Michelle Obama Lands Vogue's March Cover

Today the Washington Post confirms that Michelle Obama will appear on Vogue Magazine's March issue. Shot by Anne Leibovitz, the cover is only the second in Vogue's history featuring a first lady. Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley interviewed Michelle for the cover story, and said it was, "one of the best experiences of my life."
Michelle opted for designers like Jason Wu, J.Crew, and Narciso Rodriguez for the shoots, and apparently didn't need help plucking looks that worked for her.
Vogue's keeping the hotness coming for 2009. Will you pick up this issue?

Intern Candidate Ashley: Vogue's Documentary 'The September Issue'

"It’s bold. It’s iconic. It's Legendary. The September Issue of fashion Bible Vogue has become one of the most anticipated annual books within the fashion industry, on par with Vanity Fair’s March Hollywood Issue. Every year it promises more; who can forget the 2004 issue that, for the first time in ages, featured models on the cover (including Ethiopian stunner Liya Kebede)? For the first time Vogue editrix Anna Wintour has allowed cameras in her hallways. Filmmaker R.J. Cutler and his team have compiled a documentary chronicling the making of the 2007 issue, the biggest ever. “The September Issue” premiered over the weekend at the Sundance Film Festival."

"Cutler says of Vogue, “My observation with the creativity in the hallways and offices is that Vogue is like the mist. You don’t think it’s raining and all of a sudden you’re soaking wet.”
Cutler compiled the film out of 300 hours of footage that followed not only La Wintour, but her ingénue daughter Bee Schaffer, and Creative Director Grace Coddington. The commentary revolves around the tight ship that Anna Wintour obviously runs. Cutler promises an unbiased portrait of “The Pope of Fashion” and her staff by acknowledging the glamour involved, but highlighting the grueling hours of work required in assembling such a massive publication.
Check out the videos below in which Anna answers pre-selected questions at the screenings Q& A and an exuberant fan gushes over the film:

~Ashley

Rumors: Anna Wintour Possibly Out at Vogue??

Talk about grist for the mill.
The blogosphere is abuzz with news that Condé Nast head Si Newhouse is in Paris negotiating with French Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld to have her replace current Vogue EIC Anna Wintour.

Gawker , Jossip, and Fashionista offer more details but I must say, this isn't the first time we've heard this. I'm taking it with a big ole grain of salt for now. But it does beg the question: are we ready for a change of the guard at America's Fashion Bible?
~A

Style File: Andre Leon Talley

"When people ask if I have any advice to give about fashion, it's always the same: Follow your own pace, your own instincts, no matter what. You'll get it right."---Andre Leon Talley, "A.L.T. A Memoir"

Happy Rainy Wednesday!
Today’s Style File is almost long overdo! This week's style spotlight shines on fashion veteran and Editor at Large of Vogue….

...Andre Leon Talley!
As one of the few people of color holding any sort of position at the Bible of Fashion Magazines, Vogue, he needs to be addressed! First a little background...
Andre Leon Talley was raised in Durham, North Carolina by his impeccably stylish, polished, and pressed grandmother Bennie Frances Davis.

After attending North Carolina Central University, he received a Masters in French literature from Brown University.
He was in works to get a PhD in French, but cut his studies short to come to New York and work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he met Diana Vreeland, Vogue’s former Editor in Chief. Vreeland took him under her wing, and the rest is fashion history!

He started as a writer for Women’s Wear Daily, and joined Vogue in 1983 as a fashion news director. He served as Vogue's creative director from 1988 to 1995, then moved to Paris from 1995-1998 to serve first as W Magazine's Parisian fashion editor, then Paris Bureau Chief. He returned to Vogue in 1998 as Editor at Large--he’s been at Vogue for about as long as I’ve been alive!

You can now find him styling, traveling to shows (that you can read about in his monthly "Life with Andre" column in Vogue), and sitting front row next to the Queen of Fashion, Anna Wintour.
About his look, he says in his memoir, “As a young man my style became gradually more outrageous, until it has settled into what it is today: an eclectic mix of the bespoke and the extraordinary…”

“I owe much of my ideal of fashion to the late Duke of Windsor’s outlandish plaid suits…”

“…Manolo Blahnik custom makes shoes for me, and Karl Lagerfeld designs special clothes for me at Chanel and Fendi.”
He continues, “My propensity of showing up wearing fancy robes has to do with two things: my physical size (if you are six feet seven inches tall, you might as well wear a beaded caftan) and my intense love of glamorous things.”

ALT makes his mark in capes of varying lengths, colors, and hues….
And make a statement bags and scarves in patent leather and designer prints.

Monsieur Talley is a highly influential, outspoken fashion maven, and has had a hand in styling artists of color like Jennifer Hudson and supporting designers of color like Rachel Roy and Tracy Reese. Maybe one day soon he’ll have a hand in mentoring a few fashion journalists of color? Like me, perhaps?
Smootches!
PS Need to know more? Pick up his Memoir...

Here at www.amazon.com...or pick up A.L.T 365...

here.
PSS If you’re a real fashion sleuth, there’s a great article by Hilton Als from the New Yorker about Mr. Leon Talley. The article is a great narrative about ALT, and shows a more critical view of him. It’s a must read!!! I tried to find it online, but no such luck:(
PSSS Thanks to Intern Suzie for providing a few pics!
PSSSS The survey continues. If you've ever purchased anything you saw on The Fashion Bomb, let me know! E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com!

Poiret Party: Picks and Pans

"I refuse to make a model which will sell in quantity. I do not want all women to look and dress exactly alike. I want them to be as different in their dress as they are in their personalities."--Paul Poiret.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, last night was the Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The celebration was for Paul Poiret...

...a revolutionary Parisian designer who rose to prominence in the early 20th century.

Sketches of Paul Poiret designs
Poiret called himself "The King of Fashion" (kinda like T.I. called himself the King of the South). Poiret's most noted for eschewing what was then traditional boning, corsets, and petticoats in favor of long flowing Greek and Eastern inspired gowns characterized by lots of embellishments, sequins, trimmings, and vibrant colors. He was the antithesis to Coco Chanel at the time (whose more simple designs were all the rage). He apparently once said about Chanel, "What has she created? Poverty de luxe," and also called her 'garconne' look, "Sterile and Muttonish." We always like a great fashion catfight, don't we?
Anyway last night, celebrities, socialites, and the fashionable upper crust came out to the Met to christen the opening of Poiret's exhibit.
I like to think that all dressed to pay homage to Poiret's legacy. But while some got it right, others failed miserably.
First the 'misses':

Naomi Campbell's fur and feather embellished knee grazer pays due respect to Poiret, but the ankle boots take this frock from glamorous to ghetto in one quick once over.

There's a difference between sexy in a sophisticated way, and sexy in a...'wrong side of the tracks' way. Jessica Simpson tread that line, but unfortunately fell on the side of skid row in this plunging Marilyn Monroe-esque dress.

Kirsten Dunst needs to hire a stylist. This midnight blue and tulle mish mosh looks clownish...

I wouldn't even wear this outfit to work...
And lastly, Ms. Mary Kate Olsen...

...I honestly have mixed feelings about this dress. I had to suppress my gag reflex when I first saw it, but I must say that she is in line with the Poiret philosophy (feathers accented his signature styles). There's a difference between feather accents and a feather dress, though...and she seems to be channeling some morbid version of Big Bird. Even though this frock isn't my favorite, I've gotta give it to Mary Kate. It takes a fierce woman to rock this concoction with confidence.
Now for my favorite looks of the night:

Rihanna looks great in this Grecian halter ivory gown, and the sheer black gloves are unexpected accents...

Camilla Belle also uses the Grecian aesthetic to her benefit in this flowing ice blue number. The color complements her skin tone, and the silhouette is simple yet elegant...

Kate Bosworth's updated shift and short, slick hairdo are reminiscent of Madame Chanel. Kate looks stunning...perhaps her presence shows that two powerhouse design ideals can prevail at the same time. No need for nasty competition!

Jennifer Hudson plays it safe in this one shoulder gown...
And my absolute favorite look was a shocker:

...Cameron Diaz! The color on this dress is searingly beautiful, and the juxtaposition of the raspberry of the dress and the turquoise jewelry is sick. The gown is embellished yet not overdone, and she allows her style to speak through vibrant colors and well plucked jewels.
What do y'all think?
Smootches!
PS The Poiret: King of Fashion exhibit runs from May 9th to August 5th. Find out more information by visiting the Met's website here.
PSS Want to know more about Paul P? There's a great article on him in this Month's Vogue...

...written by Hamish Bowles. The spread features modern designer interpretations of Poiret's ideas. Pick up a copy and get your learn on.
PSSS I didn't do my monthly review of Vogue this month (no scanner access), but aren't we glad one of the world's next top models is a sister? But then again aren't we kinda mad she was on the inside flap?

Style File: Nia Long + Vogue

“But when she came to kick it, things became different./Any girl I cheated on, sheets I skeeted on./I couldn't keep it home, I thought I needed a Nia Long./I'm trying to write my wrongs/But it's funny these same wrongs helped me write this song.”—Kanye West ‘Touch the Sky.’

So today my fashion focus is on the prolific, cute actress Nia Long!

Nia’s style is supremely simple, yet superbly flattering.
For red carpet events, she keeps it safe in shifts...

...and strapless numbers...

...in demure yet sophisticated grays, blacks and whites.
For nights on the town, she keeps it saucy with cute shorts...

...slinky tops...

...and leather jackets in earth tones like army green, chocolate brown, and khaki. Cute.
Want her look? Try these items:

Top Row, Left to right: Tibor Lamb Blazer, $150, www.nordstrom.com; Gap Military Anorak, $70, www.gap.com ; Rebecca Taylor Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $306, shopbop.com
Bottom Row, Left to right: Charlotte Russe Corset Top, $26, www.charlotte-russe.com; Nine West Accolia Shoes, $73, zappos.com
Diesel Modane Short Pant in Grey Mini Stripe, $143,www.revolveclothing.com.
Smootches!
PS I finally received my April issue of Vogue in the mail. It’s the ‘shape’ issue, so articles touch on topics like anorexia in the modeling industry, trans fats in foods, and exercising. Their support of body acceptance is obvious, as they placed the beautifully voluptuous Scarlett Johansson on the cover.

First Jennifer Hudson, now Scarlett. Vogue is really trying to send the message that they, as a fashion institute, don't contribute in any way to the whole skinny model fiasco. Anna Wintour addresses the issue in her editor’s letter saying, “That fashion alone should be blamed for this health issue surprises me—many other fields such as movies, ballet, and rock music could equally be said to promote a thin ideal.” Sounds like we’re passing the blame, Anna. And all this recent ‘plus sized’ love reeks of tokenism. When the debate dulls down, will we continue to have shapely women on covers? That remains to be seen.
Anyway check out the issue for the exuberant Andre Leon Talley…

click to enlarge
…who says that he plays tennis to maintain his girlish figure. But don't get it twisted. In his contributor's note, he says that he's never “without a complete set of LV gym bags, racket covers, and mufflers.” Of course!
Also turn to the very back of the book, (pg. 366) for a feature on Alvin Ailey dancer Dwana Smallwood…

click to enlarge
…photographed by Annie Leibovitz. The article discusses her athleticism, perfectionism, and creativity in her vocation and in fashion.
Check it out!

DesignersforDarfur + Jennifer Hudson

Hey Guys,
As promised, today, a review of the DesignersforDarfur Benefit.
I'm a little late, but the weekend and Grammy's...you understand.
So the event was last Friday at 9pm in the Roseland Ballroom, the same venue of the Baby Phat fashion a full week before.
What immediately struck me about the event was the limited security, limited paparazzi, and empty halls. While Baby Phat was literally a *circus*...


... this event was relatively tame.


Given the importance of the event, I thought it was a sad showing, I mean...when celebrities are involved, everyone sits up straight and pays attention. When anyone starts talking about real issues...genocide in Darfur, war in Iraq, it seems as if eyes glaze over. Yet and still, this event was the perfect marriage of fierce fashion and philanthropy, and I was glad to show my support!
When the show finally started...a good hour late...it was well worth the wait.
A few pictures:

Beautiful dresses, great designs from everyone from Zac Posen to Chado Ralph Rucci... it was really inspiring. Danielle from ANTM walked, as did Carol Alt.

All the pieces will be auctioned on www.ebay.com

Visit the e-bay store here. Lend your support in any way.
Smootches!
PS Danica Lo and Raakhee Mirchandani of the New York Post had an....interesting take on the show. Read it here. Malcolm Harris was *incensed* at the article to say the least, and posted on Myspace that he wants both authors removed from the Post. Read the article and decide for yourself. Send your e-mails to letters@nypost.com


PSS Say What? JHud on the cover of March Vogue?!?!

Here are a few scans from inside:


Will *definitely* frame my issue! My friend said he thinks she's the 3rd black woman to ever grace the cover. Is that accurate?
A reader answered my question. Check out Clay Cane's entry here for the answer.
PSS Barney's Sale in NY and LA!

Barneys Warehouse, LA
Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Air Center
3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
Thursday, February 8th - Monday, February 19th
Barneys Warehouse, NY
255 W. 17th Street
Thursday, February 15th - Sunday, March 4th
My shopping friend Val told me the sale is just as good on the last day...will definitely hit it up!