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.
*This Black History Month Feature was originally published in February 2011.
With an electric smile, long limbs, and a whirling dervish of a walk, model Pat Cleveland took Paris and the world by storm in the late 1970’s. The Cherokee/Black/Irish gazelle was first spied by a Vogue Editor in 1967 at the age of fourteen on her way to Manhattan’s LaGuardia High School of Art and Design. In a matter of years she was the toast of Paris, hanging with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, and Claude Montana.
Alicia Drake in the book The Beautiful Fall described Pat Cleveland’s arrival in Paris in the late 1970’s, saying, “[she came] with liquorice hair, legs like pipe-cleaners, and a Harlem shimmy dance-movement that recalled Josephine Baker…she [ate] up the catwalks with her shimmering sexiness and laughter, bringing a movement and dance to fashion that no one had ever seen before. ”
Pat, along with friends Donna Jordan, Juan Ramos, and Antonio Lopez set the city of lights ablaze with their energy and insouciance. Pat once said, “We came to Europe to show off and we did just that…the point was we came from nowhere. We came out of America like wild, crazy people. We had grown up with movies and movie star attitude and we were there to be stars, superstars. We wanted to shine day and night.”
And shine she did, stomping the catwalks for Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Willi Smith, Valentino, and Chloé, and appearing in editorials for Vogue, GQ, Interview, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.
She, along with Karen Bjornson and Anjelica Huston, became one of Halston’s original models whom the designer affectionately called the Halstonettes. With her limber strut and electric energy, many called her a runway queen.
Pat eventually bowed out of the professional modeling world in the mid 80’s. Many of her friends had fallen victim to the AIDS epidemic and drug habits. She also fell in love with her current husband. She said, “I had someone to save me.”
Once a regular at Parisian nightspot Le Palace, she went to the club one last time to wave goodbye to her life as she had known it for so many years. As she told Alicia Drake, “I had on blue jeans, I had cut my hair. I was watching from the balcony down below on the stage…there were people swaying under drugs and André (Leon Talley) was there and he whispered to me, ‘You’re free now.’ I said goodbye to everybody…It was so hard to leave, but there was too much night, too many people dying.”
Pat still models from time to time, but spends most of her time with her two children and husband in New Jersey. Her daughter, Anna, has assumed her mother’s legacy, and now models for the likes of Zac Posen and Diane von Furstenberg.
Kanye West’s Yeezy fashion show, which took place yesterday at Pier 59, made headlines for various reasons. Yes, Kim Kardashian and Kylie were there, along with a swarm of editors, stylists, and cool kids. But while most murmured about the designs (oversized sweatshirts, army fatigue, and classic all denim ensembles were on the menu), the hijab wearing model, Hailma Aden, is what got most spectators talking.
The 19-year-old Bombshell, who walked the runway in a fabulous fur coat, is a Somali-American Minnesota native and Business of Fashion reports that she was handpicked by Carine Roitfeld to walk in Yeezy’s show.
Hailma became a buzz in the industry in November of last year when she competed to become Miss Minnesota. She wore her hijab throughout the entire pageant and opened eyes in the fashion industry.
Hailma admitted to Business of Fashion that modeling wasn’t on the top of her to-do list. She stated, “I didn’t really have modeling in mind. I wanted to spread a positive message about beauty and diversity, and to show other young Muslim women that there is room for them.”
Hailma is set to be featured in Carine’s CR Fashion Book March issue.
Lookout fashion world, a change is on the horizon. What are you thoughts on a hijab-wearing model?
See more pictures from the Yeezy Season 5 show below.
Ashley Graham has been working toward the inclusivity of curvy models into the high-fashion sphere and it seems she’s finally getting her wish. Mere days after the release of her Vogue cover—yes after she was also named a British Vogue cover star—the model emerged onto the Michael Kors Collection Fall 2017 runway. And it was a fairly momentous occasion, considering Graham officially became the first curvy model to walk the brand’s runway.
Many women with curves have already gravitated toward Kors’s designs, as his pieces go up to a size 16. And Graham has worn his looks before, thus the choice was natural. It’s about time we’d say!
And as usual, the model lineup for the collection was serious. Bella Hadid modeled a shimmering tie-waist dress that will work for a number of shapes and sizes, while Selena Forrest was fierce in leopard.
Yasmin Wijnaldulm kept cozy in a fur, while Lineisy Montero’s python accessories left us drooling.
We’re absolutely going to need Imaan Hammam’s slouchy suede boots for Fall, though we’re also saving up for Mayowa Nicholas’s cropped fur. So chic!
Naki Depass’s cozy coat was cinched at the waist for bombshell effect and Ellen Rosa’s olive ensemble has us wanting to go monochrome right now.
Joan Smalls wore the LBD of our dreams, while Ysaunny Brito gave the star-studded front row something to swoon over, by way of her embellished jumpsuit and bold fur cape.
And Kendall Jenner closed the show in a sequin and fringe number that may just be seen on the Oscars red carpet.
Thoughts on the news and Kors’s Fall 2017 collection?
Laquan Smith turned up the heat for his Fall 2017 presentation. Held at the swanky Samsung 837 space in the Meatpacking District, the venue was filled with celebrities, stylists, socialites, publicists, press and fashion hopefuls eager to take a glimpse of the upcoming collection.
Spied on the scene were Ty Hunter, Remy Ma and Cardi B among others. Cardi showed her curves in a sheer baby blue piece by Laquan Smith and sandals by Gianvito Rossi.
Smith’s Fall 2017 collection provides a range that reaches all extremes. On one end of the spectrum, the designer manages to waken your inner dominatrix with latex bodycon dresses and mini skirts with lace-up puffer thigh-high boots.
On the other end, neutral jumpsuits and dresses are partnered with exciting pieces that can stand strongly by themselves. The fluffy, long sleeve, off-the-shoulder top is a statement piece in itself but when paired with the textured trousers, it takes the ensemble to another level.
Smith mixes both themes to fuse the idea of dainty and sexy. This is expressed in the latex midi skirt, the fluffy cropped jacket, the latex bodysuit, and the full-length skirt and crop top.
And for those who fall in between, he presents textured pieces in various silhouettes that can be inserted into a variety of life events. The black, full-length dress, which featured long sleeves and a high neck, could be worn on any red carpet. The shorter version was designed for the woman who aims to redefine the ‘little black dress.’
The choice of styling for this collection was genius. Reminiscent of 1990’s grunge, the models donned slicked back buns and long bangs swept to the side, with hair sponsored by Outre.
Laquan Smith NEVER disappoints. For more shots from the presentation, visit our gallery. In the meantime, what do you think? Are you feelin’ the Fall 2017 collection?
Today’s Fashion Bombshell was submitted by her husband @thedrepabon! Meet Mikaela from NYC:
He writes, “I would have to say that her style is ‘mixed print obsessed’, she’s one of the few people I know who can mix prints and make it look effortless.”
“When we first met I looked at the floral print 6 inch heels she was wearing and knew that she was for me (I judge people by the shoes they wear).”
“Mikaela is a mom, a wife & a entrepreneur and she does handles each job with style, class and grace!”
More here:
Mikaela, your style is so bomb! I love that your husband can appreciate your snazzy ways.
For more on Mikaela check out her Instagram @mmikaelajoy.
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.
Rosie Assoulin took it inside for Fall 2017—to interiors and how they could translate into fashion, that is. The designer has become quite the fashion darling, with celebrities, buyers, and the industry’s “It” set alike falling hopelessly in love with her pieces. Her latest collection did not disappoint, with a slew of red carpet ready gowns, stunning dresses, and statement-making separates that turned the idea of day wear completely on its head.
For the first time ever, the brand is releasing shoes, which were as whimsical as one might expect from anything with Assoulin’s name on it. Wooden heels anchored the statement-making footwear like the legs of tables—only further solidifying that handicraft vibe. With pointed toes, bootie silhouettes, and slingbacks, the designs definitely had a vintage feel—perhaps a bit too vintage at times, but totally on-trend with the most popular footwear in the industry right now.
Separates were my favorite pieces in the collection, especially as so many came in set form. You could easily wear a black and white poet’s blouse with its matching skirt, though wearing the former with destructed denim and the latter with a tank and sneakers would be just as elegant.
And though trousers seem modern by design, Assoulin made them even moreso when juxtaposed with her signature ruffle blouses, pleated overlays for the coolest short-sleeve suit I’d ever seen, and a jumpsuit that looked equally ready for a mechanic’s workshop as it did for a spin in the pilot’s chair.
Zendaya, Gabrielle Union, Solange, and Hailee Steinfeld are all avid Assoulin fans and there’s more than enough here for red carpet premieres, high-fashion parties, and on-stage performances.
And there’s a reason why such a diverse set of women love her designs. Black girl magic was heavily sprinkled all over the Fall assortment and afros were too.
To continue our coverage for our Black History Month series, we thought it’d be fitting to introduce you to the Production Designer responsible for visuals on Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”, Ms. Hannah Beachler.
Just this past weekend, she was awarded at the 21st Annual Art Directors Excellence in Production Design Awards, for her works with the “Lemonade” music video, a derivative of Beyoncé’s Grammy winning album.
Born to an interior designer and architect, Hannah knew a creative career was impending. Initially she thought she would find herself working amidst the fashion industry; however, fate lead her to production design. After assisting some friends with music videos, she returned to school to study film, in pursuit of becoming a director. It was her involvement in a Lifetime project that gave way to her “aha moment.” She tells Refinery29, “I did the production design for this really tiny horrible show and I was like yeah, I want to do this forever.”
While working her way up to production designer, Hannah worked as a set dresser; doing the grunt work behind the scenes to ensure the set was up to par. This paved the way to her premier as the production designer for Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station. Beachler reveals to Refinery29, “Fruitvale was the movie that really set me on the trajectory of my career. That was when people really started to notice me and my work.” From there, she went on to work on visuals for the Rocky spinoff Creed, Oscar nominated Moonlight, and more.
Hannah is the only high-level woman of color working as a production designer in Hollywood, an accolade she grapples with. As she recalls to Refinery29, “A couple of years ago, the thought hit me, like, I can’t be the only female of color working at this level. That can’t possibly be right! But talking to friends of mine and just being on sets, I haven’t seen women like me in this kind of position.” Though she does not hold the film industry completely accountable for this shortfall, she continues to tell Refinery29, “I think it’s a combination of films not hiring enough people of color, and people not knowing that this is even an option as a career path. I’m hoping that maybe I change some minds on the Hollywood side, and also maybe introduce aspiring professionals to this idea as an option. Like hey, everyone! In case you didn’t know, there’s a really great craft in production design!“
As it pertains to Moonlight and “Lemonade“, Beachler believes that culturally invoking productions of that magnitude should be told from the perspective of those who are directly affected; so not to compromise the authenticity of such works. She explains to Refinery29, “I do believe that the people experiencing the story need to be the ones to tell the story. I worked with Kahlil Joseph on Lemonade, and though it was all Beyoncé’s vision, I think it was important that there were two African-Americans behind the camera making sure that representation was strong. I was very proud of that.“
If you’re wondering what’s next, Hannah is currently working on the comic book inspired Black Panther, set to release in 2018.
I haven’t been to a lot of shows this Fashion Week. A robust social life and general ennui have led to a sparse schedule, though I was pretty amped to go to Philipp Plein’s Fall 2017 show, which took place last night at the New York Public Library.
This was Plein’s first showing Stateside, and he went BIG. Outside, Fort Knox like security guarded the majestic venue, which was festooned with projections of American Flags. Inside, the front row was jam packed with American hip hop and pop stars, along with socialites and editors. Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Keyshia Cole were perched on one side, while Slick Rick held court in the main hall. Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton were in the building; Kylie Jenner, Tyga, Victor Cruz, Shay Mitchell, and Carine Roitfeld saved just enough space on the front row for Madonna, who slid into her seat an hour after the scheduled start time.
And then the show began. Nas came out to ‘If I Ruled the World’ (sadly sans Lauryn Hill) while giving dap to Fat Joe and Slick Rick. Philipp grabbed the mic afterwards to introduce himself. He said, “People always ask, ‘Who the F*ck is Philipp Plein?’ Well, here I am.”
The show itself gave nods to New York swag and hip hop culture in particular. Models flaunted braided hairstyles, locs, and slickback while rocking shiny oversized puffer jackets, fur coats, velvet onesies, bedazzled leggings, and thigh high boots, all decorated with Plein’s logo (see all the runway pictures in the gallery above).
He affirmed his love for New York via t-shirts printed with the Statue of Liberty and the American flag.
Of course Plein was not short on surprises. Jeremy Meeks aka ‘Prison Bae’ was the first face to hit the catwalk.
Plein flew Young Thug in from his tour in Manchester, UK to model one look for the show.
Fetty Wap and Desiigner also walked in the star studded spectacle.
His line contained more than a few wearable pieces, and fell in line with the current trend of resurrected 90’s styles espoused by Vetements and Hood by Air. Were they classics? Not at all. But they will undoubtedly appeal to urban millenials who are awed by bright lights, famous faces, and extravagant displays.
It is clear that Plein has an affinity for hip hop culture. From his last Adventures in Ghetto Land show in Milan to his current collection, his love of American culture and the urban aesthetic runs deep. The opulent venue and celeb infused event, it’s clear that Plein is going for the gold with gusto: he will not be ignored, and will go to any lengths to make sure that he is noticed. Well, he’s got our attention!
Yes, he’s got our attention for now. But can he keep it?
See the full runway in the gallery above.
