So I’m an ambassador for Martini & Rossi again this year!
As an ambassador, in addition to having Martini & Rossi cocktails at all of our Conversations and Cocktails with Claire stuff, I am also hosting events in New York city featuring the bubbly drink. Last night, I hosted a cute event Terrazza Martini event at Freehold in Brooklyn.
Terrazza Martini is an Italian tradition of gathering for pre-dinner drinks and light bites with friends. Bombers and Bombshells came together to sip Rosé, Prosecco, Frosé, and Spritzes, munch on light finger foods, and listened to the sounds of DJ Ria.
I did my thing, encouraging attendees to capture the night using the hashtag #TerrazzaMartini, saying hey, and toasting to summer!
Video to come! Keep it locked to all things Martini & Rossi on Instagram @MartiniRossiUS, and follow the hashtag #TerrazzaMartini to see even more fab flix from the night.
It seems like just yesterday one of hip-hop’s most loved couples, Cardi B had her extravagant live television pregnancy announcement. Fast forward to last night, the she and her husband, Offset showered “Baby Bardi” with love at their Atlanta baby shower. We got a glimpse of the festivities on Instagram—the room was covered in pink roses, they had a beautiful tiered cake, and a Baby Bardi Bodega full of pampers, milk, and other baby necessities. We knew Cardi was going to bless us with a final pregnancy slay before she goes into her last weeks of preparing for motherhood. She looked radiant in a Tom Ford SS18 bustier ruched gown.
Cardi looked stunning while posing with Offset and embracing her baby bump. She wore a statement $980 Dylan Lex necklace and dangling earrings. Her high bun and swooped bang really showed off her beauty! Pregnancy looks amazing on Cardi,
The couple made a grand entrance with a camera and video team, so we’re sure we will see a lot more of the shower in the weeks to come. They look so happy!
Celebs including Rasheeda, Monica, her husband Shannon Brown, and more were on the scene.
Bombshell Rasheeda wore a Gucci top, hot pink Balmain blazer, pearl beaded jeans, and Christian Louboutin ombré pumps.
The ruched look didn’t come as a surprise since it’s been a go-to for Cardi throughout her pregnancy. She wore a similar white Christian Siriano dress when she had her big reveal on Saturday Night Live back in April and she performed at the Latin Billboard Awards in a ruched pink Tom Ford gown. We see why she’s so consistent with it, she looks amazing!
Congratulations to Cardi and Offset! We can’t wait to see your baby girl.
Today’s Fashion Bombshell of the day is Kethlene from Fairfield, CT.
She writes, “I would define my style as eclectic chic. I can be feminine, classy and sophisticated chic. But also sporty/street style chic in the same week. I dress how I feel.”
“There is a psychology to fashion, you are expressing yourself and communicating with your audience a message based on what you wear. I love wearing a power suit and blazers! It instantly boosts my confidence level through the vehicle of fashion; making me feel ready to conquer the world! I also like bright bold colors with prints. When I dress down, I like to wear distressed jeans, and sneakers.”
“I believe, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak” Rachel Zoe.”
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.
Have you guys checked out our fast rising Instagram page, @FashionBombAfrica? It’s all about highlighting the stars, designers, and tastemakers from the Continent.
Today, we are featuring CHIEMELIE’s Creative Director, Chie Umeh, a self taught British-based Nigerian fashion designer formerly a pharmacist. She launched the brand in August 2015 at the Africa Fashion Week at the Kensington Olympia, London. In 2016 she showcased at The Pure London International trade exhibition. CHIEMELIE also took part in the LVMH prize 2017 emerging designer competition and was noted to be one of the brands that stood out. Chie focuses on creating pieces that show style, individuality, personality, always striving to be original by drawing inspiration from her love for Fine and Applied Arts. CHIEMELIE’s studio is nestled within the popular Cathedral Quarters in Derby,United Kingdom known for its niche shops,fine dining and designer boutiques. Her studio store is currently underway in the same location.
We recently caught up with Chie Umeh for a brief interview touching on the past and the future plans for the brand.
How did the start of the “CHIEMELIE” brand come about?
January 2015 I made a decision to start my own brand. I didn’t have enough money, equipment and staff and I needed to brush up on my sewing skills, I also had a proper 9-5 job with 2 young kids. I knew if I waited till I had everything, I probably would have waited forever. So with the little I had I bought a table, chair, 5 yards of Ankara fabric, calico, pattern paper, a cheap brother home sewing machine and converted my guest room into a sewing studio which I had to pack out and move back in each time we had a guest. Then I bought books and started teaching myself professional pattern cutting this was because at the time I was only skilled at the free hand method. I would come back from work, sort homework and dinner, chat with hubby and went to practice from 9pm to 12 midnight everyday. Fast forward to May of that same year I was watching a fashion show on TV and thought to myself ,”Hey girl, you can do better that, so I called them and applied to showcase in the upcoming fashion week. That was how I got into Africa fashion week 2015 making all the clothes with my humble brother home sewing machine! This was the catalyst of my design career, from there I went on to present at the Pure London International Trade show in 2016 and entered 2017 LVMH prize competition.
What sparked your interest in creating your own Ankara platform?
I wanted to share the joy of creating something beautiful! Part of why I presented at the shows I did was to test the quality of the brand, sometimes we can get caught up in our own illusions, and family and friends may not want to hurt your feelings by telling one the truth. But fortunately for me that was not the case, the brand gained so much interest. In fact one of the most encouraging letters I got was from the LVMH prize coordinators. He told me that even though I was not shortlisted that he wanted me to know that out of 1200 brands that applied, that mine definitely stood out! I knew that in order to move forward I needed to scale up and get a studio but again I didn’t have enough funds. I thought that my local council could help but I wasn’t sure so I resorted to good old Google! It was there I discovered DEGF Scheme, a funding scheme for small business starting up in my city. I applied and eventually got funding for a studio space and equipment. Then I employed my first staffing team.
What sets your pieces apart from the others?
My pieces are definitely not for the conservative! It’s use of bold designs and colors seeks to sort of enhance the wearer’s personality, so we tend to go all out while balancing color, fit, and contemporary design with a bit of drama to go with it! We are very particular about excellent dress finishing.
What is the message behind your pieces?
This can be summarized in three words: Bold, Chic and Beautiful!
Where do you see your brand in 10 years?
In the next 10 years, I want to have at least 3 stores, and have developed a loyal brand following both for our ready-to-wear and Bespoke brand offers.
Today’s Fashion Bombshell of the Day is Iyonna from ATL.
She writes, “I’m an outgoing fashion and lifestyle blogger residing in Atlanta, Ga. My style is chic, eclectic, classy, flirty, sexy, sporty, and comfy. Simply put, my style is all over the place. Just how I like it. Versatile.”
View more looks below:
Hot! I’m feelin’ your casually chic looks!
Learn more about this Bombshell of the day is Instagram @fancycaix.
What do you think?
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.
Sevyn looked like a caramel chocolate drop during BET weekend, showing off her stems in a $290 Rei dress by Andrea Iyamah:
The show stopping piece features ruffles and a dangerously high slit. Andrea Iyamah has a host of hot pieces from her latest collection, and this one is definitely one of my favorites!
Get yours and shut down the scene this summer here.
What do you think?
It’s that time of year—the annual BET Awards kicked off in LA celebrating black singers, rappers, actors/actresses, athletes, and more. Loads of celebs brought the heat to the carpet, here were some of the hottest looks:
Janelle Monae showed her support for pride in a rainbow Nicholas Jebran gown. The bustier top and tulle skirt was definitely a head turner on the carpet, Janelle always uses her fashion to send a message and this one was clear.
Blac Chyna showed off some skin in a daring chained ensemble and Gianvito Rossi shoes. She gave off Storm vibes debuting a platinum silver finger waves hairstyle.
A stunner! Remy Ma has been killing it lately, she was a vision on the red carpet in a custom Karen Sabag dress. The one-shoulder frock had a ruffled sleeve. She showed off her legs and hot red pumps through the high thigh slit of the dress. Hot!
Amber Rose kept it chic dressed in a Bryan Hearns velvet midi dress and Tom Ford sandals. She is rocking this wig!
Ne-yo hit up the awards in a dapper Gucci suit paired with metallic kicks by the brand and a fedora.
It was all Gucci for Rock Ross. The rapper was draped in Gucci from head to toe from his shades, to his track suit, to his sneakers.
Trevor Jackson opted for a Libertine suit with multi-colored embellished designs. Not many could pull this off, but he sure did!
Versace, Versace! Safaree attended the awards in a cool and casual look. He wore a Versace baroque print silk button-down, velvet joggers, and Versace sneakers.
Ashanti glowed in a belted blazer dress by Anna Kiki with puff sleeves. She completed her look with white Jimmy Choo shoes and a Chanel choker.
It was a golden moment on the carpet for Serayah in a Alice McCall 2-piece set. The tiered ruffle skirt was a look!
The host of the night, Jamie Foxx was all smiles in a DSquared2 ensemble.
Bomb couple Gucci Mane and his wife Keyshia Ka’Oir complemented each other in bomb looks. Keyshia switched it up and wore a long sleeve dress with ruffled sleeve and train details and a natural glam face. Gucci wore a rose embroidered suit.
Tyra Banks struck a pose while smizing for the camera in a Michael Costello embellished lace detail jumpsuit.
Tika Sumpter glowed outfitted in a green Missoni frock. This color looks so stunning on her!
Skai Jackson worked an Emilio Pucci ensemble at the awards. She is such a bombshell, she always kills the carpet!
Sisters Chloe & Halle Bailey usually wear similar looks, but tonight they opted for different outfits and designers. Chloe (L) wore a cropped leather top and plaid skirt by Linder, while Hailey (R) was dressed in Natasha Zinko threads.
How adorable is DJ Khaled & his little family?! Baby Asahd always melts hearts on the carpet— he wore a Gucci outfit from head to toe, and his dad DJ Khaled wore Off White x Nike kicks.
Cassie was a stunner as usual as she hosted the pre-show alongside terrance J in a silver Michael Sky dress. She always gets it right!
Amara La Negra was a ray of sunshine draped in a custom Valentino Omar design. The jumpsuit featured half of a tuxedo look and half of a lace bodice. I love how the nude on the ensemble matched her chocolate complexion. Bomb!
Logan Browning donned a Dion Lee white co-ord set. The details on her skirt are everything!
Guests munched on chicken & waffles, eggs, croissants, and fruit, all the while sipping bottomless mimosas and asking questions about kick starting a retail brand, marketing, and more.
I’m a sucker for a suit! @Wendella_ looked wondrous in pink.
Lastly, this Bombshell posed by the Curls booth in a bright yellow skirt and a white tank.
It was a fun time!
More images to come! See even more pictures on our Conversation with Claire Facebook page here, and be sure to ‘like’ to see where we will go next!
Thank you to our MC Nicole, to our event planner Mesha and Steven, and to all of our volunteers. Thank you to @ChristienKollection for the suit, @TCCHair_Houston for the hair, and @CIGlam for the Bomb makeup. Also thank you to our Sponsors Curls, Seagram’s Escapes, Rayar Jeans, and Martini & Rossi.