Designer Samantha Black, aka Sammy B, is one of the hottest up and coming designers in New York, as was apparent by the energy of attendees who flocked to see her spring/summer 2012 fashion show. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, Black’s latest collection is American Apparel meets a visually expressive girl with spunk! Undoubtedly 80’s inspired, the collection was a mesh of neon, bright yellows, rich fuchsias, stripes and geometric patterns, cut-out dresses in forgiving fabrics, and plunging necklines.

The audience included downtowners, Brooklynites, and celebrities including Tika Sumpter of Gossip Girl, Fabolous, Solange, Angela Simmons, Kevin Liles, Fabulous, Run DMC, Omarion and others. Angela Simmons walked the runway in a pearl tone strapless gown with ruching, and Nik Pace of America’s Next Top Model strutted in an electric mini dress.

I loved the entire show because it was so youthful and lighthearted that it’s something that all girls in their twenties can embrace. From the black and white vertically striped mini-dress with floor-length tassels (lots of drama), to the geometric print high-waist pants paired with a mid-drift  skimming yellow cotton t-shirt, leopard print jumper, and an orange mini cut-out dress, Black’s latest offering is nothing short of a commercial success in the making. You can find more on Samantha Black at Sammybdesigns.com.

For more fashion musings, check out my blog Disciples of Haute.
– Sharifa Crawford

Laura Smalls, an African-American fashion designer whose dresses have been seen in Vogue, New York Magazine, and on the likes of First Lady Michelle Obama, closed out NY Fashion Week in true panache. Her spring/summer 2012 presentation entitled ‘Legacy,’ captured my affection as one of my favorite shows of the week.

Set in the penthouse suite of the Centurion Residence on W. 56^th St., the emerging NY-based designer showed a beautiful collection of 26 meticulously crafted looks that were alluring, smart, even whimsical at times. There was the oriental floral print organza dress fit for an elegant night out, the form-fitting coral asymmetrical dress with a print back, and the head-turning emerald green, hip-hugging Dorothy Dandridge trumpet style gown with a rose flounced bottom. Guests of the show were the crème de la crème of the fashion and entertainment industries including Andre Leon Talley, contributing editor at Vogue, supermodel Chanel Iman, Bethann Hardison, the editor-at-large of Vogue Italia, magazine publisher Jocelyn Taylor, opera singer Kathleen Battle, philanthropist Grace Hightower De Niro, and musical icon Valerie Simpson, of Ashford & Simpson.

As the show progressed, I became more and more impressed. In addition to the more upscale evening wear options, there were sexy jersey dresses (one in a gunmetal color with shoulder cut-outs), jumpsuits, flattering summer dresses, and a show stopping peony pink shift dress with cap sleeves. Almost every look was moving and resonated with the aesthetic of a modern, sophisticated woman which Smalls executes flawlessly.

The designer also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Nick Ashford, a singer-songwriter, who was a dear friend of hers. As Smalls emerged to close out the show, her famous friends and colleagues were there to congratulate her. For more information on Laura Smalls’ collection, visit www.LauraSmalls.com.

For more fashion musings, check out my blog Disciples of Haute.
– Sharifa Crawford

World-renowned fashion designer Vivienne Tam presented her Spring 2012 collection, entitled ‘Zen Garden’, to much fanfare at Lincoln Center during NY Fashion Week. Celebrity attendees included Angela Simmons, Wendy Williams, celebrity stylist June Ambrose, and Beverly Johnson, the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue.

The inspiration for the latest offering from her namesake label (inspired by Chinese design, culture, and contemporary fashion) comes from Tam’s love of the spirit of the seventies and familiar strolls through Zen gardens in Asia. According to the New York-based designer, the seventies “embodied change and love of nature. These pieces carry sophistication and experimentation using geometric and organic shapes, overlapping patterns and rich unexpected hues found in nature.” Overall, this collection is not only accessible but offers a wide variety of silhouettes for the warmer months.

The runway show was dominated by fringe shirtdresses and tops in black and crème, an explosion of seemingly incongruous geometric prints in a single head-to-toe look, garden print fabric used on blazers, trousers, and clutch bags, along with flowy blouses in sheer chiffon and silk gowns in coral and turquoise.

Of the 40 distinct, beautiful, and effortless looks presented, there were a few looks that were standouts. The black organic print chiffon flutter sleeve blouse paired with black print silk wide leg trousers was striking. Other unique looks included the coral jagger blazer, chiffon blouse, and coral trousers paired with a garden print clutch (a playful, yet feminine take on the menswear look); the honeycomb print knit cardigan over a black and champagne fringe top and skirt; as well as the champagne silk placket blouse paired with purple velvet flap shorts. While the later sounds cringeworthy, it was executed superbly.

For more information on this designer, visit VivienneTam.com.

For more of my fashion musings, check out her blog Disciples of Haute.
– Sharifa Crawford

Shot by Jason Tonio Bueno-Woerner

For more on Rharha and her worldly adventures, check out The Capital of Cool

Inspired by the sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of the 70’s rock band, Heart, Kahri offers a great mix of edgy, sharp, yet fun and wearable pieces. The color story was crisp white, beige with bursts of red, blue-green, metallic and silver. For 16 looks, there was a great deal of variety from daytime looks (a black crochet top with a plunging neckline and tassels paired with loose jean shorts), to chic early evening wear (a beige trench coat, cinched at the waist, that could double as a dress with flecks of gold yarn and dramatic Balmain-like shoulders), along with the showstopper looks which deserve an independent survey.

By far, my favorite look was the sheer taupe sweater with blue velvet capped sleeves paired with a dark metallic miniskirt that transitioned into a sheer chiffon skirt ending at mid-calf. Overall, the look screamed dramatic and stylish, youthful, but still rock inspired. A transitional sweater is perfect for spring so this was a chic take on this classic piece. I certainly look forward to seeing more from this emerging talent whose clothes have been worn by the likes of Keri Hilson, Fergie, Paris Hilton, and contestants from America’s Next Top Models. To learn more about Kahri by KahriAnne Kerr, visit Kahri.com.

For more of my fashion musings, check out www.DisciplesofHaute.tumblr.com
– Sharifa Crawford

Crisp, clean, youthful, fresh: adjectives that describe Paola Hernandez’s Spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection. After studying fashion at Saint Martin’s in London and shoe design in Milan, NY-based designer Paola Hernandez launched her clothing label in 2006. Presented on the rooftop of Hotel Americano high above Chelsea, the presentation consisted of 12 models perched on daybeds by the pool.

Paola Hernandez stands for multi-functional options, updated classics, and separates that stand the test of time yet look chic and simple. According to the designer, “the vision for this collection comes from the search for the intersection between the physical and the spiritual. When the garments are worn, there is an organic flow from the fall of the fabric, which implies the shapeless elegance of the spiritual.” From a boxy, sheer white blouse and stretch shorts in coral, to a long tank dress in white cotton, a navy blue blazer paired with chalk blue chinos, and an airy blouse in light grey, it is clear that Hernandez’s collection is current yet boundless.

This collection delivers for the woman on the go, the woman who values a ‘no-fuss’ regimen, or those who appreciate a contemporary downtown look that is transitional while great for layering. In addition, Hernandez designs and produces her own shoe collection (including oxfords, moccasins, pumps) as well as small accessories which also accompanied the presentation on Friday. For more information and where to find her clothing, visit PaolaHernandez.com

Ghanaian New York based designer Mimi Plange unveiled her 2012 Spring /Summer collection, “A Flower in the Desert ” at the Asia Society last Thursday. Her crowd included Vogue Editor in Chief Andre Leon Talley, Celebrity stylist and designer Rachel  Zoe, stylist Ugo Mozie, Editor in Chief of Pop Africana Oroma Elwa and more.

“Desert Flower” couldn’t be more different from her previous collection “Scarred Perfection;” the latter was inspired by the scarification rituals that some tribes in West and East African countries practice, while for “Desert Flower”, the designer looked to a different tradition. The Herrero of Namibia, who are known for their elaborate Victorian style of dressing, were the muses for this spring /summer 2012 collection. Standouts included billowing gowns in floral prints, chic pants in pinks and greens, and one beaded white gown with a plunging neckline which looked ready for a red carpet runway. That isn’t a farfetched statement to make as Mimi Plange is becoming a favorite of celebrities like Rihanna, Katerina Graham, Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton and more.

In addition to clothing, Mimi has branched into footwear through a collaboration with Manolo Blahnik. Being the shoe-aholic that I am; I was excited to see the shoes up-close. They definitely did not disappoint and revealed everything a great pair of shoes should be: sophisticated, unique and aesthetic. Andre Leon Talley of Vogue has stated that Mimi is a promising designer to watch and I couldn’t agree more. When the fashion gods talk, you listen.

–WRITTEN BY MAZUBA KAPAMBWE

The 3rd Annual Fashion’s Night Out event, founded by longtime editor of American Vogue, was a big hit for casual shoppers, trend followers, ‘It’ girls, and industry insiders! The streets were packed, more so than usual, and the air was festive and anticipatory (as FNO precedes New York Fashion Week). I focused my efforts on the high-end specialty stores of 5th Ave., then finished the night in the Meatpacking District. Between stops at Saks, Moschino, Hugo Boss, AllSaints, and more, I managed to cross paths with Anna Wintour, the Moussy Models of Japan, singer Ne-Yo, the lovely spokeswomen of Maybelline Lisalla Montenegro and Erin Wasson, and an all-out dance party at the Tracy Reese store.

My first stop was Saks Fifth Avenue which had an overabundance of events to participate in from collection launches, to complimentary makeup consultations, along with celebrity meet-and-greets and interactive events on almost every floor. Scottish actress Tilda Swinton (seen in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Michael Clayton”), is the face of Pringle of Scotland’s ‘Archive Collection 1815 – 2011’ and attended the collection launch. As she was leaving, Anna Wintour arrived to greet her, prompting a frenzy (myself included in said frenzy)! The Stella McCartney boutique held a presentation for their fall 2011 collection, an assortment of evening wear and playful dresses (including a white slip dress with a tulle overlay of white polka dots and a short, black form-fitted strapless dress with a sheer floor-length black skirt decorated with black polka dots). Attendees were able to take pictures alongside the models which were converted into stickers that you could take home! Styelist.com, which teamed up with Saks to host FNO, hosted an interactive station where ladies and gents could answer 10 fashion-related questions for the chance to win a $250 shopping spree at the store. They even had a step-and-repeat and select photos were uploaded to their website!

Other notable events included free manicures at the Minx Nails bar inside the Marc by Marc Jacobs shop and the Estee Lauder-sponsored event with Tom Pecheux (creative director at the cosmetics company) where attendees could get a front-row worthy makeover selected from five looks created by Pecheux. As I was leaving, Ne-Yo had just arrived to perform as well as unveil his hat collection but I had an agenda to adhere to. Just North of Saks, the Henri Bendel store was teeming with shoppers. An upscale accessories haven known for carrying the latest jewelry, handbags, and the best in cosmetics, Henri Bendel partnered with Swarovski Elements, leaving the store’s window displays and in-store figurines completely crystallized. Attendees could choose from Swarovski crystal makeovers by Frédéric Fekkai or head to the Swarovski Elements tattoo parlor. In terms of merchandise, there was a fabulous selection of evening clutches, mini-top hats, and the accessories shop housed bangle bracelets in every color under the sun, from white chrome to hot pink, even ethnic prints and studded pieces.

The Meatpacking District was nothing short of a carnival with pop-up shops at every intersection and wraparound lines at Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen, and Scoop. I managed to peruse Moschino, Hugo Boss, and the Tracy Reese boutique. Moschino did not disappoint! The shop was packed with the trendy, downtown PR and party girl set, cocktails were flowing, and the DJ was practically ready to join the party! I loved both the men’s and women’s fall offerings. For women’s outwear, I loved the fur collared, camel herringbone trench coat as well as the three-toned fur coat with interchanging black horizontal panels. The gold studded women’s leather driving gloves in cherry red were also a stand out. For the men, I loved the mix of classics (such as their long-sleeved polo shirts and wool blend blazers), as well as the navy blue knee-length wool coat with the studded lapel and cuffed wrists, which gives a classic piece an updated finish.

On my way to the Hugo Boss store, a black SUV pulled up and 11 women emerged. They were then introduced as the Moussy Models. Rock chic describes Moussy, a Japanese clothing label which I presume is headed to a retailer near you. They also handed out Moussy tote bags which will serve me well this fashion week! Inside Hugo Boss, the crowd was definitely older (men in tailored suits and fashionably dressed corporate women) but no less of a party. Again, a DJ kept the energy up as I made my way through the store. A standout piece for me was the striped, classic cut men’s suit in a wool/cashmere blend. The store also had leather motorcycle jackets in a range of colors including tan, blue, dark sea green, chocolate brown, and black.

Before arriving at the Tracey Reese boutique, I ran into Maybelline’s pop-up space in the Gansevoort Plaza. To celebrate the 40th birthday of the Great Lash Mascara, Maybelline was giving away free tubes of mascara which spokesmodels Erin Wasson and Lisalla Montenegro were autographing. For those interested, Maybelline was also offering mini-makeovers by professional makeup artists. I ended the night at the Tracy Reese store in the West Village. More dance party than anything else, DJ Tyger Lilly literally had shoppers dancing in the window displays! I was captivated by the beautiful fall separates (a grey, silk pleated knee-length skirt, shift dresses, a beautifully woven, crème cape) as well as the faux fur coats and vests. Deciding to leave on a high note, I pocketed the DJ’s FNO mixtape for Tracy Reese shoppers and called it a night.

Stay tuned for my post on shows by Vivienne Tam, Paola Hernandez, and more!
For more of my fashion musings, check out www.DisciplesofHaute.tumblr.com
–Sharifa Crawford

Last Thursday night, the city that never sleeps was filled with thousands of fashion inclined people who took to the numerous stores, celebrating the third annual Fashion Night Out. Having missed the first two years of FNO, I was determined not to miss this one!

My first stop was the Dash store in Soho. Upon turning onto Spring Street, I was greeted by a crowd of shoppers desperate to catch a glimpse of Kim and Kourtney Kardashian. Upon waiting for twenty minutes, we were informed that the Kardashians had already left the store. The crowd then turned their attention to Pauly D, who emerged half an hour later and was quickly rushed into a waiting vehicle, much to the disappointment of the crowd.

Next stop was the Nicole Miller event which was held in partnership with social enterprise company Indego Africa. Miller debuted her new collection with the brand which was a collection of bold Ankara (African Print) bags. Meeka Claxton of Basketball Wives fame was spotted checking out the totes. Other Indego Africa goodies on sale included my personal favorite Nicole Miller Textile and woven bracelets and which are bold, colorful and perfect for fall. The best thing about the accessories as well as all of Indego Africa products is that they are hand-made by women in Rwanda and each product features the name of the woman who made it for a personal touch. The $65 print shorts and skirts caught my eye and shopping assistants were on hand to convince me to purchase a pair.

Fashion Night Out is not complete without food and drinks, and plenty of stores provided the latter such as Molton Brown, who had a photographer on hand to create fun window photo shoots. In need of a full meal, I headed to Ethiopian –American celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson’s Street Food Pop up store at Lincoln Center where I feasted on one of my favorite meals Dorowot (chicken stew). Food met fashion with a meet and greet featuring Haitian designer Praaje Jean Baptiste who showed his Praaje 1983 Spring 2012 collection at Lincoln Center and will show at Boston Fashion Week. I also spied Tasha Smith of Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I get Married” films in attendance. Stay tuned for more upcoming Fashion Week adventures!!

–Mazuba Kapambwe

This Fashion Week, GIANT and partner XHIBIT P have teamed up to provide our readers with an exclusive look at several shows and events. We’ll be focusing on designers of color, collections inspired from social issues, and eco-friendly and sustainable lines and designers. We love fashion at GIANT and XHIBIT P, but also hope to learn something while partaking in this glamourous week of creativity unbound. So join us on this whirlwind of color, beauty, and life!

Our two Fashion Week correspondents come from totally different walks of life, but one commonality they share completely is their passion for everything fashion.

THE NEWBIE: Sharifa Crawford,a Detroit transplant living in New York City, will be sharing her first press experience during Fashion Week as she tweets and blogs the in’s and out’s of the runway shows, the collections, the beautiful and not so beautiful moments, and everything in between. Those of you who haven’t been able to attend Fashion week before will be able to relate to Sharifa’s first time flurries.

THE VETERAN: Mazuba Kapambwe needs almost no introduction, particularly in the African fashion circle. Whether blogging, interning, assisting, or modeling, his young woman has taken the industry by storm at such a young age and with the maturity and sense to boot. She’s definitely a veteran of New York Fashion Week, so she has access to behind-the-scene information that others would undoubtedly do deadly things to have. This Zamibian fashion lover will give you a unique perspective on an event that’s been covered in a pretty white-washed way–until now.

At 22 years old, Zambian and self described “Afropolitan” Mazuba Kapambwe is steadily making a name for herself in the African entertainment world as a blogger, writer , and “afrosocialite.” She has conducted interviews with african celebs such as TV presenter Nonhle Thema, actor Van Vicker, Project Runway designer Korto Momolu, Producer of AFWNY Adiat Disu, model David Nso, singer Wax and many more. She attends and covers various African and related events in NYC including AFWNY, Face List Awards, African Economic Forum and more.

Written work includes articles for a variety of african publications and websites including Africa Style Daily where she currently writes, as well as Face2Face Africa. Other sites she has written for include African Vibes magazine, Jamati.com, Afripop Mag, Mimi Magazine and blog, Orijin Magazine, Style House Files and APZINE.com. She has interned for Pop Africana magazine, Mimi Plange who showed at New York Fashion week in September 2010 and February 2011, as well as Africa Fashion United Agency (AFUA).

Currently pursuing a bachelors in Communications and Rhetoric and a minor in Business Administration, she plans to enter the Fashion Public Relations field and continue freelancing for high quality African media publications.

Stay updated as we post new reviews to the blog and tweet live at the shows and events from @XHIBITP. If you’ve got questions, let us know and we’ll do our best to curb your style cravings.

Gold Coast Trading has always been a source of inspiration for me. Known for fusing traditional african prints with clean western lines, this fresh brand preserves our African culture in an innovative and ever dope style. Gold Coast has been featured in Vogue and countless other influential magazines worldwide, yet the impact the line makes hits closer to home. South Africa to be exact. Specific cultural references to Soweto youth and the burgeoning hipster scene throughout the country can be seen throughout the look book as well as in the designs. I was lucky enough to sit down with Nigerian born Emeka Alams of Gold Coast Trading to speak about his new collection entitled ” The Very Best: Julia A/11,” which features his muse, the lovely Cassie Gibson. The collection consists of a “mzuzu” traditional print organic cardigan and a prima cotten tee. Read on to find out more about this dynamic designer and his collection…

Rharha: Your latest collection seems to be focused on Malawi, what about the country inspires you? Is there a personal persuasion to the country that attracts you?

Emeka: Malawi is beautiful with a kind heart! But the focus of this collection was the group, The Very Best whose Lead singer Esau hails from Malawi. So it’s more of an ode to them and the diverse combination of things that make up the personality of their sound.

R: What is the concept behing the “tropical system” collaboration collection?

E: I was trying to take that genre and break it down to see how it could look as a super organized visual. I was trying to combine layers of sounds, layers of influence and history that could all come back to tell a story. There’s a lot of vibration and sunken bass that moves and kind of bounces around the room, but at the same time remains still by some of the traditional framework on with its origins were built.

R: Is there an interesting story behind naming your latest collection, “Julia?”

E: It was taken from a song by The Very Best called “Julia”, Cassi fits her role well. So I guess you have to learn Chichewa and then to listen to the lryics of “Juila” and you’ll get the reference.

R: Tell us about more about your muse, Mozambican born Cassie Gibson?

E: Cassi is a source of inspiration; she’s been here from day one and every day since. She’s lovely! Her art, travel and stories have always moved me in my design and the overall emotion of Gold Coast. She pushes me to never settle and challenges me to go a bit deeper and to strive for the best. While Cassi’s roots stem from Moz, she has lived throughout Africa and the world, so I get to combine her experiences with mine, expanding my collective knowledge of the continent and the beyond.

R: As a designer, which other designers do you draw your inspiration from?

E: Cassi put me on to Henrik Vibskov, his work is out of this world and that aesthetic is so well done. I’m striving for that kind overall presence.

R: What type of people do you target to wear Goldcoast?

E: Anyone who is a fan of travel, good clothes, cultural trade, music and the reality of Africa today.

R: You seem to be an enigma we do not know much about you. Who is the man behind Gold Coast Trading?

E: How can I answer that so it doesn’t sounds like a personal ad? Hmmm well I just turned 28 the other day so im feeling kind of old! I love to to cook! If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now I’d be stalking Cormac Mahoney in his kitchen for sure! There is nothing like cooking for others and having them enjoy what you made. It’s so simple yet necessary and another great form of art, I love it. Sad fact: my best friend is my blackberry… Honestly though I look at Gold coast trading as a platform to trade stories and experiences through various mediums of art and in that whole equation I obviously have a large role to play, but on the flip side I shouldn’t be the focus. To me a good story is one in which the storytellers themselves are not the focal point but the story. They bow to the story and just kind of let it live and that’s how I approach Gold Coast and its story.

To check out more of the Gold Coast collections head over to Gold Coast Trading
For more on Rharha and her worldly adventures, check out The Capital of Cool

Bred in South Africa, British-born eclectic stylist and designer RhaRha has set on n mission to run the world. Now residing in Bangkok, she has had a taste of Africa, Asia and Europe. This style mixologist blends her influences, pours a  few glasses and serves the refreshment in her amazing work.” Take a sip and indulge in all things RhaRha!

Five natural beauties feature in the new New York Times Style Magazine feature entitled “Nightie Aphrodites.” You can almost hear all the Team Natural members out there rejoicing. The shoot includes the eclectic Solange Knowles, Brit beauty Corinne Bailey Rae, indie darling Juno Temple, Afro-soul sensation Les Nubians. Get your couture, fashion fix with the delightfully delicate yet powerful designs of Giambattista Valli, Rochas, Donna Karran New York, and Bottega Veneta. However, the divine hair stylings and arresting models are certainly giving the clothing a run for their money.

See the rest of the aphrodites below:

If you’re in New York right now, then you’re probably sensing it already.

Your senses are heightened each time you pass by a store window. Your fingers are itching to scoop up each and every September issue out right now. Your friends and yourself have already begun to map out your plan of attack for this year’s Fashion Night Out. Being in New York during Fashion week, it’s extremely difficult for even the most fashionphobic individuals to distance themselves from the fabulous festivities. The colors, the textures, the cuts, the designs will draw you in and get the best of you. Yet, one glance at the runways and one thing becomes clear: we are certainly in the model minority. A New Yorker by the way of Detroit, Sharifa Crawford is a devout fashionista who finds herself conflicted: “I’ve found that loving and admiring a thing that refuses to love you back creates quite the tumultuous and heart wrenching relationship.” In her essay, Sharifa shares with us why she loves an industry that refuses to recognize her and provides possible solutions to right this fashion wrong.

Originally posted at XHIBIT P (www.xhibitp.com)

Written by Sharifa Crawford

My favorite events of the year commence every spring and fall when Fashion Week takes over New York City. As a self-proclaimed clotheshorse, a former retail stylist, and an avid follower of fashion shows, trends, and the industry, I appreciate the art of fashion as much as I do the drama. However, I’ve found that loving and admiring a thing that refuses to love you back creates quite the tumultuous and heart wrenching relationship.

Robin Givhan, a native Detroiter and former fashion editor for The Washington Post, recently addressed this issues in her article ‘Why Fashion Keeps Tripping Over Race: The paint-chip problem, revisited’ for New York Magazine. In the piece, she discusses the lack of diversity in the fashion industry, the industry’s failure to acknowledge the lack of minorities in positions of influence (designers, editors, and publicists), and the overall contradictory image of an industry often hailed as progressive, cosmopolitan, and open-minded.

Givhan opens the piece by recounting a moment during the Spring 2011 Lanvin show when, in the middle of the presentation, a group of five black models cloaked in tropical prints (a far contrast from the rest of the shows’ aesthetic) proceeded down the runway together. For the first and only time during the show, sections of the audience broke into applause. Givhan asserts that they “were cheering the black women, but not because they had performed dramatic runway pyrotechnics. They were cheering the women for the great accomplishment of simply being black, which, one might argue, in an industry that remains stubbornly homogeneous in many respects, is a feat worth getting excited about.” While I do appreciate the moment of recognition of black beauty in that moment, I find it quite problematic that this recognition of beauty essentially stemmed from an ongoing dearth of black models on the runway.

Even though I advocate and celebrate fashion to no end, this passion has also become the source of an internal conflict due to the fact that fashion doesn’t represent or celebrate consumers like myself—women of color. Interestingly enough, those individuals in the fashion industry pride themselves on being innovative and cutting edge, yet as our society’s racial and ethnic make-up continuous to evolve into a more colorful melting pot, the industry maintains a one-dimensional Western standard of beauty that just isn’t representative of our nation or the world, for that matter. Don’t get me wrong—designers can hire whomever they want to have featured in their seasonal ad campaigns or walk the runway, but the blatant and consistent exclusion of minority models is completely behind the times, and quite frankly, out of fashion.
As society changes, designers and editors should be mindful of the fact that the buying power has also begun to shift and transform the demographics of traditional consumers. During Fashion Night Out in New York in September 2010, I was fascinated with the diversity of attendees at the Ralph Lauren Polo store in Soho to see Janelle Monae perform. While Ralph Lauren is known for its signature preppy polo shirts and blazers, the Polo Fashion Night Out scene included the uptown smart-set, the young, and fashionable teenagers from Harlem and Brooklyn, and the downtown fashionably layered set were all sporting the polo look in their own unique way.

In order to expand the industries attitude and perception on race, it’s crucial to have a more diverse makeup of employees within designer, magazine, and publicity firm ranks. Diversity in the workplace is invaluable because you have the ability to draw ideas from people with varied backgrounds (socio-economically, culturally, religiously, and geographically). This, in turn, allows businesses to be able to truly understand their current and prospective clientele and consequently helps businesses better compete in the global marketplace. Andrew Leon Talley, contributing editor and former fashion editor of Vogue Magazine, has been an influential figure in using his position to support designers of color including Tracy Reese and Rachel Roy, as well as encourage diversity within the industry by including more ethnic models in magazine spreads and supporting initiatives such as the Met’s Multicultural Audience Development Initiative, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and the famous 2008 Vogue Italia All-Black issue.
While my conflict with fashion has not yet been resolved, I still continue to support an often-contradictory industry by recognizing that my voice has value and the dollar bills with which to back it. In terms of taking action, whenever a published story features a minority designer, manufacturer, or the like, I write to the editor of the magazine and voice my support for the piece. Another way I back up my beliefs is by supporting designers of color and fashion publications targeted towards people of color, such as Essence Magazine. While the change will not be instantaneous, I do see a transformation on the fashion horizon. For as the saying goes, Chanel wasn’t built in a day!

These days, the world is quite literally at out fingertips. Cellphone apps have become the medium of choice for everything from soial networking to planning a fabulous night on the town. Now, it seems that the world of fashion is making its way out of the glossies and into the lcd screen of your phone via a set of new apps designed specifially to keep you stylish on the go. As if the recent boom of internet bloggers wasn’t enough to unhinge the magazine’s monopoly on fashion, apps are next in line to cause an upraor in the industry that once looked only to editorials as the authority on all things style. NY Mag put together a top ten list of the best fashion apps available; need a wardrobe lesson? There’s an app for that. Check them out:

(From NYMag.com)

“What is ‘apps?’” Christian Louboutin once asked a writer at The Wall Street Journal, before admitting, “I’m a very bad technician. Technology, zero.” Of course, Louboutin isn’t the only Luddite in the fashion industry, whose frosty attitude toward all things tech is just starting to thaw. As more designers warm to the idea of e-commerce, they’re also getting hip to the smartphone frontier. Several biggies have rolled out iPhone apps to show off their collections, and, in rarer instances, allow users to shop. And just last week, eBay, which pretty much has the web-retail sector cornered, introduced a free fashion app, which allows users to browse and purchase more than 20 million fashion items, as well as “try on” clothes and build virtual closets.

We sifted through the glut of fashion-centric apps to see which ones are worth your precious downloading time; click ahead to see our top ten picks for the iPhone. (Sorry, Android users, but your options are still limited. Download nymag.com’s free blog app for now and pray that all those pretentious iGeeks get their just desserts in an Apple recall.)

1.

Chicfeed

This bare-bones app pulls photos from some of the Internet’s most respected style blogs, including the Sartorialist, Face Hunter, and Lookbook. The sorting functionality — or lack thereof — leaves something to be desired, but if you’re just seeking quick-hit eye candy, there’s no better way to see loads of style snaps all in one spot. The app is available two ways: free with advertising or 99 cents without.

2.

Diane Von Furstenberg

While many designers with apps remain skeptical about mobile commerce, Von Furstenberg told W, “We already do so many things from our phones, so shopping is a natural progression.” Accordingly, DVF’s app allows users to shop via a “Looks We Love” section or by thumbing through the collections — albeit not 24/7. (Our nighttime request to purchase a one-shoulder floral dress wasn’t addressed until regular business hours.) Still, DVF gets props for rounding out the app with Facebook-sharing capabilities and access to her Twitter feed.

3.

Gap StyleMixer

This innovative brand app allows you to mix and match Gap items with pieces already hanging in your closet. Create outfits using uploaded photos or use the “Mixer” to browse Gap products and create head-to-toe new looks. Shake your phone and the Mixer will generate a random combination of pieces, including shoes and accessories. The “Community” function allows you to share your uploaded looks, as well as check out combos other app users are creating. On the downside, if you’re near a Gap location, you can also supposedly “unlock” a special promotion on your phone; we tried, but were lamely told to “check back soon for a new offer.”

4.

Glamour Ask a Stylist

Wang or Wu? Jeggings or jorts? Dr. Scholl’s with socks or without? These are the types of pressing sartorial questions one might bounce off a trusted friend — or one of Glamour’s on-call app stylists. Here’s how it works: Browse their mini-bios (some are from glamour.com, others from Craigslist), choose the one most up your aesthetic alley, upload your outfit pic and/or inquiry, and wait. Our selected stylist responded to our day-to-night dilemma fifteen minutes after we fired off our request. And, in true women’s-mag fashion, we were given an extra boost of confidence (“You’ll look awesome wherever you go!”). A solid bet for the indecisive.

5.

iShoes

Scroll through more than 50,000 kicks in the shoe-porn Finder, or search the sea of shoes by style and designer. The app indicates which pairs are on sale and connects you straight to buy-it-now retailers. The app is free, functional, and offers decent-size closeups of each item, though we hope its creators introduce better browsing filters (like color, size, heel height, material, etc.) with the next update.

To read about the other apps that made the top ten, go here!

Also Check out:

Sex And The City 2 Fashion Guide

How To Be Fashionably Daring

Only Built For Cubannie Links

Black Hollywood: the ebony Shangri-la of showbiz. In tinsel town, behind the flash bulbs of paparazzi snapshots, behind the casting cattle calls and behind a storyteller’s script is the film director. These hot-bloodied visionaries are the eyes and ears of the camera’s aperture. Visionaries like Hype Williams, Robert Townsend and Kennen Ivory Wayans have leaped into the limelight, looking to expose the grit of the world, allowing us to experience (or rather re-experience) the magnitude of the ailments of mankind. It is because of this that these men are huge influences on pop culture. But, how influential? Here is the list of our 7 all-time favorite directors in black Hollywood.

Tiny

F. Gary Gray (*New Edition*)

You know, it’s rare. We’ve usually left out some important figures in our bevy of lists and other incarnation, sometimes to the satisfaction or the chagrin of our readers. But we heard concerns about our Small, Medium, Giant inventory of directors African-American cinema, and our readers were right on the money when director F. Gary Gray was left off. He should be noted for his work. The director of the buddy dramedy Friday, one of the funniest films ever conceived, broke new ground by showing the African-American experience in a hood setting from the eyes and growing pains of twenty-somethings. In a sense, it was a bigger, better Clerks. Its stars Ice Cube—already a rising acting talent with Boyz n the Hood and Higher Learning—and Chris Tucker became movie stars. His follow-up, crime drama Set it Off delivered the most stunning performance of Queen Latifah’s career and influenced the later half of 90s hip-hop.  However, despite his work in music videos (“It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, “Waterfalls” by TLC, “Ms. Jackson by Outcast), we haven’t seen Gray surpass his 90s heyday. The Italian Job: Bust. Be Cool: A Bust. Law Abiding Citizen: A Bust. See, where we’re coming from?

Small

Lee Daniels

Once upon a time, Lee Daniels was a better producer than he was director. His directorial debut Shadowboxer was a bust. The Oscar-winning Monster’s Ball—a film he produced—won Halle Berry the coveted Best Actress award. So, when he finally produced the goods—directing another Oscar-winning picture, Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire—we were on the fence. Making history as one of the second African-American director and the first openly gay director to be nominated for an Oscar, he indeed proved he was a giant.

Smedium

Antoine Fuqua

Directing music videos for Coolio, Toni Braxton and Prince, Antoine Fuqua left his MTV rotation cloud nine to direct Hollywood blockbusters Tears of the Sun, King Arthur, Shooter and the recent Brooklyn’s Finest. But, he truly shined when he tapped Denzel Washington to star in the now-legendary Training Day, and we enjoyed the hard-boiled intensity and the “black Oscar night,” in which Washington won his second Oscar.

Medium

The Hughes Brothers

Known for directing hood films like Dead Presidents and American Pimp, the Hughes twins, Albert and Allen ditched their terrifyingly visceral take on the ultra-violent gun-toting 90s thug life hood films epitomized in the critically-lauded Menace II Society. After winning top honors at the MTV Movie Awards, the urban hostility and authoritative significant messages of the film coupled with Lorenz Tate take on a sociopathic inner-city teenager “O-Dog,” the boys started experimenting. With films like the Jack the Ripper period thriller From Hell and the post-apocalyptic action suspense driven The Book of Eli, the boys are getting off to a good start.

Large

John Singleton

When you think of a Giant, especially when you think of directors, chances are you’ll think John Singleton. Kicking off his career with hits Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice and Higher Learning, which showed the jarring inner-city decay of South Los Angeles in the mid-90s, Singleton became the first African-American to be nominated for the Oscar. Despite directing landmark music videos like Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time,” he released cult classic Baby Boy, revenge film Four Brothers and action film 2 Fast 2 Furious. We can’t hate on a man who is on his grind.

Mammoth

Tyler Perry

The Renaissance man known for combining womanism, church and drag is just as controversial as he is acclaimed. The actor-director and playwright left his days as a luminary in Southern theatres and released the now-legendary Diary of a Mad Black Woman starring the whoop-ass take-no-prisoners matriarch Mabel “Madea” Simmons in 2005. Only four years later, he ranked on the sixth highest-paid man in Hollywood by Forbes magazine, grossing a collective $400 million worldwide.

GIANT

Spike Lee

Born Shelton Jackson Lee, “Spike” is solely responsible for splicing race relations and art as well as pushing poverty, crime and the dilapidation of the black community to the forefront. He is also responsible for presenting blacks as cognizant, conscious and sensual—not sexual—beings. His iconic production studio, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced nigh 40 films since its 1983 debut and the hard work has won Lee an Emmy and two Oscar nods. His signature “A Spike Lee Joint” is also plastered on monumental films Do The Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, Crooklyn, Clockers, Get On The Bus, Summer of Sam, Bamboozled and Inside Man… to name a few. Simply put, he’s the man. Our only regret (and his as well) is that he lost to Driving Miss Daisy in 1989 for Best Picture.

Talking With… Wyatt Cenac

Talking With… Eamonn Walker

Talking With… Malcolm D. Lee

Talking With… Spike Lee

Imagine if you will.

It’s Friday afternoon, and the streets are a blaze of black. The glitterati city slicker photographers stand in a perfect 180° on the subway platforms, like a line of a coke a mirror shard. Staring through plated glass, fashionistas copulate wordplay of their favorite obsession. Its was that time of the year again, New York’s Fashion’s Night Out and most importantly, its fashion’s night out. Rule of thumb, wear something black… or black-like.

Sean “Diddy” Combs blasts party crunk jams on a sight-seeing bus through 34^th Street, his Sean John insignia below his B&W Herb Ritts-inspired mug in a white tuxedo on the side. Sexy women in skimpy outfits dance as spectators take pictures from the sidewalks of the assiduous fashion Mecca. Rock band Train tunes their guitars and rocks out to their signature jingles like “Soul Sister” at a Tommy Hilfiger tailgate soiree. And despite the saturated Technicolor of fabric swimming in the wind and neon lights swirling amidst the night air, it’s like a neo-cosmopolitan funeral for club kids and nu-vogue wild wunderkinds.

The second annual credit card chewing monster extravaganza involving 1,200 retail galas around the megacity began with rendezvous at Macy’s. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, designers Michael Kors and Rachel Roy, performer Jennifer Lopez, and actor Neil Patrick Harris were among the millions of shoppers. There were others all over the city: Magic was made with a performance by turntable gizmos N.E.R.D. and a surprise pop-and-lock cameo by former R&B poster boy Chris Brown and a warped recital by the cast of the Broadway musical “Hair.” Not to mention, there were tons of celebrity appearances by Michael Bloomberg, Serena Williams, Metric, Tyrese and Ludacris, producer Ryan Leslie and Japanese designer Nigo to name a few.

It was a grand ole time in the city and here are some trends we’d expect to see in this fall:

Tailored Suits

The Ultramodern Military Jacket

Camel and Sequined Jeggings (however, not together)

Velvet Suits

Tailored Denim

Combat Boots

Plaids

Orange

Monk Straps

Flannels & Stripes

Dapper Debonair

Leather

Beyonce Wigs Out During New York Fashion Week [PHOTOS]

Nicki Minaj Comes “Out” For Magazine [PHOTOS]

Electro hop is in. With emcees becoming more diverse, leaving the traditionalist hip-hop approach in favor of a bigger, bombastic, ballsy sound, the game is on the precipice of becoming a vending machine of little ringtone pocket universes. With frat rap groups 3OH!3 and confetti gangsta hipsters LMFAO as radio paper weights, and EDM punks Far East Movement riding the airwaves, rap and hip-culture are changing. However, one can argue that among the fluff and pipe dreams, the art of hip-hop is evolving. Just look at these three electro hop stars that are doing it big and changing hip-hop below. These trailblazing artists have made music that has had a profound effect on us. But, how big exactly?

SMALL

Kid Cudi

Notable work: Man on the Moon: The End of Day

When the hip-hop head from Cleveland, Ohio made his rounds on Chi-town No.1 emcee Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak after dropping his stellar mixtape A Kid Named Cudi, rap upstart Kid Cudi went solo. Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi’s moniker became a hold name, featuring on the splendid HBO series How To Make It In America, and all because of his comprehensive Man on the Moon: The End of Day. The album, which broke the fresh-faced rap mold and took us into the mind of post-911 young black hipster was astounding. With producers Dot da Genius, Emile, Kanye West, Plain Pat and Ratatat, Mescudi found a niche with his neo-psychedelic trip-hop electro boogie emo-rap and the cool kids found a new rapper to emulate. His spacey, introspective sensibility helped turn a seemingly passing fad into a hip-hop sound worth evolving.

MEDIUM

Drake

Notable Work: Thank Me Later

Who knew that the kid from Degrassi: The Next Generation would become one of the most celebrated rappers a few years later? After dropping his massive So Far Gone mixtape—an album so jam packed with hits, he could’ve released a greatest hits compilation album—Aubrey Drake Graham took the world by storm and his coveted EP took home Grammy nods. The Toronto wunderkind released his long-awaited first studio album Thank Me Later earlier this summer to excellent critical praise. Spawning club anthems “Find Your Love” and “Over,” it solidified Drake’s hype with berserk, glitchy automation Auto-Tune slow jams and introspective, confession culture trouncing.

GIANT

Kanye West

Notable Work: 808s & Heartbreak

Egocentric rapper Kanye West has had better albums, each one more ammunition explosive, high-flying flamboyantly electric with a larger-than-life razzle-dazzle than their predecessor. But this one had bite: he lost his mother Donda to cosmetic surgery, he broke from his engagement with fiancée Alexis Phifer, and critics had doubted he could drop a successful follow-up in the wake of the epic Graduation, which added an additional six chart topping hits to his repertoire. This time around he unloaded an epitaph that wallowed in self-deprecation, emotional decadence, the pain of car-crash relationship and divvied an introspective meditation on loss through androgynous Vangelis-inspired sci-fi flourishes and sweeping and synth-pop machine-powered braggadocio. The result: followers, B.o.B., Drake and Kid Cudi.

Kanye West’s First Time Back On Twitter Best Ever

White Man Attacked For Listening To Rap, Possible Hate Crime Charge

Refinery29 sat down with budding style icon Solange Knowles to discuss fashion, footwear and music. Take a look at what the songstress had to say about being a extraordinary girl with a fab shoe game, in this ordinary world:

(From Refinery29)

We recently started seeing Solange Knowles at our favorite bands’ gigs, rocking couture bunny ears, a luxe turban, and shoes so awesome, we could barely pay attention to the music—and the more we got to know the singer, the more we fell in love with her songs, her perspective, and—of course—her sensational style. Though she might have a super-famous older sister with whom she shares her Aphrodite-like looks and virtuoso voice, she’s definitely her own woman through-and-through. A mother, a sister, a daughter, an artist, musician, writer, and singer…Solange wears many hats, and channeled a bit of love from each of them to create her third studio album, to be released later this fall. We met up with Solange at The Standard Hotel to gain a little insight into how she maintains her inspired style.

By: Connie Wang & Piera Gelardi | Photos by: Kava Gorna

Who are your style heroes?

“My mom in the ’70s and ’80s! She was a bad bitch. Sex and the City totally jacked her steez on the camels. I have a pic of her on a camel ride in Egypt in the ’80s serving the hell out of that desert! Also, Diana Ross, The Fela Kuti Queens, Björk, ’70s-era Chaka Khan, Chloë Sevigny, ’90s Erykah Badu.”

What’s your secret style weapon?

“Shoes! I’m all about the shoes! I order a ton of them online and play with my entire wardrobe until I find the right shoe. Unfortunately, so many people get it right from the head until the ankles. The shoe is very important. I can’t even fuck with you if your shoe game is slacking.”

For more of Solange’s interview, go here!

Check out her style in the gallery below:

If you are looking for a way to pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson without going over the white-gloved, sequined jacket edge, try channeling the King with a few simple accessories.

While respect Michale for his ability to rock his iconic look, not many of us can get away with the same opulence in regular life. For a fashionable nod to the best there ever was, try pulling a few of the quirky trends that Michael made classic to your wardrobe repertoire.

Our recommendation? Put on our dancing shoes and tip your hat in celebration of MJ.

Here are three ways to get the look of our late legend on any budget:

Small

Try this affordable, chic fedora from ASOS, paired with these jazzy flats by Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman “Kat” Sequined Oxfords $140.00

ASOS Straw Fedora Hat $25.36

Watch MJ rock the white fedora in “Smooth Criminal”

Medium

If you’re dealing with a mid-level budget, go for these options from Neiman Marcus and Marc Jacobs:

Lacquered Fedora 150

Marc by Marc Jacobs Two-tone patent-leather loafers 295

Watch Michael rock his loafers in “Billie Jean”

GIANT

For the MJ-lovin’ ballers out there, Miu Miu and La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau have the best options to help you bring out your inner Moonwalker.

La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau Trendy Summery straw Panama 230

Miu Miu Studded patent-leather loafers 750

Watch MJ Rock his fedora in “You Rock My World”

Images of the Winter 2010-2011  line from Christian Louboutin have arrived and they are more fabulous than ever before!

As NY Mag puts it:

Minimalism was never his thing. Face-planting is not ours, but ooh, these are so nice and shiny! And could cut a bitch if they had to!

Take a look at the fabulously extravvagant collection, and prepare to fall in love!

[ione-gallery id="512415" src="http://giantmag.com"]

Also, check these out:

Jimmy Choo Debuts An Alternative To The Overdone Prada Sneaker

The 5 Most Outlandish Fall Heel Trends

As the summer travel season gets into full swing, GIANT has put together a go-to-guide for those looking to hit the friendly skies in style.

We never want you to forsake fashion for comfort when you travel, ad conversely, perhaps Avant Guarde has no place in your tiny airplane seat. Need help toeing the fine line between frumpy and faux fabulous? We have created a visual guide for some simple dos and donts to help you have a fashionable voyage.

People found these pictures of your favorite celebs at the airport, and we’re telling you how to get the look. Check it out:

DO:

Keep yourself warm with a chic leather.

We all know how cold it can get on the airplane. Rather than packing your ratty old sweater, opt for a versatile leather. Stay stylish and comfortable in a thin but warm leather like Eva Longoria below:

Try this jacket by Vince:

Vince Draped Leather Jacket 995

DO:

Layer effortlessly

Mixing textures is always a good way to keep comfortable and warm on a long red-eye flight. David Beckham stays stylish by pairing a classic tee and a blazer with denim, and finishing off the look with a preppy cardigan casually thrown over the shoulders. This look will provide you with options and an instant cool factor.

You can find similar looks at Zara.com:

DO:

Choose comfortable monochromatic knits

Beyonce keeps it simple and chic in her tank and cargo pants. Her look is undoubtedly just as comfortable as it is fashionable. Jay is also keeping it simple and stylish by mixing denims, a huge trend this season.

We recommend these alternatives:

James Perse tank & BCBG Cargos

For Jay’s Look:

Union Contrast shirt & 7 For All Mankind Jeans

DO:

Keep it Classy but casual

Take a page out of Kylie Minogue’s book of style and rock a classic but comfy travel look. This simple jersey top paired with the voluminous tapered pant makes for a fabulously appropriate travel ensemble. Either heels or ballerina flats are wearable with this outfit, depending on your preference.

Try these pieces by Phillip Lim:

DON’T:

Stay away from ridiculously voluminous pieces.

Lady Gaga looks ridiculous in this get up. Perhaps it would have been fabulous and visionary on stage, but could you imagine having to sit next to this on a small airplane?

DON’T

Avoid excessive hardware

There’s no way Fergie-ferg had a relaxing trip covered in all of those grommets. Keep it simple while traveling to avoid looking overdone.

DON’T

Wear super tight pants.

Can you imagine sitting on a six hour flight in these super skinny jeans? Must suck to be Russel Brand.

DON’T

Wear your underwear to the airport.

Who knows who sat in that seat before Gaga. Furthermore, we feel sorry for the person who must sit in the seat after her. Overall, very tacky and even more unhygienic.

Take a look at some more dos and donts in the gallery below:

As we begin to cover the 2011 Resort collections which are hitting runways at breakneck speeds, we came across Brazil’s impressive summer swimwear offerings.

According to the Huffington Post, Sao Paulo Fashion Week produced numerous shows in which designers sent stylish swimsuits down the runway for Spring-Summer 2010-2011. What better way to kick off our Resort coverage than with a few of the hottest bathingsuits to grace the catwalks this season. Check them out below, and for more, check out the Huff Post.

For an issue of GIANT our fashion team selected the hottest models on the scene right now and brought them together with super-glam photographer Mark Squires. The results are sizzling…

American Apparel is definitely a name in fashion that you are familiar with, as it has become hugely popular amongst the hipster crowd.

What the emerging brand specializes in is simple cotton wardrobe basics, marketed as cool sexy and “American.” Overall American Apparel’s clothing is underwhelming and excessively unimpressive comparatively, though the company is continuing to grow and expand to foreign markets. Why? We have three guesses, each equally unfathomable.

1.

Sex Sells

How do you get people to pay attention to ads for lack luster tees, tights socks and other such random nick-knacks? You infuse such ads with as much overt sexuality as possible. American Apparel is notorious for photographing its scantily and un-impressively clad models  in compromising positions. Apparently this tactic is bringing in your attention as well as beaucoup sales. Here’s an example of a classic AA advertisement:

2.

Size 6 & Under

American Apparel has also come under fire recently for its failure to provide sizes larger than 6 in some items. According to Jezebel, if you are larger than a size 6, AA does not want your money. The popular brand does not manufacture some of its garments in larger sizes at all. Of course this has become a topic of consternation, being discussed by plus size proponents, fashion commentators and consumers alike, resulting in a ton of free publicity. If what they say about all publicity being good publicity, then American apparel is doing alright, size 8s or not.

3.

Natural Beauties Only

The final tactic that seems to be helping AA secure retail success is it’s strict hiring, and employee grooming practices. According to Gawker, American Apparel demands that its entire staff adapts to is stringent beauty standards. Here are a few of the rules staffers are expected to follow, as per a company e-mail sent out to store managers:

a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.

b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.

c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:

-Hair must be kept your natural color.

-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.

-”Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.

How many of you are hot enough to work at AA based on these standards alone? To read the entire company e-mail including the rules for men, go here. It seems as though AA believes that having a beautiful staff will equate to fiscal success.

We have always been and will continue to be underwhelmed by the illustrious American Apparel brand. As hip as it may be at the moment, we see the company’s initiative as superficial and trendy. Lets ee if its discriminatory practices and controversial selling point will withstand the test of time.

Take a look at some more of AA’s classy ad campaigns:

This summer marks the return of the label, and as it turns out, you can go shopping for labels without braking the bank. Here’s how.

Designers are cranking out chic pieces that carry all of their glamorous names at reasonable prices. Don’t sacrifice your bank account to advertise for Gucci this summer. Instead try these designer G Things. Here are 8 ways to shop chic and smart for all the label lovers out there.

1.

3.1 Phillip Lim ‘Asian Pacific American Heritage Month’ Tee 85

This tee by celebrated progressive  designer Phillip Lim is the best way for you to profess to the world what a label whore you are while supporting a great cause at the same time. As if the charitable nature of this tee wasn’t enough, its only $85 at Nordstrom stores.

2.

Tory Burch Logo Tank Top 85

The Tory tank is classic, Americana fashion. For an effortlessly savvy and instantly recognizable summer look, rock a Tory tank.

3.

T by Alexander Wang ‘Goddess’ Stripe Jersey Skirt 85

The ‘Goddess’ skirt by Alexander Wang is definitely a statement piece. The dramatic gathered bottom puts a great twist on a simple skirt.

4.

Tory Burch ‘Miller’ Logo Thong 76

This Tory thing sandal is another classic wardrobe building piece. Every girl needs a good flip flop. Why not go with this brightly colored option?

5.

Michael Kors Venice rectangle-frame acetate sunglasses 122.50

Step up your eye wear game with these boldly colored Michael Kors glasses. While other brands have overdone this silhouette, Kors makes it fresh and new.

6.

T by Alexander Wang Asymmetrical Jersey Dress 125

Alexander Wang is one of the most lauded contemporary designers because of the way he spins classic knits and silhouettes into fabulously chic garments. His lower priced T line continues the trend, and remains in the high-end fashion bracket. You definitely wont find this piece in Target.

7.

Gucci Marola Jelly Sandals 150

This Gucci jelly is the perfect summer flat. The jelly shoe is big for the summer season so go ahead and ride the trend with these.

8.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue Bleached Wash Denim Shopper 130

This Marc tote is a great summer bag for the stylish girl on the go. The bleached denim fabric is another big summer trend that is sure to take summer ’10 by storm.

Also Check out:

Sex And The City 2 Fashion Guide

How To Be Fashionably Daring

Only Built For Cubannie Links

Sex and The City 2 is finally here and the fashion extravaganza has been stirring up buzz among the die-hard fans who have coveted the fiercely styled costumes since the series’ inauguration.

The premiere took place yesterday, appropriately in NYC, and the girls hit the red carpet dressed for a celebration. While we are all anticipating the theater opening of SATC2, we can indulge in the musing of Patricia Field, the film’s costume designer, and the woman single-handedly responsible for the fashion phenomenon that it has become.

Fields spoke candidly to NY Mag about the decisions leading up to the costume choices for the movie’s sequel. Take a look at a few of the stunning looks, as well as the reasoning behind them:

About the scene in the above photo, Patricia Field says:

“This is in the Middle Eastern desert in a tent. In the course of this desert jaunt that they do, they have three changes, which is really funny. This, to me, is giving you Sex and the City: the hysterical. Miranda’s dress is gorgeous, by the way — that dress is an antique. When I first met Cynthia Nixon at the beginning of the series, she said to me, ‘Pat, you’re the expert, I’m not into fashion, just dress me, I trust you.’ That was a compliment, but in a way it posed a problem, because…Read the rest here.

“Oh, this is my homage to Galliano — I love him; Sarah Jessica loves him. And so I use him a lot just because I love his clothes. The J’adore Dior is a vintage piece, about ten years old, and it was just sitting there and we were like, ‘Where the hell are we going to use this?’ And that skirt is really a crinoline under a gown — it’s a slip, and it was beautiful. So I said, ‘Let’s use the slip as a skirt and do our Carrie, funk-it-up style with that Dior T-shirt…Read the rest here.

“It was a concern of Sarah Jessica’s that Carrie’s not a kid anymore, and so maybe we should change her style, but I said, ‘No, she’s not a kid, but she’s still Carrie! She doesn’t all of a sudden have a lobotomy and become like Charlotte, or become a designer-driven dresser.’ In this shot, Carrie has a potpourri on.” (This is the $50,000 outfit.) …Read the rest here.

Go here for more pics and photo commentary by Patricia Field.

Also check out these photos from the film’s NYC red carpet premiere here:

It’s easy to feel restricted to the 3-piece paradigm often associated with casual menswear: shirt, jeans, sneakers.

Free yourself of the typical menswear confines and upgrade your wardrobe this season by putting a little swag in your step. Here are a few tips to help you get fresh by ditching the stale old trends of the past.

1.

Not Skinny But Fitted

Here is one of the few times where medium trumps GIANT. When fitting yourself for new denims avoid the ultra-baggy and super-skinny jeans at all costs. For a more fashionable, and sophisticated look try a pair that actually fit (Gasp! What a notion…jeans that fit!). The trend in denim wear right now is a fitted leg, go ahead and give it a try.

The Slim Guy Jean in Natural Indigo Selvedge Men’s Denim By Naked & Famous 140

The Slim Jean in Rinse Men’s Denim By WeSC 78

The Weird Guy Jean in Vintage Blue Selvedge Men’s Denim By Naked & Famous 165

2.

A Tailored Suit

A tailored suit is the essential menswear piece this season. In particular the European style cut is a big hit in the fashion world, with every fashion house from Hugo Boss to Zara producing variations. The suit is no longer strictly for formal occasions and Sunday service. Pair your fitted suit with a simple tee and some boat shoes to make it work for an evening on the town or a casual lunch.

BOSS Black Sophisticated Two-Button Wool Suit 895

Club Monaco Tan Suit

HUGO Chic Two-Button Wool Suit Navy 895

3.

Earth Tones

This season browns, greens and beige’s are making a comeback in  a major way. Leave the neon’s to your accessories and try on a monochromatic, earth tone look. There’s nothing more sexy than subtlety in menswear.

Looks From:

Salvatore Ferragamo
Ermenegeldo Zegna
Bottega Venetta
Dolce & Gabbanna

4.

The Non-Nike

Nike’s are great, and classic and epic. We’ll give them that. But try to shake your footwear game up a little by venturing outside of the orange box. Try different types of shoes (ie a boot or a boat shoe), and give the sneaker a break. Dare to be different and uber-stylish by going for the non-nike.

POLO Rawlins Boot 416.50

POLO Barx Deck Shoe 89.00

UO Bright Leather Plimsol 24

5.

Accessorize

There is no better way to add pop to an outfit than by adding interesting accessories. Particularly in you are stuck in the 3-piece menswear model (shirt-jean-sneaker) a good accessory will instantly add another dimension to your look. Hats, belts, sunglasses, bracelets and watches all provide avenues for you to accessorize.

Paul Smith Straw Dye Trilby Hat with Ribbon 95.00

D&G Time Men’s Medicine Man Watch 40mm 275.00

Paul Smith Painted Buckle Belt 155.00

Also, check these out:

How To Be Fashionably Daring

The 9 Essential Elements Of MET Gala Red-Carpet Style

If you have yet to put a little bit of edge into your wardrobe, then your fashion repertoire is definitely in need of a few simple additions.

Its time to ditch the basic looks that you have been coasting by with. Be daring, be bold, and be fashionably exciting. The latest trend in the fashion microcosm is definitely “edgy.” If you’d like to indulge with out falling head over heel into a trend spiral, here are a few ways to upgrade your wardrobe for the times. Here is your guide to the pieces that will amplify your look, or just a few ideas to assist you on your way to building a fashionably formidable look that will take you from plain to daring in an instant.

1.

Vivid Colors

Add instant pop to your look by rocking a vivid color. Neon’s add an interesting, trendy edge to a particularly boring look.

Zac Posen Cornelia duchesse satin dress 1,795

Elizabeth and James Mason 285

Lisa Marie Fernandez Side Panel neoprene skirt 295

2.

Structure

Voluminous clothing will amplify your outfit instantly. Stray from the usual cuts, and go with garments that add volume in order to make your look more complex and fashionably edgy. Be careful not to choose clothing with volume in places that are not flattering for you.

Arden B One Shoulder Puff Sleeve Top 34

Matthew Williamson Chambray cotton jumpsuit 895

Black Katie Button Skirt 80 GBP

3.

Patterns

Geometric, floral or ethnic patterns are huge this season and provide a colorful flare to even the most simply cut garment. This is a great way to liven up your outfit, while staying with simple cuts that work well on your body, but are otherwise boring or uninspired. Tights in a geometric pattern instantly go from drab to edgy and fun.

Diane von Furstenberg Calida strapless printed dress 325

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dashiki Stripe jumpsuit 370

Sass & Bide The Likes Of You leggings 155

4.

Mix Textures

By mixing textures, you can automatically add more dimensions to your outfit. Choose garments that mix otherwise opposing textures such as silk and jersey in order to create a more dynamic look.

Alexander Wang Two-tone draped dress 395

DRKSHDW by Rick Owens Wrapped Robot jacket 1,235

Alice + Olivia Sequin bustier cotton dress 495

5.

Accessorize

Wild accessories can take your look to the next level with minimal effort. A bold neck piece can transform even a plain white tee and a playful head band can change the mood  of your entire look. Expand the value of basics by rotating trendy, outrageous accessories that will transform them.

Latex Flower Exclusive Headband, Benoit Missolin 150

Neon Studded Kozoi Sunglasses 10

Falconiere Frantz Necklace 700

Check out these celebs getting in on the trends: