STYLE 101: MAGAZINE

Oscars Red Carpet, 2013

2013-02-25T22:38:00.000-05:00

SASHAY

As with each season that passes by, there's generally a unique or standout moment -or- occasion, where we're reminded of how much we like to get dressed, and how much we like to see other people get dressed-up, too...

Many stars (read: celebrities) have come and gone, and have had their fair share of disastrous, OSCAR moments (and slight gambles of luck), on the red carpet. But, here is a short list of Hollywood folks, who I think #GotItRight, last night, at the 85th Annual, Academy Awards...

BLUE LAGOON

(Quvenzhané Wallis)

(Reese Witherspoon)

(Jennifer Hudson)

(Robin Roberts)

EARTH-TONED

(Charlize Theron)

(Kerry Washington)

(Naomie Harris)

(Anne Hathaway)

GUNMETAL

(Halle Berry)

(Naomi Watts)

(Edward Redmayne)

(Stacy Keibler)

xoxo, Avon!

;-D

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...

*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:

www.google.com, www.zimbio.com

The Downtown Girls (Season 1)

2013-02-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK GRITTY

When I found out about a totally new and completely cool, television show (read: web series), that featured four main characters (all female), of diverse, cultural backgrounds, dealing with life, love and the escape of mayhem, all while living in New York City, I just couldn't resist...

I mean, who can?! Especially if the cast is young, hot and super-talented... and, did I mention hot?! LOL... Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't heard the buzz -just yet- please allow me to introduce you to Crystal Boyd, Emebeit Beyene, Chandra Russell and Chivonne Michelle, better known as, The Downtown Girls. Their show (which made its debut last month), pulls some of its inspiration (not material), from the likes of Kristen Wiig and Tina Fey, combining both drama and comedy, to present a fresh take on adulthood and friendship, via a series of 3-5 minute vignettes styled in a 'day in the life of' type of format.

(The Downtown Girls. Emebeit Beyene, Chivonne Michelle, Crystal Boyd and Chandra Russell.

pictured left-to-right)

These beautiful women (whom are all NYU alums), were kind enough to grant STYLE 101 an exclusive, first-look into their world of creative genius, and, below, is what we could dig up... ^__^

1) Hi, Ladies! How are you?

We’re good! Thank You, for asking.

2) Can you describe for us, what is it –exactly– that you do, for a living?

Well, we’re all actors and producers, and right now, working on this project is pretty much our entire lives! As far as the production aspect -goes- the process includes overseeing everything, from the casting to securing the locations, to making sure there’s food on the set; we’re currently in the post-production phase, so, we’re primarily approving final edits, releasing episodes and promoting the show.

3) Okay, so, who’s who in the group… Like, is there a ‘mother figure,’ or the ‘baby’ of the bunch, etc. (LOL)?

Hahaha… there definitely isn’t a mother figure in the group (we’re too young for all that). We started as friends, so, the roles that we played in our friendship kind of just translated over; Chivonne is the organizer, Emebeit is the social butterfly, Chandra is the artsy one and Crystal is that big-picture person. As far as the process of making the show -goes- we all had our own individual roles; Emebeit was the head of casting (as well [as] the liaison for the cast and crew), Chandra was in charge of securing props and costumes, Crystal oversaw the editing in post-production and Chivonne was on-top of all of our SAG [Screen Actors Guild] paperwork and contracts (she made sure we were straight, on the legal end)! Also, Kevin Walker [our director], took on production scheduling and location scouting, in addition to directing.

4) In regards to the show that you’re all starring in, was this a grassroots concept, or is it a big, studio production? And, where did the idea come from?

It’s definitely a grassroots concept; we pretty much do everything, with us four girls, a director and a writer. We ran a successful Kickstarter and pooled our personal resources, to fund the project; the idea was born out of frustration (mostly). We all went [to] NYU [New YorkUniversity] to become actors, and [the thought was that] when you graduate, you assume that somebody is going to see you, know [within] their heart that you’re a superstar, and -BAM- there’s your career! Well, we quickly realized that it doesn’t work like that, so we decided to figure out a way to have some control over our careers (while having fun with our friends), and thus, Downtown Girls was born. The actual concept -for the show- is loosely based on our experiences at NYU, basically, it’s a collection of the really ridiculous -and hilarious- things that happened to us while we were trying to find ourselves and figure out a way to survive in the City. And, of course, the stories are seriously embellished (we’re not THAT crazy)!

5) Individually, when did you all decide that you wanted to be successful in your career, and not just be creative as a hobby or for fun?

Acting has been considered a career, for a long time now, but, when we started producing this series, we realized how important it is to have creative control and to be a force in the actual business of entertainment. Only 18% of the executive producers in film [and in] television are women, [and] that’s not ok. We want to show women that [their] power doesn’t begin and end in front of the camera; we can run things (in all aspects of this industry), and, we should.

6) Why do you feel that it is necessary for people to see or take notice of your work?

We represent the true essence of NYC (which is, the hustle), so, ‘if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,’ [as] the saying goes, right?! It is important for people (especially young people), to watch our show because it sheds light on the true hustles [that] everyday New Yorkers go through (to get by). While the show is intended to be for amusement, it is also the truth (our truth); people really do dance on the trains (for extra money in their pockets), people really do plot elaborate schemes (to get their dream apartment and get into the hottest club), etc. [New York] City is filled with hustlers, and our show is one of the only ones out there, celebrating that.

* Video (The Downtown Girls, Official Trailer, 2012)

*** To view episodes of The Downtown Girls, please visit their YouTube Channel ---> www.YouTube.com/theDTGofficial.

*** For more information about The Downtown Girls, please visit their website, at: www.TheDowntownGirls.com.

*** Facebook.com/TheDowntownGirls, Twitter.com/theDTGofficial, Instagram.com/theDTGofficial.

Calvin Klein x Fall/Winter 2013

2013-02-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

IN THE DETAILS

Although Calvin Klein no longer designs for his own, eponymous label, his name -still, very much so- carries weight...

And, that is definitely the case with his brand still being able to experience a strong, retail presence after 20+ years of being in the fashion business!

Of course, Klein's Super Bowl 2013, television -debut- advertisement helped to reignite the brand as a household name, but it's the crisp and clean images of Italo Zucchelli's men's wear collection that helps to keep customers coming back, year-after-year, and Zucchelli's Fall/Winter 2013 showing gave men's wear another stamp of approval in the #Alright department!

I loved the quilted sweatshirt design...

And my favorite pants, were the webbed-leather cargo's (in a shade of grey)...

Yet, eventhough we are smack in the middle of this year's Winter season, I somehow can't wait for next year's cold front to hurry-up and get here, so that I can ROCK some of those projected, CK pieces... LOL!!!

;-D

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...

*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:

www.google.com, www.style.com

America's Next Top Models... (well, some of them)

2013-02-06T01:03:00.002-05:00

FASHION BOWL 2013

Of course, it seems as though another, favorite pastime of millions of Americans, isn't just football or the Super Bowl, but also, the enjoyment of the infamous Super Bowl COMMERCIALS...

Being that I'm able to recognize fashion -somewhat- instantaneously, LOL... I picked up on a special trend during this year's Super Bowl 2013 commercials; Super Models!

From Kate Upton's sexy plug (alongside Willem Dafoe, Usher, et al.), for Mercedes-Benz, to Bar Refaeli's riotous kiss for GoDaddy.com and the global introduction of Matthew Terry's body parts on display for Calvin Klein... it was a sure sign that the fashion industry is still enjoying an upward swing (especially after that big moment during this past summer's Olympic Games in London).

* Video (Bar Refaeli, Go Daddy commercial, February 2013)

* Video (Kate Upton, Mercedes-Benz commercial, February 2013)

* Video (Matthew Terry, Calvin Klein commercial, February 2013)

As the old, cigarette ads used to say... we've come a long way, baby! LOL... (fashion, that is), xoxo!!!
;-D

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.youtube.com, www.models.com

Super Bowl 2013

2013-02-04T01:08:00.000-05:00

BALTIMORE WINS, 34 - 31

From the Sandy Hook elementary school kids singing with Jennifer Hudson, to Alicia Keys' National Anthem, to Queen Bey's Halftime performance, it was a football night to remember...

(Alicia Keys x Super Bowl 2013)

The Ravens took the lead over the San Francisco 49ers, early in the game, beating them by at least 20 points (up to the halfway mark), and after a shocking, 35-minute power outage, the 49ers came back with a nail-biting performance!

(Vernon Davis x Super Bowl 2013)

But, as fate would have it, the Ravens took the game by 34 points (to the 49ers' 31 points), and walked away with the Super Bowl trophy!!!

(Ray Lewis. Super Bowl 2013, CHAMPION)

WAY TO GO BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *woo hoo*
:-D

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.NFL.com

Beyoncé x Super Bowl XLVII

2013-02-04T00:03:00.000-05:00

LIGHTS OUT!!!

Okay, so it's official... Queen Bey is still -very much so- the ISH...

Earlier this week, in heated anticipation of her Super Bowl performance, Beyoncé admitted (at a press conference), that she DID -in fact- lip sync her performance of the Star Spangled Banner, at the 2nd-term inauguration of President Barack Obama. But, before she cleared the air, she sang the national anthem, again -acappella- and then proceeded to ask the audience, "Any questions?!" (LOL)

At tonight's halftime-show, Queen Bey, further laid all dispute to rest, when she sang LIVE during her entire performance, moving and shaking as if she were on stage for the first time!!! And, as a surprise, she re-introduced her homegirls, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams -on stage- as a teaser for a much-hyped Destiny's Child reunion ^___^

The outfits that Beyoncé, Michelle and Kelly wore, were designed by burgeoning, Russian designer, Rubin Singer, and of course, styled by Bey's longtime fashion stylist, Ty Hunter! In addition, Beyoncé will be airing a self-directed documentary on HBO, later this month, on the heels of her forthcoming, studio album. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!!!

:-D
xoxo, Avon!!!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.nfl.com, www.beyonceonline.com, www.instagram.com/baddiebey

The Baltimore Ravens x Super Bowl XLVII

2013-02-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

...EVER MORE

With such an emotional and tumultuous sporting event, I couldn't be more proud of my hometown heroes, the BALTIMORE RAVENS, making it ALL THE WAY to New Orleans...

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.BaltimoreRavens.com

Dior Homme x Fall/Winter 2013

2013-01-29T17:29:00.000-05:00

STAR TREKKIN'

Kris Van Assche delivered a solid performance with his men's wear collection for Christian Dior Homme, Fall/Winter 2013...

I really enjoyed all the monochromatic color palettes (LOL), as if one color could be plural, but Van Assche managed to keep my attention with the black-on-blacks and the trendy 'seat-belt belts.' LOVED IT!!!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

Reference:
www.style.com

Christopher Raeburn x Fall/Winter 2013

2013-01-29T17:13:00.000-05:00

PARK-AY FLOORED

British, men's wear designer Christopher Raeburn offers a sports tech and layered approach to Fall, for 2013...

I like the nylon, padded fabrics and the contrasting colors, as well as his use of diverse models on the runway!

Chucked Taylor's

2013-01-29T15:48:00.001-05:00

A CONVERSE-ATIONAL TOPIC...

When it comes to 'wear-and-tear,' it's usually suppose to derive from a person's repeated use of a product, and not from a manufactured method of making it 'look' like it's been worn...

First of all, I love Converse, and I've been a fan of 'Chuck's' since childhood (begrudgingly -at first- but I quickly grew to love them, as a teen, lol). Secondly, I feel that the creation of their new shoe's existence, "The Chuck Taylor All Star Well Worn Sneaker," is based on a general lack of enthusiasm and/or motivation in today's consumer, and is an easy way for the brand to appeal to a person's desire to 'look cool.'

(Converse advertisement. 2013)

Now, in regards to looking cool, what I do know, is that in many cultures, fashion (a prevailing look/trend), either trickles-up from the masses, to the elite, or it trickles-down from the elite, to the masses; the latter of which probably presented the world with images of young elites (maybe, trust-fund kids), casually wearing high-end designer ensembles paired with ratty/run-down shoes (read: sneakers), which may have -in turn- become an accepted look and a desired reference point for the masses. Moreover, in regards to wear-and-tear, my philosophy is that motivation leads to movement, and movement leads to some type of physical experience, and physical experience leads to some sort of natural wear-and-tear (not just of the body, but also of clothing, shoes and accessories), and presenting someone with an artificial, 'ready-made look' of having had an experience, lends itself to poor judgement and a contrived notion of what it means to actually be alive.

I recall, some years ago (as a student at FIT, in New York), one day when I was casually walking down the street, and I was approached by a young man who expressed his interest in my Chuck Taylor's. His interest wasn't in the color of my shoes or where he could purchase something similar, he was rather concerned with the wear-and-tear and HOW he could achieve my look with his own pair of shoes, sans the years it would take for them to naturally become run-down.

Ultimately, as I didn't have a problem with the young man's inquiry (and I don't have a problem with people -today- and their approach towards fast-fashion), my hope is that all of us (fashionistas or not), would want to be motivated to get up, get out and do something in life, so that we might be able to look back and say, "oh, I remember when I wore this, I was headed to... and my jeans got ripped!," or, "OMG, my new shoes got effed up as soon as I hopped on my skateboard and fell down a flight of stairs!," because really, that's the only way to truly live, in your clothes!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

Reference:

www.converse.com

Gucci Advertisements (Fall/Winter 1996 vs. Spring/Summer 2013)

2013-01-15T21:11:00.000-05:00

FROM THEN TO NOW...

Upon first glance of the new Spring/Summer 2013 ad campaign for Gucci, I instantly thought about the house's imagery from 1996...

The new advertisements, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, feature a bevy of contemporary models and bold, bright colors...

(Gucci x Spring/Summer 2013)

But, my only concern is that I hope the current campaign is just a nod towards the splendid ads that former designer, Tom Ford created with photographer Mario Testino (circa the mid-1990's), and not a bad sign that current, Gucci designer Frida Gianinni is running out of creative ideas?! ...*bites nails*...

(Gucci x Fall/Winter 1996)

From the body positioning of the models, to the clothing and logo placement, and even the way some of the photos are cropped, it just all screams GUCCI 1996 ADVERTISEMENTS (at least, to me, they do). But hey, who am I...

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...

*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:

www.google.com, www.models.com, www.fashionadexplorer.com

Louis Vuitton x Resort 2013

2013-01-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

INVITATION TO FLY...

French, luxury goods maker, Louis Vuitton has extended the invitation for us to sample their latest collection...

Just in time for the Resort season (January-February), LV has employed the über-talents of fashion photographers, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin (as film directors), and top model, Arizona Muse (as starlet), for their first-ever, 1-minute, television advertisement titled "L'Invitation Au Voyage."

The commercial (which buffers the Resort, print ad), characterizes a bemused, young girl, trotting around Paris, in search of a mystery... seemingly galvanized by a handsome, mystery man! By the end of the story, Muse lifts off in a red-and-white, hot-air balloon (which looks eerily similar to the ancient design of a Japanese, military flag), and then, the screen cuts to black. Take a look:

* Video (Louis Vuitton, L'Invitation Au Voyage, 2012)

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...

*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.youtube.com/LouisVuitton

Harry Winston x Swatch

2013-01-15T17:13:00.002-05:00

IN THE NICK OF TIME...

Women's Wear Daily has reported that Swiss watch maker, Swatch, has finalized plans to purchase mega-luxury brand, Harry Winston, for $250M.

Of course, the hard-hitting feel of today's economy doesn't just affect the everyday working-class citizen, it also reaches some of the upper-echelons of our society, including even the white-collar corporate denizens. And such is the case, with elite jewelry-makers, Harry Winston being purchased by Swatch.

(a Swatch watch)

Now, does this mean that the value of a Winston diamond will be tarnished? Or, will the brand become more accessible to the masses? Who knows, but what this move does signal, is that times are -literally- changing, and that no one is exempt from needing a helping hand (no pun intended).

Read the full story, here!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.wwd.com

Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele

2013-01-15T16:40:00.000-05:00

The OLD vs. What's NEW

For those who might not ever know -otherwise- here's my original comment, posted under Models.com's amazing interview with the legendary, fashion editor, Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele...

In the interview, De Dudzeele expresses her growing concern over what's come to be accepted as 'fast-fashion,' where -in today's society- seemingly anyone can become the next-best-thing overnight, with either little or NO talent, at all. And in the wake of reality TV, it's become even more apparent that living legends, such as De Dudzeele, deserve their credit and due as individuals who both know and have paved the way.

(VOGUE cover, styled by Carlyne. 1988)

Read her full interview, here, and, below is what I replied (LOL!)...

I absolutely LOVED and agree with what Carlyne was expressing in this interview! She was able to completely sum up the way that I and so many others feel about the fashion industry, today; it’s over-saturated and polluted with too many people who claim to be “it,” without knowing a damn thing about clothing or the fashion industry itself. The fact that countless doors have opened up for so many new entrants (partly due to technology, e.g. Bloggers, etc.), is not a bad thing at all, BUT the ensuing problem that Carlyne touches on, is when these ‘newbies’ attempt to take credit for doing and/or creating absolutely NOTHING at all, while having some sort of irreverent attitude towards fashion’s past. This notion is CLEARLY pointed out in “The September Issue” film, where the legendary Grace Coddington is on set, prepping a model for a shoot, and she speaks out against the ‘new thing’ that editors do, which is ‘they don’t touch the girls,’ rather having an assistant to do that job!!! And what makes matters worse is that the lack of knowledge and/or know how becomes magnified when/if an ignoramus becomes famous, which -on a global scale- makes it seem as though ANYBODY can just jump up and work in the fashion industry or claim to be the next-best-thing, without first having a proper grounding. Moreover, these types of ‘instant fame’ occurrences render legends such as Grace/Carlyne/ALT/etc. as seemingly old, outdated or irrelevant in today’s pop culture, when it should be just the opposite! E.g., Andre’ always gave credit to those who came before him and the experience he gained from working under Diana Vreeland, but nowadays there are fewer and fewer skilled or great, knowledgeable persons to learn from or give credit to, because all of the uneducated “it” boys/girls are somehow stealing the spotlight… ugggh -___-

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.models.com

Designer Spotlight (Nicolas Ghesquière x Balenciaga)

2012-12-12T17:30:00.000-05:00

A FASHION REVIEW

Although his decade-long run at Balenciaga has come to an end, Nicolas Ghesquière's design legacy will -undoubtedly- continue to permeate, for years to come...

Ghesquière was appointed Creative Director of Balenciaga, back in 1997 (after the departure of Josephus Thimister), of which he says, "...was all a kind of an accident," talking to Style.com after his last show (in September 2012).

In the interview, Ghesquière said, "The first collection I did for the house was for Spring '98," yet he's steadily progressed and moved the brand forward, since then.

(Balenciaga, Spring/Summer 1998

x Kiara Kabukuru) 1st Collection.

(Balenciaga, Spring/Summer 2011

x Chanel Iman)

(Balenciaga, Spring/Summer 2013

x Liya Kebede) Final Collection.

While dissecting some of his other ventures at the house, he once stated that a balance between "classicism and experimentation," is what helps to keeps the brand alive. And, along the way, he's established a fan base that includes actresses Jennifer Connelly and Kristen Stewart (both of whom have been spokespersons for the brand).

(Balenciaga, Fall/Winter 2009 x Jennifer Connelly)

Connelly wore a Ghesquière designed, Balenciaga gown to the 74th annual, Academy Awards (in 2002), where she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (for her performance in "A Beautiful Mind").

* Video (Jennifer Connelly, Oscars, 2002)

(Balenciaga, 2002 x Jennifer Connelly)

Stewart (the "Twilight" film star), wore a Balenciaga design to the annual, Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala (in May of 2012), and currently represents the brand's Florabotanica fragrance.

(Balenciaga, 2012 x Kristen Stewart)

* Video (Kristen Stewart, Florabotanica, 2012)

(Balenciaga, 2012 x Kristen Stewart)

Themes such as art, technology, the 1980's and science-fiction, have always been the building blocks of Ghesquière's collections at Balenciaga, and here's a small compilation of some of his greatest hits, throughout the years...

(Blue Jean Baby)

(Boots with the Fur)

(College Prep)

(Multi-Culti)

(Attack of the Clones)

(Black-and-Yellow)

(Macro-Mini's)

(Bon Voyage)

Thanks for reading!!!
;-D

xoxo,
Avon!!!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.style.com, www.youtube.com, www.tooklookbook.com, www.balenciaga.com

Ghesquière's Girl Crush

2012-12-12T13:07:00.002-05:00

CRAZY IN LOVE

...with Liya Kebede! Or so, it seems; the internationally renowned, Supermodel had been featured in Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga shows, a record number of times...

As with any art form, some of the best aesthetic ideas are enlivened via the spirit of a muse, and former Balenciaga designer, Ghesquière employed the talents of Kebede to help bring his creations to life (from the year 2000 to 2012), ending with his very last collection for Spring/Summer 2013.

(Liya x Balenciaga, F/W '10)

(Liya x Balenciaga, S/S '13)

Here's a look at some of Liya's magic moments with Nicolas... ENJOY!!!

xoxo!!!
;-D

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.style.com, www.models.com

Balenciaga's Color Therapy

2012-12-12T12:10:00.000-05:00

RHAPSODY in BLUE

Out of all the colors of the rainbow, this shade seems to have been a favorite of the brand...

During his latter days of reign over the house of Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière always -somehow- placed the color 'Blue,' prominently on display; in different fabric treatments, different proportions and gradations, etc.

Although it may have never been announced as anything official, I've seen this color 'pop-up' way too much, to be taken as something insignificant, LOL!

;-P

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.style.com

Balenciaga: Borrow or Steal?!

2012-12-12T11:14:00.002-05:00

THE GHESQUIÈRE EFFECT

It's bound to happen; you see one of your favorite designer's collections and you start to obsess over every, little detail... that is, until your brain decides, "Hey, wait a minute. I've seen this stuff -somewhere- before..."

To show just how much of a 'designer's designer' Nicolas Ghesquière actually is, STYLE 101 has taken the time to provide you with a short list of creative types that he "might have inspired" along the way; and yes, this includes -of course- his Balenciaga successor, Mr. Alexander Wang.

(Nicolas Ghesquière)

Further commenting on the success of Ghesquière's previous collections (circa 2009), Style.com's Sarah Mower said, "It's a sign of a designer's influence when his work is knocked off as fast as the mass market can run." And here are a few examples of just that...

#1)

#2)

#3)

#4)

...PLEASE NOTE:
I do not claim nor propose that these "similar" designs are -or- were a direct copy/rip-off/knock-off of Ghesquière's work at Balenciaga! This post simply shows that sometimes, a designer's creative wires can get a little crossed, and we (the consumers), "might" end up seeing something on a runway (or in stores), that we've previously seen before... That's all.

;-)

1 Love, 2 All, 4 Ever...
xoxo, Avon!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.style.com

Nicolas Ghesquière

2012-12-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

bye, Bye BALENCIAGA

Amidst a maelstrom of speculation, gossip and second-guesses, it has finally been confirmed that the house of Balenciaga is under new management...

On November 30th, 2012, it became effective that fashion designer, Nicolas Ghesquière would be parting ways with the French brand, after 10+ years of dedicated, re-branding and re-positioning services :-(

(Nicolas Ghesquière bids adieu.

September 27th, 2012. Paris)

Ghesquière's last show for Balenciaga, was his Spring/Summer 2013 collection... And picking up the reigns after him (for the coming months), is Alexander Wang, the hipster-cool, young designer from New York! Wang (known internationally for his downtown, street-style-edged clothing), was recently confirmed as Balenciaga's new, Creative Director, on December 3rd, 2012... just days after Ghesquière exited the building!!!

Breaking the news story, Women's Wear Daily reported that Isabelle Guichot (the house's CEO), and François-Henri Pinault (chairman of PPR, owner of Balenciaga), were both in agreement with hiring Wang. In a statement, Pinault said, “Cristóbal Balenciaga was a master, a genius whose avant-garde vision dictated fashion’s greatest trends and inspired generations of designers,” a generation that includes Wang, whom Guichot says, has “proven talent, modernity and individual and cosmopolitan vision of design.”

(Alexander Wang)

As to what Ghesquière's next move might be, no one knows (for sure), although it's been rumored that he will finally begin work on his own, eponymous fashion label; the proof of which, can be found in a 2001 interview the designer gave to Style.com, where he said, "I'm very happy at Balenciaga. But I also want to work on my own line. The ideal would be to do both things simultaneously." Well, since part of that equation has been x'd out, this only leaves him to start designing his own brand of clothing (hopefully)!
In response to the overall situation, Wang says, “I am deeply honored to embark on this new role for a brand and house that I have such great admiration and respect for.” And, only time will tell if Wang can actually live up to the challenge of filling such big shoes... We wish him well.

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*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.wwd.com, www.style.com

Alicia Keys x Nicki Minaj x Gabby Douglas

2012-12-10T21:39:00.000-05:00

GIRLS ON FIRE!!!

With a whirlwind of publicity and intrigue surrounding each of these young ladies, it's no wonder that all three would be combined, on a song together...

Separately, each woman holds her own weight in gold, and speaking of which, I'll start with 16 year old, international elite gymnast, Gabrielle 'Gabby' Douglas.

Douglas won 2 Gold Medals at the XXX Olympiad (2012 Olympic Games), this past summer (in London). She lived up to the hype and exceeded expectations, and needless to say, she WOWED the world with her debut, Olympic performances; first helping her team to win the Gold in Team Finals, and then becoming the women's Gold champion in the coveted, All-Around competition!

Nicki Minaj (rap music's l'enfant terrible), on the other hand, will be helping to decide who has a 'golden voice' in 2013, by becoming a judge on the hit, reality show American Idol.

Minaj signed on to the show (earlier this year), and has recently made headlines for publicly feuding with her Idol co-host, Mariah Carey!

And finally (the queen of them all), Mrs. Swizz Beatz herself, Alicia Keys, is the one who gels this post together!

Keys' new album, Girl On Fire, recently debuted at #1 on the Billboard music charts, and the title track speaks to the everyday woman who feels like she may have lost her sexy but really hasn't; the music video for the song, features Keys in various, empowering roles (portraying a family woman, a working woman and a dating woman), to prove that any type of girl, can be on fire!

Enjoy the video!!!

(Alicia Keys featuring Nicki Minaj, "Girl on Fire." Music Video. 2012)

xoxo,
Avon!

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.london2012.com, www.gabrielledouglas.com, www.essence.com, www.aliciakeys.com, www.mypinkfriday.com, www.americanidol.com

Carine Roitfeld's new job...

2012-12-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

GLOBAL BAZAAR

As of late, the fashion world has been revolving around Carine Roitfeld and her every-precise-sexy-slithery-Franco-American move...

Women's Wear Daily, recently helped to break the news about Roitfeld and her newly created position at Hearst, as Global Fashion Director of Harper's Bazaar magazine.

(Harper's Bazaar magazine)

According to the newspaper, this position was created -from scratch- specifically for Roitfeld (who, by the way, has been publishing her own magazine, CR Fashion Book, since September 2012).

(CR Fashion Book)

In response to the controversy surrounding Roitfeld's appointment, Hearst's CEO, Duncan Edwards said, “Of course, the magazine [Bazaar] belongs to Hearst, not to Glenda,” but my question is, when your employer starts to pull stunts like this, isn't it in a person's best interest (read: Glenda) to be wise and consider a safety-game-plan... or even, a new job?! *cough, cough* I'm just sayin...

(Bazaar's Glenda Bailey)

My thought is, with Roitfeld in, she can bring an edge -back- to Bazaar, and FINALLY give Vogue the competition it rightfully deserves, on-and-off the newsstands! And with her title, Hearst is giving Roitfeld free-reign to institute at least 3-4 fashion editorials, per month, which will be published in Bazaar and ALL of its international versions! WOWSERS!!!

(Vogue's Anna Wintour x

Bazaar's Carine Roitfeld)

Such a move, does suggest that Edwards is -of course- up to something... and my theory is that either Stephen Gan will soon be out (as Bazaar's current, Creative Director), or Glenda Bailey will soon be out (as Bazaar's current, Editor in Chief)?!

(Stephen Gan)

Of her new position at Bazaar, Roitfeld clears up any rumors (which haphazardly supports my theory), by saying, “I’m always independent. No boss.” YIKES!!!

o_O

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References:

www.google.com, www.wwd.com

President Barack Obama

2012-11-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

4 more years...

As some would say, it's usually better the 'second time around,' and I sure do hope it's that way, since our President Barack Hussein Obama is back in the White House!!!

Let's carry on, shall we?!

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*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

xoxo, Avon!

:-D

Reference:
www.google.com

Reggie's Beauty Bush

2012-11-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

MR. CLEAN

Earlier this year, NFL superstar, Reggie Bush announced his foray into the business world, via a fresh and strategic approach to men's health and well-being...

Bush, who plays Running Back, for the Miami Dolphins, is a Super Bowl champion and Heisman Trophy winner, and in March 2012, he became a partner and official spokesman for BARC (a skincare line, dedicated to re-shaping men's shaving and cleansing products).

To preview and/or place an order for BARC skin care products, please click here.

...COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER...
*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.twitter.com/reggie_bush, www.google.com, www.getbarc.com

Lawrence Spivey x Sir Byron Laurent

2012-11-23T19:02:00.000-05:00

MADE MEN

With a penchant for pitching perfectly-poised advice for men (and the women who like to help them), Mr. Lawrence Spivey is changing the game, one bow tie at a time.

Spivey's desire in life is to see men, up-the-ante in the wardrobe department, and his company, Sir Byron Laurent, was specifically designed to uphold this sole purpose.

Here's the exclusive interview that he gave STYLE 101...

1) Who are you, and what do you plan to accomplish with your talent?

I am a men’s fashion blogger and style consultant [who is] completely addicted to -what I like to call- “Southern Gentleman’s Style.” This type of style is a mixture of vintage, men’s fashion with modern styling, and usually has anything to do with blazers, bow ties, seersucker, color and wingtips. My gift is to use my talent to help men look like the gentleman [they see] on the inside, on the outside; [and] many times, help [the] ladies who desire to help the [men] in their lives. [My company] Sir Byron Laurent Style and Fashion Consulting’s goal is to transform each man (in his day-to-day world), by transforming his day-to-day look.

2) When did people start to notice your potential?

I believe, when I was in college (at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University); many people noticed my potential because I would normally wear suits and ties around campus, because that’s what I was required to wear when I went to work. I would take time to look nice, because I had a friend/client [that] would tell me to dress like -or better than- the boss, to gain respect and look like the expert, [which] always stuck with me (even to this day).

3) Where is your career headed next?

My career is headed towards teaching men -on a corporate level- how to change their appearance [in order to] change their future. The company is expanding now, into offering many, unique clothing and accessory items for men to purchase. I want to position myself to be able to talk men’s fashion, thrift shopping and share style tips -on a national level- through television appearances (and series’), and also do a city-to-city tour. Many things are in the works already, so everyone should stay tuned and see where Sir Byron Laurent is headed next!

***For more information on Lawrence Spivey and his branding company (Sir Byron Laurent), please visit him online, at: www.SirByronLaurent.com, www.sirbyronlaurent.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/SirByronLaurentStyleAndFashionConsulting.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

2012-11-23T17:36:00.000-05:00

DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK...

...He's been here -and doing this- for years! Having had a limited, on-camera appearance during 2011, Joseph Gordon-Levitt came back strong -and with a vengeance- in 2012.

To date, JGL's box-office success has totaled more than $1,238,420,687.00 (as of 2012), and here's a short list of the huge, 2012 films that Levitt has appeared in:

Lincoln (as Robert Todd Lincoln)

Looper (as Joe)

Premium Rush (as Wilee)

The Dark Knight Rises (as Robin Blake)

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*ALL IMAGE(S), AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.hitrecordjoe.tumblr.com, www.imdb.com