Spotlight on: Ubah Hassan

Today I wanted to shine a quick spotlight on catwalk newcomer Ubah Hassan...
A Somali native, Ubah signed with Click Management in 2007, and has since appeared in an Allure April 2008 editorial...

Vogue Italia's All Black issue photographed by Steven Meisel...
...A current Vogue Italia spread photographed by Bruce Weber...

...and she's now the face of Ralph Lauren along with Russian Valentina Zelyaeva...

Keep an eye out...She's a star!
Bisous!
Source & Source

Fashion Bomb 101: Goyard Bags

Wondering about that black Goyard case? A little fashion history care of the website CoolHunting.com:

"The French have enjoyed leather goods from Maison Goyard since 1853. Known for quality, endurance and classic style more than bowing to the trends of the day, Goyard has been a fixture of the French luxury good scene for a long time. Today Goyard is as exclusive and chic as ever thanks to the fashion crowd that has rediscovered its charms. The unique linen, cotton and hemp canvas is covered in hand-painted dots in four colors and is nearly indestructable. Wallets and card cases for guys, bags and accessories for women and collars and dog accessories for the fashionable [pets] in your life. Bags start above $1,000. Available in the U.S. exclusively at Barney's New York; in Paris at Maison Goyard (and only a handful of other locations around the world)."

Michelle Obama in Isabel Toledo

Michelle Obama has started off Inauguration Day in designer Isabel Toledo:
Curious about the designer? Here's an excerpt on the Isabel Toledo from Phaidon's The Fashion Book:

"Latin Flavor, surreal lines, and futuristic content define Isabel Toledo's radical fashion sewn in the tradition of couture. Toledo, who speaks of herself as a seamstress rather than a fashion designer, creates in the manner of couturiers such as Madame Vionnet and Madame Gres. Like them, she does not start from a flat sketch, but envisions clothing in three dimensions, always bearing a shape in her mind, usually a circle or a curved line. 'I love the maths behind the romance,' she says of her so-called liquid architecture's craftsmanship....Toledo's husband, Ruben, known for his whimsical fashion illustrations, manages the business side of the New York based company and acts as her creative alter ego."

Pssst, First Lady Obama is also wearing Jimmy Choo heels and J.Crew gloves! The little ladies, Sasha and Malia, are in J.Crew Crewcuts. They. are. adorable.

Fashion Fun: Patrick Demarchelier at Petit Palais

Today I went to the Musee au Petit Palais...
...to check out an exhibit on fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier.
If you saw The Devil Wears Prada, you might remember Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) saying, "Did Demarchelier confirm?" and Emily calling his office and responding, "I have Patrick!!" In case you didn't get the reference, Demarchelier is a premiere fashion and beauty photographer. Shooting for British, French, American, and Italian Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and more, Demarchelier manages to capture the beauty of his subjects with seeming simplicity, always delivering a memorable shot.
A few photos from the exhibit:
It was honestly breathtakingly beautiful--really the first time I've taken the time to notice the art inherent in everything from fashion shoots to advertorials.
Cool fact, Demarchelier shot Janet Jackson's cover from her janet album:
...and much much more.
Read more about Demarchelier here, or if you're in Paris, the exhibit will be up until January 4th.
And one parting shot from the city of lights:
Aren't you glad my camera's working again?
Bisous!

Jewelry Bomb: Barbara Campbell

Today I wanted to introduce you to Barbara Campbell:
A Brooklyn based jewelry designer. Specializing in classic techniques like wrapping, hammering, knitting, braiding, knotting, and crocheting, Campbell's designs are simple and elegant. She says, “I feel the strongest statements are made with the fewest words.The same can be said for my designs.”
Check out a few offerings:
Left to Right: Necklace, $150; Lupe Rings, $110 each; Eve Necklace, $150.
Left to Right: Neri Tennis Bracelet & Fina Shell Pearl Necklace, $100 and $200; LA VIDA Circle Necklace, $150; BC Hammered Necklace, $185.
Left to Right: Cuff, $225; Bella, $185; Unisex gravity bracelet in quartz, $110.
Made of fourteen karat gold and sterling silver, all of Campbell's rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pendants are crafted by hand...one piece at a time, in her Park Slope, Brooklyn studio.
Love it!
For more info, visit her site www.barbaracampbellnyc.com.

You Should Know: Wendel Johnston

So the chill has definitely set it, and if you're a guy, you might be a bit confused as to what you can rock to differentiate yourself from the collared shirt, plain jacket masses.
For a chic look, check out jackets by Wendel Johnston:
Specializing in tailored jackets with edge, Johnston fashions hooded wool creations in colors ranging from deep brown to black, along with classics patterned jackets (think pinstripes) chic-ified with piping on lapels and pockets:
Even John Legend is a fan!
If you want to add a bit of urban edge to your ho hum wardrobe, visit www.wendeljohnston.com for information. If you're in NYC, you're in luck! Visit his stand every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11-6:30pm at Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral Outdoor Market at Prince Street between Mulberry & Mott.
Tell him I sent you!
Bisous!

Cool Online Find: Rockett Mansion

Hey Fashion Bombers!
Today I wanted to put you on to a new line of vintage and original clothing called Rockett Mansion...
Launched just this past May by 2006 Howard University Graduate Melanie Lyke...
...the line consists of supremely well edited shoes, dress, and accessories, all plucked from second hand stores, then remixed with buttons, tailoring, or pleats...
Melanie says her inspirations are, "Postmodern Global Beauty. I love to draw simple, minimalist items from different cultures. They can be glitzy, ornate, doesn't matter as long they are beautiful..."
The Fashion Merchandising student started the Rockett Mansion line because, "I wanted to do my own thing, and didn't want to work for a big fashion house. I was sick of working for places that just didn't 'get it' or understand my aesthetic..."
She continues, "The line is the sum of my love for vintage and living a minimalist lifestyle... I adore the idea of finding beautifully made, well preserved items and mixing them with everyday pieces. Most people see vintage as over-the-top costumes that can't be applied to a daily wardrobe or simply as the attire of hip, starving artists- I beg to differ. Any good stylist knows the key to great personal style is the mixing of old and new as well as expensive and inexpensive. It gives a look dimension and makes it seem effortless."
In addition to being chic, vintage cuts down on waste. "We can easily recycle and use what we already have on this earth because as we all know, polyester isn't going anywhere. It's retail therapy with no buyers remorse."
And you can cut down on spending as well: every Rockett Mansion item is under $50. Perfect for this economic climate!
Check out Rockett Mansion's one of a kind items here. Tell 'em I sent ya!
Smootches!

The Fashion Bomb's Model Manual

Hey!
So while we all know the names of the season's hottest young models like Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, and Arlenis Pena...
...Adriana and I have been spying lots of new and perhaps unknown faces on the runway this season!
Today, I decided to give you guys a rundown of a few lesser known faces in the Fashion Bomb's Model Manual.
First, we have Hollis Wakeema...
Born in 1984, this Memphis Tennessee native has been ruling the runway since she signed with Vision Management in 2005. She debuted in the Catherine Malandrino's 2005 fall show, then went on to walk for Vivienne Tam, Marc Jacobs, and Diane von Furstenberg. Now with New York Models, she is the face of Paul Smith Women.
This season, catch her in Douglas Hannant, Nanette Lepore, Benjamin Cho, Marc Jacobs, Sophie Theallet, Chris Benz, Tracy Reese, Abaeté, Rock & Republic, and Rachel Roy.
In past seasons, she's been plucked by Vivienne Westwood, Baby Phat, Tracy Reese, and Duru Olowu!
Next we have Joan Smalls...
This 20 year old siren of Puerto Rican descent is currently signed with Elite models. In 2008 she became the face of Ports 1961, appearing in their print campaign.
Spot her this season in Ports 1961 and Tracy Reese.
In past years, she's done Diane von Furstenberg, Sass & Bide, Benjamin Cho, Heatherette, and James Coviello.
Up next: Samira Carvalho Bento...
This 18 year old Brazilian beauty was discovered in Garota da Capa 2002 contest organized by the Brazilian Raca magazine. Signed with Ford models, she debuted by opening and closing Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring collection in September 2007.
This Season she's stomped in Tracy Reese, Betsey Johnson, and Sophie Theallet. In past seasons, she's been busy with Alexandre Herchcovitch, Custo Barcelona, Diane von Furstenberg, Heatherette, Monique Lhuillier, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Baby Phat, Tommy Hilfiger, Yigal Azrouel, and L’Wren Scott.
Finally we have a few up and comers who have been spied on the runway (but their bios are not quite known).
There's Nana whose been spotted in Tracy Reese and Halston...
Sana Soegaard who lit up the runway at Cynthia Steffe and Tracy Reese...
And Shelby Coleman...
...who also made an appearance in Tracy Reese, but has been seen this season at Threeasfour and Tory Burch...
...and made cameos in the Resort collectins of Akris and Giambattista Valli.
Gorgeous!
Smootches!
Shouts to style.com and nymag.com for images and info.
*Let me know if I missed anyone!

Fashion Week 101: All you Need to Know about New York Fashion Week

Hey!
So Fashion Week starts tomorrow, and I am super busy preparing for a week full of parties, shows, and people watching!
With every Fashion Week, I get a slew of e-mails from readers who are wondering how it all goes down. I've answered these questions before, but today I'm going to give you a Definitive Guide to New York Fashion Week, based on your questions.
The First Question I always get:

How do I get into Fashion Week???

Last February, I gave you guys the scoop! I said, "Shows are invitation only and open to celebrities, editors, buyers, socialites, and other forms of new media (now bloggers). A month before the shows, you can apply for fashion week credentials; once approved, you're given contacts for each show. Invites are at the discretion of the PR firm, and basically only Anna Wintour has access to everything. Unfortunately those not in the industry (unless you're friends with the designer) don't get a chance to make it in. A bit of a bummer, but I'm sure as with anything, if you really want to make it happen, you can!" The same holds true now. Usually shows are reserved for members of the press, or those directly involved in fashion: People who work for the brand in any capacity (designers, publicists), and of course celebrities who buy the clothes right off the catwalk!
Next, many people want to know

"What do I wear????"

Reader Joi said, "I'm so excited to have just learned that I will be getting a press pass for Fashion Week, the very first thought I had was oh my god what am I going to wear!?!? Any insight would be great, please keep in mind that it's a whole week and I don't have too much money to spend on the event."

Well, if you're a celebrity, chances are you were specifically invited by the designer, so you'll be sitting front row in the designer's frocks:

Socialites stick to black or white with a saucy shoe and clutch...

...but if you take cues from any of my Real Style subjects, you'll see the oufits range from the classic...

...to the over the top!

Basically, Do you! Look sophisticated yet saucy...don't spend a lot on new snazzy outfits. Stick to neutrals like black, white, and beige, but make it all pop with fabulous accessories!
The next question I get:

I don't work in Fashion: Can I work the tents???

Cynthia says, "I'm a young NYC public school teacher. Since I work full time, I can't really go into the fashion industry, but I'm always looking for Fashion Week gigs. Do you by any chance know of any usher or assistant positions currently available?"
If you want to get the feeling of Fashion Week, but don't have an 'in', I suggest you check out the Ground Crew. Started by Audrey Smalz...
...the Ground Crew has provided backstage dressers, tailors, stylists, and pressers for Fashion Week for the past thirty years to names like Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, Donna Karen and Diesel. Fierce! From laying out outfits, to working directly with the models, the Ground Crew is the definitive go-to if you want to get a 'behind the scenes' look. Find out more and apply for next season here.
I hope I answered all your questions!
I'm off to prepare for Fashion Week...and my 2nd Anniversary Party tomorrow!
Remember to RSVP.
Smootches!