Enjoying This Moment with Christian Siriano

He has immediately taken my eye for great fashion to another level. With his color trait, or lack of, he's made a definite mark in the industry. At the age of 24, Christian Siriano is now an influential and weight-bearing name. To truly know his since of style is to know him. He works hard and presents nothing less that his most confident work.

























I was a huge fan of the reality show PROJECT RUNWAY before season 4 but during that season there was even more reason for me to tune in. This little guy with edgy hair, a fitted, black wardrobe and a sewing machine made these fabulous gowns and pieces that made me want to be a contestant. It might sound so cliche but....I wanted to be just like him. He had spunk, potential, along with actual talent. He didn't talk a lot of hoopla but he delivered the most fierce work of the bunch.

He recently had another BRAVO show called Christian Siriano: Having A Moment. And, of course, I tuned in. I was glued to the screen regardless of what was going on or who may have been talking to me. I watched to simply see what goes on in his fabulous life; the show was not that fabulous. It did show, however, the hustle required to pull off a great Fashion Week Runway Show. It showed that sometimes the most odd things happen to pull your mind away from the excitement at hand but he handled himself well and I was impressed. The model's shoes literally ripping, one model not being able to fit the shoes, the clothes not being steamed and fitted, models not showing up, and on top of all that, his own nerves, made it look like a scary mess but the end result was one of the most fab shows I have seen myself. Its also very encouraging to watch a designer within my age bracket follow through with his own studio and long list of celebrity clients. He showed his family life and business like in an hour special and it was worth watching for the most part.





Now to his work, this man is FIERCE! He designs these artistic jewels that make me drool with admiration. They seem to be crafted instead of sewn and 'born' instead of 'created'. His collections are utterly impressive and breath-taking. One of the best things about Christian's collections are the evidence of evolution. From 2008, he has managed to almost flee his days of Project Runway's sometimes 'costumey' designs and come into this new sheek and beautifully structured world. Although he has always stayed true to his design niche, he brings forward a more feminie look and fresh color pallete. I absolutely 'j'adore' it. (Lol.)


So check out the pics below and his website for more of his 08-10 collections and to shop online.

www.christianvsiriano.com

Click Here For Christian Siriano's Fall 2009 Show

Personal Stlye is Raw Vision

Raw Vision is Personal Style. Don't you agree? Those of us who have the idea to wear something that draws us in, for reasons other than seeing it on someone else, we know what personal style is. It's walking into a boutique/store and feeling like the walls are closing in and you can't live without whatever you see. (Let it be known that there is a difference in being a compulsive shopper and being a "fashionoholic".) Those times when you feel like you would be letting down yourself and the designer if you don't completely indulge in their collection. We have had them and its a feeling that is damn near incomparable. I love it. This is also where raw vision comes into play. Yes, of course, we see Beyonce's heels, Kanye's jackets & blazers, and GaGa's overall appearance, but we are not tearing down shops & online stores to find what they are wearing because they are who they are. It's ultimately the feel. I love finding what I want and pairing it with an ensemble that will make myself proud. I love looking in the mirror and feeling I couldn't be touched with a 10 foot pole. Just that bad.

For instance, there was this one time where I had the urge to buy shoes! Hmmm, that was an amazing day. There was no special occasion. Just the feeling to have shoes on my feet that would explode with orgasmic foot satisfaction. I was at work doing a 9 hour shift at Sears & the mall was right across from me. It was either lie to take a break by saying my stomach hurt OR stand at the register until lunch time. (A Sears break is 15 minutes; more than enough to go through one store.) Needless to say, I did take off with "a stomach ache" and these were the shoes I purchased. The studs & chains added an edgy sex appeal that I was looking for while the heel fit my already 5'11 height to make my legs even more sexy than they are naturally. =) I pair these booties up with skinny jeans, tights & leggings, and pixie skirts for a more flirty look. Items like these are definitely must haves for the fashionista of today. And gladly there are more people out there like me.

I have researched and found that designers don't always dress like the clothes they make because the raw vision of their style pours from within. After being called "one of the most audacious and auspicious talents in contemporary fashion" by Contemporary Fashion, I have no doubt about the work of Stephen Burrows. He was one of the first African Americans, since Ann Lowe, to become a famous fashion designer. He continues today to exude the talent of matching colors and cuts to perfection.

This photo is enough to show that he embodies personal style in his everyday life and in the work he creates. He made a mark unimaginable through his work and I am sure when others saw him, they saw the talent on his skin. Even though times where fairly tough during his start in the fashion world, (1961-62, Philadelphia Museum College of Art & 1964-66, Fashion Institute of Technology), he stayed true to what he loved and worked vigorously to accomplish his goals.

Before founding and directing Burrows Inc in New York City in 1973, he worked for Weber Originals, Allen & Cole, The O Boutique, and Henry Bendel. With that experience its no wonder his designs have come a beautifully long way.

Taking advantage of the ideas you have go far beyond paper. When there is a love for fashion & style inside of you, there will be nothing but yourself able to keep you from its benefits. So I say why not love it and show it. Shine a light and give that light to others through what you say, the things you create, the life you live, and, most importantly, the way you dress.

Let's Go Outside & Join The Band.

Ahhhhh. I breathe today with a breath of good fashion air. Not full of too many glitter clouds and anticipation smoke. Feels good, don't you agree? I feel this way because the coming of one of my fave designers has reached a new high. While others may not know, former agent, Scott Sternberg, is a designer/artist. He has a vision that some may say mocks the style of earlier years with polos, perfect fit blazers and pants, but he brings me something original and so unexpected, hence the excruciating excitement.



















This is Band of Outsiders.




With its start in 2004, this label screams American Socialite culture and leisure golfing but it has such a jazz that will make you honestly appreciate the thought behind the work. Since Sternberg has, since childhood, has been a sharp dresser, there is no surprise that his label has lines of tasteful clothing. I am in love. He makes clothing to make you love them and to make you wear them. This is key.
















































His line is very preppy. Everything is for the fit and as we can see it is also for the win. With a head count for the history books, he is definitely being noticed for his work. He's dressing men like Kanye West, Spike Jonze, Aziz Ansari, Jason Schwartzman, Will Arnett, & Mark Ronson in his line Band Of Outsiders and a newer line, with a bleeding name, This Is Not A Polo Shirt.



He also has a women's line with a catchy and sort of ironic name. Boy.
It also features the perfect fit jackets & pants, with blouses and skirts with signature twists. He created a line of button-ups that women often buy from men's stores to achieve a certain look. See, he's looking out for us ladies. I can appreciate that. And he's also reeling in female celeb majority. Names like Marisa Tomei, Bella Swan, Zooey Deshanel, Binki Shapiro, Sarah Silverman, Anne Hathaway, and Kirsten Dunst are all raving, as we all should be.

Let's say thank you, Scott. Thank you.


For more info and photography for each line Click Here.

Gary Graham & Charlotte Ronson. I am ready!

There are literally thousands of labels & houses in existence now and will the many that are available to the public, it is hard for some to catch my eye. Some of my fave looks are pre-washed skirts & bloused with ruched textures and original prints and sets. These two designers have them all.

Gary Graham











































Founded in 1999, his label still hasn't reached the max level I think it should. Gary Graham's trademark pre-washing and dying process gives his garments a look and feel all their own.
And just because he may be a bit of an underdog to some, it doesn't make his shining light dim at all. He has a burst of originality that is needed while he takes inspirations for his clothing as far back as the early 1900s but we don't know what he has next for us. He was a finalist for 2009s CDFA/ Vogue Fashion Fund awards and even though he was not the winner (Designer Sophie Theallet), he was definitely my first choice. His sheik yet rugged designs were the most eye catching of all 10 finalist (Sophie Theallet, Waris Ahluwalia, Flora Gil & Alexa Adams, Wayne Lee, George Esquivel, Monique Pean, Gary Graham, Simon Spurr, Patrik Ervell, and Natalie Chanin). He's giving something great just keep yourself posted so you're not left out when that day comes.




Now here's another designer who I am just crazy about. She makes her mark with light fabrics and critical designs. She's been around but her true time is drawing near....


Charlotte Ronson















































Since she grew up in a family of success and talent, there is no surprise that Charlotte Ronson is as terrific as she is. Daughter of Ann Dexter-Jones (entertainer) and sister of Mark Ronson (producer), she has experienced "the good life" first hand.
She opened her first retail store in 2001 when her label was under the name "C. Ronson". It wasn't until her well thought out merger/partnership with Sanei International that she launched a new line of women's wear called "Charlotte Ronson. Now I have been told that when someone puts their given name on something, they are passionate and optimistic about it. She made a great decision. With her Chloe-esque draping and plaid/denim designs, these styles are very "hipster" and I know there will definitely more where this came from!








Click here for more Gary Graham designs

Click here for more Charlotte Ronson designs

Spring 2010: What To Look For...

Check out the High Fashion Spring Collections. I'll be posting more Underdog Fashion at a later date....


Gucci Mens
(Click Here For Full Show Video via YOUTube)

Chloe

(Click For Full Show via YOUTube)

Marc Jacobs

(Click Here For Elle Show Video via YOUTube)

Jonathan Saunders

(Click Here For Elle Show Video via YOUTube)

Louis Vuitton

(Click Here For Elle Show Video via YOUTube)

Valentino
(Click Here For Elle Show Video via YOUTube)

Yves Saint Laurent

(Click Here For Elle Show Video via YOUTube)

The Coming of Me

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that
will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creature of the commonplace, the slaves of ordinary."

-Cecil Beaton, Photographer & Fashion Designer

Although there is already a slew of designers and soon-to-bes, I feel the need to make my mark. I recently realized that this is an urge that will never go away. I know that I've always had a feel for making new things and feeling the satisfaction within myself from someone else enjoying the work I do. I want that FOREVER. There's nothing like receiving a "Good Job" or "Wow, that was great!", especially on something you have worked so hard on. Its almost unparalleled. So, I decided to take on fashion school.

FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) was my first choice and after feeling out other schools websites, I made the decision. Its in Downtown Los Angeles and since it is the most accessible, I gave it a once over without question. To my surprise, there is a lot more than that perfect placement in my city. I expected there to be much more disappointments there, as I have had the same experiences with other schools. I made my way to the school after 3 years of trying to keep appointments and keep job schedules and I was extremely pleased with the outcome. And on top of everything else, I have so much support. From people on Twitter, Facebook, and of course, my family. The staff at FIDM isn't half bad either. My admissions counselor, (I don't know if I should mention her name), has been absolutely wonderful. She has been calling me since I first requested information in 2006-07. She called me right before the beginning of each quarter to see where I was in life and if I made any arrangements to check out the school. I made appointments but it seemed that life wouldn't let me keep them. This time, failure is not an option. I met with her recently and made plans to start school in April. My major will be Merchandise Product Development (the middle man). I am prepared to make it happen and nothing or no one can do anything to stop me. I am on a mission.

"The most courageous act is to think for yourself. Aloud."

-Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer

I want to make it with a bang. People will hear my name and say that I was about my business. I know I have what it takes and even though obstacles come and go, I want them to know that in me is where they won't c0me to stay. I see my place in this industry and whether its behind closed doors or standing at the forefront, I will be there, with an open mind, heart, and open hands. I am ready to think aloud. Show my face. Show my talent. And, ultimately, take all the criticism I am sure will come along. With all that, there is one question that still remains in my mind. Is the world ready for the coming of me?

"If you are not in fashion, you are nobody."

-Lord Chesterfield

RIHANNA: Fashion Icon of 2009

While there are some who would go without her music, there is no denying the evolving Rihanna's claim to fashion originality. She screams bondage with her choice of leather and lace ensembles which all have us paying close attention. Even though there are times where we can't understand what she was thinking, we have to respect the courage she has for stepping out the way she does.

Now I don't want to get into her love life but I know for certain that I am not the only one who noticed the change in her style since the unfortunate night. On CelebrityClothingLine.Com's Ten Fashion Icons of 2009 list, their writer pointed out "...Seeing how she revamped her image after the Chris Brown incident, Rihanna seems to want to scream to the world: 'I'm one tough lady!' But does it really work.....Or does it just make her look like...Prince?" This is actually a good point! All the things Prince went through in life channeled the uniqueness inside of himself. Thus giving us the ultimate androgynous Prince we know and love. So can Rihanna do the same? I believe she already has. Her style does remind me a lot of Prince but most recently she has got in touch with her inner Marilyn Manson (if that makes sense.) Her provocative way of showing her legs and bikini line are becoming a regular fit. She's definitely not afraid to wear something so tight it shows the print of God's Fortune Cookie.

Lets take a look at the above picture (2009). A very interesting outfit with a lot of leather & skin. It leaves about a tablespoon to the imagination. Look hard enough and you see the line of her vagina, the tattoo on her hip, and any other goodies you might have your eye on. But the look on her face says "Go ahead." Still you have to give her her just due. Probably the only other people in the media I can think of that might indulge in this wardrobe are Lady GaGa & Marilyn Manson. Let me know if I am missing anyone else.

Well carrying on to another outfit, we actually have to take a step back to pre-abuse Rihanna. This was a more tame, calm, colorful, & classy Rihanna. Well at least before "Good Girl Gone Bad". Her songs were more about dancing & love than bitching & hate.

This photo (2008) shows her more sunshine kid style. A simple dress, bangles, and Dries Van Noten heels show the more innocent Rihanna. Still the "Shut Up & Drive" artist but a lot more humble as far as clothing goes. Nichole Mercurio, Citizen Journalist, gets the point of Rihanna's fashion very well. "Rihanna may not have the same ideas that mainstream fashion editors do (or play by their accepted rules) but that's what being a fashion icon is all about." My point exactly. Would she genuinely be a fashion icon if she did, in fact, dress like any other R&B/Pop artist? Would we pay attention to the fact that her style has evolved over the years? Would she still be around if she didn't make any changes? We're quick to judge her choice of clothing but we have to understand that sex sells & so does personality.

Out of all the things I see when it comes to Rihanna, she never really feels the need to explain herself. She's real either way it goes and she is who she is at the end of the day. And, fortunately for us, we may never really know who Robin Fenty is. It might be a safe bet to say that outside of the person she is inside, she is a devil in the eyes of fashion. And for fashion, we love nothing more than a rebel. If we pay attention to the way she presents herself, she is trying to tell us something through the fabric on her skin, the color in her hair, the heels that grace her feet and the glances of her hazel eyes. If we as a fashion world listen, we might learn something new.