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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Meal With Models

It was only the latest of the many Japan relief benefits that have sprung up around New York and around the world since the earthquake and tsunami, but this one was distinguished in at least one way—it was a lot taller. Blame it on the hostesses, two of the most in-demand catwalkers working: Britt Maren (back to blonde, after a season as a brunette) and Alana Zimmer (left). “We saw the news and were just devastated,” said Zimmer at Saturday’s Brunch Happening, proceeds from which went to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Zimmer, in fact, had tried to put together a similar event over a year ago for Haiti, but her work and travel schedule proved too much at the time. This time, she solicited the help of pal Maren—and Maren’s boyfriend, a sous chef at the Lower East Side restaurant the Fat Radish, which played host for the afternoon. (”I’m not a Fat Radish,” read the T-shirts on sale. “I’m just big-boned.”)

With the location and food squared away, the girls got Orlo salon, MAC Cosmetics, and Fallon jewelry to donate prizes for a silent auction. They also brought in an acoustic guitar player and graffiti artists to tag canvases. But for model-watchers, the real attraction was the guest list: Hanne Gaby Odiele, Jana Knauerova, Sheila Marquez, and Ashley Smith all stopped by, as did industry folk like Richard Chai and casting bigwig Russell Marsh.


Photo: Marc Stamas / Getty Images Entertainment

Friday, March 25, 2011

Couture Fashion Week NY Fall 2011 : Andres Aquino Written by CaribbeanPOSH


Designer Andres Aquino is the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week NY held in the iconic Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria. Couture Fashion Week has been presenting couture and luxury fashion shows in NY since 2003.  The designers that show at Couture Fashion Week truly represent a diverse group. This season designers represented such countries as Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Russia, Kuwait, Lebanon, India, USA, and Romania. Couture also partnered with The American Diabetes Association to raise awareness about the disease by hosting a silent auction. Aquino dedicated his show on February 19, to his mother who is affected by the disease.  Elegant and luxurious are the words that first come to mind when viewing his collection. Brilliantly colored gowns accented with bold purples and gold, a complete collection to go from an elegant social event to a chic after party.

Couture fashion week 2011 in retrospect.



Nigeria was well represented at Couture Fashion Week with four fashion houses presenting collections on Sunday February 20, 2011. House of Jola, Berrys Couture, Reedas, and House of Farrah. Joan Okorodudu is the facilitator of the design collective known as Focus Nigeria. In addition to this third appearance at Couture Fashion Week, House of Jola has presented collections at Nigeria Fashion Week, and South Africa Fashion Week. House of Jola's collection was filled with eye pleasing combinations and contrasts of prints and colors. Copper colored solid accents deftly complimented soft pastel patterns and form fitting patterned gowns. The whole collection was cohesive and tied together by subtle variations of color in the garments, shoes and accessories.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sylvester Stallone thinks he knows what real men want when it comes to fashion.


Sylvester Stallone thinks he knows what real men want when it comes to fashion.

While recognized more for T-shirts, sweatsuits and camouflage gear in his roles as Rambo and Rocky Balboa, the superstar has created a new business to develop Stallone, a men’s lifestyle brand, for launch in 2012.

The business, appropriately named Sly Inc., is owned by Stallone, veteran beauty and retail executive Michael Henry and other unidentified financial backers.

“I thought the time is now,” Stallone told Men’sWeek. “I’ve lived a life where I know what has worked and what hasn’t worked. Clothing is the first step to building a character.”

When creating Rocky, he said, it was essential to find the right outfit. “If he wore white and pleated pants, it would have been a whole different thing,” he said. “Clothes affect one’s attitude.”

Stallone said the first time he personally became “truly involved in style,” was between “Rambo 2” and “Rambo 3” when he underwent a “huge weight change,” dropping from 185 to 160 pounds. “Nothing fit so I started buying custom clothing. I found out I really like this world.”

He worked with “great tailors” in Italy and in the U.S., choosing patterns and fabrics and embracing the textures that he never knew were available in the market before. “It’s a very fascinating dynamic,” he said, “and something that I’ve always wanted to experiment with.”

And so it’s time to share that passion with a larger audience. “I know it’s 11 years later, but I’m more experienced,” he said with a laugh.

Henry, who is serving as president of Sly Inc., said the company is looking for wholesale licensing partners to launch multiple classifications under the Stallone label next year. Among the first categories to be introduced will be jeans, shirts, outerwear, underwear and watches, he said. That will be followed by eyewear, grooming products, fragrance, activewear and athletic shoes. The target customer will be a man between the ages of 25 and 40.

The inspiration for the collection, he said, will be Stallone’s two best-known characters: Rocky and Rambo, which may be used in some way in the marketing of the brand. Stallone the brand will address the dual personality in each man, Henry added. “Rocky at the end of the day is a love story,” he said, “while Rambo showcases the other side of masculinity, he’s a loner.” So the line will offer looks for “the rebel and the gentleman.”

The actor’s personal style will play a big role in the development of the label as well. “Sylvester Stallone enjoys being well dressed and he has great advice to offer on clothing and accessory options,” Henry said. “He appreciates being comfortable in his clothes, having the right fit, wearing fine watches and eyewear, and he demands only the best materials for this brand.”

Stallone added, “I pay a great deal of attention to the way I dress. When men learn to put things together, they start taking care of themselves better.”

Stallone said that while the Rocky and Rambo characters were “very, very urban,” his brand will be designed to appeal to a broad base of customers. “I want clothing that will be appropriate to my generation,” said the 64-year-old actor, “or the generation before.”

The line is expected to be targeted to midtier department stores such as Macy’s, Henry said, and will be “a little premium,” although specific retail price points have yet to be determined. “This is a brand for a guy’s guy.”

Stallone said that over the years, apparel companies including Hugo Boss had approached him to put his name on a line, but he always declined. “I wasn’t ready and I didn’t know enough at that time,” he said. “I thought it would be perceived as a money play or an endorsement ploy.”

But now that he has several years under his belt exploring his own fashion sense, he’s ready to share his knowledge with others. “I hope that what worked for me will work for others,” he said. “I really believe I have an understanding of the male psyche on all levels. I want to expose people to things that will work and this is the apropos time. I’m not experienced in this field, but we have the proper team to move this vision along.”

With more and more female celebrities entering the fashion arena, Stallone admitted that he is surprised that so few male celebrities have embraced the fashion field.

“Maybe a lot of them dress for the films they’re in and they don’t want to be a slave to fashion,” he said. “Or they’re more casual. But I think there’s room for both and it’s not being represented, especially in my age group. But for me, this is about challenging myself and sharing my experiences.”

Stallone, who was born in Hell’s Kitchen in New York and grew up in suburban Philadelphia, won the Academy Award for Best Picture for his first “Rocky” film in 1976, which he wrote and starred in. The film spawned five sequels. The Rambo franchise started in 1982. Stallone’s most recent project was “The Expendables,” which opened at number one at the box office last July. That milestone made Stallone the only actor to have a number-one box office hit in each of the last five decades, Henry said. All told, his films have grossed more than $3.5 billion in ticket sales. A sequel to “The Expendables” is due out in 2012.

He has also had success as a director and was a founding partner of the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain. Most recently, Henry said, Stallone has spent a lot of time painting. “His greatest passion is studio art,” he said, noting that a recent show of his work in Europe brought in $1.5 million.

“‘Stallone’ means a good guy,” Henry said. “He stands up for what’s right and he’s masculine.

“There’s such a proliferation of celebrity brands today, but we see Sylvester Stallone as a cultural icon. He has the ability to take classic looks, update them and make them cool.”

Friday, March 18, 2011

Ladies Silk Blouse: The Mark Of Elegance & Style


Blouses are a wonderful clothing items for women. style blouses for women, in particluar silk pieces, is an ideal choice for parties, special events or weddings or business meetings or performance.In the real subject of women in modern times, silk blouses are a big part of her shirt. silk blouse is very popular for their work style and the women are slightly more formal, clean cut, and empowerment as well as appearing in force at the time of formal wear pants. Choose the type of silk blouses for the women of her style, of course, based on your specific desires and individual preferences.
ladies silk blouseVarious styles of silk blouses appear on the market by way of a beautiful design and pattern according to the type of customer Evey. On the basis of events, blouses must be selected. Silk blouses all the time to buy, more fashionable and the way to class. They give the impression of a graceful and elegant, on the contrary, and provides a formal way. Ladies cotton and chiffon blouses are relaxed style, a journalist.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

MEMORIES OF COUTURE FASHION WEEK NY.

L-R:Aishat Bello,Mrs.J.Okorodudu(CEO.House of Jola),Bunmi Ademokoya.

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Monday, March 14, 2011

Katherine Heigl’s hair makeover

Katherine HeiglThe former Grey’s Anatomy actress goes for a drastic haircut!


She’s been a blonde, brunette and redhead, but this might just be Katherine Heigl’s most drastic hair makeover to date. The former Grey’s Anatomyactress has lopped off her trademark long locks into a bleach blonde crop.
Leona Lewis hairWhile her curly blonde locks won her the X Factor back in 2006, as her career took off, Leona Lewis started smoothing out the frizz and going for sleeker, chiccer waves. A complete transformation at the beginning of 2011, saw the stunning singer go back to her natural colour, with a glossy straight-cut fringe and polker-straight locks.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Duro Olowu dazzles New York Fashion Week.

tWith fans including Michelle Obama, Iman and Iris Apfel, it’s about time Duro Olowu stamped 
his distinctive mark on NYFW.
Already an established name at London Fashion Week, the Nigeria-born designer presented a stylish collection, drawing on a rich mix of vintage textiles.
Velvet, printed silks, merino jacquard and Linton tweed were patchworked, layered and panelled together to create sweeping floor-length dresses, fitted zip-up jackets, cropped trousers and cocoon cardigans.
“My intention was to create a freestyle, chic wardrobe for an independent spirit”, said Olowu, citing South American gauchos, Mexican screen icon Maria Felix and African-American Harlem Renaissance photographer James Van Der Zee as inspirations.
Olowu also worked alongside casting director Bethann Hardison to put together his autumn/winter 2011 presentation at New York’s Milk Studios. The show featured ARISE model favourites Georgie Baddiel, Kinée Diouf and Sigail Currie prowling into view in Olowu’s Urban Gaucho finery. “It was pure magic, the clothes, the model, the moment,” said Hardison, who has a dress in the collection named after her.
Olowu trained as a lawyer in London before launching his brand and boutique in 2004. Last year he won International Designer of the Year at the 2010 Africa Fashion Awards. He is married to Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York.

Santa Cruz designer wows at Vancouver's Eco Fashion Week


Santa Cruz native Emily Christensen, designer of the women's clothing line FILLY, was invited to show her designs at Canada's Eco Fashion Week in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Feb. 24. With only three international designers asked to show, Christensen was given the task of representing the Monterey Bay Area in a sea of Canadian talent. She apparently did not disappoint. Her vibrant collection of rich and wearable dresses and separates wowed the audience and confirmed the Bay Area's standing as a center of stylish and sustainable design.
Christensen's participation in the prestigious Eco Fashion Week was almost not to be. Contacted just two weeks before the show date, Christensen was given the herculean task of designing a 24-piece line in 10 days.
"I did not think it was humanly possible, but I knew I had to try," she said. Working 18-hour days, Christensen finished with only minutes to spare.
And the audience was none the wiser. Fifteen strong and dynamic looks graced the runway. Models with brushed-out and parted afros, stacks of colorful bracelets and delicate men's oxford flats strode down the runway to a thrilling soundtrack compiled by Luke Wyland of Portland, Ore., band AU. Citing 1960s modernist architecture as her inspiration, Christensen used silk gauze, raw silk tussah and bamboo twill in a sultry palette of tans, purples, rust and gray to express the refined and moody modernism of mid-century design. The result was soft, rounded shapes.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Miu Miu autumn/winter 2011 at Paris Fashion Week

A model wears a creation from the Miu Miu autumn/winter 2011 collection at Paris Fashion 


Miuccia Prada brought the Paris prêt-à-porter season to a close this afternoon with an immaculate, "modern glamour" collection, featuring doves and dandelions, for her Miu Miu label.

The collection was a welcome dose of sweetness and light in the 'City of Light', where much of the season has been filled with doom and gloom.
"Sweet, charming, feminine, nice, - and always thinking of the important woman. I wanted to match this space," Ms Prada said, sweeping her arms in an arc to indicate the colonnaded rotunda and imposing marble hall of the Palais d'Iena, where the show was held.
The Miu Miu collection was the first fashion event staged in this monumental building - designed by Auguste Perret and one of the country's architectural 'jewels' - and it marked the beginning of a new cultural collaboration between the home of the 3rd Constitutional Assembly of the French Republic, and the Prada Group.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Pringle designer resigns


Clare Waight Keller


In a letter addressed to select fashion editors, Waight Keller writes:
"It is with a mixture of sadness, pride and anticipation that I leave the role I have called my home for the past five and a half years.
"I leave Pringle of Scotland all the best for its future and I am sure we will cross paths again shortly."
No reason has been given, although Waight Keller told WWD that "to a certain extent, this move is for personal reasons." The designer is expecting her third child in May.
Before joining Pringle in 2005, British-born Waight Keller worked as womenswear designer at Gucci under Tom Ford, and at Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. With her assured hand - she's been knitting since the age of five - Waight Keller has transformed the British heritage label into an international brand with her modern slant on its famous knits. Her last collection for Pringle, which showed at London Fashion Week last month, melded Fair Isle cashmere with rabbit fur, and leather with tweed in coats, jackets and capes.
"Clare's unique understanding of knitwear and design talent allowed her to modernize the image of Pringle, while remaining true to its heritage," says Douglas Fang, a member of the family that owns Pringle. "Clare will be greatly missed."
Her successor has yet to be announced.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

About Karmen Pedaru.

First thing I do in London is… go straight to a photo-shoot or to the hotel bar
I always like to stay… at the Soho Hotel. The staff are warm and friendly - I feel at home there
I recommend travelling by … car. It's the most comfortable way to travel and to take in the sights
In London I normally wear… high heels with jeans or leather trousers and a shirt. I don't change my style in London. My favourite heels at the moment are by Burberry Prorsum
But what I would really love to wear is… sneakers and sweatpants, but that would be a very bad idea
Best place for a sweet treat: Fortnum & Mason for English afternoon tea
Best for dinner: the food at Dean Street Townhouse is delicious, the atmosphere cosy and it's close to my hotel

Best for drinks: the Refuel bar at the Soho Hotel, or the Coburg Bar at the Connaught for martinis

The last thing I bought in London was… a novel called 'Sister' by Rosamund Lupton from Daunt Books
Best market: There are so many things to see at Portobello Market that sometimes I don't know where to start. Last time I picked up a Pucci silk blouse from the 1960s
If you want to feel like a real Londoner go to… a great pub with lots of atmosphere. I like the Punch Bowl in Mayfair - it has an open fire in winter
Best gallery: The National Portrait Gallery. I always try to visit whenever I am in town
My essential London beauty product is… a good moisturiser, such as Nourishing Pink Cream by Amanda Lacey
My favourite London designer is: most definitely Burberry. I love its shoes and the cut of the coats
My best London fashion moment: When a model friend of mine did her first catwalk show, she walked out on to the runway, suddenly got stage fright and froze, then ran backstage. I was so embarrassed for her and the designer screamed at her after the show. We laugh about it now every time we see each other

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Paris Parties During Fashion Week.

ALEX CHUNG
PARTY CENTRAL: Paris Fashion Week’s night owls flitted from party to party Monday night. The Swedes were out in force at a private screening of four short fashion films at the Le Royal Monceau to mark the first anniversary of the LVMH-funded site Nowness. Director Johan Renck, who has just wrapped filming the latest Valentino perfume ad campaign, starring Freja Beha Erichsen, said he’s eager to work with Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” fame. Zoe Cassevetes said is collaborating on a bikini line with U.S. fashion label Tucker. “I have missed this summer so we will do it for next season,” she shrugged. Cassevetes’ other half, Sébastien Chenut from Scratch Massive, said he has been back in the recording studio for a new yet-to-be-named album.

Alexa Chung had donned a vintage Versus dress for a Fendi bash across town at Le Montana. “A bit like Elizabeth Hurley,” she teased, pointing to the bright tier of safety pins fixed on the shoulders. Brazilian top model Isabeli Fontana said her just-launched line of metallic nail colors for Brazilian brand Risque was doing well. “I couldn’t wear one of the colors tonight - it is too difficult with all the shows,” she lamented.

Monday, March 7, 2011

MTN LAGOS INTERNATIONAL POLO TOURNEY ENDS.

The Ikoyi residents ,especially residents close to the Ikoyi polo club will have free traffic flow as from today as the MTN Lagos polo international tournament bids polo enthusiast farewell yesterday.
The two weeks long Tournament caused unusual traffic along Ikoyi Mobile filling station down to the barracks towards the club.But for the logistics put in place by the Club tournament organizing committee,that allowed coordinated flow,it would have been a sorry state.
D Banj performing during the entertainment segment of the just concluded MTN | Lagos International polo tournament.

The good side of the traffic is that, it shows the continued followership of the game by spectators.From the first day of the tournament to the end was a funfair to behold in the minds of club members,invited guests,players and spectators.Apart from the spectacular playing skills of the players which thrilled spectators during the day,there are also entertainment in diversity put in place during the evening.
“this is polo at its best”proclaimed by the assistant Manager of Marketingmixideas Mr.Bamji Ajibade in my one on one interview with him.He also stressed the need for the club to extend the VIP lounge to accommodate more VIP in the near future.
MODELS ON THE RAMP FOR DEOLA SAGOE FASHION SHOW DURING THE LAGOS POLO TOURNAMENT.
                                                                            
Lagos Tavia Trojan wins Open cup,Linetrale Trafigurae  wins Majek cup.

The MTN lagos International tournament came to an end yesterday as LAGOS TAVIA TROJAN CLINCHED THE OPEN CUP  by spanking KANO TITANS 10 goals to 8 ½ and in the other category,LINETRALE TRAFIGURAL wallops KADUNNA FIFTH CHUKKA  with an outstanding win of 13 goals to 10 thereby clinching the prestigious MAJEKODUNMI CUP.
Bode Makanjuola led CAVERTON came as runner up to LAGOS HGL SHORELINE in the Governor’s cup category.Lagos Caverton bows to the wip of Lagos HGL Shoreline on Friday 4th March with a gallant lost of 10 ½  goals to 12.
The Lagos State Governor represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for sports,Mr.Adeniji Adele  presented the Governor’s trophy to the Linetrale Trafigural team.

Joseph.

Edox | Extra time launches official time partnership with Lagos Polo Club


L-R: Miss Emma Ojiederie,Mr.Ayo Olashoju(Tournament Manager),Mr.Adedolapo Akinrele(Club's President)
Edox | Extra time formerly presented the edox Limited Edition Wall Clocks to the President of the Lagos Polo Club,Mr.Dolapo Akinrele and the Tournament Manager,Mr.Ayo Olashoju During the MTN | Lagos Annual International tournament.
This event was also used for the formal presentation of Lagos Polo Limited Edition Edox watches especially designed for the club by Edox.
Miss Emma Ojiederie did the presentation and stated that this is the beginning of a long term mutually beneficial relationship between the Lagos Polo Club and Extra Time.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

British paper says Kate chooses McQueen designer

SARAH BURTON


LONDON – A leading British newspaper reported Sunday that Sarah Burton, creative director of the Alexander McQueen fashion house, has been chosen to design Kate Middleton's wedding gown.
But both Burton and the company's chief executive deny the claim.
The Sunday Times story said Burton has received the plum assignment, then quotes her and McQueen CEO Jonathan Akeroyd saying this is not the case. Both flatly denied the McQueen house is involved.
The paper did not name any sources, suggesting the information had reached the newspaper after Akeroyd told a colleague about receiving the royal gig.
The contradictory story, which buzzed throughout Facebook and Twitter, did not clarify one of the central mysteries surrounding the April 29 wedding of Middleton and Prince William: Who will actually design the gown she wears for her transformation from commoner to princess?
The emphatic denials from the top people at McQueen would seem to indicate that the story is not true, but the circumstances surrounding the fashion assignment of the year (or perhaps the decade) make the situation somewhat cloudy.
Just two weeks ago, British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush told The Associated Press that whoever had been chosen would be bound by the terms of the agreement to do everything possible to keep their role secret until Middleton walks down the aisle before the eyes of 1,900 invited guests and a vast global television audience.
"Whoever has the honor will be sure not to leak it, that's the agreement," she said as London Fashion Week closed without the identity of the designer being made public.