As expected, Corey Ty has done it again. On Wednesday, May 1st, at Magnet Lounge, the designer debuted the newest additions to his clothing line -and his career. Patch Adamms, as the designer and his Black Label collection will be known here forward, describes his work as "unique, bold, witty and eye-catching." The description barely captures the charismatic personality and individual beauty each piece carries, transferring that energy right onto the models as they drip confidence down the runway.
Calvin Klein makes a classy selection of craftily made watches. The Swiss pieces are mostly stainless steel but come in a variety of size and styles to suit the angry teen to the angry old man with the fabulous diva sitting pretty right in between. Some of the watches are really classy and artistic, like the Calvin Klein "Ray" Watch. Although I did scoop this bad girl up, I've been looking for a watch I can throw on at anytime. My department at work produces all the advertising and packaging for Calvin Klein. Any box, bag, poster or billboard or commercial you see comes from the people in my office. If we're lucky, samples come around. I posted some photos on my Instagram yesterday, so thought I'd share my finds in full. That said, my watch collection just got a decent upgrade.
Before I started looking into watches, I had no idea of what one cost. Watches are supposed to be part of a "collection" so you should be willing to spend a little bit of change to get a true collection started. A good watch should last you forever, you kinda want to hand these things down. I rarely know what I've picked up, but when I can, I Google it to see the worth. It's not that the worth defines a product, the the price gives you an idea of the esteem and class of the product (or at least what the producers think the value is). I think it's brilliant of a company to give its employees things, so that we can tell the public about the product. These aren't the first watches I've gotten (I've also bought some at sample sales) but I really do love them. They're just well made and presentable. The name Calvin Klein is both ordinary American and high-end depending on who's checking. So... I just recommend a Calvin watch if you're in the market. Something new *shrugs* Check out the goodies I scored.
Time to break out the peep-toes! I go through phases where I just need to buy myself anything for a bit of retail therapy. Whenever I'm in need, I drop by NYCK at 495 7th Ave., NYC. While the website is a little tough to navigate, I love the store. There is always a good sale selection. You can go in there with $20 and get a decent shoe. Literally. I get most of my summer shoes here because they're cheap, but fairly well made depending on your taste. Sometimes I just need something, anything new. Especially in the summer time, a bunch of anything wedges can make your outfits gain extra personality.
Summer wedges are brilliant in that they look good with anything; dresses, jeans, pants, shorts, skirts. I find myself switching shoes more often in the cold season, so I just like to have random pairs to throw on. Truthfully, though, if ever I'm feeling down, this is a cheap way to make myself feel happy at lunch :) & any shoe that people stop me to compliment me on is an amazing shoe regardless of the price tag. Just make sure your shoe is made of leather and you're pretty good. I sifted myself a bit of gold with these.
Fendi's Spring/Summer advertising campaign genuinely caught my eye. The first thing I noticed was the yellow border, as you'll see featured in your everyday magazine. Not to say the clothing isn't amazing, but I think this was a great choice for the season. With the black background, the models seem to fall a bit flat and lack luster. Adding the yellow, you've automatically added a bit of feeling to the photo. If it wasn't pink (which is my default) yellow was a pretty good choice.
As for the line for the season, if it glitters, it's mine. I love anything that sparkles. The line gave me damsel in shining armour, begging for a sword of some sort --but a clutch to match will do.
Check out the video of Fendi's Spring 2013 line below
as well as photos from my fav pieces & the advertising campaign in full :)
The fashions of the world always amaze me with the pricey nuances. Who knew you could spend $395 on a suitcase that wasn't Louis Vuitton or Gucci? Truth is, there are so many different brands out there the majority of folks barely know exist. It's a shame because each product is manufactured with a particular history for a specific reason. So when it comes to brands, the real question is this: Why do they exist?
I think the one of the dopest things about Calvin Klein Collection is that the men's and women's lines are designed by two different people. Fransisco Costa is the designer for the women's line and Italo Zuchelli heads the men's line. Somehow, they match perfectly and it's always amazing <3
This collection feels like "Batman Marries a Princess". The colors are so dark, but the construction of the clothing seems so classy. The leather dresses are long and flowing instead of tight and slutty --as is very easy with leather. From a company who practically founded "sex sells" I admire Calvin for always presenting a classy collection with a sexy allure. The men's collection features fabrics of an amazing texture (it always does), so although simple, even a sweatshirt has personality. Calvin does a phenomenal job with outwear, in my opinion, especially men's. I love how some of the outfits look relaxed, while the suits are pristine and practically perfect.
The collection is classic, simple Calvin. All of these are pieces that would stand the test of time in the back of your closet --one of the reason I love Calvin. The collection transcends time. Always quite the marvel, I'd say. No matter who disagrees.
I hope you enjoy the videos/photos of this iconic American brand.
These are the words that come to mind with Naheem Khan's Fall 2013 collection. This is my favorite new-to-me line of the season. I typically like to introduce new lines because everyone pays most attention to the highly commercialized brands --which tend to lose their artistic integrity having traded hands so many times & being mass produced without courtesy to the artistry of design. Naheem Khan is not one of those brands. The house aims to "adorn" women with the elegance and attention they deserve --the awing embroidery is all done by hand.
Had the pleasure of walking for Cory of ISEENTHOS again last night. The first time I walked for him was in the Fashtastic Fashion Show back in October. (Click here for photos!) Needless to say, if you put me in anything pick, you've made my day --maybe even my week. I was impressed with Corey because, at this second show, I didn't see anything I had seen before. Any designer who is constantly creating should be applauded vigorously. Each design is made by hand, giving each piece an identity of its own. The most fabulous thing about this is that it also gives the individual personality of their own. Even if you're not a brilliant pink, cheetah print wearing weirdo, ISEENTHOS will make you stand out from the crowd exactly as you would like.
I've never seen a more beautiful transformation than New York City during fashion week. February 13th, 2013 hosted EMERGE!'s finely picked, up-and-coming fashion designers to display their wearable art in the grand and revered Broad Street Ballroom. Deisgnerberg, Parul Aneja, ESPION Atelier, Butterfli Tia and Bishme Cromartie presented fabulous Fall 2013 collections displaying intricate craftsmanship and detailing.
The art exhibited on this night was not solely that of the clothing: The entire spirit of the place was beautiful. The models were exceptional with their makeup provided by LAMIK, an eco-chic make-up brand. Consciousness and fashion?! Does that really happen? With EMERGE!, it seems that's the only way things happen. Mikki Taylor, former beauty director for Essence Magazine and current philanthropist/author, was presented with the Fashion Innovators Award for her 30 years in the industry, representing and encouraging the beauty of brilliant and brown women like myself.
I actually just thought this Trinity Knot was super dope. As I live my usual life, I share and re-tweet and re-post whatever the happen to like most. I stumbled upon Black Lapel on Facebook because of this Trinity Knot diagram.
Men have a difficult time breaking fashion barriers --in my opinion, but we all do. Eventually, the same articles of clothing simply get boring. This tie knot seemed an exemplary way to entertain yourself or give something old a new twist. I
had a conversation with one of my most courageously dressing male
friends and he complained about the lack of creativity in male attire.
As we walked through Bergdorf's Men's, his expression remained as
dispirited as it was in H&M.
Fellas, lemme put you on to suttin.
Black Lapel focuses on the individual with quality, accessibility and education on the forefront. The creators, three friends by the names of Warren, Christopher and Derek, traveled the globe in search of the best and want their customer to know it. Custom tailored clothing can be delivered to your front door with the help of the site's ordering and measuring guides. Going so far as to provide you (not one but) two free measuring tapes, Black Lapel is determined to help you understand exactly what you're ordering --and there's a "flawless fit promise" in case you don't.
Custom clothing means custom style. Now, I'm not a fella, but even from the looks of the website, Black Lapel does a swell job in showing both their extensive selection of items and those items' versatility. The models are fit, styled and displayed to showcase ideas of different personalities and ways of wearing their clothing. Someday I'll find a fella fine enough to drape in some Black Lapel, but if you already do... Valentine's Day is around the corner. Upgrade him, why don't cha ;)
Walked up in the spot about 11pm, and 193 Prince Street's House of Horology was already live.Devyne was in the middle of conversation but still yelled, "Yo, what you want?" one hand pointing to me, the other at the bartender. The 1800 Tequila was just about gone (except for the stashed bottle in the back) and an array of beautiful people sat on couches just... enjoying life at an event that was exactly as House of Horology intended - "fashionable without being over-designed, sturdy without being clunky, and beautifully crafted without an insane price tag." Both the people and the product were something to look at, and when you got a closer look, they were even more amazing.
Found these photos on Roc4Life, but they failed to give us the important details... So... I was a label whore and am still dying over these shades. Might be ones I just need to have. *Adds to the checklist* These shades are from Prada's Spring/Summer 2011 line and under their Minimal Baroque collection. & They just looked so damn good on my face :(
The collection was inspired by the Baroque movement in the arts, using exaggerated movement and decoration. Baroque arts are typically very dramatic and exude grandeur. The art --including dance, architecture, music and literature --delevoped in the early 1600s in Rome, Italy. Fashion, art & culture man... you can't separate them, can you?!?!?
The sunglasses themselves were designed by illustrators
I get along with most anyone. Living
at Loyola during the summer was always one of my greatest pleasures. I
enjoyed the summer schedule more than the regular semester, so during
the break between my Junior and Senior years, I had the pleasure of
living with Hanyeh Khoshnevisan, now known as Hani Hulu, Fashion specialist for JWWWD Magazine.
Religion is a weird topic. It's so heavy
that I sometimes feel it becomes burdensome. Now, I don't have any
particular feelings about religions other than my own (how can you judge
what you don't know), but it doesn't take long to realize Hanyeh is
Muslim - dope headwrap to match. If you take a moment to read her blog,
my favorite part is where she speaks on being a Muslim woman, "I like
to prove we are not oppressed or less than others just because we
are Muslim or because we cover. In reality, we are among the strongest
women around." Sometimes, when I see a girl who covers, I try to tell
them about Hani and give them our card. One girl I see on my commute to
work semi-ignores me now. I say "Hi" on purpose *shrugs* I don't care. I
don't have much real live conversation with Hani (or anyone else) so I
didn't want to butcher the word "hijab" & I'm afraid she might have
checked me off as an idiot. I know I'm fairly ignorant of the details
of that side of the world, but I do know we're human. As much as
we need to teach each other, we need to be willing to learn. Hani is
here just as much for girls like her as she is for those who have no
real knowledge of her culture. I'm honored to introduce Hani Hulu as JWWWD Magazine's official Fashion Specialist (I still hate the word blogger & Hani deserves a fancy title).
Sometimes, my favorite thing about a hectic life is finding a way to get around to so many different events --with different crowds and expectations-- and still look fabulous. My work holidat party was this passed Friday, as was my first showcase at Paul Robeson Theater. I needed to wear something that could translate to both events, so I went "chic." My definition of "chic" lies somewhere between "I'm too too good to be here" and "I dressed down just for you." I wanted too look ultra classy because I was going to be sipping champagne with my bosses, but while I'm on stage, I don't like wearing a costume. I wanted to look as normal & natural as possible. My biggest concern with dressing for the stage is that I want people to be impressed by my art, not my outfit. --I'm certainly my toughest opponent.
I wore a one piece, pants suit I got at Forever21. I bought it about 4 years ago when I interned for Baltimore's Fashion Week. It's a strapless outfit, but has a one shoulder sleeve that you can either wear on the direct shoulder or cross over. I always try to get pieces that can do more than one thing. That way, the outfit reinvents itself --making it's lifespan a bit longer. The weird/new/striking sleeve also helped me cut down on accessories. Since my top was doing a lot, I didn't have to do much else. When you're really on a rush, choose an outfit that'll do all the work for you.
Keep reading for more photos & details about my outfit :)
So I had TONS of fun on this shoot. Better, though, is how much I learned about interacting with people. Modeling is the toughest when it comes to dealing with people's attitudes and emotions. We were doing hair & makeup in a "public" place and ended up getting kicked out before Robby could finish my hair (with heat). He was fabulous, though and finished my look in 49 degree weather while others complained about the weather. It was freezing. One of the models, Natalia, was wearing a sleeveless dress, but she worked it and her pictures came out AMAZING.The funnest part about this project is that it's a photoshoot and a film. We get to do both in one day. While it certainly is a lot of work, if it's what you like to do, it's amazing. As a rookie, I get to train myself in two different areas #AtTheSameDamnTime.
Hope you enjoy the photos & film. I'm not super awesome, but I'm close. & Yes, the photos below are all of myself because I promote myself. If you want to see everyone (they're amazing, too) please CLICK HERE.
When I showed up at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 90% of the outfits were gone. The thing with runway stuff like this is girls show up & they're dressed. When all of the outfits are gone, you're assed out --literally. I was wearing almost nothing. My favorite piece was was really sewed together elastic (no offense) in colors bold enough to match. Now, I can't say I'd wear this out of the house (unless I have black stockings underneath, which could be fab, but I felt so... untouchable. I had never felt that way in my life. I walked up and down a hallway of strangers, then down a runways of possible judges to be condemned for my attire --or praised for it?
But that battle is not mine, it is of the designer(s). Or is it mine, too?
Eunika Simmon's line, Naked Roots, started off the night. Simmon's line focuses on natural elements, always nodding in reverence to the world's roots and African ancestry. You can see some pieces of her collection in the video above. I also caught her collection a while ago at another show at the Empire Hotel CLICK HERE), so it was a pleasure and honor to walk in one of her designs. Second down the runway was, GKU Soul -- who's eclectic composition of outfits is the first time I've been able to use "eclectic" and mean it, followed with an endless supply of clothing with variety fit to fill an empty closet to its bring in choices.
The most brilliant thing about fashion shows are the mess you don't see. The girls lined up in a dusty stairwell ready to steal your hearts and perhaps your innocence? The missing models. The new models. The models with boyfriends, managers, or both rolled in one. The insecurities covered in makeup. The nerves calmed with strong water. For a couple of minutes, everyone'sbeauty is on the runway... whether appreciated or not.
"We did it," one yelled as we applauded and walked back down into the
Nuyorican's debonair dungeon."We killed it," a model added. The Concrete Jungle Fashion Show was gritty. It was real. It tested both the viewers and participants. It provided all variations of "beautiful."
As we cleaned up and I took my time as usual, all that was left were smiles. Unfortunately, the venue ended the show early, unexpectedly. Dyme, coordinator of the event, sat next to me, apologizing but I couldn't understand why. There was nothing but happiness and smiles, so I begged her to look around. What people rarely understand about fashion shows is the opportunity they provide regular girls, like me, to feel pretty, like we more often should.
I had an amazing time at this show Concrete Jungle Fashion Show.
It was a super busy morning for me & honestly, I feared not being
able to pull it off, but it happened anyway. Started my day out with a
fashion film and ended it with a fashion show, my day was perfect& so was everyone in it *shrugs*
Bought "Penny Talk" by ESSIE yesterday :) It's part of their new "metallic" collection. For yesterday's photoshoot (CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT IT) Shannon had asked that I have shoes, accessories, makeup, legs, underarms and bikini shaved, as well as my nails done. It was a lot I tell ya. Especially for someone as low-key as I am. I haven't shaved my legs in months. Gross? No, I'm single. I also gave up getting my hands and feet done done. A mani/pedi every once in a while is nice, but I don't need much. I prefer to walk around like a fairy to get my nails to dry and then to take my time and watch the polish chip. Most of all, I like to do my nails on the train. (Real life shit.) I simply don't have time and I find a lot of things unessary or bothersome. So, it need to work well and fast. "Penny Talk" did it's job :)
When I shop for polish, I try it all on in-store. I tend to go towards neutral colors, because they go with anything. Metallic colors work well, too. Sparkles are phenomenal because you can just keep piling it on and never have to use polish remover. And pinks just work. I like "Penny Talk" because it's copper, but with a pink tinit. I thinkthe pink gives it warmth and vibes with my skin tone well. The polish itself goes on super-heavy on the first coat, but dries super-fast as ESSIE's typically do. I don't like to sit around for too long, so I buy polishes that do their job and stay on for a long time. ESSIE does it's f*ckin job. I also tend to lean towards it over O.P.I and I'm not sure if it's due to the 50 cent difference (O.P.I is $8.50 at your local pharmacy vs. ESSIEat $8.00), but I haven't found too many O.P.I's I like. I do, like O.P.I's brush, it's thicker. & They have good dark colors. I might buy my black in O.P.I :)
"Kitty Takes the City" was fabulous upon arrival. Katwalk Katerers, hosted a brilliant fashion show on Saturday, September 29th and I was honored to attend. I'd met Dhylles Davis while I covered a launch for Melan's Cosmetics this passed April. When your eyes find Dhylles, her eyes are bound to find yours. It is the unmasked humility, sincerity and kindness running through Katwalk Katerers that sets the company apart from all others.This event was fun for everyone in involved. Every patron, every model and every hostess spent the evening with a smile stretched across his/her face (at least from where I was sitting). Everyone was so beautiful.
Kitty Takes the City was exactly what I needed. I'd spent my morning scrubbing and mopping, so a greeting from 1800 Tequila and pineapple, to wash down my beef patties (or chicken or veggie for those who opted) followed by Sweet Treats by Tiqua featuring cupcakes in flavors like "coconut Ciroc" and "strawberry Margarita" made the night lovely. Now, the food isn't the best part of the fashion show, but when a guest is treated well, they feel well. Soon enough, myself and my blue suede shoes sat in row two and waited for the Basic Ballroom's lights to dim.
I was so excited to simply be in the building that I was a hot mess taking pictures. Perhaps I missed out on a show program, but the only clothing line's name I can remember clearly is Highly Humble/Highly Hated. I was blessed to be seated next two two members of the group got a heads up for when the line was coming out. Highly Humble/Highly Hated makes sure you know who they are (the name of the company written across the models' most blessed parts are unavoidable). The name, too, sticks quite nicely.
"Kitty Takes the City" featured an array of styles of clothing as well as a wide selection of models. Regardless of the makeup of the figure, one by one, models came down the runway and gave what they had. A couple weeks ago, I dropped in on one of the run-thoughs which seemed like a bunch of shy girls simply trying to convince themselves. The usual *shrugs* On Saturday night, thought, they were gorgeous women selling it. Day wear, full length gowns, fur, sequins, coats, leotards, jewelry --nothing was left off the runway. Hair and make up (by Empire Beauty School) were well executed. Models wore their individual styles with a few reoccurring themes --bright colors, ponytails --allowing them comfort in themselves as well as space for originality. The models took advantage of the freedom and came down the runway to pose in slow dips and side leans. Shortly, these girls were not playing and they did the damned thing.
As ELLA, what I do is provide a view from the crowd --as a real person. Fashion shows are always difficult as they are done for the purpose of judgment. The beauty of Katwalk Katerers is in its mere existence. The company aims to provide fashion entrepreneurs with actual events to participate in and grow their talents. Somehow, the overall production is managed seriously, but with enjoyment. By the end of the show, I had managed myself up to the front row to sit next to the who's who, who used to be, who might be's and who pretends to be. Everyone attending a show is there for a different reason: to support friends, to experience new designs, to work, to simply get out of the house or... to judge. Someone can sit right beside you and tell you what's wrong with each outfit, the way it came out, what could be better, and what was wrong with the model etc. It takes a bigger person, though, to smile, clap and appreciate everyone's dedication, courage and hard-work. After you've attended enough shows (and worked behind the scenes) you realize these are people.
Katwalk Katerers provides opportunity and support for growing fashion professionals (models, deisgners, coordinators, photographers etc.) I would imagine we all have a bit of work to do, but mostly, what people end up missing is confidence. That is where Dhylles, Dennis and their team come into play. The models whom participated in Kitty Takes the City (in all shapes, sizes and shades) walked with their heads held high and I know just how they got that way; "You've got to sell that clothing," one of the modeling coaches had said at the run-through. The difference between her and some others was that she was speaking with the models. On Saturday night, she was also right on that runway with them. During run-throughs, Dhylles would stop individual girls who seemed nervous and practice walking the runway with them. On Saturday night, Dhylles walked the runway with them. The diffference between Katwalk Katerers and some other companies is this: Dhylles is a real person, with real emotions, real history and real goals. As a Life Coach aside from Katwalk Katerers, Dhylless lives by the saying "I Can Relate 2 U" and understands the importance of the individual and has always treated myself with respect, concern and care. The best thing about Katwalk Katerers is the feeling. The spirit. It's just different.
NOTE: As I mentioned before, I didn't get all of the names of all of the designers, but below is the list. Didn't want to keep you all waiting, but I'll link them as I figure them out. & feel free to send any corrections etc to ELLA@JWWWD.com. I'm just me, so instead of suing me, lend me a hand if something is missing/wrong. I'll be sure to update anything I need to. Just didn't want to keep you all waiting. Enjoy the photos below. You'll have to browse my photos or visit Whatz Up NY on YouTube to see the videos!
