The Fashion Liaison

Photography Between Art & Fashion

2023-01-08T20:27:00.001+00:00

Get ready to have your mind blown, because the New Black Vanguard exhibition is coming to London and it's gonna be epic!

This exhibition celebrates Black creativity and innovation showcasing the work of 15 emerging photographers from around the globe who are pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Attendees will be able to check out a wide range of subjects, including portraiture, documentary photography, and fine art. It will take place at the Saatchi Gallery and expected to attract a huge and diverse audience.

In addition to the main exhibition, the New Black Vanguard event includes a series of talks and workshops featuring some of the biggest names in the photography world. These sessions will give you a chance to learn more about the craft of photography and hear from the photographers themselves about their work and inspiration.

This is a must-see for anyone who loves photography or the Black experience. You'll get to see the work of some of the most exciting and innovative photographers of our time, and be a part of a celebration of Black creativity and achievement. Don't miss out!

Open until 22nd Jan 2023 at the Saatchi Gallery in London

#NewBlackVanguard #BlackCreativity #PhotographyExhibition #LondonExhibition #EmergingPhotographers #InnovativePhotography #Portraiture #DocumentaryPhotography #FineArt #PhotographyTalks #PhotographyWorkshops #BlackExperience #CelebrationofBlackCreativity #DontMissOut #LondonArtScene #PhotographyInspiration #PhotographyCommunity #BlackPhotographers #ArtExhibition

The Help (Wig) is not required!

2012-02-05T04:14:00.001+00:00

Guess who?

'Wigless' and absolutely stunning!

In a LA times photo shoot Oscar nominated and Tony Award winning actress Viola Davis lays her faithful wig to one side and literally knocks em dead with her serene beauty.

Viola's normal look

“Even back when I was 11, I knew that Isabel Sanford from The Jeffersons came from the stage. I never watched the Oscars, but I watched the Tonys every year. I wanted to be onstage. I wanted to be like Colleen Dewhurst or Jane Alexander—one of those great ladies of the theater, doing Ibsen and Shakespeare.” :Viola Davis-LA Times Feb' 2012

Her new film 'Won’t Back Down' will be released in September 28.

View more pictures from the shoot after the break.

Read the full LA Times article here

Balmain's newest creation...

2012-01-30T15:20:00.000+00:00

26 year old Black French designer Olivier Rousteing.


A natural choice

There were no surprises last April when then 25 year old Olivier took over the reigns at Balmain from Head Designer Christophe Decarnin. A, natural choice, the École Supérieure Des Arts Et Techniques De La Mode (ESMOD) Alumni had been working alongside Decarnin at the Parisien luxury label for three years. Before that, he had logged 5 years with highly esteemed Italian Fashion god, Roberto Cavalli under Peter Dundas, where he was responsible for the men and women's ready-to-wear collections

Olivier backstage with one of his creations.

Born in France and raised in Bordeaux by adoptive parents, Rousteing spoke to Style magazine about the enormous pressures of taking over from Decarnin and his vision.

I went there when it was Balmainia…I understood when I came to the house that it was a really small house with a really big name. But there wasn’t all the structure. It was super-interesting—there was not a lot of people. What is nice at Balmain is not only this part, the Balmainia, but even before; you have access to amazing archives. That was a good thing too with this house. It’s a really French house; it [has] old history.

Read more here

View pics of Olivier's collection can be found on Balmain website. Notable pieces can be purchased on Net a Porter.

Arise Fashion Week Lagos 2012

2012-01-29T19:47:00.000+00:00

After a successful showing in 2011, Arise Magazine has once again chosen to renew its love affair with the city of Lagos. Last year 5,000 guests, 51 designers, 81 models and 5 musical acts all came together to make this this the much talked about Fashion event of the year.

"Drama, emotional, traditional but fresh - each look had its own story and moment." Vogue Italia Black

The Arise Fashion Week 2012 will take place over the course of six days from the 6th to the 11th of March.

“There is a side of Lagos that chimes well with the international fashion scene. We at ARISE Magazine recognise that the city has much to offer in the way of vibrancy and extraordinary talent in abundance making it the cultural capital of Africa. Once more we are proud to be associated with nurturing new designers from the vast continent – and continuing our support of those who are more well-known in Nigeria and in the diaspora.” - Nduka Obaigbena (Arise Magazine Founder)

Arise Magazine

Adriana Lima speaks to Vogue Brazil

2012-01-28T09:13:00.003+00:00

The Victoria's Secret model and Spokesperson for Maybelline from Bahia State graces the February cover of Vogue Brazil. These beautiful images were captured by André Passos in Foz do Iguacu with styling and beauty by Mark Gurge and Max Weber.

Age 30, the proud mother of one spoke about her daughter who at just 3 years old already speaks three languages and about her experiences as an international model. "A shower of energy for the entire year!"

Read the full article here

Style Icon - Sade

2012-01-26T20:48:00.001+00:00

The Fashion Liaison Salutes….

In 1983, when Sade first graced the music world backed by the band that also bears her name, her impeccable style, grace and poise was something that could hardly be ignored.

Of course the music was greatly enhanced by Sade’s smooth, sultry warm vocals singing self penned timeless lyrics which today have put her up there with some of the greatest female music recording artists of all time.

An Alumni of London’s St Martin’s art college, London, Sade first started out as a clothing designer for men. Speaking about her stint into the world of fashion, Sade told WLBLS Tom Joyner in an early 2010 after the release of her tenth studio album, ‘Soldier of Love’, “My heart just wasn’t in it.”

And so her foray into the music world began albeit quite unconventionally seen as she initially failed the audition to become the lead singer for the band, which then went by the name, ‘Pride’.

Men's fashion designer

The story goes that Pride were still in need of a singer and so they made their best career decision by calling back the girl who had failed to impress them at the audition.

Sade has always stated that she was only helping out a friend when she accepted the offer but it soon became abundantly clear that as the band played in clubs and bars around England that she was without a doubt the main attraction.

Soon afterwards 'Pride' would change their name to ‘Sade’ after their leading lady who not only added style, grace and class to their line up but who also hypnotized audiences with her stand out beauty, unique style that oozed sophistication and poise as well as her smooth sultry warm vocals.

Sade’s style has also been one of exquisite coolness, an understated dress style which takes clear inspiration from her days as a men’s clothing designer while at the same time remaining undeniably feminine, undeniably Sade.

Throwback pics of Sade Adu after the break.

Another day, another generalization...

2012-01-23T19:54:00.002+00:00

Another European Fashion Magazine Makes Uncomfortable Generalizations About ‘Black Style’

Nathalie Dolivo, a writer for French Elle, wrote a blog post last week on the topic of "black fashion power," which has since proven quite controversial. A translation of the piece from French reveals that Dolivo seems to have misinterpreted a recent Times article and used it as dubious precedent to argue that refined trends in "black style" are thanks solely to the Obamas' sartorial influence: "For the first time, the chic has become a plausible option for a community so far pegged [only] to its streetwear codes." - Alex Rees

Etta James

2012-01-20T18:39:00.100+00:00

1938 -2012

The original 'no shit talking' blonde bombshell passed away today in Southern California. She was 73. The six time Grammy Award winner and Hall of Fame Inductee who has been lauded as one of the greatest Soul and Blues Legend of all time had been suffering from Leukaemia.

"It's a tremendous loss for her fans around the world," her Manager, Lupe De Leon said. "She'll be missed. A great American singer. Her music defied category."

Here at the The Fashion Liaison we have always loved Etta's early style of stark bone strait blond hair and beautiful figure hugging cocktail gowns which embraced her curvy physique.

Check out some pictures of Etta which exemplified her unique style and grace after the break.

She will be indeed be missed but her music will surely live on forever.

Who needs a hairline...

2012-01-17T20:28:00.027+00:00

...when you're the Baddest ~~Bitch~~ Model in town?

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Naomi Campbell for Pinko S/S 2012

Her edges may have gone AWOL but in the latest advertising campaign for Italian Fashion brand Pinko, 41 year old Supermodel, Naomi Campbell sizzles in her usual top form and once again personifies the 'Super' in model. You better 'werk'!

See more pictures from the Campaign after the break.

Pinko

Bring it ON!!

2011-12-31T04:35:00.005+00:00

Meet the new face of Louis Vuitton.

2011-05-28T17:28:00.003+01:00


16 year old Nyasha Matonhodze When she won the Elite Model Look UK competition in 2009, Zimbabwean born Nyasha could hardly contain herself with excitement. 'They had to call my name twice, because I didn't believe it! It was so surreal!' Since then Nyasha has appeared in a number high profile magazines such as Teen Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and has also walked dozens of catwalks for some of the best fashion houses in world. However, the news that she had been selected to represented to star in the upcoming Louis Vuitton campaign still came as a shock to the 16 year old, who has already been nicknamed 'Baby Naomi' after Supermodel, Naomi Campbell in some circles 'My eyes filled up with tears and I thought 'Lord you are lucky!' It didn't actually hit me until I was sat in a Rolls Royce sitting eye-to-eye with Meisel.'

“Who wouldn’t want to be this gorgeous young woman in the back seat of this beautiful car?” - Marc Jacobs

Famed fashion photograher, Stephen Miesel shot the campaign for Louis Vuitton which is scheduled to break in August issues.

Read more about Nyasha here.

African Fashion Week London (AFWL)

2011-04-02T11:52:00.003+01:00

Catwalk show from Africa's First Fashion Week held in Johannesburg 2009.

For the first time ever African Fashion Week London will be taking place on the 5th and 6th of August 2011 at the grand old Gibson Hall in Bishopsgate, London.

Designers from all walks of life who have been inspired by African textile prints, tribal jewellery and other accessories are invited to register for an exhibition spot to show off their collections and designs.

This will be an excellent opportunity for all those business minded fashionistas’s out there to explore the lucrative growing market of African Fashion, share ideas and draw inspiration from other like minded individuals.

The event will be fully sponsored by Berekete.com, Fashion Finest and Rukkie's Concept and will include hourly catwalk shows

For free tickets and information about exhibition spots can be obtained here.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T21:58:00.021+00:00

1932 - 2011

The Fashion Liaison mourns the death of screen legend and style icon, Dame Elizabeth Taylor who passed away today aged 79.

A style icon in pictures.

American Vogue in Black

2011-03-15T18:07:00.229+00:00

And this time it's good!


Photographed by Annie Leibovitz

The annual shape April edition of US Vogue will feature international pop Superstar and Style Icon, Rihanna. The cover shoot, shot by American photographer, Annie Leibovitz shows the Bajan Beauty in a unusual trance like pose wearing a sheer floral gown from Chanel's pre-fall 2011 collection.

Reminiscent of old Hollywood, screen legend, Jayne Mansfield, (although some may say Jessica Rabbit or Ariel the mermaid), Rihanna's glorious mane of red hair brings something unexpected, yet alluring and exciting to the cover. This surely is a departure from the bland signature photography normally offered up by US Vogue, especially where Black women are the subjects.

Check out more pictures and video of Rihanna's amazing Vogue shoot here.

Since it's inception in 1892, less than 15 women of African descent have managed to nab the coveted the cover of American Vogue. It is no secret in the industry that most mainstream magazines are reluctant to feature women of African descent on their covers for whatever reason.

“Black models are being sidelined by the major modelling agencies. It is a pity that people don’t appreciate black beauty,” The British Supermodel Naomi Campbell stated in 2007, while also revealing plans to set up her own modelling agency which would focus on promoting black models.

The Fashion Liaison takes a look back at the Black Cover girls on US Vogue.

From Left to Right, Beverley Johnson, Peggy Dillard, Sheila Johnson and Shari Belafonte

Model Beverley Johnson was the first black woman to make the cover of Vogue in 1974 followed by Peggy Dillard in 1977. Sheila Johnson appeared on the cover in 1980 and Shari Johnson in 1982. Shari went one to have the most solo US Vogue covers from 1982 - 1986.


Karen Alexander, Naomi Campbell, Kiara Kabukuru,Liya Kebede, Marion Jones


Oscar Winner Halle Berry appeared two times in 2002 and 2010

Oprah Winfrey 1998

Vogue Editor, Annie Wintour asked Media Mogul, Oprah Winfrey to lose 20lbs before appearing on the cover in 1998. The resulting shoot was amazing and Oprah was understandingly pleased.


Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce Knowles

The 2007 cover featuring Oscar winner and Grammy winning recording artist, Jennifer Hudson sparked a some of controversy and questions about Vogue's agenda when it came to Black women were raised.

Without a doubt, Jennifer is an extremely beautiful woman however, this shoot failed to capture that. The cover shot with Jennifer's mouth wide open and her hair in disarray was obviously the most unflattering of the lot and surely Andre Leon Talley who oversaw the shoot must have seen that? Nether less this was still a major achievement for Jennifer as she became the first black singer to grace the cover followed by Beyonce in 2009.

Michelle Obama 2009

US First Lady, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover in March 2009 issue. Once again Vogue Editor, Annie Wintour and her team failed to deliver on what could have been highly successful photo cover shoot in terms of style, elegance and grace befitting of the First Lady. On the cover, Mrs. Obama wears a magenta dress by Jason Wu and while the pose is stately, keeping in line with her position as the wife of US President, the expression on her face looks strained and her hair, not finely styled as it is normally. The pictures inside the magazine were ten times better.

NO Ma'am Mrs. Knowles Carter!!

2011-02-22T09:42:00.052+00:00

Singer Beyonce Knowles Carter opts to don blackface make-up in a tribute to Nigerian Legend, Fela Kuti’s dancers for French Magazine L’Officiel.

It is quite disheartening that Beyonce, a woman of African descent felt it necessary to undertake this fashion shoot in such a manner in order to represent fellow African women.

This could have been a spectacular spread had the Grammy award winning artist used her clout and position in the world entertainment industry to simply tell the powers that be at L’Officiel where to get off.

There were some shots of the singer without the offensive Blackface make-up, however these were overshadowed.

As an African American woman, Beyonce of all people should have been well aware of the history of this racist iconography and what it represented to African descended people in the Diaspora.

The Fashion Liaison is disappointed.

Since Beyonce's shoot failed to impress lets take a look back at some images of Fela’s amazingly talented dancers.

"African woman go dance, she go dance the fire dance"

- Lady by Fela

Three of Fela's dancers getting down.

Vogue - Fashion in the Digital Age

2011-02-01T11:41:00.007+00:00

In correlation with the recently launched IPAD Vogue app, UK Vogue Creative Director, Robin Derrick and Fashion blogger, Disneyrollergirl will be discussing the relationship between fashion and technology at the Apple Store in Covent Garden on the 3rd of February 2011.

"Vogue on the iPad has given us the opportunity to put life, colour and movement into our magazine. From moving image and sound, to internet connectivity, the possibilities are exciting and engaging," - UK Vogue Creative Director Robin Derrick.

Here’s hoping that an Iphone version becomes available soon.

Mathew Williamson Exhibition – Ten years in Fashion

2011-01-11T10:42:00.060+00:00

A brief biography.

The designs and creativity of Mathew Williamson would have anyone thinking that a person possibly born and bred in the exotic Indian climes or perhaps Africa, somewhere in Morocco, had designed them. However Manchester in the North West of England couldn’t be farther from Morocco or India and that city just so happens to be the birthplace of this highly British acclaimed fashion designer.

After graduating from St Martin’s 1994 with a degree in Fashion Design, Williamson’s first stint in the commercial fashion world was a design project with Marni before taking a job with a British fashion company, Monsoon and Accessorize.

Alek Wek (left) - Electric Ladies, 1997

Williamson’s début collection in 1997, ‘Electric Ladies’ during London Fashion Week showcased a plethora of warm rainbow derived colours and delicately cut flowing dresses worn by the likes of Alek Wek and Kate Moss.

Since that impressive début, Williamson has continued to wow the fashion world, developing his own signature aesthetic, which has elevated him to the higher echelons of the British Fashion elite.

Williamson's current ready-to-wear collection can be found at his award winning flagship store at 28 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London.

The current exhibition at Somerset House will end on to the 30th of January 2011 giving visitors will get the opportunity to view specially selected photographs charting 10 years of the British Northerner’s distinguished fashion career.

http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/fashion/1285.asp

The Dawn of a New Decade.

2011-01-01T09:28:00.029+00:00

Fashion Liaison wishes everyone the most fruitful and productive year in 2011 and beyond! Lets stick to those positive resolutions, continue to dance as though no one is watching, love like never before while traveling and smiling across God's green earth and liaising with Fashion and style around the world.

Meet Maria – A Brazilian Fashion Journalist in London.

2010-02-17T23:26:00.003+00:00

It is always interesting to get a well rounded view of my home city from a foreigner and having the opportunity to speak to Maria, a self confessed fashionista and Journalist who arrived from Brazil less than two months ago did not fall short of expectations.

“It’s my first time in Europe!” She says cheerily, “And I love it!”

So far so good.

“The people here are so nice and polite, It’s not like that in Brazil. The other day we went to see Legally Blonde and after the show I was really impressed by the way people queued up to see the actress!”

At age 19, Maria, who is currently studying Journalism at (UniCEUB) University of Brazil, is also doing a short fashion Journalism course at London’s famed Central Saint Martin’s college of Art. So why on earth did she choose to leave the warmer climes of exotic Brazil to come thousands of miles across the world just to attend an 8 week course? Why not Paris or Milan?

“My older sister lives here and that plus I have heard all about CSM’s famous alumni such as Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson and Alexander McQueen. I absolutely adored McQueen!

“I was devastated by his death,” She says mournfully of the late fashion extraordinaire, “I went to his shop when I heard and managed to speak to the Manager but I didn’t get an exclusive.”

Maria also regularly writes for a Brazilian media company, which publishes two websites one of which is about fashion and is using this opportunity in London to cover fashion week, currently underway in the city.

Top designer Alexandre Herchovitch

“I have been writing for them for two years now!” Maria says enthusiastically, “ComH Comunicação advertised for an intern and I sent off my CV. I was then sent back a challenge in which I had to do a profile on someone in the fashion industry which I passed and was given the job.”

Maria then goes on to tell me all about her loves and liaisons with fashion and the people who create them, the designers. Alexandre Herchovitch, one of Brazil’s top fashion designers and famous in the fashion world for his eclectic prints and avant garde style is one her favourites.

“I love him because he thinks outside the box like McQueen,” She raves. “He is also not afraid to do some things differently which is quite unusual among Brazilian designers!”

Four time British designer of the year and another famous CSM alumni John Galliano also gets a respectable mention among the top favourites of this young Journalist, whose perspective of style is something which is natural and carefree.

“I love people who are unique and are not afraid to be individuals and designers such as Herchovitch, McQueen and Galliano do not disappoint!”

So what does she think so far of everyday London fashion?

“It’s unique, different, cool and young, I have been down to Camden Market a few times and the place is really amazing. London is all about fashion!”

Going Ugandan

2010-01-20T20:02:00.019+00:00

Gomasi (Gomas) Ladies

I had to try it out!

As expected, on touch down at Entebbe, Uganda on one of the last few days of 2009 I was greeted with a thick blanket of heat, so immense that I immediately felt the beads of sweat as they started to pucker up on my forehead. I was in Uganda to attend a traditional Ugandan wedding, which would take place over three days over the New Year. I had eagerly accepted an invitation from a good friend of mine thinking that it would be an excellent way to bring in 2010 and I wasn’t disappointed.

It goes without saying the amount of fun, festivities, parties, glorious natural God given sights, eats and traditions that a country such Uganda has to offer so I won’t talk too much about that.

I had never known much about Ugandan traditional attire and in the short time I was there I became extremely fascinated with the Ugandan gomasi. As previously stated, the wedding that I attended took place over three days and during that time I had the opportunity to explore the dainty gomasi in all its complexities and glory.

This garment is a dress, the skirt of which is long and flowing to the floor with a square necked blouse, loose fitting with short puffed sleeves overwhelmed by magnificent pointed shoulders, which at times had me thinking of Star Trek’s Spock’s ears.

Singer Alicia Keys wears a gomasi

According to some scholars, the gomasi was first designed by Indian tailors and initially worn by the Buganda ethnic group. Today all ladies in Uganda proudly don what has now become Uganda’s national dress. Originally designed using barkcloth, the gomasi can be made using cotton, linen, satins and silk fabrics and well made one can use up to 6 metres of cloth.

It is indeed a complex piece of clothing because in order for a lady to don this grand national dress they have to first wear a Kitengi’ or Kanga, hand woven pieces of cloth, tied around their waist just below the bosom and firmly secured with a tie. This extra piece of cloth I suspected was probably employed in order to give the ladies a fuller figure under the Gomasi. This is in my view was a rather unnecessary seen as most Ugandan ladies I came across were most times overwhelmingly endowed in that part of their anatomy anyway. Nether less, the Kitengi added to the great Gomasi look; the perfect feminine hourglass figure, African style!

An updated look of the gomasi

After the extra woven piece of cloth has been tied securely in place, the Gomeci is wrapped around the body much like the Japanese Kimono and held together by one or two huge buttons on the top left hand side of the neckline. A wide sash tied below the waist and over the hips finishes off the look.

Gomasis are worn by in Uganda by the young and old on special occasions such as funerals and traditional wedding introductions referred to as the Kwanjula.

South African - Cape Style!

2009-11-30T19:56:00.018+00:00

South of the Continent.

Mama Africa

Last month I made a long overdue trip to South Africa; Cape Town to be precise. I had always dreamed of visiting this unique African country especially after reading the biographies of Great South Africans like the Mama Africa Miriam Makeba, Madiba Nelson Mandela and Miriam’s Song by Mark Mathabane.

Just like I have always been enchanted by the glossy images of beautiful African Americans in popular Black magazines such as Ebony, Essence and other mediums, images which always seemed undercut with the African American struggle brought about by them being a minority in their country, plus their fascinating history and the fact that they as a group of people had still in spite all, had a major impact on culture and style in the United States and arguably, the rest world, I was also enchanted by the South Africans and their struggle against apartheid.

Township Fashion

In England during the 80s, there wasn’t that much exposure to the South African struggle and her people. Such stories of township risings and violence towards black people hardly made the front pages of The Sun or The Daily Mail. Back then the majority of the general public had hardly heard of the word ‘Apartheid’ or that it was in full operation in South Africa until the ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ concert held at Wembley Stadium on June 11th 1988.

The South Africans have always struck me as proud and regal type of people and so I was met with no surprises when I was there. Tall elegant ladies and men with skin tones ranging from the darkest to the golden of bronzes, straight white straight natural teeth that most people in the Western Hemisphere would hand over half of their mortgage loans for.

Greenmarket Square is one of the oldest markets in Cape Town. Located between the Long and Short Streets , consists of a plethora of colourful market stalls selling anything from African crafts, jewellery, African art, music , footwear and African fabric from all parts of Africa including Uganda, Malawi and Kenya...as you can probably tell by now, it wasn’t hard for me to be won over in South Africa.

Greenmarket Square

Zulu jewelery found in Greenmarket Square, Cape Town.

Fashion Revolution at Somerset House

2009-11-22T16:05:00.004+00:00

A major fashion exhibition is currently being held at London's Somerset House by Show Studio, the award-winning fashion website led by Nick Knight, one of the world's most influential fashion image-makers. The show which focuses on Performance, Participation and Process takes a retrospective look at the past nine years of on-line innovation, invention and creation of fashion.

Guests are encouraged to participate in casting calls, visit the sets of photo shoots where the likes of celebrated make-up artist Lisa Eldridge and British Vogue's Creative Director Robin Derrick can be seen working on a beauty editorial for the magazine's Feburary 2010 issue.

Tickets cost £5 (£3.00 concessions). For more information on exhibits, live projects and fashion film please visit the SHOWstudio.com website.

Michael Jackson dies

2009-06-26T11:01:00.237+01:00

Legendary Entertainer Michael Jackson collapsed and died at his rented villa in Beverley Hills yesterday sending the whole world into a mourning frenzy, the likes of which, have not been seen since the death of Princess Diana. I think it is safe to say that probably every news station and blog on the planet is probably at this very minute covering the gory details of the untimely death of this extraordinary individual; The supposed prescription drug addiction, who will get custody of his children? Who is the real biological father of the children? And pinpricking the finite details of the last days of Michael Jackson’s life which was spent at the Staples Centre rehearsing for his highly anticipated comeback, not to mention, sold out concerts at the O2 centre in my home city of London. Sigh!

But here at The Fashion Liaison we are officially in mourning and would respectfully like to pay a style tribute to this amazing man, The king of Pop, whose style as well as his music and electric dance moves will undoubtedly continue to live on forever.

RIP Michael, you were loved and will be missed.

The picture on the right, believe it or not is Michael, circa around release of his Grammy award winning 'Off the Wall' album. Looking at this shot it is not hard to understand why this man was the heartthrob of many a young lady back in the day. In those days I was much too young to have a crush. (But of course I hadn't come across this picture...he he!). Anyway had I been old enough I probably would have spent my entire teen years in Encino, California camped outside Hayvenhurst. In this photo shoot Michael’s hair is uncharacteristically cropped short and he wears a woolly plum coloured pullover over a shirt and tie. It is shame I don't have a full body shot of this particular shoot as it would have been interesting to see how Michael, as only he knew how, finished off this look.

The picture on the left is one of my favourites. In my opinion this is the first time Michael stepped out of norm and set himself apart from all the other rhythm and blues artist out there in terms of style. It goes without saying that he was already doing that with his music! In this picture, Michael strikes a pose with one of his signature dance moves dressed in a black dinner jacket, complete with bow tie, those legendary white socks and penny loafers. He was always the perfect gentleman.

This 1981 Jet magazine cover is one of the early shots of Michael in his famous glittery white glove.

It is a well known fact (well among us Michael Jackson stans) that Michael was a big lover of disguises. Having never lived a normal life where he was unable to step out of his front door without being mobbed since he was young boy, Michael found some comfort in being able to essentially become somebody else by experimenting with different looks and style. Michael is in the picture below wearing the shades...as if I needed to tell you. No doubt that fabulous smile had already blown his cover.

Michael often changed his look but it was clear that he was a big fan of military gear, making regular appearances in glittery army jackets and of course with the signature white glove and dark shades. The picture below courtesy of Rollingstone.com shows a selection of Michael's fabulous Jackets.

Below Superstars Beyonce and Rhianna, obviously inspired by Michael's style direction, are seen out on the town in Balmain jackets. These Balmain pieces are very similar to the jackets that Michael often liked to wear.

These unique pieces (Not the ladies, the jackets!!!) retail on average for about £2,000 - £5000. Buy Rhi Rhi's denim jacket here and Beyonce's sparkly piece here.

Michael in a rare Clint Eastwoood Cowboy type get-up. It was relatively for Michael to take any style, to not only own it by adding his own twist to it (see white socks and penny loafers) but to also make it look fresh and unique.

A rare glimpse of Michael at work. This picture was taken shortly before Michael died on the 25th June 2009 in Beverley Hills, California. Michael looks every inch the man that he was, probably listening to an idea or concept with a sheet of paper, possibly of music or lyrics on his lap. He is dressed in a red satin shirt which has obviously been inspired by the many fabulous military jackets that he used to wear back in the 1980s and black velvet trousers. The look is tailed off by a pair of sharp looking white glittery boots.

The Fashion Liaison salutes you Mr. Jackson. Rest in Peace Mike. Gone but never ever forgotten.

Uggs not so cute!

2008-12-05T22:21:00.015+00:00

Trying to keep cute and warm!

The winter season has arrived upon us once again with a vengeance. At home, here in London snow has been forecasted for the next few days and I am at this very moment hoping that my boiler doesn’t give up the ghost and call it a day. The thought of trying to stay warm in my ice block of a flat, which barely has some semblance of heat in the summer, never mind the winter, is actually quite frightening. Brrr... !!

Now each day as I leave for work, making sure that I am padded up to the nines is a top priority. I have the lot; Uggs, woolly hat, chunky wool scarf and an oversized coat to go over an already thick cardigan. The only thing that probably oozes a bit of class and style are my genuine leather Coach gloves purchased from Woodbury Common, New York; a snip at just $20.

How is a girl suppose to keep to her movie star style pledge looking like someone lost in a snow storm in this type of weather?

I think the main issue I have here is the Uggs. I mean they were cute and different when they first came out but now they just look ...Ugg!! That flat panned Barnaby bear foot look is just not working anymore. That plus too many women, and men too, are walking around with mashed up Uggs which are past chucking out stage. Recently in Beverly Hills, I saw a cute little girl wearing Uggs with a simple pair of shorts and a T. I thought it was quite cool how her simple summer clothing went well with what most here in London see as winter shoes. I kind of decided there and then that Uggs would probably look more eclectic, stylish and different with maybe a summer dress or even a bikini than with winter clothing.

But what alternatives do we have to replace Uggs in this dreary weather?

Not too many ladies want to deal with negotiating a heel in these sorts of weather conditions, especially if one plans to be out in the cold a lot, doing loads of walking. I am the same way but a girl needs to look hot even in bad weather too and flat shoes just aren't up to the task.

These cute suede cuffed wedge shoes above are from the Calvin Klein fall collection for 2008 and currently on sale at shopbop.com $507.

The beauties below are from the Stella McCartney collection and they were recently reviewed in Vogue magazine.

I am not too sure how one would negotiate the height of the platforms on these in the snow but there is no denying that these babies are just too hot for words! I would most certainly give them a go for the right price. I can picture it now, me in thick leggings, figure hugging woolly jumper dress with an exaggerated polo neck and those boots...ooh la la!! Such boots with knee high lengths would be ideal with the right dress too. Who says a girl has to stick to trousers to keep her legs warm in the winter when she can wear striking boots with lengths like these and a shapely feminine dress? These booties are available from Net-a-Porter for £827.

Now if you are like me and the credit crunch is kicking your butt then you will be praying feverishly for the likes of Faith, New Look , Aldos or ASOS to get their acts together (read copies) so we all rock Stella’s style at a more affordable price.

Diana Ross: Style Icon

2008-12-04T20:46:00.013+00:00

The Boss

Now, at the mere mention of her name some may applaud and speak in awe of this unique lady; then there are those who curse. Those that do the latter talk about her supposed part in the downfall of fellow Supreme Florence Ballard, they will speak about how she deviously rose, backstabbing her way to the top of the entertainment world, leaving her peers behind and of her sordid affair with Motown Svengali, Berry Gordy.

Then there are the many that laud this lady as the legendary music icon she is, without a doubt today. This Superstar, who started out from humble beginnings in the Brewster Projects of 1960s Detroit; the American dream personified. Armed with fierce determination and steel resilience to name just a few of things that this former fashion student exemplifies, Diane Ernestine Ross was indeed the cream that just simply rose to top. . . and stayed there.

However, whatever the varying opinions of this lady may be, there is one fact that most, if not all can agree on; Diana’s style was second to none from the time she exploded onto the public arena till today. Miss Boss has always worked it in her style in with whichever project her illustrious career happened upon.

Before Miss Ross, women in show business, especially Black women on screen did not have the audacity to up the glam factor in the way that she did. With all due respect to the female entertainers who paved the way for Miss Ross, images of black women on the screen were mostly either of the typical ‘Mammy’ types or of the over sexualised ones.

Diana with her figure hugging svelte glittering gowns, bouffant hair dos and big doll- like eyes fluttering with long striking lashes was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Her Supreme years at Motown not only proved to all that may have initially had doubts about a black woman being as alluring, stunning and enchanting as any of her white counterparts back in the day were but also solidified her stance as one style icon who was here to stay whether the naysayers liked it or not!

The Fashion Liaison salutes you Miss Ross.