Fierce Blackness

Kevan Hall's Spring 2009 RTW Collection

2008-10-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

Fashion Designer Kevan Hall debuted his spring collection at the beginning of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week LA edition. Hall played homage to costume designer Adrian Gilbert with his 1940's inspired gowns. Old Hollywood glamour and style was an apparent inspiration for Hall's collection. Hall definitely wowed the audience he received applause and cheers throughout the show. I cant wait to see which celebrities will be wearing Hall's gown on the red carpet. Essence.com conducted an interview with Hall about his spring 2009 collection, click here to read the interview.

Actresses Tia Mowry and Garcelle Beauvais showed their support in their Kevan Hall ensembles at the show.

Image Credits wwd.com, millionlooks.com

Russel Simmons Argyle Couture Spring 2009 RTW Collection

2008-09-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

My favorite casual wear for men is preppy wear with a slight urban twist. Of course I loved Russel Simmons Argyle Couture collection. It is ideal for the urban sophisticated brother. The clothing lines target is the successful man over the age of 25. Simmons states, " I have always intended to design sophisticated men's wear for the urban graduate." He has teamed up with GQ magazine for the spring 2008 ad campaign which will run for six months in several publications and the Internet.

Image Credits: instyle.com
Info credit: http://mamimagazine.com

Get the look: Gabrielle Union In Ne-yo's Miss Independent Woman Video

2008-09-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

I love Ne-yo's video Miss Independent Woman, there are some cute ensembles in the video. I like Gabrielle Union's look it is simple yet stylish. The dress is a classic sophisticated black dress. It can be dressed up for evening or paired with a blazer or blouse for work.

The shoes are fab. They appear to be a studded gladiator style sandal. I searched but I could not find those exact shoes, I did however find some of that similar style.

If you havent seen it here is Ne-yo's Miss Independent Woman video.

Image Credits: img22.imagevenue.com/img, bebe.com, bloomingdales.com

Barack Obama T-shirts

2008-09-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama is on the minds, tongues and T-shirts of countless Americans. Regardless of political preferences it is very moving to see so many Americans of different age groups and cultures interested in politics and voting.

Beyonce pictured walking in New York wearing a Barack Obama progress t-shirt.

Trey Songz in New York city at a video premiere wearing a ba-rocksmith t-shirt.

Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, and Ryan Phillippe spotted in Barack Obama t-shirts.

Several celebrities, designers, and clothing brands custom designed Barack Obama t-shirts for the Runway for Change collection available at barackobama.com. Pictured are the designs of Pharrel Williams and Beyonce. Visit the website for designs by Tracy Reese, Vera Wang, Juicy Couture and several others.

Image credits: concreteloop.com, celebritybug.blogspot.com, hideyourarms.com, karmaloop.com, barackobama.com

Tracy Reese Spring 2009 RTW Collection

2008-09-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

I love Tracey Reese’s spring 2009 RTW collection so much I had trouble narrowing my favorites down to a select few. I always seem to favor her spring collections over her fall collections. I love the colors and silhouettes in her spring collection. She mixes very flattering feminine shapes and patterns. Her collection includes a lot of flowing dresses; she has pieces that can be flattering to many different shapes and size.

Image Credits: nymag.com

Celeb Style Sightings

2008-06-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Solange celebrated her 22nd birthday last night a Hollywood Hills mansion. I must evaluate this look. I actually like the dress but I did not like the choice of orange shoes with the orange dress. I also did not like what she did with her hair. I think she could have had a fab look with different accessories and a different hair style.

Rihanna appeared on 106 Park and I loved her look. The gladiators added a fab touch to her all black ensemble!

Ashanti has been looking consistently fabulous lately. She was spotted at Cartier's Charity Love Bracelet launch in L.A. I love her look the hair, dress, and the shoes.

Taraji, Sanaa, and Nia partying at Jermaine Dupri's Tag Records Party!

Imagecredits: bet.com, theybf.com, people.com

Fierce Tuesday: Tracy Reese

2008-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today I am profiling Ms. Tracy Reese one of the fashion industry's most successful African American women. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design. After she graduated in 1984, she received an apprenticeship from French designer Martine Sitbon. After an unsuccessful try at starting and maintaining her own line, she landed a job at Perry Ellis as design director for women's Portfolio. She later moved to a new label Magaschoni. After reaching a 4 million, she got her own label "Tracy Reese for Magaschoni." A few years later, she struck a deal with the Limited for her own line " Tracy Reese Meridian" a contemporary sportswear line. By 2002, Reese had opened a corporate showroom and her line, which had grown to include resort and swimwear, was featured during New York fashion week. Reese's looks have been called " ultra feminine and vintage inspired."

I am absolutely in love with Tracy Reese's Spring 2008 RTW collection. I tried to pick a few of my favorite pieces which was almost the entire collection.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from her Fall 2008 RTW collection.

Visit her website at http://www.tracyreese.com/
Info Credit. nymag.com, answers.com
Image Credit: mymag.com

Malcolm Harris

2008-05-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Malcolm Harris has been designing for ten years. He is a graduate of FIT and has a master's degree in English Literature from NYU. He began his career by apprenticing in various houses throughout Paris, France including those of Jean Paul Caultier, Paco Rabanne, and Yves Saint Laurent. He then worked as a sought after fashion stylist, collaborating with photographers, hair/make-up artist, magazines, and models on projects. He has two labels Mal Sirrah ( Sirrah is Harris's last name spelled backwards and the name of his "alter ego") and Katsumi & Malcolm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Visit his website malsirrah.com and his blog cutsewandblog.com
Check him out on youtube talking about his clothing line and blog.

Info & Image Credit: pr.com

Fierce Black Celeb News

2008-05-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Gabrielle Union unveiled exclusive t-shirts designed by celebs for American Eagle Outfitters and "Declare Yourself". The shirts are to encourage voting and for each shirt purchased AE will donate $5 to "Declare Yourself". The shirt is $15.50 and will be available on ae.com until June 24th.

Tyra Banks graces the cover of New York magazine on stands this Sunday. The cover compares Banks to media moguls Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart. " Banks explains that her ultimate goal is, 'like her hero Martha Stewart...for her name to immediately suggest a distinct point of view'." I think it is great that New York magazine deemed her worthy enough to compare her to such icons.

My fav looks from the Sex in the City movie premiere. Jennifer Hudson has come a long way in terms of fashion. I thought she looked fab in these figure flattering dresses. Michelle also looked stunning, her purple dress complimented her skin tone perfectly.

Designer Zac Polsen showed some of his clothing on BET's Rip the Runway. Also BET aired Fashion Blackout where BET news takes an inside look at the fashion industry and the lack of black models on the runways and in ad campaigns. If you missed it check your local listings for the reairing.

Image Credits: nymag.com, bet.com, news.com, mediaoutrage.com

Racism in Fashion

2008-05-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, many black models have been speaking out about the lack of color on the runways. I ran across an article on Models Blog where Gaye McDonald spoke about racism in the industry. She states that Paris casting agents "drop black girls like they’re hot.” McDonald and Mary Ping proclaim "Paris is the worst place to go for castings. Even though you can have a strong walk and look they will never chose you because they don’t like black girls. It makes you feel very uncomfortable and you begin to question yourself as to say ‘what’s wrong with me?" 'McDonald was one of the few black models that walked the catwalk during fashion weeks in New York, London, and Paris. McDonald states "The world is not white, so why should catwalks only feature white models?” She added: “I’m often the only black girl when I go to castings, which is horrible because everyone looks at you as if you are so different. But I have learned to make my experience empower me."

In this article many of the casting agents stated that it is hard finding work for black models. Carole White the co founder of Premier Model Management which supplies models for top fashion brands, magazines and designers says “Sadly we are in the business where you stock your shelves with what sells, black models don’t sell. People don’t tend to talk about it, but black models have to be so beautiful and perfect because we can’t have a lot of diversity with black models.”She added: “It’s harder work for the agency because there’s not so much on offer. White models can have more diversity.” The co founder of Acclaim Models Mary Schultz blames the organizers of model castings she says that when preparing for castings for this years fashion week in London they were repeatedly told by the designers that they were not interested in black or Asian models. She stated "I have been told outright by a designer, ‘please do not send me any black models as they do not suit my clothes’. I have also been told that black models do not know how to carry themselves in a high fashion manner, which is utter rubbish." Schultz has signed Jasmia Robinson and Sarah Butler from Britain's Next Top Model. Unfortunately, both girls have experienced racism. Robinson is often told that her features are to "afro" (meaning African) and has even been told by a very famous designer that she looks like a monkey. According to Make Fetch Happen Iman suggested that black models go "Norma Rae on their asses and form a union. I can only say that one of the reasons is that models have never had unions, so there is no one to say, 'This isn't right.'"

Shake Your Tambourine

2008-05-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

When I put on a tiered dress the movement of the dress just makes me want to dance. I bought this tiered shift dress number from forever 21 and I think it's the perfect party dress. It reminds me of the Eve song "Shake Your Tambourine" because all you want to do is shake. Here are some other cute tiered dresses I found.

Fierce Tuesdays: Stephen Burrows

2008-05-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

I started this blog to educate myself and others about the African American movers and shakers in the high fashion industry. I do not want this blog to become post after post of bios. On Tuesdays I will feature a bio on a African American in the industry. It will be Fierce Tuesdays! As always Stay Fierce! Stay Black!

Stephen Burrows is one of the first " big name" African American fashion designers. Burrows graduated from FIT in 1966. He made a name for himself in the 70's and 80's designing for the club crowds. He was " known for his signature “lettuce hems” and sexy, flowing chiffons, Burrows notably exaggerated stitching instead of hiding it, and often used bright colors like red for the thread." His clothes sold so well at O, an NYC gallery boutique that Henri Bendel's created an atelier " Stephen Burrows World" in their stores basement. After the store was sold in the early eighties Burrows began to fade away. For almost twenty years, Burrows designed for the theater and a few couture clients. In 2002, he made fashion history with a major comeback, with a new Bendel's boutique and soon fashion weeks followed. He also has a version of his clothing on the Home Shopping Network!

Here are a few pieces from his Fall 2008 RTW collection.

Here is a youtube video of him at fashion week talking about his fall 2008 collection.

Info Credit: nymag.com
Image Credit: nymag.com, fashioninsider.fr

Stylista

2008-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Media Mogul Tyra Banks's new reality show "Stylista" will debut this fall on the CW network on Wednesdays at night's 9/8c. The show will be a twist of "The Devil Wears Prada" meets reality TV. There will be eleven "fashion enthusiast" competing for a paid editorial job at Elle magazine, a paid lease on an FAB Manhattan apartment and an H&M clothing stipend all valued at a $100,000. They will be working as assistants to Anne Slowey, Elle's Fashion news director. Each week the contestants will carry out a fashion editorial assignment, assistant task, at the end of the episode one contestant will be fired, and the last one remaining will be the winner. This show sounds exciting and I really want to be on it! I know I will be tuning in!

For pictures of the cast visit tv.com

Glam God with Vivica A. Fox

2008-05-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

According to blackvoices.com Vivica A. Fox has a new reality show "Glam God with Vivica A, Fox" scheduled to debut this summer on VH1. The show is a style search for the ultimate stylist with categories in hair, makeup, and wardrobe. The winner receives $10,000 and a chance to style an A-list celebrity.

The Power, Influence and Prominence known as André Leon Talley

2008-05-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

André Leon Talley is undoubtedly most influential African American in the fashion industry. He is the editor-at-large of Vogue magazine the American edition. He is most known for his flamboyance and custom designed tailor made over the top ensembles. André uses his prominence to evoke change, he has never hesitated to chastise designers about the lack of colored models on the runways. He stated in an interview "sometimes when I sit and watch a fashion show I get totally wrapped up in what is in front of me, in the fantasy of it and what it might mean to the person who will be wearing the clothes. Then the show's over, and I realize there has not been one person of color on the runway!" He has also endorsed several African American designers throughout the duration of his extensive career.

André's climb to the top has not been an easy one. His journey began at a very humble beginning in North Carolina, the grandson of a sharecropper and the son of a taxi driver. André was raised by his grandmother, whom was a tremendous influence on his life. He gravitated towards fashion in his early teens after picking up a copy of Vogue at this local library. He says " Vogue was my hobby, and no one in my family ever had a copy of the magazine in the house until I did." André credits Vogue and his grandmother and her world especially Sundays at church for his fashion sense. He says, " You saw beautiful images of women, beautiful church hats and gloves. These were not people of great means and wealth, but they had the most wonderful style--especially on Sundays" André claims his eccentric style began in high school but he also tried to fit in to avoid ridicule. André admits "when you're a teenager from a small town and you are different, you are victimized by people's criticism and the way they look at you, that was a problem in high school, so I tried to conform a bit; but mostly I just stayed to myself."

André attended Brown University and became friends with some of the creative students at Rhode Island School of Design. After earning his masters in French Studies, he moved to New, York. André began to hangout heavy on the fashion/art scene. At age 28, he became a reporter at Women Wear Daily. In 1983, he landed a job at Vogue as fashion news reporter and five years later promoted to its creative director. In 1995, André left Vogue to become fashion editor for W in Paris and later became the bureau chief in the city. In 1998, he returned to Vogue as at editor-at-large. He has a monthly feature "Life with André". " In 2003, Talley was honored with the Eugenia Sheppard Award for outstanding fashion journalism from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. "Personally, I think they could've given me this award earlier in my career," Talley admitted in the Interview chat with Prada. "But if you say that, then people say, 'Oh, he carries a chip on his shoulder.' But as a black person, you are aware of your position if you're the only black person in the front row of a fashion show for so long."

André pictured with Vogue's Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour.

Andre in some of his ensembles.

For more information on Andre he has written a memoir, A.L.T.: A Memoir.

Image credits: nymag.com, counterfeitchic.com,

Info credit :awnsers.com/topic/andr-leon-talley

Avant-Garde of Cosmetics

2008-05-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Pat McGrath the "it" makeup artist of the fashion industry. She has created avant-garde makeup looks for the couture shows of several designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace, John Galliano, Giorgio Armani, Valentino and countess others. She is now the Creative Design Director of Procter and Gamble. She is in charge of Max Factor, Cover Girl cosmetics and several other brands.

Pat was raised in Northampton, England and is of Jamaican decent. She credits her mother Jean, for her love of fashion and makeup. She says her mother was infatuated with fashion and they spent the most of their time in vintage fashion shops and hours looking for makeup that would show up on black skin. Pat became obsessed with makeup and was making her own face creams at a very young age.

Pats first big break came when she got a job doing the makeup for Karen Wheeler a singer for Soul II Soul. Then she began doing the makeup for all the musicians in Britain, she had bookings with all the big record companies. As a result, she was able to do some major networking and landed some editorial jobs. She reportedly travels with up to fifteen, seventy-five pound duffle bags of cosmetics and tools.

Pat who has no formal training in cosmetics uses that as her advantage. She says she broke every rule because she was never trained on them. She developed skill through practice, practice and practice. When preparing for a shoot Pat says she does all the research then she throws it all away. She tries to approach everything from a new angle.

Here are a few of her runway creations.

Here is a YouTube video of Pat at work.

For make-up tips from Pat visit maxfactor.com.

Image Credits: afrobella.com; telegraph.co.uk; shinygloss.tv
Info Credit: afrobella.com

Rihanna graces the cover of Elle June 2008 edition

2008-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Rihanna has come a long way from when she stepped on the scene with her "Pon De Replay" single. At the time, Rihanna appeared to be just another exotic beauty that would come and go. Fast forward to Rihanna's third album she came back with a hot new look and single. Rumors of being involved with mentor Jay-Z did not hurt her popularity. Neither does her relationship with R&B hearthrob Chris Brown. Rihanna cut her tresses into a jet-black asymmetrical bob and changed her image from pretty island girl to fierce fashionista. Now the cameras cannot get enough of her.

Here are some photos from her Elle photoshoot.

Image Credits: elle.com

All Black Vogue Italia

2008-04-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

According to Fashionologie.com photographer Steven Meisel has shot an entire issue of only black models for Vogue Italia. Meisel is hoping that this will encourage other publications to add some diversity to their pages. Reportedly, Jordan Dunn will be a participant. This has been the year for Jourdan she was also the first black model to walk the catwalk for Prada, since Naomi Campbell in 1997. This issue will definitely be Fierce Blackness!

Sorry for my lack of post I have been really busy with school, but I have returned.

Fabulosity

2008-04-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

Kimora's Life in the Fab Lane Season two debuted last Sunday the 20th. I love the show and I was looking forward to its return for my weekly dose of Fabulosity, Kimora style. Kimora announced that her ex husband Russell Simmons was stepping down and she is stepping up at as the director of all of Phat fashions. Kimora will be now bringing her unique style to men's Phat Farm line. This shall be an interesting transition because Phat Farm used to be one of the leading urban wear brands but has suffered from major decreases in sales. On the season premiere Kimora had began to revamp the Phat Farm brand image by redesigning the tags and bringing in new designers for the clothing. Kimora's Baby Phat brand is a popular brand in the urban market and maybe she can bring that same success back to Phat Farm. The show airs Sundays at 8/7c on the Style network.

Preppy Wear

2008-04-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

My favorite casual style of clothing is preppy wear. Upon the rare occasion, that you may catch me not wearing heels I will more than likely be in a polo shirt (Lacoste or Ralph Lauren), pearls, and a pair of sperry top siders. I absolutely love sperry top siders they are epitome of classic southern style. I have them in several colors from hot pink to the classic chocolate brown. I am very traditional and classic when I put on a polo. Here is where you can get the look.

The preppy look is also my favorite casual look for guys. As I stated early I am not a big of fan of urban wear but I do like a man in preppy attire with a slight urban twist. Kanye West does look very well.

Here are a few of my favorite preppy looks for men.

Who's That Girl?

2008-04-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

She is none other than Genevieve Jones. Ms. Jones arrived in New York in 1999, as what "It" people in the fashion industry would refer to as a "nobody". She definitely did not remain that way fast forward March 2006 and Genevieve Jones was being named "Girl of the Moment" by Vogue magazine. This had everyone shouting, " Who's that Girl?" No one could figure out who she was or what she did. She moved to New York for college but it seems she spent the majority of her time at parties. Genevieve's "exotic looks", impeccable fashion sense, personality, and being at the right places at the right time made people take notice. Reportedly, Genevieve, saw Russian supermodel Irina Pantaeve at a party, introduced herself and a friendship was born. The two began attending the best clubs and parties. Genevieve's next big break was meeting then aspiring designer Zac Polsen on the street. He was taken back by her looks and when he started his fashion business, he asked her to model for him. This only increased her popularity and led to a major increase in party invites, intro to Fendi, a photo-op in W magazine, and not to mention the countless pictures that were all over the Internet.

Genevieve is reportedly sought after by "fashion industry publicist to go to their parties and wear their things." This works in the favor of Genevieve and the publicists. It works more so in the favor of the Houses because although Ms. Jones is getting the clothes free. She is dressing herself and adding her own unique style. Designer Michael Kors states " this is much more credible then when a stylist dresses a celebrity." To this day, no one is exactly sure what it is that Genevieve Jones does for a living but it is this mystery that keeps people intrigued, questioning, and watching.

Image Credits: style.com
Info Credit: reveries.com

My love letter to fashion

2008-04-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote this love letter as an intro to my other blog Fashion Devotee. I decided to repost it because I beleive that it symbolizes my love and my passion for fashion.

" I am in love with fashion. It is my life. It makes my happiest moments complete. It is loyal and although it changes with the times, it stays true to who it is and it keeps me intrigued, keeps me dreaming, and for these reasons I will be forever devoted to fashion. I fell in love with fashion as a kid. It stole my heart, locked it and threw away the key. I can remember being the little girl that did not play at recess in elementary school because she did not want to get her new dress dirty. I was also the misunderstood girl in high school that wore pumps to class everyday that and had a style that was completely her own.

I am a fashionista and I don’t take it lightly. Being a fashionista consists of so much more than being able to coordinate a matching ensemble. Anybody that is not color blind or a complete fashion reject can do that. Being a fashionista is a lifestyle, everything about your appearance is impeccably coordinated. A fashionista never misses a beat. The hair, makeup, clothing, and accessories all come together to form a complete look. A true fashionista is not a follower of trends but it is a trendsetter. As a fashionista, I read several fashion magazines but I am not a walking replica of those pages. I do not tear out clippings of rihanna in the newest and hottest trends and go to the mall and try to imitate her look. I am aware of trends and what is current but I have a style that is unique and solely my own. I was born an original so I will not live or die as a copy. I am in love with fashion it is my passion, my heart’s joy……my soul mate. This is my love letter to fashion "

Intro

2008-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am Ariel Burke and I am in with love fashion. I first began blogging a month ago and I started a fashion blog called Fashion Devotee , which is still active so you should check it out. When I first began blogging, I wanted to start a fashion blog that focused on everything fashion, not just a generic blog that discussed tips and trends. Instead, a blog that focused on what I believe is the complete look; the hair, nails, makeup, shoes, clothing, and accessories as well as interesting news and facts about the fashion industry.

On this journey, I was reading a post on a blog called Fashionologie and how Jourdan Dunn was the first photographed evidence of a black woman walking the runway for Prada since Naomi Campbell in 1997. Naturally, this stirred a lot of controversy among readers. The comments of the readers inspired me to write a post about the lack of colored women on the runway. My research from that post is what inspired me to write this blog.

As I stated before my initial concept with my blog was to discuss all things fashion and focus on achieving the complete look, which I plan to carry on with my other blog Fashion Devotee. I did not want to limit self to just discussing black fashion because I love all things fashion. After my research I realized that there is so much that I do not know about the black movers and shakers in the fashion industry. I believe myself to be a very cultured and knowledgeable black women. I figured that if I don't know, then there must be countless others that are not aware. I noticed that most fashion blogs that concentrate on black fashion concentrate more on the urban side, which is wonderful. I know that I personally do not wear urban wear and neither does any of my friends. So where does that leave my nonurban wear, wearing sisters and brothers? Here at Fierce Blackness for the high fashion sister or brother. This is my intro to you as the author of Fierce Blackness. Stay Fierce! Stay Black!