STYLE 101: MAGAZINE

Pretty Dresses in the Laundry

2012-01-23T15:31:00.001-05:00

Not since Tavi Gevinson, or Kristin Prim, has a teenage blogger made such a huge splash on the fashion scene; especially one from across the pond!!! Yet, in this curious case of style, we have, not 1-but-2 fashionistas (still, under the age of 18), who are breaking necks and giving style checks... ALL THE WAY FROM AUSTRALIA!!!

Let's see what these Aussie's, Samantha Mehan and Kate Nutting, have to say about airing their dirty laundry...

(Samantha Mehan, Fashion Blogger for PDITL)

(Kate Nutting, Fashion Blogger for PDITL)

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

Kate: I am 16 years old from Brisbane, Australia and I co-run the blog, Pretty Dresses in the Laundry. I would love to break into [the] fashion industry as a fashion journalist, and [I] hope my success -online- will aid me in this. I am very interested in all areas of fashion and am writing for a number of fashion blogs and websites; I would love to pursue this.

Samantha: I am also a 16-year-old fashion blogger from Australia. We started our blog in July -last year- and to our amazement (in just our first year of blogging), we have, very quickly, risen to success and have become quite a well known name in the blogging world. I hope that with the success of our blog, we can use it as a base, to one day start our very own fashion magazine and cover events all around the world, such as the various fashion weeks.

2) When did people start to notice your potential?

Kate: We started the blog in July 2010, and [it] grew rapidly from then on. In under a month after starting, we had accumulated over 650 followers. After our blog reached 20,000 followers, those in the fashion and blogging industry began to notice our potential and we began to receive a lot of advertising requests with fashion boutiques and labels... and began to be interviewed and featured in newspapers; both print and online magazines; other blogs and fashion websites.

Sam: Since the first day we started our blog, we received a large amount of page views and followers. To our surprise, some days we would -and still do- receive up to 300-500 new followers! I think the real turning point (that made us realize that people in the fashion industry knew about our blog and its potential), was when Australia’s largest online shoe store, Style Tread, contacted us and asked us to be a guest blog for them. After this, we continued to gain publicity and were interviewed by two newspapers within Australia, The Fashion Question and The Talented Mr. Nobody. Although, put all of this aside, I would have to say that the moment when people first started to notice our potential, was early 2011.

3) Where is your career headed next?

Kate: Until I graduate at the end of this year, I hope to continue photographing street style and blogging for both myself and other blogs. I then hope to study journalism at university, and eventually work for a fashion magazine (as this is where my passion lies). In the coming years, I hope to be able to start an online fashion magazine of my own.

Sam: I’m hoping that our fashion blogging career will lead to us attending some well-known fashion events within Australia; I would love to be able to write reviews and articles on these events.

* For more information on Sam & Kate, please visit their Blog: www.prettydressesinthelaundry.com, and their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SamandKate.

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

FAM's Campus Queen: Coralie Ackah

2012-01-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

CORALIE ACKAH
Ms. Fashion At Morgan

(Coralie 'Dior' Ackah)

Hailing from Montgomery County, Maryland -via West Africa- this track and field All-Star, graduated from Magruder High School's class of 2010.

(Coralie Dior x Magruder High)

Since high school, Ackah has matriculated to Morgan State University, where she -now in her second year- majors in Marketing. Ackah has taken MSU's campus by storm, as a high-fashion model and spokesperson, and in May of 2011, she was voted the face of MSU's prestigious FAM (Fashion At Morgan), student organization (representing a large number of her peers, both on and off the runway).

(Coralie Dior x FAM- Fashion At Morgan)

(Coralie Dior + Victor McKnight x FAM- Fashion At Morgan)

As an athlete, Ackah gained 'natural' practice for her runway stride -early on- by winning relay competitions with Magruder, and she, somehow, always seemed to finish at the top, in the 100, 200 and 400m Dash!!! But, don't just take our word for it, weigh-in on what Ackah has to say about herself, as a sports-professional-turned-fashion-model...

1) Who are you, and what do you plan to accomplish with your talent?
I'm Coralie Dior A., born and raised in Ivory Coast [West Africa] and have been living in the U.S. [since] 2003. The transition wasn't so bad, my journey started when I attended Briggs Chaney Middle School, where I made great relationships, [and] continued on to James Hubert Blake High School.

To everyone, that school [Blake] was a fashion show and I just knew that's where I wanted to go because they had a program called FasXion (for aspiring models and designers). My first fashion show took place on my birthday (March 7), in our stadium; it was amazing because after that, I didn't want to stop, EVER!

[At Magruder] the competition was high, I managed to be one of the top five runners at the school. Together, as a relay team, for the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400, we had the chance to participate in both indoor and outdoor State Championship during my junior and senior year. Modeling didn't really excite [me] at that school, so I managed to take part in fashion shows outside of school.

During my freshman year, attending Morgan State University, [I] was determined to keep myself occupied and find an organization I was comfortable [with] joining... I fell in love with all that I heard about [FAM] Fashion At Morgan, [and] I served as a model for a full year. Currently, as a sophomore, Marketing major, I decided to step my foot forward and serve as the face of my organization, because I believe in myself and [what] I am capable of doing.

(Coralie Dior x FAM- Fashion At Morgan)

2) When did people start to notice your potential?

People started noticing my potential because of my appearance. I have been [thin] my whole life because of my fast metabolism [lol]. But, just because you're skinny and tall doesn't mean you can be a model; it's more than that. I was told -too many times- that I should look forward to it because I have what it takes; not only that, but my mother was a model, back in her days... she's my role model [and] I unexpectedly find myself following her footsteps.

Also, once I chose to be a role model for my organization, I have been pushed, by the president of [FAM], to set up photo shoots and put a portfolio together. I didn't think I was good at taking pictures, until I met Mr. Martin (Colored Pixels), and his camera.

(Coralie Dior x Colored Pixels)

He sat me down for a good, 30-minute [conversation] and told me a lot about runway and print modeling; I couldn't believe what I was able to do, during a photo shoot. I broke out of my shell and because of him believing in me, I get so much love, feedback and people wanting to work with me! It definitely boosted my confidence! Look at me now!! :)

(Coralie Dior x FAM- Fashion At Morgan)

3) Where is your career headed next?

I am undecided with what I am [going to] do with Marketing, but I do know it's the field I [want to] be in. I enjoy advertising and promoting, so whatever opportunity comes knocking at my door, I'm going for it! My career -as a model- is headed to the TOP... I say that, because I believe in myself and have faith when GOD reveals it, because He has a plan... so I put everything, in His hands :)

(Coralie Dior x STYLE 101: Magazine- January 2012 cover)

---

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

References:
www.fashionatmorgan.org, www.morgan.edu, www.facebook.com, www.mocorunning.com, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org, www.style101magazine.com

Happy Birthday to our 1st Lady!!!

2012-01-17T11:39:00.001-05:00

MICHELLE OBAMA

As we wish the First Lady of the United States of America, a very, happy 48th BIRTHDAY... we also want to take this time to celebrate the many years of style she has graced us with; all the way from her husband, President Barack Obama's campaign trail, to the 44th Presidential Inauguration, and to her being on the cover of VOGUE Magazine, etc. Our hat goes off to this very fashionable woman!

We salute you Lady O!!!

;-D

* Recently, Mrs. Obama was a guest on the hit, kids TV show, iCarly, to promote the White House's Joining Forces (support for America's military families) campaign... take a look below:

Video (Michelle Obama, iCarly, January 16th, 2012) >> http://youtu.be/m4yXtv0JblI

xoxo,
STYLE 101

P.S.- You can 'personally' wish Michelle Obama a "Happy Birthday," by signing her birthday card, here >> www.barackobama.com!!!

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

References:
www.google.com, www.whitehouse.gov, www.barackobama.com, www.iCarly.com

Shop This x Bloomies & S.I.T.M

2012-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

BLOOMINGDALE'S

Take advantage of this 1-day-only "deep discount"...

SHOP IT TO ME

Owe it to yourself, and shop this...

The King's Dream...

2012-01-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
On THIS day, via gatherings, parades, assemblies, etc., we celebrate the life and times of the late, great Dr. King!

Recognized as an official, state observed holiday, MLK Day has been dubbed a National Day of Service.

Unfortunately, his assassination left the world with a void, but his list of achievements and accomplishments are innumerable; the iconic March on Washington, the 'I Have a Dream' speech, his Nobel Peace Prize, etc.

(Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. x Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1956)

(Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. x March on Washington, 'I Have a Dream' speech, 1963)

(Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Coretta Scott King x The Nobel Peace Prize, 1964)

Overall, I'm not even sure that Dr. King -himself- could have imagined the magnitude of which he brought people together... yet, his dream has -and still does- live on, in all of us.
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS & REST HIS SOUL!

(The King)

(The King Memorial, created by Chinese sculptor, Lei Yixin, Washington, D.C.)

Peace & Love,
Avon!

:-)

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

References:
www.google.com, www.thekingcenter.org, www.nytimes.com, www.theopenend.com,
www.nationalservice.gov, www.mlkday.gov

Destiny's Child's Child...

2012-01-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

Jay-Z x Beyoncé = Blue Ivy Carter (born Saturday, January 7th, 2012)
As the world counted down with her... Beyoncé finally made a 3, from their 2, and Blue's the 1!!!

"Countdown" music video, October 2011

While "unconfirmed" media reports swirled over this past weekend, regarding music queen Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter and her husband Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter, and the birth of their first child, Mrs. Carter did, in-fact, deliver a healthy, newborn baby (1/7/12).

Several, major news networks got the birthing story ALL WRONG, and reported that Beyoncé had a scheduled C-Section and ultimately named her child, Ivy Blue Carter. But, last night (Monday, January 9th, 2012), between the hours of 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET), the husband and wife team issued a "joint statement," CONFIRMING the "natural" birth of their first child, a baby girl named Blue Ivy Carter:

Coincidentally, the suspicions that surrounded Beyoncé -from early Friday (1/6/12), to Sunday evening (1/7/12)- were somewhat confirmed when close friends and family members of the Carter's took to social media website Twitter, to say congratulations on the couple's first child (days before an official statement was released).

Solange Knowles (Beyoncé's younger sister), tweeted:

Russell Simmons (amongst the first to congratulate the couple), tweeted:

Rihanna tweeted:

and with the help of Gwyneth Paltrow, we did -at least- have a clue to what the baby's real name was; in response to a confused fan, Paltrow tweeted (and re-tweeted):

Longtime friend and former band mate, Kelly Rowland's twitter account posted no 'personal tweeting' activity during the day of Beyoncé's delivery, but third member of Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams tweeted her congratulations in a round-about way (lashing out against a crazed fan who was appalled that Williams did not join others in publicly professing happiness for Beyoncé's newborn child):

Moreover, the gossip and rumor mills STILL abound, with allegations that the Carter's either 'faked' or 'staged' or 'adopted' a newborn baby and have begun passing it off as their own... or worse, that they've sacrificed their newborn child to an evil source of/for power?!?! *YIKES*

Contrastingly, in my opinion, I understand that it is easy to get caught up in the rumors, but at the same time, maybe the truth works just as simple... maybe the obvious fact is that...
1) she got pregnant,
2) she hid the pregnancy, out of fear for the child's life,
3) she finally decided to reveal the pregnancy (after a few months of internal debate),
4) she hit a few bumps on the road while trying to sync her pregnancy reveal with her latest album release (4. Columbia Records, 2011) with pre-recorded performances and pre-taped interviews (e.g. the viral October 2011 'creasing baby bump' video), and
5) her nine-months of pregnancy went full-term, and we're all STILL waiting (with baited breath), to catch ANY kind of glimpse or solidification of her baby's 'physical' existence!

In the meantime, here's a 'real-time' timeline of Beyoncé's pregnancy (in pictures):

"Run The World (Girls)," single release (US radio & iTunes), April 21, 2011

& video premiere on "American Idol" on May 18, 2011.

Billboard Awards performance, May 22nd, 2011

"4" album release, June 24, 2011

Good Morning America, Central Park performance, July 1, 2011

MTV VMA red carpet, August 29th, 2011... (baby bump debut)

MTV VMA performance, August 29th, 2011... (baby bump debut)

Island vacation, Croatia, September 2011

Australian television interview, October 2011... (purported, folding stomach?!)

"Elements of 4," DVD release event, NYC, November 20th, 2011

New York City, New Year's Eve, December 31st, 2011

Last public appearance (out with mom, Tina Knowles),

1-day before giving birth, Friday, January 6th, 2012 (NYC)

In addition, we have to be fair and look at things from a mother's perspective (read: a ridiculously famous mother's perspective)... I mean, after all, THIS IS BEYONCE' we're talking about... and she is -quite arguably- the MOST FAMOUS musician on the planet, right now... and this means that it would be in her best interest to go to EXTREME lengths to protect the birth of HER CHILD. And maybe, when we look at it that way, we might be able to understand the how's and the whys... (now, the fact that we even hold Beyoncé and/or her baby in such a high regard -in the first place- is a whole 'nother conversation to be discussed at a different time, lol).

Although, we may not know EVERYTHING about Blue Ivy Carter, or her mom, or her dad (for that matter)... the best thing that we can do, is to look at the truth of their family, and appreciate the 'good things' that Jay-Z and Beyoncé have shown/given us throughout their careers... focusing on those things that we've come to love about them and the positive things that they've contributed to our world.

And, in one final coo to remind us that the Carter's are, after all, a musical family, Jay-Z teamed up with music icon Pharrell Williams AND his daughter, Blue (sometime between her birth and last night), to produce a newly released song cementing the baby's exeistence; the new song, titled "Glory," sample's a newborn baby's crying towards the end of the song (apparently the baby's voice belongs to Blue, as the song's credits read, 'featuring B.I.C.' The track was officially released -in sync- with the couple's joint statement that confirmed Blue's exciting arrival into this world... Enjoy the music, and let's wish the whole family, well!

Listen to the track here:
http://www.beyonceonline.com

:-D

xoxo,
STYLE 101

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

References:
www.google.com, www.abcnews.com, www.beyonceonline.com

Designer Spotlight x Alexander McQueen

2012-01-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

ALEXANDER McQUEEN
Sir Lee Alexander McQueen (March 17th, 1969 - February 11th, 2010), was born ready for the fashion industry, and left this world in a blaze of glory!!!

(Sir Lee Alexander McQueen)

McQueen hailed from London, England, and worked as an apprentice (tailoring) on Saville Row, during his teenage years, but he fine-tuned his design skills at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (the esteemed fashion school that Zac Posen, Stella McCartney, et al. also attended).

(McQueen x CSM)

Upon earning his Master's degree from CSM, longtime friend, Isabella Blow (November 19th, 1958 – May 7th, 2007), purchased his entire graduation collection and also influenced him to use his middle name (Alexander), for design purposes.

(McQueen x Isabella Blow)

From 1996 to 2001, McQueen served as head designer for the house of Givenchy, of which a purported clash of authority forced him to operate under design constraints.

(McQueen x Givenchy)

But, after 'breaking free' from the aforementioned contract, McQueen had been unrestrained ever since... in 2003, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), an award of chivalry, and he went on to win several acclaimed design awards, both from Britain as well as from the United States' CFDA.

(McQueen x British Empire)

Here's a shortlist of some of McQueen's most memorable moments:

SPRING/SUMMER 1997 "Bellmer La Poupee"

SPRING/SUMMER 1999 "No. 13"

* Speaking to the MET Museum, regarding this landmark experience in fashion history, supermodel Shalom Harlow said, "It almost became this like aggressive sexual experience in some way. And I think that this moment really encapsulates, in a way, how Alexander related to—at least at this particular moment—related to creation."

SPRING/SUMMER 2001 "Voss"

SPRING/SUMMER 2005 "It's Only a Game"

SPRING/SUMMER 2005 "Untitled"

SPRING/SUMMER 2009 "Love You"

FALL/WINTER 2009 "The Horn of Plenty"

SPRING/SUMMER 2010 "Plato's Atlantis"

FALL/WINTER 2010 "Angels & Demons" (Final Collection)

*** You can view a full list of McQueen's collection video's here (http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/video/)

In 2010, Gucci Group (owner of the McQueen brand), announced that former design assistant Sarah Burton would become the creative director of the house.

(McQueen x Sarah Burton)

May 4th, 2011 - August 7th, 2011, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, galvanized a McQueen fashion exhibit, titled "Savage Beauty," which featured six separate galleries of his work (including designs from his graduate studies at CSM).

(McQueen x MET museum)

Now, two years after his death, the McQueen brand -in addition to his name- will continue to live on, and his legacy will never be forgotten... LONG LIVE McQUEEN!!!

(Sir Lee Alexander McQueen)

XOXO,
STYLE 101

:-)

References:
www.alexandermcqueen.com, www.google.com, en.wikipedia.org, blog.metmuseum.org

Daily Dude x Ouigi Theodore

2012-01-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

OUIGI THEODORE

Staring at this dude, words can't even explain or express the sentiment we feel for those days of yore... when GUYS actually did DRESS UP!!!

The Sartorialist snapped this divine picture of Theodore, and even asked him a few, good questions; read more here-----> http://bit.ly/tCGKDn.

Enjoy ;-D
xoxo

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

Reference:
www.thesartorialist.com

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T16:05:00.000-05:00

We're finally here... IT'S 2012!!!

And I, along with all of the STYLE 101 team and contributors, would like to wish you -ALL of our Fans and Followers- a VERY successful, prosperous, blessed and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE, PRAYERS & SUPPORT!!!

xoxo,
Avon Dorsey
Editor in Chief

:-D

Designer Spotlight x Miuccia Prada

2011-12-30T13:05:00.000-05:00

PRADA
The house that Prada built, was not by her own design...

(Prada logo)

The Italian company was formed in 1913, by Mario Prada (Miuccia's grandfather), and although he did not encourage women being a part of the workforce (after his death in the 1950's), ownership of Prada was given to Miuccia's father (who passed on the opportunity), ultimately going to her mother... who in-turn passed the reigns down to Miuccia in the 1970's.

(Miuccia Prada)

By 1978, Miuccia was in full control of the family business (which started as a leather goods company), but saw a slow rise to success in trying to brand an identity; and to much surprise, the now FAMOUS nylon-backpack emblazoned with the Prada triangle-logo, was not launched in the 1990's, but was unveiled in 1979!!!

(Prada x nylon backpack, 1979)

Prada's first, women's ready-to-wear collection was shown in 1989, and men's was introduced in 1995. In 1997, Prada's bridge label, Miu Miu, along with the infamous 'red-stripe' Prada Sport label was launched.

(Prada x Miu Miu logo)

(Prada x Prada Sport logo)

Between 1998-2000, Prada bought stake in Helmut Lang, Jil Sander and Gucci, in order to internationally compete in the luxury goods market against LVMH, PPR, et al. And in 2006, the film (as well as the book), The Devil Wears Prada, helped to further propel the brand to the masses.

(The Devil Wears Prada, by Lauren Weisberger, 2003)

Moreover, at the age of 62, Miuccia Prada is a fashion design veteran, a CFDA award-winner, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, and along with her husband Patrizio Bertelli (CEO of Prada Holding, B.V.), is a well-paid billionaire; Prada S.p.A. 1913 (HKG) is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (shares are currently selling at $35.15 per share).

(Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

(Miuccia Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

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

References:
www.google.com, www.forbes.com, www.fundinguniverse.com, www.quotes.wsj.com/HK/1913, www.nowfashion.com, www.prada.com

Daily Dude x Victor McKnight

2011-12-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

VICTOR McKNIGHT

From being known as Mr. FAM, on Morgan State University's campus... to becoming Salif Barz, an originator within the No Chaser Gang rap crew... Victor McKnight is not your ordinary boy-next-door!

(Victor McKnight x Salif Barz)

Hailing from Prince George's County (Maryland), McKnight is a graduate of Suitland high-school and is a former basketball pro.

(Victor McKnight x MSU Basketball All-Star)

Yet, making a transition from the hooping court to the fashion runway, seems to have been an easy and flawless move for McKnight.

(Victor McKnight x FAM Models, October 2010)

In two, short years after graduating from high school, McKnight has become the male spokesmodel for MSU's Fashion At Morgan club, and he's starred in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art's annual Community Day fashion show and advertising campaign!!! He is definitely one of the best male models to come along in a while... But, don't just take our word for it, see for yourself...

(Victor McKnight x FAM Executive Board 2011-2012)

(Victor McKnight x FAM, April 2011)

(Victor McKnight x FAM, October 2011)

(Victor McKnight x Smithsonian Museum, September 2011)

Moreover, he's appeared on our magazine cover, not once, but TWICE!!!

(Victor McKnight x STYLE 101, June 2011)

(Victor McKnight x STYLE 101, December 2011)

Next up for McKnight, is yet again another transition... this time going from in front of the camera (as a model), to behind the camera (as a photographer), for NCG Productions... and we can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeves ;-D

(Victor McKnight x No Chaser Gang)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1vjuS9Iz_U

xoxo,
STYLE 101

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

Shop This x Neiman Marcus

2011-12-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

Neiman Marcus' LAST CALL
Cash-in on those after-Christmas-deals, and claim your coupons now!!!! 50-60% Off is a considerable markdown... and when it's designer, it's even better, LOL... Enjoy!!!

:-D

Happy Shopping,
xoxo

STYLE 101

References:
www.yahoo.com, www.neimanmarcus.com

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

Happy Kwanzaa

2011-12-26T18:34:00.000-05:00

HAPPY KWANZAA
'Tis the season to light the Unity Candle!!!

Kwanzaa (a holiday founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga), takes place annually, from December 26th - January 1st, and is based on seven principles (Nguzo Saba):

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves stand up.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Further elaborating on the meaning of Kwanzaa, this year, Karenga shares the following message:

"The celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Kwanzaa is a significant marker and milestone in itself, not only because of what it says about the expansive message and en-during meaning that Kwanzaa has for mil-lions throughout the world African commu-nity, but also because of what it says about us as a people. For it speaks to our profound commitment to self-determination; to cul-tural reaffirmation and the celebration of ourselves; to our right and responsibility to speak our own special cultural truth in a multicultural world; and to the practice and promotion of Kwanzaa’s core principles, the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the hub and hinge on which the holiday turns."

Moreover, as the holiday continues to grow, national and international attention has been shown to the observation; e.g. the United States Postal Service has issued two, commemorative stamps (1997 & 2004), and an award-winning, documentary film by M.K. Asante, Jr., narrated by Dr. Maya Angelou (The Black Candle, 2009), helps to define what it means to celebrate the season and a people.

(USPS Kwanzaa stamp, 1997, artwork by Synthia Saint James)

(USPS Kwanzaa stamp, 2004, artwork by Daniel Minter)

(The Black Candle, 2009, film by M.K. Asante, Jr.)

Happy Kwanzaa and Be Blessed Everyone!!!
:-D

xoxo,
STYLE 101

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

References:
www.google.com, www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

Style Spotlight x Alexander Allen

2011-12-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

ALEXANDER ALLEN THE IMAGE DIRECTOR

Over 10 years ago, Brooklyn native (and fashion veteran), Alexander B. Allen raised the stakes in the fashion industry.

(Monsieur Alexander Allen)

His client roster included Beyoncé, Amerie, Brandy, et al. Perhaps, he may not be known by many, BUT Allen is definitely known by 'the right ones.' He is the go-to person for fashion advice and direction, from celebrities to corporations alike, and he was responsible for the game-changing 'image' that helped salvage the career of rap star, Eve...

(Alexander Allen's World x Eve)

Allen also helped to make iconic, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami HOTTER than what he already was (FYI, we're talking about thee Takashi Murakami who was responsible for Kanye West's critically-acclaimed, album-art for Graduation + the legendary, Louis Vuitton 'Murakami' bags)...

(Alexander Allen's World x Takashi Murakami)

Now, if I wrote any more information on Allen and his laundry-list of accomplishments in the fashion industry, I would have to charge you all $100.00 per word... LOL... But, I will finish things off by saying, Allen is much more than a 'fashion stylist,' he is an "Image Director" who makes things totally AAWESOME!!!!!
Check out our exclusive interview, below:

1) Who are you, and what do you plan to accomplish with your talent?
I'm Alexander Allen, international image director. With my talent, I plan to accomplish all of my dreams, wishes and desires, and in the process, help countless others to do the same.

2) When did people start to notice your potential?
People started to notice my potential for greatness since Kindergarten. Gratefully, my family instilled in me a strong work ethic during my formative years.

3) Where is your career headed next?
With GOD's blessings, my career is headed to stars. More diversification, setting and playing by my own rules and fun-filled/stress free projects only.
---

Last week, Allen celebrated another year of fashion, at THE BOWERY ELECTRIC (327 Bowery @ 2nd street), in NYC... check out some of the high-wattage-hotness below:

(Alexander Allen's World x Bowery Electric,

party guests Meah Pace & Sunshine Outing)

(Alexander Allen's World x party guests)

(Alexander Allen's World x party DJ)

(Alexander Allen's World x fashion show)

(Alexander Allen's World x fashion show)

(Alexander Allen's World x fashion show)

...Cheers to him and all of his accomplishments! Please join us in saying, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!

Love,
STYLE 101

:-D

* For more information on Alexander Allen, please visit his website, at: www.AlexanderAllensWorld.com

Style du Jour x Martha & The Vandellas

2011-12-22T19:13:00.000-05:00

MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS

Comprised of Rosalind Ashford, Betty Kelly and Martha Reeves, Martha & The Vandellas (MTV), was a PHENOMENAL music group out of the Motown-era of R&B, doo-wop, pop and soul.

There's no need to explain who they are, because either consciously or subconsciously YOU KNOW WHO THEY ARE!!!

"Heat Wave" (1963)

"Dancing In The Street" (1964)

Enjoy!
:-D

References:
www.google.com

Designer Spotlight x Olivier Rousteing (Balmain)

2011-12-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

OLIVIER ROUSTEING
Wunderkind of the fashion world, Olivier Rousteing, is definitely having his moment!!!

(Olivier Rousteing)

Lawrence Steele, Patrick Robinson, Zac Posen, et al., have all experienced that rush of notoriety as the media REALLY starts to take note of who you are and what you're doing... although we're not sure how or exactly why it only happens to a select few, in the case of Rousteing, we -at least- know when it did happen.

(Balmain, logo)

Working for the House of (Pierre) Balmain in Paris, France (since 2009), Rousteing helped design ready-to-wear collections under former boss, Christophe Decarnin; the height of the brand's rejuvenation came à la jewel-encrusted, 'drum major' style jackets (a style once popularized by the late Michael Jackson)...

(Balmain inspiration x MICHAEL JACKSON)

(Balmain-ia, 2009)

(Balmain-ia x Beyoncé, 2009)

Yet, for reasons (still unclear), Decarnin left Balmain in early 2011, leaving the handlers of the house to appoint an heir (apparently), Rousteing. Commenting on the sudden changes at Balmain, in an interview with style.com, Rousteing says, "...what I learned from this house is that there is a real DNA, something from the past that I want to bring back... I want to go to something more timeless... That’s my goal for Balmain."

(Monsieur Pierre Balmain, 1914-1982)

Rousteing's first full-collection for Balmain, was the Spring/Summer '12 presentation; his next assemblage will be for the Fall/Winter '12 season (premiering March 2012)... and we'll be keeping a close eye on him, now that the world knows his name ;-D

(Rousteing x Balmain, Spring/Summer '12)

(Olivier Rousteing x Balmain, Spring/Summer '12)

xoxo,
STYLE 101:

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS 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.balmain.com

Happy Chanukah

2011-12-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Tis the season, for lighting the Menorah...

As our Jewish family and friends hearken back to the lessons of consecration, re-dedication and miracles... let's all focus on those things that we should re-consider as good and worth the cause, going forward into 2012.

Happy Chanukah!!!!

:-D

xoxo,
STYLE 101:

Shop This x Converse

2011-12-19T17:04:00.002-05:00

CONVERSE

Just in time for the holidays, Converse is giving away FREE, signature backpacks, for a limited-time only... HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

All-Star Waxed Canvas Outsider, $85.00 (USD)
-black bottoms-

All-Star Waxed Canvas Outsider, $85.00 (USD)
-gum bottoms-

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

References:
www.converse.com

Designer Spotlight x Lanvin

2011-12-16T13:03:00.001-05:00

JEANNE LANVIN
Today, we'll take a look at the house that Jeanne Lanvin built!

(Lanvin, 1915 Design)

At a time when the world was going through a Great Depression (between the 1920's and 30's), Lanvin was experiencing exponential growth in business, as a fashion designer.

(Lanvin, 1922 Sketch)

She was an early enthusiast for lace, light-weight fabrics and floral prints... and one of her signatures became the "mother-daughter ensemble" of matching attire (as expressed in the label's logo):

(Lanvin, logo)

Currently, under the design direction of Alber Elbaz, the house of Lanvin has further established its elite clientele and A-list, cult following; in January 2010, the French postal system (Le Post) issued limited-edition Lanvin stamps, and later that year, in September of 2010, Elbaz offered an exclusive range of discounted designs to the public, via mass-market retailer H&M.

(Lanvin, Current Designer- Alber Elbaz)

(Lanvin, Le Post)

Jeanne Lanvin passed away in 1946, BUT her legacy still lives on, and the house continues to re-awaken with freshness, season after season!

(Lanvin, Kid's Resort 2012)

(Lanvin, Spring/Summer 2012)

xoxo
;-D

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*
References:
www.lanvin.com, vivid.thesweetstruggle.com, en.wikipedia.org

Shop This x Armando Cabral

2011-12-12T22:39:00.000-05:00

SHOP THIS

Ebbing and flowing from top, male model to burgeoning entrepreneur... poster boy, Armando Cabral, is making waves on both sides of the fashion industry.

(Armando Cabral x J. Crew, 2011)

Not only is he heavily booked and requested for runway and print advertisements (J. Crew, Michael Kors and H&M), he's also learned how to turn those backstage meanderings into front-of-the-line cash investments, as a shoe designer!

(Armando Cabral x his eponymous, shoe designs, 2011)

Cabral, who was recently interviewed by models.com, says, " I decided to combine the two things I love the most – business and fashion. I have a business degree so I decided that putting those two things together was the right thing. I used the business background and my fashion contacts to assemble the best team to help me make this a reality." And, judging by the looks of his 2012 collection, Cabral's shoes are definitely appearing to be the real deal!

(Armando Cabral Shoes, 2011)

Style Pod x Halle Berry

2011-12-11T03:28:00.001-05:00

HALLE BERRY

Performing as an A-List actress for more than 20 years now, Mrs. Halle Berry is no slouch!!!

She won the crown of Miss Teen America at 17 years old, and has been wearing the royal tiara ever since ;-D

Berry has won COUNTLESS, other awards for her screen work, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, AND the coveted OSCAR!!! There's even a song named after her...performed to a dance, no less!!! Mrs. Berry represents what we call AGING GRACEFULLY!!!

(The Beauty Queen, 1986)

(The Burgeoning Actress, 1991)

(The OSCAR winner, 2001)

(The Red Carpet Vixen, 2005)

(The Super Model, 2007)

(The Baby Bump, circa 2008)

(The Entrepreneur, circa 2010)

(The Veteran, 2011)

Style du Jour x Julio Gamboa

2011-12-09T15:54:00.001-05:00

STYLE DU JOUR

Today, we highlight the illustrious photographs of Mr. Julio Gamboa!

Currently working out of Madrid, Spain, Gamboa truly has an eye for beauty, and we're sharing it here -with you- below:

And be sure to check out this amazing video of Gamboa shooting the ever-foxy and glamorous, Gisele Bundchen... ENJOY!!!

* Video (Julio Gamboa, Gisele Bundchen, for VF Italy)

http://vimeo.com/32501980

;-D

xoxo,
STYLE 101:

References:
www.juliogamboa.com

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

Designer Spotlight x Hubert de Givenchy

2011-12-08T19:59:00.001-05:00

HUBERT de GIVENCHY

Building a house that is as equally cool as it is luxe, seemingly came easy for 84 year old fashion designer, Hubert de Givenchy.

(Hubert de Givenchy)

Born into a French aristocracy may have, perhaps, helped Givenchy to secure the connections needed to make him an overnight success in the fashion world... but, having an earnest passion for fashion/having attended the famed Paris École des Beaux-Arts/having worked for legendaryy designer Elsa Schiaparelli AND having designed for Audrey Hepburn, certainly cemented Givenchy's talents, which now allow him to rest on his laurels.

Moreover, Givenchy helped the WORLD become familiar with the term "Little Black Dress," coined in 1961, after the black, satin dress he designed for Hepburn in the classic film, Breakfast At Tiffany's!!!

In 1995, Givenchy retired from designing, and with the house being under control of LVMH, it's definitely seen its share of creative directors...

(John Galliano x Givenchy, former designer)

(Alexander McQueen x Givenchy, former designer)

(Julian Macdonald x Givenchy, former designer)

(Ozwald Boateng x Givenchy, former designer for men's)

(Riccardo Tisci x Givenchy, current designer)

Despite all the ups-and-downs associated with the namesake label, Givenchy is still -at least- able to see the brand grow from what he originally set out to start 50+ years ago!

(Riccardo Tisci x Givenchy)

xoxo,
STYLE 101:

;-D

References:
www.givenchy.com, www.google.com

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

Daily Dude x Phil Oh

2011-12-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

THE STREET PEEPER

Today, we give a major SHOUT OUT to the man behind the madness of the current-pop-culture-street-fashion-bonanza... Mr. Phil Oh!!!

(STREET PEEPER X Phil Oh)

In describing the origins of Street Peeper, via his website, Phil says, "I started Street Peeper like late 2006, early 2007'ish after a variety of odd-jobs: failed internet startup, co-author of a trashy novel (used copies starting at $0.01 on Amazon!), fired from 12 restaurants in NYC, occasional party promoter, and I sold beanie babies out of my NYU dorm room..."

(STREET PEEPER X Phil Oh)

Well, lucky for us, he decided to trudge forward with his trusty camera(s), and now we are all amazed at what stylish moment(s) he will capture next! ENJOY...

(STREET PEEPER CAPTURES)

Reference:
www.streetpeeper.com

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

Shop This x BBOS

2011-12-06T00:51:00.001-05:00

BAG BORROW OR STEAL:
Here's another, super-hot deal for you all to check out...

THE "CASH IN YOUR CLOSET" EVENT...
presented by Bag Borrow Or Steal!!!

"Sell Your Designer Hand Bags and Accessories...
Turn your gently used designer handbags and accessories into cash by selling them online at no cost to you. Sell your designer handbags, jewelry and watches!"

References:
www.bagborroworsteal.com

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