Top model Sara Sampaio recently visited AOL Build Studios in a silver, high-neck sleeveless sweater dress by Haney. But, Ciara also rocked the same piece in early September for Serena Williams’s highly-anticipated New York Fashion Week HSN presentation.
Hands down, I’m rolling with Ciara! I love how she accessorized with the baseball cap and the killer over-the-knee boots – these features add an unexpected flair. While Sara looks breathtaking, CiCi took the piece to another level!
The pricey masterpiece boasts hand-embroidered mouth and lightening bolt appliques, a sliding chain strap and a textured tiger head spur closure.
In addition to its flawless Italian craftsmanship, the Dionysus GG Supreme Embroidered Bag also features a interior zippered compartment and a neutral color palette.
As the end of the year draws nigh – and let’s be honest, we’re all excited to see what 2017 has in store for us since this year hasn’t been as pleasant – we’re saddened to have to witness the leave of America’s most powerful and loved couple from office in just a few days. We don’t even want to count anymore. What better way to honor a couple who has brought nothing but class, elegance, humor, black excellence, and absolute style to the White House? Though the introduction is unnecessary, for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, it’s probably not enough. But we’ll let photos of their most fashionable moments of the year, and our choices from best looks from the past, do the talking.
Let’s start with this shimmering rose gold Atelier Versace number Mrs. Obama wore during a state dinner The White House hosted to honor the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Mrs. Agnese Landini.
Talk about sparkle! Though curve hugging, Mrs. Obama always exudes an air of elegance. Even Donatella Versace herself said she was humbled to have created something for the First Lady. And let’s not forget about how dapper Mr. President himself looks. Always clean cut, tailored, and classic.
After forming a long-standing relationship with designer, Jason Wu, Mrs. Obama wearing him this year was an absolute must. In March, she wore a gorgeous jacquard gown by the designer, welcoming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie.
An absolute dream! With a slit that stops right at the knee, this strapless gown was the talk of the town, but of course for all the right reasons. Why else would Mr. President be grinning from ear-to-ear? As for him, nothing beats simplicity. Really, a classic black tux and a white pocket-square is all he needs.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this gorgeous gown designed by Naeem Khan she wore in May of this year.
Another favorite of hers, this blush toned asymmetrical number gave her an ethereal silhouette. It looked like the First Lady was gliding across the floor.
What about this stunner by Brandon Maxwell?
Mrs. Obama brought attention to the prodigy, who also dresses the likes of Lady Gaga and Naomi Campbell, in this strapless, white column gown in August of this year. We approve as well, Mr. President! Breathtaking!
State dinner gowns and tuxedos aside, The Obamas have always made it a point to remain timeless in their style, even outside of the White House doors. The First Lady loves a good formal gown, but she stays chic in everyday wear as well. From sheath dresses to stunning coats and separates in bold colors, Mrs. Obama brings a stately sense of glamour with everything she wears. Mr. President typically keeps it crisp in a nicely tailored suit, usually Brooks Brothers. Could they be more fantastic?
Yes, Mrs. Obama, our hearts are heavy too. While we’re devastated that such an important and life-changing reign in presidency must come to an end, we hope to see more stylish moments from this duo and this year’s choice for Best Dressed Couple. They have dedicated their lives to serving the American people with unparalleled grace, intelligence, compassion and style. And over all, we couldn’t have been happier to witness this type of greatness over the past eight years. So here’s to you, Mr. President and Mrs. Obama! We love you and can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for you and your family! What do you think of this year’s choice?
I’m always down for a Balmain showdown! Demi Lovato took to the stage of the 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango concert in a Balmain embellished black and gold mini dress. Kris Jenner was spied in the same ensemble for the Magnum Doubles Party at the annual 69th Cannes Film Festival. Khloe Kardashian joined in on the fun by wearing the exact dress to her mother’s annual holiday party.
Demi looked statuesque in her version of the look, wearing black, chunky, open-toe sandals.
Kris went for a simple open-toe, single sole heel.
While Khloe let her extra long locks be the focus of her ensemble.
I think it’s safe to say Khloe took this one. I’m not a huge fan of Demi’s choice of shoe. Kris does look amazing in this dress but Khloe’s youthful, fun glow makes her stand out.
Her cady and organza LBD hails from the brand’s Resort 2017 collection. It features long sleeves, a midi length, a curve-hugging fit, and ruffle trim at the cuffs and hem.
Hot!
If you’re up for the splurge, get Amber’s dress here.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you said that all you’re seeing on your timeline is Keke Palmer. Sporting burgundy braids, the 23 year old Chi town native has been heating up these December streets! It’s almost as if we don’t realize that it’s 20 degrees outside as she prances from one meeting to another in her scandalously fashionable outfits! Meet, Michael Benyamin, aka Makeeb Kills, the 22-year-old fly guy responsible for Keke’s latest looks.
It’s not often that we come across 22 year old stylist with clients who are making such serious waves. He says, “I started to become a fan of really strong females in the entertainment industry as a teen. I became obsessed with their fashion, their fashion risks and just everything they wore. One of my biggest inspirations up until now is Gaga.” He continues, “When I turned 20 I started interning for stylists. I then interned for magazines and I became a sponge, absorbing everyone around me and how they do their work in the industry.”
In fashion it isn’t always about degrees and accolades, often times fashion professionals have to devote years of interning under the pioneers in the industry until they get their shot. Michael says, “I actually did not (Study fashion in school). I pretty much taught myself everything that I needed to learn about fashion with the help of my internships and mentors. I attended a community college for a business degree.”
He continues, “My style inspirations are Mel Ottenberg, whom I used to intern for, Brandon Maxwell, Shiona Turini, and one of my ultimate faves, Law Roach.” Following in the footsteps of Law Roach, who received most of his notoriety after taking on Zendaya as a client and shutting down the fashion scene, Makeeb couldn’t have met a better muse to take the industry by storm. He added, “I’ve always loved and admired seeing a fashion story or celebrity and being able to identify who styled them based off of their outfits alone. I love stylists who’s work stands out of from bunch.”
20 degree weather and DKNY high waist shorts doesn’t sound so foreign to Keke Palmer and her stylist. He says that Keke is the perfect client for him because they have the same taste. “She loves high fashion street wear and finds elegance in a simple white dress or even a pastel colored fur coat and that is what I love doing.” Maikeeb says that Keke is very involved in choosing looks, “I show her looks I want to get for her, she sends me things all the time that inspire her or that she wants to wear and we get it for her. I mean we literally talk all day about her looks and what direction she wants to go in.”
Critics are comparing Keke’s style choices to those of Rihanna. Considering that Maikeeb was once an intern for Mel Ottenberg, we asked if Rihanna has the played a part in his styling style. He says, “I wouldn’t say Rihanna has influenced my style. I definitely love Mel Ottenberg’s work and Rihanna’s as well. But I don’t believe that every actress or pop star in the industry that wears high fashion street wear or Vetements is trying to be Rihanna. I think they simply just like that style.”
Michael describes his personal style as high fashion street wear, “Mixing high and low is what I love doing, I love owning pieces of clothing that are hard to find and are exclusively sold at certain places. Exclusive pieces make me admire my clothes even more. I love Demna Gvasalia’s work with Vetements and Balenciaga. If I could own every piece of the Vetements or Balenciaga collections, I would!” Michael also loves 1990’s early 2000’s Margiela, Thierry Mugler, and Versace. He says, “Pieces that make a statement are my thing.”
Michael offers this advice for aspiring stylists, “Start interning for a big name stylist. Intern until you can’t intern anymore, that’s how you learn the most. In this industry it’s very cut throat, people will treat you like you are nothing. They’ll tell you not to speak to anyone on set or not to introduce yourself and you just have to take it and roll with it. You have to know that if you keep working you’ll become bigger than those people who told you not to speak or introduce yourself.”
Michael says that confidence is key, “Always believe in yourself no matter what you do, no matter how anyone treats you or looks down upon you. When I started out in this industry I was told that I was just an intern and that was all I was going to be, I started to believe it myself. Then, I really looked at myself and told myself that I am bigger than this and that I was going to make it one day no matter what. If you truly believe in yourself you can surpass anyone’s expectations of you.”
We love to hear stories about how people put in all of the work required to be where they are suppose to be in life. Michael is a true testament that one must never stop, even when the odds are against them! For more on Michael ‘Maikeeb Kills’ Benyamin, check out his Instagram, @maikeeb_kills.
