RSP

2012 All Star Fashion Show!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:40:00 +0000

Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to further my experience in fashion. Through a close friend I was able to be a volunteer for the official 2012 All Star Fashion Show in Orlando, Fl.!!!!!!!!

While volunteering I met great people and learned numerous skills that will help build my foundation in this industry. Working hand in hand with the assistant to the fashion coordinator I learned how to design the set up for the opening and closing of the runway. It was cool to see how the wheels turned in their heads whenever a problem arose. Although the initial vision needed to be changed due to the windy weather the set up turned out fabulously chic!

When it was time for the show I was given my staff pass and put to work! This was my time to show my skills as a dresser. After the first designers collection was showcased it was time to get the models changed and right back out there to work it for the next designers collection. This crazy change went on for six cycles. Although my head felt like it was spinning at the end of each change the ooooo's and awwww's were the best sense of satisfaction to keep me going. Here are a few pictures of some behind the scenes action!

In the end I was given a great feeling of accomplishment that has proven this evolving fashion industry is where I am ment to be!!!!

The Greatest Gift To Fashion........ Leopard!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:16:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows that I am in love with leopard print. Apparently I am not the only one head over heels for the print. No matter the season or time of day just a touch of leopard can make your outfit fierce and untouchable. Multiple lovely ladies have been "spotted" wearing the print of a life time.

Leopard Print Daily

Some choice to dress in the wonderful print from head to toe as seen above....... and some choose to accent a great outfit with the fabulous print as seen below.

Fabsugar

Me myself I love to wear it both ways!

Just a Hint

Full Blown Leopard!

Beyonce Maternity Story

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Beyonce shares with Harpers Bazar about her thought process on how to unveil the great news to the rest of the world. She also shares the news of up and coming maternity line with House Of Dereon! And shares marriage secrets. Check out this article and get closer to Bey! http://www.harpersbazaar.com/magazine/cover/beyonces-baby-love-

Yves Saint Laurent: The Man Who Dressed Women Better Than They Could Themselves

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:53:00 +0000

BornYves Henri Donat Saint Laurent on August 1^st 1936 in Oran, Algeria the dawn of a new fashion day had arrived. I bet his parents never would have guessed their new buddle of joy would change the way women everywhere dressed. In his tender years his mother knew he had talent in fashion and helped him embrace it. In his late teenage years he studied design at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, France. While at this school he entered a contest and won which earned him recognition from than and now great designer Christian Dior.

Soon after their meeting Laurent became Dior’s design assistant and at the tender age of 21 became Dior’s successor after his fatal heart attack in 1957. Laurent, whose first task at the Dior house was to design the store, had come a long way in less than 5 years by becoming the chief designer. During his reign as chief designer he produced what some say to be the rebirth collection of the Dior line. His Trapeze Collection Vogue says was “the most important and fully formulated line in Paris (Watson, 2008).”

After his short time at the Dior house Laurent was called to duty for the French army. He was discharged and fell into a physical and mental depression. His friend and live partner was the one who brought him back to life and essentially brought us YSL as we know it today. Had it not been for Pierre Bergé, we would not know the “Yves Saint Laurent” line. This dynamic duo changed the world of fashion. Laurent always knew the how to perfectly tailor a suit for a women’s body. The thing I love about Laurent is that he never once said he caters to the wealthy women he said he makes his clothes for the workingwoman.

"Chanel gave liberation of the body to women," said Pierre Bergé, "and Saint Laurent gave power to women with the men's clothes (NYTimes, 2008)." Yves Saint Laurent will always be the best in my eyes and motivates me to do my best at all times!

NY Times

Independent

Fashions Night Out!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:44:00 +0000

For the third year the CFDA, Vogue, and NYC & Company joined together to bring the dreams of a shopaholic to reality. Last night September 8, 2011 Fashions Night Out enticed stars and everyday fashionistas to come out and do what they do best by shopping and sharing their love of style.

This event was brought about in 2009 as “a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion. (nitrolicious,2011)” Not only was this an event where one could shop for them selves but they had the chance to give back by donating clothes at one of the five collection points that would benefit the NYC AIDS fund. During this event stores stayed open till 11pm and big name stars even participated in helping customers. Pharrell Williams rung up sales at Billionaire Boys Club, and Anna Wintour made a personal appearance at Macy’s.

Although this event started as a New York based event in less than two years the rest of the world has joined in. From far as Seattle, WA to Milan, Italy stores everywhere are now participating in FNO. The FNOstaff every year make a product to sale where some of the proceeds will go to a specific charity. In 2009 it was the September 11 Memorial & Museum, 2010 was the New York City AIDS fund, and this year also to the NYC AIDS fund.

Last night FNO collection showed how much it has evolved from just t-shirts. The collection of course included the famous FNO printed t-shirt but this year they offered a new chic twist a multi colored shirt in the option of short sleeve of long sleeve, baseball fitted hats for the gentlemen, and the most adorable tote bags. All these items were available online for the people who couldn't make it out to go shopping.

Fashion Bomb Daily

Hopefully next I will get to participate in New York where it all began! Hope to see you there!

Maggie Dandrige Indie Designer

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:16:00 +0000

I know talent when I see it and this women is full of it! Maggie's designs are unique and chic!

Emerald Green Leg-O-Mutton Dress

Classy, Edgy, and Sophisticated!

Pink, Black, & White Ruffle Mini

Business in the Front, Party in the back!

My Favorite Red & Leopard 2 piece suit

Sophisticated Vintage!

I love her style and the way she puts colors and prints together is Genius! You can find and purchase her wonderful pieces at http://www.ustrendy.com/maggie-dandridge. So fashionistas show your support and check her out!

R. Lopez Aspiring Stylist!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:59:00 +0000

My true love for fashion can no longer be contained. I have to share my passion with others. I have always shared my opinion with my friends on what they should wear or what make-up would look good with an outfit. I have realized that I love doing this and it would be great to be paid for this one day. So building my portfolio is my next step.

In order to build my portfolio I must start documenting my friends that I style and apply make up on. I have some very supportive friends that have already started helping by allowing me to style them. The first person who will be highlighted by my stylish eye is Tiffanie "Byrd" Burton.

JUniverse Lands On Earth This Month!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:25:00 +0000

One of my favorite fashion stylist to the stars June Ambrose is bringing her life to everyone with an internet connection. She will be sharing her life as a stylist, mother, and wife in the rapid changing fashion world. With a title like JUniverse she is making more than a fashion statement, she is showing that she is the go to women when it comes to fashion. I know this will be a site I visit frequently to inspire me!

Fashion Bomb Daily

Project Runway "Come As You Are" Season 9

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Project Runway episode 1 of season9 had me glued to the screen, so if you missed it you have to check it out. If you are a true lover of every thing fashion catch up here and make sure you don’t miss it on Thursday 9/8c.

Anya Ayoung-Chee is my favorite designer I hope she goes all the way!

(A&E Television Networks)

Dakar, Africa’s Fashion Week 2011

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:53:00 +0000

Dakar Fashion Week almost didn’t happen this year due to months of conflic
t about the pre-election of the Senegalese president. While the elite designers of Dakar should have been engulfed in their creativity, they were worry stricken about their survival during a revolting time.

Just when they thought all hope was lost Adama Paris, founder of Dakar Fashion week, kept the nine year promise of fashion week a reality. Instead of showing war Adama has a dream of showing the glamour that Africa has to offer in fashion. Although at every turn there seemed to be a road block Adama found an alternative route and pressed her way. Adama says “We have so much talent, they just need a push (Shadders, 2011).”

(Shadders, 2011)

With African print sweeping the fashion world Dakar Fashion Week was a must. Many designers and big name stars such as Lisa Folawiyo of Jewel by Lisa and one of her famous clients Solange have been spotted sporting African print. The first lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and Gwen Stafani have also adopted the African print as a fashion statement that must to be made.

(Naija, 2011)

The First night was brought to silence very quickly. The countries copyright bureau stopped the music and claimed they had not been paid their fee. While the bureau complained about not receiving their fee for the permission to play music the show went on in silence. During the silent show the catwalk continued to be filled with the showcase of fabulous designs. As the saying says “the show must go on” and that’s just what they did.

(Shadders, 2011)

Although Dakar Fashion Week had a rocky start they pulled it off and showed that Ivorians have style and can exude color despite the dark times. Designer Alain Niava, self proclaimed “dresser to the first ladies”, made it his business to show that Africans enjoy a lot of color and are not caught up on being sad and dull. Many other African designers were given the opportunity to showcase their work on the runway, which was a true blessing seeing as how it almost didn’t happen.

(Shadders, 2011)

Despite the many obstacles Dakar, Africa’s Fashion Week of 2011 was a success!

(Shadders,2011)

Sources:
old.news.yahoo.com/ssenegalicoastfashion
www.shadders.net
old.news.yahoo.com/senegalfashionafrica
globalvoicesonline.org
bellanaija.com
bizcommunity.com

R.S.P. Efficiency Survey

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:39:00 +0000

Click here to take survey

Queen Stylist To The World!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:37:00 +0000

Rachel Zoe has been in the world of fashion for a long time and has held her reign as “Queen Stylist” even through pregnancy. Born Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig on September 1, 1971 in New York. Rachel didn’t always want to be a fashion stylist so she attended college at George Washington University in Washington D.C. where she studied sociology and psychology. Once she moved to California her love for fashion could no longer be contained and she became a freelance fashion stylist gaining celebrity clients. Rachel got her big break when client Nicole Richie made it know that she was responsible for her fabulous new look. Rachel had Nemours big name clients before Ms. Richie but she is most definitely the one to thank when speaking of Rachel Zoe’s STARdom.

Rachel has wonderful supportive husband, Roger Berman, who travels with her during different fashion weeks throughout the world. I believe that the love and support from your significant other can really keep you focused and this is another reason she continues to be the Queen. My first learning of Mrs. Zoe was through her television show “The Rachel Zoe Project” on Bravo, which I’m sure was the first learning for many others. I believe I fell in love with styling once I began to watch this show. The show shines a light in on what Rachel does for a living. She has had a very interesting two seasons and is filming her third now, which will air in August of this year 2011. I will be front row and center every Tuesday night!

Rachel Zoe has many offspring business ventures just by being the “Queen Stylist.” In 2007 she released her first book “Style A to Zoe.” In 2009 she started an accessory line through QVC. It has even been said that she will start her own clothing line in the fall of this year 2011. Rachel Zoe is the Queen Stylist not only because she is good at fashion but also because she is a business women who knows how to accessorize life through capitalization!

Sources:

http://www.thefrisky.com/tag/rachel+zoe/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2466261/bio

http://www.zimbio.com/Rachel+Zoe/articles/0Z0U8Bz-gGa/Rachel+Zoe+Biography+News+Profile+Relationships

Fashion Creativity But At What Cost?

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:20:00 +0000

Trademark Infringement, Intellectual Property Rights, Taxes, and FASHION?! You may ask yourself how these words go together? Well although fashion is fun and makes you feel fancy free the designers must follow the law like everyone else in the world. A big problem that comes up in the fashion world is trademark infringement. Which is the equivalence of copying someone else’s style and not getting permission or giving them the credit for the inspiration.

Recently the famous Christian Louboutin has been on a suing spree. Beginning with my personal favorite fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent for producing a certain style of shoe that features a red sole like all the Louboutin footware. Louboutin is very serious about protecting his brand and has also sued a second company by the name of Carmen Steffens of Brazil. Christian Louboutin makes a great argument in his statement to Vogue “My company has a trademark on the red sole and if we don’t enforce it this would leave the door open for other brands to copy us while jeopardizing the identity of the Louboutin red sole. No one before me has ever used a coloured sole to define a brand’s identity. (MILLIGAN, 2011)”

Tony Duquette inc. also feels very strongly about this issue of trademark infringement so they are holders of many intellectual property rights. They recently filed a suit against the J. Crew Group for trademark infringement. Not only did J. Crew copy Duquettes signature leopard print but also they solidified the infringement by using the property name Duquette to describe their leopard print sweater. This is in my opinion is blatant infringement where J. Crew didn’t care enough to think before doing so. The actual product is titled as follows “J. Crew Duquette Factory Leopard Print sweater (Newswire, 2011).” J. Crew was not discrete about it nor did they ask for permission and that in my eyes makes the violation horrible.

Paying proper taxes is not only an issue that everyday people have to deal with but also big name designers like Dolce and Gabbana. The court of Milan recently dismissed the lawsuit that Italian tax authorities had on the remarkable fashion duo. The suit involved an alleged non-payment of $588 million in taxes by the fashion house (Deeny, 2011). Dolce or Gabanna have not to given a statement on the issue nor have any members of the fashion house. The said amount of evaded taxes come from when they sold both fashion and lifestyle brands but allegedly undervalued the two brands. The punishment for a tax evasion of this magnitude is time in jail. When you are a big name designer that is all the more reason to follow the law because the fall for you is going to be longer and harder. Although the case was dismissed the authorities are going to appeal and lets just hope that Dolce and Gabanna have the same positive outcome as this trial.

Fashion is definitely my passion in life but in order to be successful in anything you must know the laws that you are required to follow. I want to be creative but I must make sure I give credit where credit is due, I must receive permission if I want to use someone’s style as inspiration, and I must always pay my taxes……CORRECTLY!

Sources:

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/110408-christian-louboutin-sues-yves-saint.aspx

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tony-duquette-files-trademark-infringement-suit-against-j-crew-120470879.html

http://www.fashionwiredaily.com/first_word/news/article.weml?id=3525

Advice From A Young Veteran In The Legal Game..... Attorney Shannon Ligon!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:04:00 +0000

She doesn’t have a LLC by the name of PRETTYSmart for no reason!

(Ligon, 2011)

Attorney Shannon Ligon is a young entertainment lawyer who practices in Orlando, Fl. She has several different businesses, Ligon Law group where she is a managing member, Legacy Entertainment & Arts Foundation, Inc. (L.E.A.F. Inc.) a non- profit, and PRETTYSmart LLC to name a few. She has received all the appropriate credentials and all at the tender age of twenty-eight! Attorney Ligon attended Florida A&M University College of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate Degree. Attorney Ligon has an abundance of experience in multiple subjects of law but when I sat down with her I had specific questions I needed answers to. In my potential business I will be consulting clients on their image as far as fashion and make up. I was not expecting to gain so much knowledge being that my company will not be creating any original works of fashion but Attorney Ligon truly enlightened me. The questions are as follows:

1. What are some liabilities that I may encounter with my business?

Properly form your business with a LLC because they have fewer taxes and fewer liabilities. Be careful not to file more than one name for several reasons. It can be confusing for customers; people want to be able to find you easily. Make sure you properly file your name.

2. What are some things that I can do to safe guard my company if any problems arise?

Well every company needs liability insurance from the beginning. While doing a clients make up a mishap could happen with your tools. While having clothes on set of photo shoots you may be borrowing them and need to return to the designer if something to the clothing the insurance will protect you. Another key thing to do is to have a contract or subcontract agreement in place. Stating that just because a client books a consultation with you doesn’t mean the will be receiving you as their stylist. They may get one of your employees. Also having a personal service contractual agreement in order would do you justice.

3. In order for my business to be noticed as legit what are some things I need to have in my possession?

You will need all your Business licenses in place and make sure you file for your city and county license where your business will be located.

4. Although I am not creating any designs of my own will I have to worry about trademark infringement?

Yes if you are going to get your name trademarked or your company name. These both serve as intellectual property.

5. Have you ever worked on a case that involved a stylist? If so are you able to tell me about the outcome?

I represent them in issues they may have with clients. When they are on shoots the artist may want to keep the clothes. They will have to bill them for it. They also have issues with jurisdiction clauses and have to prove where the contract was entered into, where it was performed or where it was breached.

6. What kind of contracts would best suit my company and it’s clients?

Contract your company and yourself.

Outline your payment policies; I say cash or money order. You have to be careful with personal checks.

Make sure you answer the unknowns because in this business things come up unexpectedly.

Set up an indemnification clause that protects you from financial loss. Events of God, which accounts for bad weather such as natural disasters.

Cancelations by you, your employee, or your client. You have to protect yourself.

Scope of service, which for you is makeup and clothing.

If Artist tries to keep the clothes you can have them pay for them at cost.

Figure out worst!

Make sure to have a catch all clause this is very important. In the event of breach keep 50% of deposit.

Refund policies

I have learned so much from Attorney Ligon that has made me think of the reality of having a company. Although I love fashion having your own business is really serious and a lot of work. I will first be stating with another company before I start my own just to get the experience.

*I would like to give an extra special thank you to Attorney Ligon for sharing her valuable time. This advice is greatly appreciated! *

How to connect with Attorney Shannon Ligon:

http://www.shannonligon.com/Home_Page.html

http://iamprettysmart.tumblr.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/ShannonLigon

http://twitter.com/#!/ThatsMyLawyer

Wimbledon Has Style!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:47:00 +0000

Since the 1960’s the dress code for Wimbledon championship participants has been very simple the only requirement was that the uniform be mostly white. Through out the years the requirement has stayed the same but the more style has been incorporated in recently with the Williams sisters at the forefront of the tennis “catwalk.”

Both sisters have been spotted in some pretty stylish tennis uniforms. Venus with her love for zippers shows of her style during her first round match up. The lace jumper style outfit had a peek-a-boo cut out back and gold zipper down the front. The sleeves of the outfit were my favorite part of her uniform with the slit shoulders and the fluid movement of them makes for easy airflow and the wonderful feminine touch that adds amble character.

Serena Williams shown here at day one of the Wimbledon championship in 2009 wearing a very chic overcoat while she warms up. The tailored look of this jacket gives the feel of a nice walk in central park New York. The double breasted front with buttons is my favorite part of this outfit. The front is so feminine and cute while still being sophisticated and chic.

Although Venus Serena head up the style at Wimbledon they are definitely not alone. Bethanie Mattek-Sands the self proclaimed Lady Gaga of tennis certainly shows a new side to Wimbledon fashion. Seen here she is wearing an Alex Noble one of a kind who has also worked with Lady Gaga. This fringed biker jacket is featured with white tennis balls on the back and arms. Her daring style is something that I look forward to in the future of tennis.

The women of Wimbledon are not the only ones showing that they have style. Ralph Lauren outfits the umpires, ball boys and girls, and the line judges. The classic clean look the Ralph Lauren line shows that Wimbledon clearly has style!

A Brazilian Model Takes Top Honors—And, No, We’re Not Talking About Gisele

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:51:00 +0000

A Brazilian Model Takes Top Honors—And, No, We’re Not Talking About Gisele

Full Figured Fashion Week named their Best Plus Commercial Print Model of the Year!

The Color Of Beauty.... Is Racism still alive in Fashion?

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:29:00 +0000

Watching this documentary has opened my Fashion Eyes even wider to an on going problem in our society. Black women are seen as the plaque in many industries especially in the fashion industry. I hope that this docuentry will open your Fashion Eyes as it did mine!

Style Is A Way Of Life!

noreply@blogger.com (R. Lopez) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Yves Saint Laurent brings style to a new level with the Women's Fall/Winter collection by Stefano Pilati. I am in love with what my Fashion Eyes are witnessing! This mix of business chic gives me butterflies like a first date.

Check Out it out for yourself! Make sure you use those Fashion Eyes!