One Fab Chic: Corinne Bailey Rae

This understated R&B singer has all the right moves on the mic and the red carpet. A newbie to the paparazzi, Corrine manages to hit all the right style notes, carefully avoiding the typical wardrobe pitfalls of the celebrity newcomer.Corrine Bailey Rae: One Fab Chic
(Click image for larger picture)

I'm a big admirer of Corrine Bailey Rae's classic, simplistic style. Rae definately knows what works for her- her signature style seems to be the cocktail dress, cut just below the knee, and a pair or sophisticated T-straps. Add her impeccable skin, soft, natural curls, and simple makeup, and you have a prime example of chic made easy. This makes Corrine Bailey Rae One Fab Chic.


Tatiana

Penelope Perfection...

I know I'm a bit late to the Oscar fashion fest, but I can't help but gush and sigh at the sight of best actress-nominee, Penelope Cruz's, creamy confection of an Atelier Versace gown.

Source: Style.com

From the tulle and chiffon feather train to the body-skimming bodice, Ms. Cruz emerged as the true Oscar-winner of the red carpet.

Source: Getty Images

A truly fabulous dress that will go down in history as one of the best to ever grace the red carpet- in my humble opinion, of course.

Tracy

Who Is Shilpa Shetty?

Shilpa Shetty is a 31-year old Bollywood actress whose newfound claim to fame was made after she won the UK's latest addition of Big Brother. Though Shetty has been acting since the early 90's as a teenager, this latest career move has seen her catapulted into the spotlight and adored by the British press.

Right now, Shetty is shooting her latest movie, Metro, a drama about careers and love. She currently lives in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India with her parents, and her tabloid-seeking younger sister Shamita.

Read More about Shilpa Shetty




Tatiana

Rhapsody in Red

Because I just can't get enough of the divalicious star-power!

* Editor's note: I am COMPLETELY frustrated because I CANNOT find details on the credits of the dresses. I hate posting celebrity pictures, and writing "I like that dress" without giving the designer his/her dues. It's not just a dress--it's fashion!!! So when I find it, I'll post it, but for now, I have a migraine.

Tatiana

Mmm Mmm...Marchesa!

Jennifer Lopez is stunning at the 2007 Academy Awards in a glamorous custom Marchesa gown.

It's obvious that Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig are in love with Hollywood--old Hollywood, that is. And Jennifer's dress is a prime example of the duo's keen ability of melding vintage glitz and subtle sophistication, without channeling the gaudiness of Las Vegas. Like stills from a classic 1940's flick, the rhinestones, feathers and bows enhance, but never overpower the object or her admirer.

All You Have To Do Is Dream...

I was so excited about this, that I couldn't wait for tommorow. CONGRATULATIONS to Jennifer Hudson for her Oscar win for best Supporting actress in Dreamgirls. Let's just hope that all this newfound fame doesn't end before it starts!
Lavish

You Should See: David LaChapelle

Lil Kim

Dave LaChapelle is o ne of the most prolific celebrity photographers of our time. His dramatic, often humorous, and most exaggerated photography has been seen in countless magazines as well as his own cinematic creation, Rize, and his books, LaChapelle Land and Artists & Prostitutes. LaChapelle has just release his new book, Heaven to Hell, a collection of his fashion photography. Be sure to check out the new LaChapelle exhibit "Awakened", a more artistic side of the in-your-face photographer.

Amanda Lepore does Andy Warhol's Marilyn

The Artist, David LaChapelle

Awakened
Feb 24, 2007 to April 28, 2007
Tony Shafrazi Gallery
544 W 26th St. bet 10th & 11th Ave
www. tonyshafranzigallery.com
10-6pm
FREE!

Lavish Links

One of the many beautiful things about being a black woman | Afrobella
Free Promotes Financial Empowerment | Juicy News
I Miss Lauryn Hill | The Cheap Chica
A Neon Obsession | Style Bytes

You Should: Check Out The Beautiful Decay Issue Release Party

Beautiful/Decay, Good Peoples and Scope Present:
"Culture on The Verge"
The Opening Night of Scope Art Fair
& Beautiful/Decay Issue R Release

Featuring DJ Sets By:
Oxy Cottontail
The Syrup Girls
Drop The Lime
Synapse
Jedi

Event Information:
Friday, February 23, 2007
9:00 PM - 4:00 AM
21+
cover: $5.00 | Free Howling Monkey Cola 9-10
music: All Styles

Contact Email:
queenbee@good-peoples.com
Venue Information:
Element NY
225 E. Houston St.
@ Essex
New York, NY 10002
212 254 2200
http://www.elementny.com/

EMG Vintage Sample Sale

EMG Everything Must Go
Vintage & Designer Clothing Sale
When:
Saturday February 24th: 2pm-6pm
The Sanctum @ Tribeca Grand
310 West Broadway New York, NY 10013

Designer and Vintage Clothing, Cocktails and Music

Rare finds like:
+Chanel Navy Flats $120
+70's Givenchy tweed mini skirt with front pleat $50
+Cream quilted Chanel bag $100
+Cream colored fluffy bomber-style faux fur jacket $35
+Raf Simons double layer t-shirt black $50
+Dark grey long Christian Dior vintage swing coat $45
+70's Givenchy pale blue turtleneck $35

Visit the EMG Vintage website for more details.
Tatiana

You Should See: The African Diaspora Film Festival

"Celebrating its fifth year at BAM, the African Diaspora Film Festival has quickly become one of our best-loved and highest-attended series. This year is no exception, as the ADFF bring highlights from their sold-out festival to Brooklyn! This popular series features a free dance party on February 18 and Q&As with many of the artists."

Highlights:
Daratt (Dry Season)
Dir. Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Sat, Feb 17 at 4:30pm
Mon, Feb 19 at 6:50pm
New York Premiere!

Diary of a Tired Black Man
Dir. Tim Alexander
Sat, Feb 17 at 6:50pm
New York Premiere!

Maria Bethania: Music is Perfume
Dir. Georges Gachot
Sat, Feb 17 at 9:30pm
Wed, Feb 21 at 9:15pm

Go to the Brooklyn Acedemy of Music Website for more info.

Tatiana

Milano Moda Donna: The Accessories

Angelo Morani Collection Spring 2007

I had to stop and go back to shoot these fabulous shoes. After all, what's a fabulous dress without the footwear to match?

Milano Moda Donna: Front Row Exhibit

I loved this exhibit at the main tent; a collection of the best spring 2007 looks from the top Italian design houses. Such an eye-filling collection of color, texture, and style!

Tatiana

London Style: Mostly Mod

Trying to find an authentic Briton was extremely hard. It seemed as if everyone from every neighboring country was in London for holiday. Right now, London is wrapped up in the looks of 60’s retro. Whether it was hippie—chic, beatnic, or mod, London-ites were definitely in a groovy state of mind. Below, a series of pictures from the Victoria & Albert Museum on their exhibition “60’s Mod”.

A mod Native American-inspired shift

Tatiana

Milan: Flash and Cash

In Milan sex sells, flashy is classy, and tight is absolutely right. It seemed as if every dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty had a wardrobe solely of knee-high stiletto boots and skinny jeans. Chicettes here are crazy about their D&G, their Cavalli, and their Versace. There was no shortage of wild gold, zebra, and leopard-print knockoffs on high street, and the plethora of inexpensive trendy footwear was a fashionista’s dream.

Tatiana

Aurelio Costarella- basic deconstruction

While Jayson Brundson's collection opted for a sleek and streamlined take on eveningwear, Aurelio Costarella's Fall 2007 collection chose to portray the basic extremes of dark and light in the innovative portrayal of deconstructed pieces. As a result, each piece is broken down in a decipherable manner, giving the naked eye a better appreciation for garment construction.

Virginal white and cream were transformed into tulle confections as gathering added a luminous effect to each gown...

while short and sharp lines construct the power of a mini trench and the boldness of a bustier...

though, there was a touch of whimsy in in the form of extreme ruffles on short silhouettes, this allowing Aurelio Costarella to be at ease with both the elegant and the theatrical.

Tracy

Courtesy of: Brad Hicks Six6Photography

Apologies

I'd like to apologize to all my fashionistas.. I'm away at the moment, but will definately update you all with a Super Post. Stay Lavish...
Tatiana

You Should: See PALENQUE

OYU ORO
in
PALENQUE

When: FEBRUARY 15 thru FEBRUARY 25, 2007
Where: The Annex Theater at LA MAMA ETC
74A E 4th St (between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2:30 & 7:30
Cost: Tickets $20
Box Office: 212.475.7710 or Online Tickets: www.lamama.org

To all my Afro-Cuban dance friends, Good Luck!

You Should: See

Click image for large flyer


Nearly a year ago, Vado Diomande, founder of the Kotchegna Dance Company, was diagnosed with a form of naturally-occurring inhalation anthrax on February 22, 2006. Vado was the first known person to survive naturally occurring inhalation anthrax in the United States in over 30 years. Now, after a miraculous full recovery he is ready to hit the stage with his world-renowned dance company, Kotchegna, and guest artists from the Ivory Coast in their debut production since his illness titled: " Vado and Kekene" - Vado and the Creative Forces.



Event: Vado and Kekene (Vado and the Creative Forces)


Date: Saturday February 17th 2007


Location: Helen Mills Theater 137-139 W. 26th St (bet. 6th and 7th) New York, NY 10001 Time: 3pm & 7pm Cost: $20 before Friday, February 16, 2006 $23 at the door

Jayson Brunsdon- jeweled elegance

Since Jayson Brunsdon was the last show that I had attended for New York's Fashion Week last Thursday, I hadn't known whether my final memories of Fall 2007 would end out with a bang or a whisper. Yet upon viewing his jewel-toned collection of dresses and gowns, I was embarrassed to admit to myself that, despite his being a successful stylist, illustrator, and designer in his native Australia, I hadn't heard of him at all. From his teal sheaths to his midnight black gowns, Jayson Brunsdon has introduced a contemporary elegance to New York's Fashion Week.

From sensational sapphire to extraordinary emerald, jewel tones floated down the catwalk in the guise of liquid sheaths and gowns...

while basic black and pure white took on streamlined silhouettes with satin layers and sheer gathering, giving equal shine to the each basic extreme.

In turn, Jayson Brunsdon has definitely succeeded in marrying old-school glamour with new school sensibilities. I, for one, am looking forward to checking him out for his Spring 2008 collection.

Tracy

Heavens to Betsey...

While I know that I am a bit behind on my complete review on Betsey Johnson's Fall 2007 collection a while ago, I hope that you all share the sentiment that the wait isn't in vain. That being said, last Tuesday's show was the highlight of my fashion week. Not only did effortlessly convey the breathless energy of the effervescent designeer, the featured collection managed to breathe new life into girly-chic: a feat in itself.

From the fluidity of charmeuse gowns and taffeta dresses to the optically-pleasing striped frocks and delicate lace hot pants, the 70s were in full effect...

along with the ruffle-n-lace party-girl dresses and sexily smart career wear evoked the bold, yet wearable take on 80s chic.

While minimalism managed to look funky and modern...

the old-but-unforgotten vintage treasure of the baby doll silhouette managed to make a lasting impression on this enchanting collection.

Tracy

And I am telling you...

Lavish Magazine congratulates Jennifer Hudson on becoming the first Black singer to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. Congratulations for making history! You go girl!

Best Read: Catherine Malandrino

A sweet and sexy interview from my 2nd favorite designer ( the 1st being Tracy Reese)-- Catherine Malandrino.
Click photo to enlarge and read
Tatiana

NY Fashion Week FW07: Accessories Exhibit

Haute Reviews

Zac Posen: All Eyes on Me!

Malandrino: Starry Nights

Best Dress:Photo: Tatiana Smith

Michon Schur: The Artist Muse

The Look:

Philosophy di Sophistication

Best Dress:

Photo: Tatiana Smith

Cocktails anyone? This collection oozed comfortable sophistication, with meticulously tailored woolens and tweeds suitable for everyday wear. Even sequins were added to the mix, but the look maintained it's cool, mature charm. Patent leather stilettos and spectators, paired rich jewel-toned dresses added spark to an otherwise relaxed appeal.

Photos: Tatiana Smith

Betsey Johnson Gets Serious

On deck: Tracy will guve you a full review. For now, here is a not-so-great video to whet your appetitle:

A Glamorous-ly guilty pleasure...

I'm completely disgusted with myself for feeling the hell out of this new Fergie ditty. Not only does it have the nerve to be catchy, it also has the audacity to remind me of a ride down the coast on a warm summer's day in a top-down convertible. Haven't figured out if it's the tragically cold weather that we've been having or if I've been sucked into the TRL vortex for good.

Tracy

Michelle Rodriguez is not cute

Michelle Rodriguez at Big Marc

Adorning your police-sanctioned ankle bracelet from your prior DWI arrests is not a fashion statement, and Michelle is not a political prisoner. Somebody should have thrown her back outside, and let her prance outside the Armory in the freezing cold. I'm so over it.

Tatiana

Reem Acra- Satin Nights and Shimmering Dreams

As exhausted as I am with the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week (and I'm only halfway through), I've been heartened by the last few collections that I've seen. After checking out a bevy of knits, I was excited to see the glamorous side of fall that was yesterday's Reem Acra show. Whether it was the sumptuousness of satin or the electricity of sequins, dreamy romance was the theme of this showing:

Drop waist sheaths and flouncy silhouettes were enveloped in emerald, evoking the freshness of evergreen...

...while sapphire sultriness made a splash in velvet trousers and luminous A-line dresses.

Basic black ran the gamut from flouncing fringes and drop waists of flapper chic to the feminine sensuality of a floral fling and soulful satin...

...even allowing the fun of fuschia to add pizazz to a sequined black party dress.

Ravishing ruby was also granted its time in the sun with themes that ranged from sinuous sheer gowns to sassy silver-tasseled dresses...

...only to make way for the piece-de-resistance, a knit brocade confection that higlights the brilliance of gold eveningwear.

Tracy

TIBI- Mod Madness

Despite being bone-tired from hitting as much shows as I could the past few days, I managed to trudge into the TIBI show early yesterday morning only to be pleasantly awakened by the upbeat remixes of The Beatles' Penny Lane. I was then greeted with a rush of monochromatic prints and liquid silhouettes as I was introduced to autumn, according to Amy Smilovic:

From sharp and funky Biba-esque minidresses that evoked the creativity of Carnaby Street...

... to a range of dimensional chiffon and silk that worked very well as constructed pleats and fluid tiers...

TIBI covered a palette of monochromatic color that showcased its fun-loving nature by presenting bubbly silhouettes, proving that the beginning of fall doesn't signal the end of soft femininity.

Tracy

Prairie Chic- Twinkle style...

I've been a bit underwhelmed with the collections thus far, so I was pleasantly surprised with the prairie chic turn that the Fall 2007 Twinkle by Wenlan collection has taken. Though a great knit sweater never truly goes out of style, it's been sorely underappreciated by our current obsession with slim bottoms and sharply cut tops. As a result, Wenlan Chia decided to contribute to fall fashion by highlighting flouncy skirts, ruched waists, and frothy cable knits in a luscious berry, understated gray, and soft cream tones.

This mochaccino trenchcoat is magnified by the intricate ruching along the silhouette, giving it a fresh approach to a fall staple

Tie-dye spruces up this silk tunic dress, adding a softer dimension to this boho staple

The floral-print prarie minidress was given a shot in the arm by this deliciously crimson belted cardigan

The sweater dress has apparently resurfaced in a major way, embellished by Equadorian knit and frontier patterns.

Tracy

Black Style Now

While Tracy was busy joyfully (!) wrestling with the crowds in the tents, I decided to venture off to the Museum of the City of New York's Black Style Now event. I did a post for this exhibit a while back, but I, myself had never gotten the chance to make it up to the museum. So I printed out the coupon for free admission, and made my way there. I was thoroughly entraced by the robust displays of clothing, history, and style. For once, I thought, someone actually CARED about the contributions of Black style to world culture. From the pictures of A'Lelia Walker's elaborate wedding, and the display of her Parisian under dress, to the fabulous bling of a Tina Turner mini, to the ubiquitous celebrity lines of Beyoncé and Kimora, Black style has definately made it's mark.

The sexy color-block dresses of Stephen Burrows


Hip hop style emerges in the '80s with the likes of Fab Five Freddy and Run DMC


2nd from left: Tina Turner's showgirl style; 3rd from right: An unconvential bohemian piece worn by Erykah Badu


Unsigned design talent is couture at it's finest. From Left: Knit and denim ensemble, Sistahs of Harlem, Silver dress, Parsons School of Design Designer of the Year Natalia Allen, Wrap Dress, Douglas Says, Strapless gown, Michael Butler


Unconventional ensembles epitomize Black style. Skirt, blouse, and hat, Montgomery.


The universal, and undeniable uniform of Hip Hop: fitted cap, white tee, jeans, and Timbs.
Black Style Now
Through February 16
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St
212.534.1672
Website
Tatiana

Lacoste- a study of earthy prepdom

Lacoste, long associated with the upper-crust preppie fashion, made a slight turn towards rusticness in its Fall 2007 debut yesterday. While the familiar neutral seafarer flavor was still evident, it also made way for an autumn collection that is more at ease with horseback riding and brisk walking.

The cashmere flannel plaid of this shawl coat is reminiscent of Katharine Hepburn talking a quick stroll around in Cape Cod

The jolt of this collection came in the form of the shocking tangerine that appeared in a few pieces (i.e. the v-neck striped sweater on the right), proving that prep can welcome a wild streak here and there

The striped beret, crew-neck sweater, wire-rimmed frames, and slightly worn-in denim evoked the first day of school at Bryn Mawr

Tracy

Chris Han- An Urban Delicacy

Folks, the most wonderful time (well, at least, one of two of the most wonderful times) of the year is upon us- that being New York Fashion Week, of course. From the cool glamour to the wondrous air-kisses, a brand new assortment of fall fashion is here to be showcased in all its frothy fabulousness. That being said, I traipsed into the tents at the crack of dawn (well, at least what's considered as such on a Saturday morning) to check out Chris Han's Fall 2007 Women's collection. While I wasn't bowled over by the recurring theme of leather, chiffon, mesh, and herringbone, I did manage to discover a few standouts in this collection of urban delicacy:

The contrast of the lace skirt to the ruched leather waistband was an inspired take on the bubble silhouette.

Update from the front lines: A ruffled dream.
Photo: Tatiana Smith

The most luxurious piece (as well as the closing piece), this evening gown was a champagne confection in tulle.

The seductive Halston-esque cashmere cardigan spiced up the basic gray that has become fall's staple color. Note the cinching of the waist, a sure sign that the 40s shape is here to stay for a little while longer.

The grey herringbone bubble cape complemented the skinny slouchy pants and patent-leather round-toed pumps to evoke a subdued take on the 80s cosmopolitan party girl look.
The perfect party dress in a splashy metallic.
Photo: Tatiana Smith



It's all in the details: Interesting cuff embellishments.
Photo: Tatiana Smith

I will say that the real stars of the show were the featured Mary Janes, pumps, and high-heeled boots on the models, courtesy of Davis by Ruthie Davis. Though her line of sexy shoes have been out for almost two years, Ruthie's been putting her distinct mark on shoewear for the past decade with contributions to Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, and UGGs. Showcased below are her architecturally-forward shoes in her Spring 2007 line:

are pretty much a reflection of what I'd seen this morning. If this is enough to propel you to the nearest shoe store, well, here's a listing of where you can get them in your area.

You can thank me later.

Tracy

Josephine Premice: Vintage Lavish Diva

Although I vaguely remember Josephine Premice from her guest-starring stints on The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, and A Different World (most likely her most known role as Whitley Gilbert's boss, the haughty Mrs. Abernathy), it wasn't until I'd come across her daughter, Susan Fales-Hill's (an accomplished television writer and producer, as well as a notable socialite style icon in her own right) homage, Always Wear Joy: My Mother Bold and Beautiful, that I fully grasped just who she was and what she'd accomplished.

Having been born in Haiti in 1926 to an upper-class family, Josephine moved to New York as a child, where she initially wanted to pursue a career in Anthropology. While she obtained a degree from Columbia University, the strong pull of show business drew her in as a dancer, singer, and, eventually, an actress. Never one to stick to a script as to what was expected of her at the time, she stormed her way through Broadway with her undeniable talent, dazzling style, and charming wit- resulting in her Tony-award nominated turns in Jamaica and A Hand Is On The Gate. So impressive was her personality and style that she'd caught the eye of some of the most legendary French designers of the day, such as Jacques Fath and Hubert de Givenchy. She'd also caught the eye of seafaring scion and Mayflower descendant, Timothy Fales, who taken to her and promptly married her, despite the great scandal that resulted in 1950s America:

Unfortunately, while she'd received acclaim for her starring turns in Bubbling Brown Sugar and The Glass Menagerie, her fabulous effervescence was underappreciated in an era where fabulous black beauty was narrowly accepted in the form of the keener-featured divas as Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, and Diahann Carroll. As a result, she worked sporadically in the theatre and television, unable to garner the same amount of success as her peers. And while she'd passed away from emphysema in 2001, largely forgotten by the mainstream, her daughter took it upon herself to immortalize Josephine's greatness in print. For not only did she instill a great sense of pride in Susan's sense of self, she also represented the woman who wasn't afraid to break the mold of what was considered to be black and beautiful.

That, folks, is the true embodiment of a Vintage Lavish Diva.

Tracy

What is this supposed to mean?

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden had a few choice words about Barack Obama, also in the runnig for the presidency:

"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," Biden said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man."

Clean and nice-looking?? The racial overtones are flagrant!

Tatiana