I’m serious about saving, and feeding my fashion addiction, responsibly! I have partnered with @Poshmark to sell some of my gently used wardrobe must haves to save up for my dream designer bag (take a guess at which one I plan to invest in come Christmas!).
Download the Poshmark app here for easy searching. Poshmark is a great way to clear your wardrobe and make extra cash while also shopping for steals. Happy Poshmarking!
We’re always getting new brands on Fashion Bomb Daily Shop! Today, we’d like to introduce you to our latest addition: Cult of Coquette! Founded by Bebe Mehr, Cult of Coquette is a brand dedicated to supplying Bombshells like you with luxury vegan shoes. As Bebe describes it, this celebrity-approved shoe brand was “created to fill the immense void in the market for quality, stylish footwear that is both cruelty-free and ethically made.“
Get to know more about Bebe and Cult of Coquette in our exclusive interview as she details goals for the brand, marketing and business tips, and much more:
She says, “I was born in Los Angeles, but when I was young we moved to Arizona, I was basically raised there and returned to L.A. in 2013. I went to school at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and studied Fashion Merchandising, but left early to open my first boutique.“
She continues, “I always had an interest in fashion, for as long as I can remember. I grew up on ’90s fashion and supermodels. Also, Lil’ Kim was a huge icon for me growing up. Colorful, sexy, maximalist fashion, lots of patterns, embellishments. I also was surrounded by a lot of glamorous women. My mom, who is an artist, was always creative with her fashion, my grandmother was very chic and so were all my mom’s friends. I’ve named a pair of shoes after everyone that inspired me with their style and presence.“
She explains, “I always knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion industry in some way, but a little detached. I just felt the industry wasn’t inclusive enough, so I knew I had to do it on my own terms and create a space that celebrated people and things that the fashion industry may not be as inclined to celebrate. Owning my own business and being an entrepreneur is something my dad really believed in and instilled in me, so I always knew I would have my own fashion based company, eventually.“
On how she grew her business, she tells us, “I initially started in 2014, the way a lot of businesses start, because I had a personal need that wasn’t being fulfilled. Specifically, wanting a pair of Louboutin pumps but not wanting to buy real leather shoes (I didn’t eat meat and so buying fashion that wasn’t cruelty-free felt hypocritical). After searching for years, I finally decided I would just do it myself. I had a background running a boutique for many years and an online store, so it was a natural progression to start my own line.“
She proceeds, “I knew there had to be other conscious women like myself who didn’t want to sacrifice style or quality in order to stay committed to their ethics. The modern woman is multifaceted, she doesn’t want to choose between looking good and feeling good. I wanted to make sure I created a brand that was built on that. The brand grew as the interest in ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘vegan’ products in general grew. Cosmetics and skincare really helped bring attention to that. So in 2018, we re-launched and things really moved quickly from there. I always say they are ‘Heels with a Soul’. It’s a cute play on words, but it really represents the consciousness of our company and the customers who support and believe in us.“
On the importance of marketing and how she makes use of it, she points out, “I think marketing is extremely important, but it has to be the right thing. Facebook marketing never worked for us to get new customers, for others it’s wildly successful. For us, Instagram has been an amazing way to connect with existing customers and engage with them personally. Also, using Instagram promotions for brand awareness. Email marketing has been really important and successful. We are planning to do more of a push with influencer marketing as well, but I have found it’s critical to find influencers that are interested in building a genuine relationship with us and not to just fulfill their own needs. It’s a reciprocal relationship that we always hope will be long term, so we grow together. We’re not interested in the influencers who just send a dm that says ‘Would love to collab’. If you don’t follow our page, know nothing about the brand, that’s an obvious sign that you aren’t interested in cultivating a real relationship and so I know a collab won’t be successful.“
She details the biggest lesson she’s learned from owning her own business, “The biggest one is to never give up. You really do learn from all your failures. I always quote a Jay-Z line from an interview he did about his life and career, he said something like ‘What do you learn from your successes? You learn everything from your failures.’ Nothing could be more true. The successes are fun and satisfying, but it’s fleeting. You’re quickly off to the next goal, but those failures stick with you, you have to learn from them, and every loss gets you closer to your next win.“
On the goals for Cult of Coquette, she says, “I have a lot of different types of goals. Getting the shoes on certain celebs… Beyonce tops that list. I think she probably does for most brands, but more than just wearing them I hope she somehow identifies that the shoes are vegan. She has so much influence and she could shine a spotlight on vegan fashion and make people aware there are options. Snoh Aalegra is another, just because I personally adore everything about her.And then Kylie Jenner or someone in that younger demographic with a lot of influence would be amazing, just to bring the awareness about vegan fashion to that age group. Young people now are so conscious about how everything they do affects society, and I think that’s really inspiring. Generally, I would like to grow the business to a certain level that isn’t too big where I have to give up control, but so that I also have freedom to live my life on my own terms. I used to be hyper ambitious and want to build an empire, I think after having several successful businesses I realize that keeping your business manageable without a huge staff, but still having creative control and freedom, is the perfect combination.“
Bebe recounts her first celebrity placement and how it changed her business, “The first was Miley Cyrus, her team came to us in 2018 before we even had the re-launched collection in stock and asked us to custom make some shoes for her. When they asked for white satin, I was hoping they might be for a surprise wedding, but I wasn’t sure. We didn’t find out they were until we saw our name in the press. It was really exciting. From there a lot of stylists for vegan and non-vegan celebs came calling. We ended up doing Leona Lewis’ bridal shoes as well, which inspired our new bridal collection that will be released in the next couple weeks.“
She adds, “Since then we’ve had Halsey, Ashanti, Eve, Jessie J., Mena Suvari, Naturi Naughton, Serayah, Tinashe, Ella Mai, Ashley Graham, Vashtie, Whitney Cummings, Leslie Jones and more. The stylists we work with are really amazing, and I actually get more excited connecting with stylists, because I have admired a lot of them for years. It was a career I always wanted to go into, so I know them all and respect all the work they do and how insanely talented they are.“
Mehr closes with the importance of transparency especially when it comes to Cult of Coquette, “I think it’s really important for people to know who is behind the brand they are supporting. Where is your money going? With Instagram, people build genuine relationships and connections with the brand. It’s almost a living, breathing thing.So, I would like people who are unfamiliar with Cult of Coquette to know the company and the factory are woman owned. I am a daughter of immigrants who worked hard and built their own businesses.“
She continues, “And most importantly, that my moral compass is what drives the direction of the company. “Cruelty-Free” isn’t a buzz word for us. We’re not what I call “unintentionally vegan” where companies use the term but they’re only vegan because they want to use cheaper materials. I’ve seen other companies discover us and suddenly change their instagram bio to highlight that they are also vegan and cruelty-free just to join the bandwagon. I am genuinely committed to the ethical treatment of animals and people, and I believe it can be done without sacrificing design and style.“
We asked and you answered! The votes are in and the winner of Fashion Bombshell of the Week is Richon M from Wisconsin. She writes, “I am a full time mom, model and entrepreneur with hopes of inspiring others to go tirelessly after their dreams by creating their own opportunities.
She continued by saying, “I would describe my style as simple yet bold. When I dress I try to think of one statement piece and dress around it. Although sometimes my hair is my statement so I just put a simple outfit together that plays up my hair style and color.“
Richon says she wants to spread love and positivity in every way. What do you think of this bombshell’s style.
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Following the resurgence of protests surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced new initiatives to promote diversity and equality early in June. New pushes were to include in-house employment for Black creatives and mentorship programs for Black students and graduates. Today, the CFDA named CaSandra Diggs as its new President, making her the first woman and the first Black person to hold the position since the company’s founding in 1962.
Joining the company in 2001, CaSandra Diggs was promoted from her role as Chief Administrative and Financial Officer. Steven Kolb, CFDA’s CEO, describes Diggs in a press release regarding the promotion, “CaSandra is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations. Expanding her role will provide the CFDA with more opportunity to meet the needs of the membership in a broad and diverse way. It is a critical time for our industry, and she is the right person with the right ideas to help lead CFDA into the future.“
CaSandra Diggs also shared her thoughts on the recent promotion stating, “CFDA remains a vital pillar of the fashion community. I am delighted to join Tom Ford and Steven Kolb as we continue to advance and evolve the CFDA into a modern, forward thinking organization that is reflection of our times.“
Talk about Black excellence! What are you thoughts on this Fashion Bomb News?
If you don’t know about him already, then you should get to know about Brooklyn rapper Brutini Musé. The up and coming rapper and songwriter has already dropped several singles including “Ghetto Town” and “Groovey Lit” and a project in 2019 called Tie Your Laces. Now, he is currently working on his latest project Drippamphetamine which is set to drop in September of this year.
Brutini Musé sat down with Fashion Bomb Daily for an exclusive interview detailing his inspirations, collaborators, favorite songs, and much more for his forthcoming project:
On his inspirations, Brutini explains: “My inspiration comes life experiences, day to day activities, art, history and fashion.”
On his favorite song from the project, he tells: “‘Heal The Pain’, it embodies the feeling of going through up’s & down’s. Still finding a way to get through tough times and heal your afflictions.“
When asked about collaborators for Drippamphetamine, he details: “Mostly people that I know personally like Moretti, Young Paris, Omelly, Seppe, Slk Ez, Jay’More and Givenchy.“
Finally, Brutini reveals where you can stream Drippamphetamine when it drops in September: “Tidal, Napster, Amazon, Spotify etc.“
We still can’t get over the captivating visuals and fashion provided by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in their latest single, “WAP”. Dropping on midnight at Friday, it shortly took social media over by storm and ultimately placing all platforms in a frenzy especially Twitter. While fans were head-over-heels about the visual in its entirety, most fans were not happy about the surprise appearance of Kylie Jenner in the “WAP” video.
In fact, memes and reactions were popping up left and right on Twitter shortly after the release. People questioned why the entrepreneur and media personality was even included in the video to begin with. Following reactions, fans began to ask for the removal of Kylie Jenner from the “WAP” video and there is even a petition circulating for her removal!
What do you guys think? Should Kylie be removed from the video?
Each week we choose 3 lucky ladies as Fashion Bombshell of the Day and now we want to hear from you.
Our 1st contender is Richon from Wisconsin. Richon’s unique look is unforgettable. She is a model, youtuber and voice over artist who’s style is very classy and timeless. The simplicity of her wardrobe brings forth her femininity and highlights her platinum short hair.
Day goes to Laetania from California. Her style is very alluring and sophisticated. LaeTania is the owner and CEO of Richardson Insurance Agency and is representing the “over 45 crew”. She is a “Desert Storm vet, Globe Trotter and fashion lover. She also appeared on season 2 of Bravo’s RHOA.
Our 3rd contestant is Ericka J from Miami. This young entrepreneur is making waves in the beauty industry. At only 24 she has managed to fund her lavish lifestyle by selling hair extensions and her own hair products. Her style is a mixture of street style and glam depending on the day.
Each contestant is different. All 3 of them are bomb. but which one blew you away? Vote below.
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Earlier this week, rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion teased with cover art to their newest single “WAP”.
At midnight, the song was released along with a stunning visual on Youtube that ultimately broke the internet! Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion gave us fashion, beauty, and visuals all in one 4-minute music video. Some of our favorite female music artists made surprise cameos, turning the video into a moment of female empowerment and liberation in the music industry.
You already know Fashion Bomb Daily has deets on the looks, so tap in below for more fashion moments in “WAP”:
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion opened the “WAP” video in pink and yellow looks by Nicolas Jebran.
They were also giving us some 90s flare with their pin curl updos!
Cardi and Megan kept it hot in Mugler looks for this scene.
It’s giving sexy Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, love it!
Megan rocked custom Mugler during this shot. Hot!
Cardi B was spotted on the prowl in custom Mugler! Her chainlink hair nods to Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes’s loop hairstyle from the 2000 14th Soul Train Awards. Cardi has paid homage to Left Eye before at Coachella in 2018 when she rocked two high ponytails like how Lisa did in TLC’s 1999 “Dear Lie” video.
The “Azzedine Alaïa, Another Way to Look at Fashion: The Tati Collection” showcases looks from Alaïa’s spring 1991 collection and artworks featuring the designs.
Singer and dancer Normani made an appearance in “WAP” wearing a look by Venus Prototype Latex which is inspired by Naomi Campbell’s houndstooth Alaïa look from 1991.
Cardi and Megan were spotted in custom Bryan Hearns swimsuits surrounded by snakes.
Megan and Cardi closed out in Venus Prototype Latex ensembles during this last shot from the video! All of Cardi and Megan’s looks were styled by their stylists in crime, Kollin Carter and EJ King.
What a moment! Cardi and Megan know how to bring the heat in a such a sexy and fashionable way. What was your favorite moment from the “WAP” video?
What is emerging from the ashes is a more equitable fashion ground, one that we have been asking and agitating for for decades. It seems it took the world to stop–and the Black Lives Matter movement to ignite–for us to analyze all that was wrong in the fashion industry. Now is the time to make it right.
In the wake of the Retail Parade into Bankruptcy, has emerged the Black Parade, a vehicle to empower black creatives on Beyonce.com. Created by Beyonce’s stylist Zerina Akers, the platform generously links to a host of black owned brands (including a few brands available on FashionBombDailyShop.com). Zerina also created an Instagram page called Black.Owned.Everything that upholds the same mission (We have also been doing our part with our Top 100 Black Designers Lists (read parts 1 and 2 here and here)).
The time is definitely ripe, not just for a Black Renaissance, but for a re-imagining of the fashion industry as we once knew it. 3D fashion shows, as witnessed by Hanifa and bridal designer Ese Azenabor, have temporarily eliminated the need for expensive fashion productions with limited seats and little access.
And while retail stores did absolutely nothing to deserve their demise, there is hope that designers can make their profits without brick and mortar enclaves, using social media and e-commerce to bring visibility and new customers to the check out line.
New 5G technology promises to revolutionize how we shop, with tech that brings product catalogues to life through holograms. The stores of the future will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen or imagined.
The fashion world is now our oyster.
The time is now. And we have the power to empower ourselves.
When it comes to Lil Kim and her style, the word “iconic” instantly comes to mind. Lil Kim is most definitely a style icon and the blueprint when it comes to breaking the rules of fashion with her undauntedly and sometimes controversial looks. Through her style, she pushed the envelope when it came to female sexuality, freedom and creativity female rappers are allowed today. Her influence is felt now more than ever as it is frequently referenced and even reproduced entirely. Fans and celebrities like Beyoncé and Karrueche Tran have even recreated some of her looks for Halloween!
When people speak of Kim’s most iconic looks, most of them are referring to Kim’s looks from the late 90s and early 2000s. Her free-spirited rap persona matched with the styling efforts of Misa Hylton was a force to be reckoned with. Misa Hylton poses as the the creative mind behind Kim’s most revered looks including the 1999 MTV VMAs pasty and jumpsuit look and the monochromic looks from the 1996 Crush On You video. No matter how outlandish the concept, Misa and Kim were always a step ahead with these groundbreaking looks!
Kim was known for frequently referencing designer brands like Chanel and Dior in her raps. She went against the grain by rocking these classy brands in a sultry way. We all know Kim wasn’t afraid to give us body and show a little skin.
As we merged into the 2000s, Kim’s style continued to cause a frenzy in fashion with head-turning, revealing looks! She was a fan of a long, telling slit during this time.
As we entered into the 2010s, Kim continued to show off her daredevil style with looks that accentuated her physique but less than in the earlier years. She played around more with embellishments and trimmings that made bold statements such as jewels, leather, lace, and fringes.
Towards the end of the decade, we see Kim’s style tone down to confident with a touch of classy and modern rocking classic names like Dapper Dan, MCM, and more!
Kim has always showed us that simple is never the case with her. Throughout the years, we witnessed her experiment with unconventional looks that remind us why she is a fashion icon. Do you think Lil Kim should receive the icon award this year at the FABY Awards?
