Haute-House

PROPHECYBRAND.COM

2023-08-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Readers-

Across the span of time, I've frequented this site to share glimpses of my life's journey. The inception of Haute-House feels like a distant memory now. Fast-forward to the present, I'm residing in California, living a life beyond the ordinary. I'm now the proud founder of Prophecybrand.com, and a thriving creative agency with a specialization in fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Now, I'm gearing up for my next venture, a resurgence into the world of fashion journalism.

Please continue to accompany me on this incredible journey! There's so much more to come soon!

Much love!
Joseph Benjamin

BEAUTY.COM

2015-10-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

During fashion week all the new trends hit the runway. Check out the models of NYFW.

MILLY:

INSPIRATION: Fresh out of the shower feeling.

GET THE LOOK: HAIR with Recine for PHYTO (all of the below products are available at Beauty.com)

1. Spray water onto the models dry hair to make it damp.

2. Quickly comb through the hair.

3. Use PHYTO Professional Intense Volume Mousse and comb through the hair.

4. Use a wide tooth comb to pull the hair back and mix PHYTO Professional Intense Volume Mousse with PHYTO Professional Wet Gel to hold the front line of the hair.

5. Clip 3 tissues to the left, right and middle part of the hair. This is used to keep the hair in place.

6. Take two pieces underneath from each side and pull them up and around the back part of the hair. Place an elastic where the two pieces meet.

7. Remove the tissues and the clips

8. Spray PHYTO Phytolaque Soie Light Hold Hairspray and then PHTYO Phytoplage Protective Sun Oil to complete the ultimate wet look

Corporate Social Responsibility

2015-09-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Companies are trying really hard to get the attention of millennials, and it looks disingenuous. In fact, it’s only getting worst and highlights a profound generational divide. Sort of like corporate social responsibility (CSR)... Do companies really care about CSR or are they only espousing CSR as a way of projecting a positive image and going along with political correctness? If so we can see the BS a mile away! Large corporations conduct research on how to connect to millennials and then bash them, when expected results are not produced. What I feel is lacking in today’s campaign outreach to millennial is genuine compassion for social responsibility. Look at what American Appeal is doing, they are finding new insignificant way to reach millennials. I comment on photo included in AP visual ad campaign, my Facebook page exploded in a frenzy. Millennials were agreeing with my take on AP skinny lifeless models. I guess American Appeal does not care about CSR, however they are determined to continue doing the same thing expecting different results. I have a true entrepreneurial spirit, and I believe in social corporate responsibility, through my direction I have striven hard to create opportunities for several personal clients and large corporations I have worked for, without jumping on our client’s publicity bandwagons.

CSR has become the norm, but whether or not a company’s intent is motivated by profit or guided by a genuine altruist need to improve the world remains a contentious issue…. The same can be witnessed of companies interested attracting millennials. The Question is do they really care? If they don’t, they really should. Dan Schawbel’s article on Forbes remind us of this: “There are eighty million millennials in America and we represent fourth of the world population with 200 billion in buying power.” Were rock stars! As Schwabel states many companies believe that millennials hold influence over older generations and are trendsetting across all industries, and ignore traditional methods of advertising and marketing.

A few weeks ago I, had a conversation about branding, and what I feels connects well with millennials. What I took from the conversation is that millennials will not be satisfied with boilerplate media placement and advertising. No way! Social engagement is required to attract millennials who want to virtually see what companies are doing and how. More importantly how it could possible benefit them. Millennials care more about political progressiveness, social issues and what companies are doing and saying about them. Following the norm of traditional marketing obviously outdated and ineffective. So the biggest stake out here is for companies to get involved with an issue that millennials are talking about on social media, and use this to integrate it their marketing campaign.

Christina Millian

2015-07-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Actress and singer-songwriter Christina Milian opens the doors for her store, We Are Pop Culture, this past Monday.

The store began online back in November 2014. Shortly after launching the online version, We Are Pop Culture was featured on KTLA. Ever since, the brand has grown immensely. Eight months after the feature, Christina made the decision to open the brand new store front on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles.

We Are Pop Culture, as a brand, highlights lifestyle, pop culture, and its influences on the world today. The company focuses on providing customers with visually stimulating, thought provoking, and trendsetting products that fit into their everyday lives. This Street-wear and Casual-wear clothing for the modern-day woman is edgy, funky, comfy, and trendy.

If you would like to feature Christina Milian and We are Pop Culture with your outlet, please contact me. For more information on the brand, We Are Pop Culture, please visit their website http://wearepopculture.com/.

THE EMPEROR 1688

2015-07-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Babak Golkr, Haman Golkar, Farhan Golkar

In 2007 three-brothers, Babak Golkar, Haman Golkar and Farhan Golkar Launched an innovative luxury brand that prides itself the fantasy and ideal of means wear in the eyes of the Golkar brothers. Sourcing inspiration from classical architecture, world culture and traditional English tailoring, fusing all together for a contemporary customer.

This Fall Winter 2014, The Emperor 1688 looks to the relationship of Victoria and Albert in their retreat in Balmoral castle in Scotland. The collection is a contemporary take on traditional country looks using Scottish wools, tweeds and tartan. The focus of the collection is the transition of the men’s collection, which is synonymous with The Emperor 1688 to the launch of the ready to wear women’s collection. The Golkar brothers love and are fascinated with traditional English tailoring which is something that was used as the starting point for this collection.

Why you are participating in FFWD Season THREE:

“Having three stores in Dubai and continuing our relationship with Saks Fifth Avenue (the first store to hold The Emperor 1688) we believe the region needs a platform to make sure our collections are seen by our consumers in the Middle East,” said Babak Golkar.

Why the partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue?

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s pre-eminent specialty retailers, renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, has played an important role in The Emperor 1688’s brand history. Launching in Saks Fifth Avenue for Spring Summer 2009 signalled the start of The Emperor 1688 as not only a regional brand but also an international brand with a wider consumer appeal

http://www.theemperor1688.com/

Donatella Versace

2015-07-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Outside Source

Donatella Versace on Her Responsibility as a Designer, the Ultimate Luxury and Exercising Restraint

WOMEN'S FASHION

BY ALAINNA LEXIE BEDDIE

JULY 5, 2015 9:00 AM

Asked what she is looking forward to most this summer, Donatella Versace said recently, “Absolute peace, absolute privacy and absolute pleasure with my family and friends.” But the Italian designer is in Paris this weekend to present her fall 2015 couture collection — where she is sure to experience the opposite of rest and relaxation with loved ones. “When I am in Paris for Atelier Versace,” she says, “life is a whirlwind. There is so much to perfect, and ensure that every single detail is how I want it to be.” In the days leading up to her runway show, Versace took a quiet moment to share with T her own fashion rules, beauty secrets and the responsibility she feels as a designer.

Describe your personal style — and who has influenced or continues to influence it.

My rules of style are very personal. Most days I wear black, either a fine knit black sweater or a black tank in the summer. I like to wear black pants, whether they are tailored, denim or leather. My heels are always high. When I am on the red carpet, I wear Atelier Versace. I am sure that there are changes each season, some might be obvious and driven by the Versace catwalk, others that I am not even aware of. But I also like to break my rules and wear color and prints.

How do you distinguish your personal style from your style as a designer?

My name is Versace. There will always be elements of my personal style in my shows, because it is in my DNA. If a show did not feel like Versace, I could not take my bow at the end. But when I am designing, I am thinking about a whole Versace universe, strong and powerful women, their dreams and their desires. Atelier Versace is the ultimate, and it is also a particular responsibility. Our client expects only the best, and it is up to us to create pieces that make her look and feel the best she has ever been.

Is there a beauty product you can’t live without? And how do you feel about regimens?

I have seen many beauty regimes come and go. For me, the best beauty regime is always laughter, happiness and sleep.

In what ways do you feel exercising restraint is important … or the opposite of what you should do?

Never, ever show restraint in expressing love to your family and friends. Be fearless and confident in dressing, but also learn when to stop. When I am designing, I push myself and my team to create something extraordinary and new, but I always make sure there is pleasure in the work. Music is always playing. I love to hear my team laughing and joking. We are a family, and we do everything we can to make ourselves proud.

And what would you say is the ultimate luxury?

Time is the ultimate luxury — the time to spend with my family and my friends, the time to work and to satisfy myself creatively, the time to see new things and to push myself forward. But the ultimate, ultimate luxury is Versace, of course.

Donna Karen

2015-07-04T13:57:00.002-07:00

Outside Sources

Most important professional moves of the week.

Donna Karan | Source: Shutterstock

Donna Karan Steps Down
Donna Karan, hailed as one of the world’s most influential female fashion designers, is stepping down as chief designer of Donna Karan International. In a statement, the company said that Karan had made “a personal decision to step down from her day-to-day responsibilities" at the brand she co-founded with her late husband Stephan Weiss in 1985, but will remain in an advisory role. Karan will shift her focus to Urban Zen, a standalone project she founded in 2007 that sells ready-to-wear and lifestyle products developed in partnership with artisans.

Nike Chairman Bows Out
Nike co-founder Phil Knight has announced his plans to step down as chairman of the world's largest sportswear brand next year. Knight named Mark Parker, current chief executive of Nike, as his choice to succeed him. The Nike board of directors will officially appoint a new chairman in 2016. The company appointed Knight's son, Travis Knight, to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Moschino CEO Exits
Alessandro Varisco, chief executive of Moschino, is leaving the company, effective June 30. Varisco first joined Moschino as chief executive in 2009. Previously, he worked as managing director at Roberta di Camerino. Varisco’s role will be taken over on an interim basis by Massimo Ferretti, executive president of Aeffe Group, together with Marcello Tassinari, Aeffe Group's managing director and chief financial officer.

PGM Group Names CEO
Pacific Global Management (PGM), the holding company of La Perla and Elite World, has appointed John Hooks as chief executive officer. Hooks will also take the post of executive chairman at Elite World and will sit on the board of directors of La Perla. Previously, Hooks was group president of Ralph LaurenEurope and the Middle East.

Yoox Appoints Chief Information Officer
Yoox has named Alex Alexander as its first chief information officer. Alexander joins the e-commerce retailer from Wal-Mart Stores Inc., where he was multichannel technology director for the past three years. Alexander will lead all of Yoox’s technology functions.

Gabba Rejoins Condé Nast
Matteo Gabba will rejoin Condé Nast as associate director of Condé Nast Global Development. He reports to Jamie Bill, who was appointed executive director of the department in March. Matteo leaves his role at 24 ORE Group where he was marketing director, consumer. Prior to that, he was group marketing director at Condé Nast Italy.

New Look Names Chairman
Paul Mason is stepping down from his position as non-executive chairman of New Look, as South African investment group Brait completes its acquisition of the retailer. Brait’s chief executive John Gnodde will succeed Mason. Chief executive Anders Kristiansen, chief financial officer Mike Iddon and chief creative officer Roger Wightman will remain in their existing roles.

ADAM SELMAN

2015-05-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Outside Sources
LEE CARTER, STYLE.COM

A lover of camp, Adam Selman put together a clever send-up of '60s bad girls, complete with beehives and a bubblegum-pop soundtrack—like a sassy scene out of a John Waters flick. In fact, that's exactly what the collection was based on, a scene from Female Trouble, when Chiclet Fryer (played by Susan Walsh) talks back to her teacher for reprimanding her outfit. "It's just a skirt and sweater!" she sneers, every bit the ill-tempered delinquent as her partner in crime, Divine's Dawn Davenport. In a moment of pure fandom, Selman delivered the line himself with the same petulant intensity.

So that's how he arrived at the twinset, tweaking and twisting the '60s symbol of virtue until it became "rotten and spoiled." Selman filled out the collection further with gingham schoolgirl uniforms, polo-collared dresses covered in little bows of yarn, a belted midi dress fashioned after a trenchcoat, accordion-pleated skirts, and matching gloves. There were also bobby socks, oversize fuzzy sweaters, and rib knits—a first for the designer—as well as cat-eye shades in collaboration with Les Specs.

Most of it managed to feel contemporary, not costumey, even though Selman's models stayed in character throughout, sauntering around the runway while smacking gum and twisting their hair. During rehearsal, the show's stylist, Mel Ottenberg (who also counts Rihanna, a bad girl in her own way, as a client), directed the girls to "stare into space like you're stoned." That's exactly what they did, to the delight of audience member Amy Sedaris, whose short-lived TV showStrangers With Candy, a sort of updated Female Trouble, was surely another cult inspiration.

CHRIS BROWN RESIDENCY AT DRAI'S BEACHCLUB/ NIGHCLUB

2015-05-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was not the only event going down in Vegas. Chris Brown started his residency at Drai’s Beachclub/ Nightclub atop The Cromwell. Chris Brown brought along a few friends for the event. Too Short, Russell Westbrook, Busta Rhymes (who headlines his own concert tonight- Sunday, May 3)

Chris concert was not only the hottest after party in Las Vegas for the “Fight of the Century,” but it also served as the official kickoff performance for his Drai’s LIVE residency Drai’s LIVE is a new entertainment experience in Las Vegas fusing together the worlds of nightlife and live concerts in an unprecedented way. Bringing arena-level performers like Brown to a more up-close and vibrant atmosphere, Drai’s LIVE provides guests with an experience they cannot receive at any other venue in town.

Strategically located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Flamingo Blvd. on the rooftop of Caesars Entertainment’s new 188-room boutique hotel The Cromwell, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub takes entertainment and nightlife to new heights. The Strip’s only rooftop Beachclub includes multiple pools shaded by 10 towering palm trees, a variety of cabanas and bungalows, two full-service bars and a gourmet kitchen. Drai’s Nightclub is a dazzling, multi-level club with an expansive dance floor, massive LED lighting systems, and modern technology featuring more than 7,000 square feet of the most state of the art high definition LEDs in production, including a towering 80-sided LED disco ball - the only one of its kind, and the opportunity to detonate custom rooftop firework shows. Additionally, the legendary Drai’s After Hours is back in its original location for its 16th year.

For more information, visit www.draislv.com and follow Drai’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/draislv and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/draislv and Instagram @draislv.

I AM BACK....

2015-04-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

YES I AM BACK!

This past year has been very difficult for me. Trials and tribulations one after another. I am here to today to say that I have made though the worst year of my life. Now I am back and ready to reclaim social media guru of 2016.

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH 2015

To all my readers I have been working hard to gain more trust-worthy sources to provide me with information regarding all things fashion and entertainment. Haute-House Blog has been recently selected to receive video of fashion week from NY, Paris & Milan. I always strive to deliver current information content. End of 2015 I will be launching the new Haute-House Blog (HHB.COM) which will be more interactive and have a lot more features. Please stay tuned major changes are about to come.

FESTIVAL FASHION ESSENTIALS

2014-04-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

FARBOD BARSUM

2014-04-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

The designer, FARBOD BARSUM, born into a family of two architect parents, was surrounded with design and compositional discipline at an early age. His educational goals reflected his passion for arts as he graduated from Berkeley studying Art History. He went on to FIDM, San Francisco to study Fashion Design only to be followed shortly thereafter by a Masters degree in Architecture. Combining his experience by working for some of the most prestigious fashion houses as well as architectural design work, Farbod was ready to present his visions of iconic style to the world. He launched his fashion house in 2010 after an apprenticeship in The House of Bijan on Rodeo Drive where he worked side by side with the late designer.

We have completely rebranded the image of our boutique from the previous aesthetic of Melrose Place which was more vintage European to go with the mood and quaint setting of that street.

I always like to reflect the mood of the environment we inhabit and the ultra modern MGM building we reside in along with all the contemporary developments in the area gave me the opportunity to go in that new direction of modern. My challenge was to use two traditional materials such as marble and crystal chandeliers in a contemporary way by using striped olympico striato marble vertical and horizontal slabs along with square columnar shaped crystal chandeliers. There are thirteen chandeliers in all with a dazzling assortment of 3,500 strands of crystal making it the most crystal used in any boutique in Beverly hills. Everything takes a subdued but glitzy backdrop to the handbags as everything is shades of grey with black metallic sparkle porcelain floors from Spain. there are metallic silver velvet texture in the upholstery , as well as extensive use of smokey grey mirrors.
With my background and masters degree being in architecture, the boutique was designed entirely by me.
Clients will experience three different zones on the sales floor, the first being a men's unisex travel area, proceeding to a women's handbag and accessories area , and the last area is a room dedicated to evening bags and smaller handbags.

Austin Mahone

2014-04-05T14:28:00.004-07:00

Austin Mahone is celebrating his 18th birthday today with a major announcement for his Mahomies. The teen sensation will drop his debut release “The Secret” on May 27^th, followed by a summer tour across North America. The MTV Presents Austin Mahone tour will kick off in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas on July 25^thwith The Vamps (through August 21^st) and special guests Fifth Harmony, Shawn Mendes and Alex Angelo (starting August 26th). Concert goers will receive a download of “The Secret” on May 27^th with purchase of tickets to the tour (One download code per order for online purchases only; does not apply to box office or outlet ticket purchases). Visitwww.austinmahone.com for more ticketing info. Tickets go on sale April 11^th at 10:00am with a fan club pre-sale beginning April 8^th. Citi cardmembers receive access to presale tickets beginning on Wednesday, April 9^th at 10am local time through Thursday, April 10^th at 10pm local time. Visit citiprivatepass.com for more information. Citi is the official card of Mahone’s not to miss, MTV Presents Austin Mahone tour. The tour is guaranteed to be the biggest teen party of the summer!

Follow Austin
http://www.austinmahone.com
https://twitter.com/AustinMahone
http://instagram.com/austinmahone
https://vine.co/AustinMahone
https://www.facebook.com/AustinMahone

BCMG MUSIC GROUP

2014-03-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON, March 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BCMG music group specializing in lyric writing & beats production launched a website showcasing current and feature projects. Brittanae Daniels teamed with Chicago Cleav Beats to create BCMG music group. Both have work with various independent artist & record labels. In addition to music production services BCMG will offer publicity & artist development services.

"We want to provide all the necessities a artist will need to become successful, Soon records labels will be a thing of the past". Said Brittanae Daniels

As the music industry changes there are more independent artist emerging, BCMG has built a platform along with industry connection to make this possible. BCMG is already known for outstanding business principles and creative conceptions. BCMG philosophy is to Be Cleva, Be Creative this is the approach that is taken when writing & producing a hit song.

"BCMG is a one-stop-shop for all music production needs, we develop our artist to be the best, success is our goal" said Cleav Beats

BCMG (B Cleva Music Group) is a new independent entertainment company based in Houston, TX founded in 2013. After studying under platinum songwriter Jay Smith who wrote the Country hit by Scotty M Creery "I Love You This Big", two songwriters Brittanae Yvonne and Royce Smith decided to team up with a well established producer out of Chicago Cleva Beatz. To that union B Cleva Music Group was formed. Separately BCMG have placed many songs on numerous projects with many accomplishments to follow. Together BCMG is currently taking the music and entertainment industry by storm one project at a time. Our slogan is to "B Cleva B Creative". Our goal is to create music that will last long after we are gone and motivate other artist to do the same.

GREEN EMBASSY

2014-03-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

GREEN EMBASSY is Australia’s first internationally recognized organically certified fashion label. As a company they believe that sustainability should be at the heart of their business and of the fashion industry. With a strong focus on a modern minimalist feel along with practicality, eco-conscious consumers flock to the line. Zuhal herself find daily inspiration for her artisan line through mature textile crafting traditions, and the beauty lurking in the Australian Outback. Each and every garment easily shows her responsibility toward living sustainably, organic architecture, and art. GREEN EMBASSY uses only the finest materials such as 100% certified organic Australian alpaca, merino, silk and organic natural fibers. The brand recently had a successful show for EcoLuxe London for London Fashion Week 2014, and is also participated recently in a Seattle for the “Everybody Every Body Fashion Show” where the debut of their Night in The Bush Collection took place. GREEN EMBASSY is also slotted to present in a New York eco fashion show for May.

Founded by Artist and Fashion Designer Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, GREEN EMBASSY is Australia’s first internationally recognized organically certified fashion label. GREEN EMBASSY believes sustainability should be at the heart of the f

ashion and textile industry. The lines eco-fashion items are 100% created by hand in Australia and certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards), the leading standard for quality assurance in organic textiles manufacturing worldwide. The fiber used during creation is also certified by NASAA-IFOAM (The National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia). For more information on GREEN EMBASSY visit http://greenembassy.com.au/.

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS

2014-03-20T15:50:00.002-07:00

Sunbow Productions

Jem and the Hologram fans, get excited!

Jon M. Chu, the director of G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Justin Bieber's Believe documentary, is making a big screen version of the hit 1980s cartoon!

Chu announced the new project in a YouTube video earlier today, telling fans, "The movie, without giving away too much, is a modern day, live action reinvention of the 1980s Hasbro classic cartoon Jem and the Holograms."

The film will be produced by Jason Blum and Bieber's mentor Scooter Braun.

While Chu didn't give away too much info about the exciting new Jem and the Holograms movie, he did share one very special detail: He wants fans to contribute their ideas via social media!

There are multiple ways fans can help contribute to the creative process. They can upload a photo or video to the film's Tumblr or even submit themselves as a casting possibility to star in the film.

The film already has its own Twitter account. "#JemTheMovie is happening & we want YOU to be part of it! Help @jonmchu @blumhouse & @scooterbraun make the movie!" they tweeted today following the big news.

Get excited!

Alex Blas

2014-03-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Alex Blas Showcases @ LAFW -- Artist turned designer Alex Blas may have changed canvases but his design work continues to flourish. This season Blas previewed key pieces from his (Fall 2014) Womenswear Collection. His designs where inspired by “timeless elegance.” The presentation took place during LA Fashion Week. Blas took things to the next level by fusing fine art and fashion.
As an emerging designer there is no better way to penetrate the fashion industry than Fashion Week. This particular (red carpet) event took place on the 1010 Wilshire rooftop on March 14th. VIP's, socialites, tastemakers, media, and (local) buyers where in attendance.

Alex Blas was born in 1978 in Mexico City and received his degree in 1999 from Santa Ana College. His artwork has been shown at the Lyons Weir Gallery in New York, the George Billis Gallery in Los Angeles, as well as Manifest Equality in Los Angeles, and at the Legends of La Cienega (sponsored by Elle Décor magazine). Blas currently live and works in Northern California, where he designed his fashion collection.

Cushnie et Ochs

2014-03-19T11:15:00.002-07:00

The Rose Bar Gets Saucy New Uniforms, Courtesy of Cushnie et Ochs

March 19, 2014 2:00pm

This morning, WWD broke the news that Cushnie et Ochs’ Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs have designed a limited-edition dress for the staff at the Gramercy Park Hotel’s Rose Bar. “The dress we designed is the ultimate Little Black Dress—sexy, sleek, and demure,” Ochs told the trade of the frock, a second-skin sleeveless number with a cutout just below the bust. Sexy and sleek? Definitely. But we’d have to say that demure is perhaps not the right descriptor for this little number. Considering their sexed-up new threads, we’d say that the Rose Bar employees will be dressing for tips.

BRITTANAE DANIELS SONGWRITER, PRODUCER

2014-03-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

MULTI-TALENTED SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER BRITTANAE DANIELS

September 11, 2013

SASSY PUBLIC RELATIONS

New Client

Los Angeles, CA, September 11, 2013– Music & Fashion it works.

Multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer Brittanae Daniels has selected Sassy Public Relations for representation. The young producer reached commercial success when commissioned to write and produce for record labels. With a strong foundation for music and appreciation for artist maturity Brittanae is also managing 3 artist on the rise to success. With her fast moving success her production company is now working on a tour for Janet Jacksonand Bruno Mars.

A strong business mind, coupled with a strong artistic sensibility, Brittanae has already made a mark on the music business for her blend of styles, sonorous sound... Since her start in entertainment, Brittanae has channeled her writing ability for such artists as Jawan Harris, Ciara, Usher, T-Pain, and many more.

In addition to producing, Brittanae has discovered and produced many emerging talents through her production company, BCGM (Be Cleva Music Group)

“Building a brand and a name for myself means taking on all aspects of the music industry,” Brittanae says. “My ability is only limited by my ambition and I have yet to scratch the surface of my goals and accomplishments. I plan to be around for as long as music accepts me.”

.

For more information, or to interview Brittanae contact Los Angeles PR specialist Joseph Benjamin of Sassy Public Relations. a full service PR, Marketing and Branding firm at (323)-596-8254 or email josephbenjamin@sassypublicrelations.com . Visit www.sassypublicrelations.com

Chez Alaïa

2014-03-17T14:08:00.001-07:00

Chez Alaïa: Low Fuss, High Impact

March 17, 2014 11:06am

Only when Paris fashion week winds down—and the exodus of editors, photo bloggers, and pretty young things is nearly complete—does an e-mail arrive from the Azzedine Alaïa press office informing those who remain about a series of intimate presentations to showcase the latest collection. Inviting a small number of media and friends (spotted: Jean-Paul Goude) to the showroom while buyers place their orders has become the unofficial protocol chez Alaïa, and it works because you can touch and feel the collection with the same unhurried focus as, say, Ken Downing from Neiman Marcus, who seemed noticeably impressed with some of the new techniques Monsieur Alaïa introduced for Fall.

This is the first collection to follow the Alaïa retrospective that recently ran its course at the reopened Palais Galliera in Paris. Was there a correlation between that survey of his career and the openwork polka-dot dresses or double-face gabardine coats? Hard to say without word from the designer. But one look at the construction of a stunning cape-backed bolero, or some of the knit patterning, and you sensed a certain engineering imperative—that he set out to push himself a bit further this time around.

To be sure, nothing was radically different. Mainly, Alaïa stuck to subtle silhouette updates, offering a roomier V-neck jumper and adding a rectangular fringe—occasionally knotted—to the edge of his skirts to give them a fresh swish in place of his typical flounce. A technique he dubbed “Religieuse” combined larger organ pleats with interior accordion pleats, and on a floor-grazing skirt or a truncated cape, the result was something akin to seeing Sister in the corner office. Indeed, with the recurrence of all those starched white poplin shirts, Alaïa further confirmed how his view of femininity has shifted since his heyday of cleavage-bearing necklines.

However, that’s not to suggest he’s repressed the sexiness: Witness the jagged booties, cut like leather spikes, and bicolor biker gloves. Body-skimming dresses benefitted from body-contouring jacquards so that waists seemed corseted by knit striping. If anything, he simply determined that the cues need not be as obvious. There were a few other dramatic—or better, dynamic—additions this season, namely the calf-hair pieces that had been striped with a slick lacquer and a grouping of wool suits in champagne and teal covered in a tonal coiled pattern. Metallic yarn reappeared this season, this time as a pixelated pattern and as a larger amorphous one. He also revisited the dimensional lantern-effect knits, in one example applying the dimensional technique around the bust of a cropped jacket that closed the show. The workmanship on these final looks was so deceivingly complex that it qualified as couture.

And that’s the thing about Alaïa, the couturier-architect whose clothes are so seriously and rigorously crafted that he can’t help but be diametrically less serious about everything else. Regulars to these intimate rendezvous would not have been surprised by the nostalgic, bossa-nova-style hits “Mambo Italiano” and “Quando Quando Quando” that accompanied the show. Swishy music for studied fashion: Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?

—Amy Verner

Photos: Courtesy Photos

tags: Alaia, Azzedine Alaia, Jean-Paul Goude

David Becham

2014-03-17T13:47:00.001-07:00

Tommy Hilfiger Declares David Beckham “Underwear Model of the Century”

March 17, 2014 4:07pm

Take that, Mark Wahlberg. Fashion mogul and boxer shorts visionary Tommy Hilfiger told a TMZ reporter who accosted him on a dark sidewalk that David Beckham is the “underwear model of the century.” Good news for H&M: The fast-fashion retailer recently launched a line of undies with the ex-footballer. Beckham’s long history of posing in u-trou started with Emporio Armani back in 2007, and culminated with what is basically the greatest underwear advertising triumph of all time: acommercial during the 2014 Super Bowl.

tags: David Beckham, Tommy Hilfiger

Giuseppe Zanotti

2014-03-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

A one time DJ, designer Giuseppe Zanotti was seemingly destined for a life in the realm of footwear thanks to a childhood in San Mauro Pascoli – a tiny Italian town with a rich history in shoe-making. Since leaving his DJ gig behind, Zanotti’s designs have acquired a cult following as he has seemingly crafted the perfect piece for any occasion – for men and women alike. Life + Times recently caught up with the celebrated designer, who delved into everything for music tastes to muses and more. Choice excerpts can be found below while the entirety of the inteLife + Times.

L+T: What music were you listening to when designing you’re latest collection?GZ: Well, I run from hip-hop, contemporary music, to funky, and Philadelphia music of the ’70s. I enjoy playing with the sound of the past and the rhythm of the present. Just like in my shoes you find the traditional craftsmanship of the ’50s but redesigned in a contemporary way with a touch of irony and innovation.

L+T: Do you have any muses that you think of when you are designing?
GZ: No. Inspiration is something that origins from everywhere; everything can be one flame of the never ending creativity’s fire. It’s anything, anywhere.

L+T: Speaking of Kanye [West], you have a great friendship with him. What do you think of his design attempts?
GZ: My friendship with Kanye is a matter of sympathy and true brotherly love. On the professional side, I believe he is an extremely versatile artist, a renaissance man. It’s not just a matter of good sound; there is the sound, the lyrics, his own outfits, the album cover, the video clips…everything is perfectly taken care of and he creates poetry for your spirit and body. I think he really has great potential.
I enjoyed working with him and observing through his fashion designs the way trends are changing. We all have to follow this wave of change offering new ideas, new incentives to grow. Fashion now is not an end in itself, it’s not showing off like in the ’80s or just a runway like in the ’90s or a total look like in the 2000′s. Nowadays everybody has the freedom to follow his or her instinct and to wear any brand and to listen to any music. To mix and match. We should all recognize this change and be part of it. Kanye, with his courage and his honesty has done his part. He was not afraid of facing such a dangerous world such as the fashion one, he was not afraid of shouting to everyone who he is.

DTLA TV SERIES

2014-03-16T00:32:00.001-07:00

DTLA is a gay-themed television series, which premiered October 24, 2012. The series was created, and is co-produced and directed by Larry Kennar. It follows a group of friends in Downtown Los Angeles under the slogan: One City, Seven Lives / Old Friends, New Stories. The main seven characters are Lenny, Bryan, Sara Jane, Matthew, Marky, Kai, Stefan. Will there be a second season? I had a blast watching this show. DTLA is now available on Hulu Plus and Netflix

CHER

2014-03-16T00:17:00.000-07:00

Cher’s Twitter Bombshell

March 14, 2014 6:07pm

Yesterday Cher announced over the course of several tweets that Bob Mackie, longtime collaborator and the man behind her infamous 1986 Oscars getup, would not be bringing his brand of bling to her upcoming (and perhaps truly final) tour.

“Nobody wanted to design this last tour more than I did! I am sick about it. My professional and business commitments were just too great,” Mackie said in a statement, adding that, “After all these years of collaborating, it is like turning down your own little sister, and how many guys have a little sister like Cher?”

British designer Hugh Durrant, who created the costumes for Cher’s misleadingly named 2002 Farewell Tour, will be designing in Mackie’s stead. While this news both stuns and saddens, as the Goddess of Pop assured via Twitter, “WE WILL PERSEVERE.” Steady on.

—Kristin Anderson

Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage

Vanessa Friedman

2014-03-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Vanessa Friedman Joins the New York Times as Fashion Director and Critic

March 12, 2014 8:55am

Following the departure of Cathy Horyn and Suzy Menkes, Vanessa Friedman, formerly the fashion editor of London’s Financial Times, is joining the New York Timesas fashion director and chief fashion critic. She will begin at her new post next month.

Speculation among editors at last month’s shows was that Friedman had been lobbying hard for the Times position, and some even felt that it was no accident that her Moschino takedown in the FThad a certain Horyn-like vigor. Friedman has served as theFT‘s fashion editor since 2003. Prior to her role there, she was a regular contributor to such publications as The New Yorker and Vogue, and was the founding fashion and features director forInStyle UK. No doubt, she’ll make a strong addition to the evolving NY Times fashion team.

Photo: Getty Images