes. The show’s atmosphere was a bustling, excited one as many people new to the Brazilian line seemed to be in attendance. The show was held in the Salon of the Bryant Park tents, the most intimate of the three runway show venues. I could see everything clearly from my seat and, like being up close to a painting in a museum, it made all the difference in observing the clothes’ craftsmanship.The color palette consisted of only five discernable hues: sand, white, deep turquoise, jet black, and a pale mauve. Silk tops with Origami-like folds and ethereal goddess dresses were shown alongside clean-lined trousers, skirts, and dress shorts. The accessories (no jewelry; fingerless gloves; open-toed, strappy, metallic pewter shoe boots) were minimal and added an edge that saved the presentation from being too delicate. Iodice being a Brazilian label there were, of course, several sexy bathing suits and beach ensembles included.

It’s clear that the label would like to replicate its popularity in Brazil here in the States, and likely designed this collection with American consumers in mind (the clothes’ many references to early Halston, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan seemed to indicate such). Some of the tailoring and draping could have been smarter, and there were a few garments that seemed a bit too derivative, but overall it was a sound collection with pieces that whispered ‘sophistication’ instead of shouting it.

As they say in Brasil, ate logo (until later)!
-Adriana