The word “Diva” is now usually used to mean a negative characteristic of a women with great needs, but what has happened to using the word to identify great singing and performance capabilities?
Last Thursday, VH1 decided to continue the annual tradition of honoring women from different walks of life during VH1 Divas. The show honored the work of Jennifer Hudson, Jordan Sparks, Adele, India Aire, and Miley Cyrus. This group of five artists was an interesting and unexpected combination of 5 songstresses. India Aire has not been present in the media for some time, Miley Cyrus is still a Disney princess to me, and I didn’t even know who Adele was. Although my initial thoughts were such, my reservations about the Divas quickly changed after viewing their performances.
Adele and India Aire sang a great Duet, and Miley Cyrus to be honest was amazing! Very impressed by both Miley and Adele.
And now to the fashions of the evening. I was able to snap a few red carpet pics during the madness and I must say that my Red Carpet favs were by far Jordan Sparks and Toni Braxton. Both ladies looked absolutely amazing.
Mrs. Toni Braxton Wore a Long White Dress with a train
(Photo Courtesy of VH1) Jordan Sparks looking amazing in a gold dress
(Photo Courtesy VH1)
Miley Cyrus also looked amazing (Photo Courtesy VH1)
Now, the outfit the left me the most perplexed were those worn by Jennifer Hudson and India Aire. Jennifer seems to still be packing the baby. Of course she just recently gave birth, but I would have picked another dress for the Diva.
Dwight Eubanks, graced New York with an evening of sultry style and fabulosity during his presentation of “The Toolbox Collection” last week. Dwight can be seen on Bravo these days on the reality series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta“, but his name and fame go beyond the T.V. screen as he is a notable icon in the realm of styling, and consulting. The Atlanta, Georgia native joined in on the New York Fashion Week festivities by unveiling his line of sexy lingerie and underwear.
The presentation took place at M2 Ultra Lounge on 28th street between 10th and 11th. Dwight definitely filled up the venue as VIPs were seated around the t-shaped runway.
Jade from America’s Next Top Model
Jade, from America’s Next Top Model was spotted in the crowd. She walked in with a shimmering silver sequins hooded dressed which I loved. I am working on finding out who designed her dressed if I could possibly afford one.
Dwight’s line is very sexy. It consists of light weight material and sheer pieces of underwear. He was very creative in designing lingerie for men which offers an alternative to the conventional boxers and briefs selection.
Vogue collaborated with retailers all over the world in a “global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion”.
The Fashion’s Night Out initiative, tripled the number of parties taking place this year. Over 700 retailers hosted in-store parties to invite consumers in and celebrate the start of the week long celebration of all things fashion.
Last night, I found myself in pure fashion heaven as I walked down 5th avenue and fashion hopped from store to store. It was seriously like treat-or-treating for fashion goodies.
Tiffany Store 5th ave
The Dior store on 57th street was a site of pure chaos as photogs, fans, and guest stretched their necks and bodies to get inside the store and get an in person glimpse of Charlize Theron. It was only appropriate that the blonde cause so much excitement this Fashion Week…I mean, she is only on the cover of Vogue Magazine.
Outside the Dior Store on 57th Street and Madison
I had the most fun at Versace. There I ran into Ciara, Jade from America’s next top model, and other beautiful people. I didn’t realized how thin Ciara has gotten until seeing her in person. The last time I saw her was about 2 years ago while working a VH1 red carpet. In my opinion she is looking her best these days. Much more classy and grown up in comparison to her more sporty look when she first hit the scene.
Ciara greets fans and press at the Versace store on 5th ave
I am a huge fan of the Fashion’s Night Out initiative. I can definitely see this being an annual event. It invited the everyday person to take part in the fashion week festivities. Fashion is all about the consumer and I am happy to see that Vogue is encouraging retailers to refocus their attention to those that will keep their businesses afloat.
Actor and Host, Emmi Grullon has been out and about town catching up with some pretty cool people. What’s even better is that his catch-up sessions with friends and others is all caught on tape for everyone to view.
Emmi Grullon
After hearing about Emmi’s trips about town with people such as Latin singing group, Tha Heights and Actor, Jamil Mena I wanted to take the opportunity and chat with the social man of the hour. I was lucky enough to catch up with Emmi Friday afternoon as he wrapped a taping session with Sean John model, Miguel Perdomo. The “Hanging Out With Emmi” episode with Miguel has since been released and can be viewed below. Maybe someone can help me figure out who the girl the guys were checking out was…
EXO TV’s “Hanging Out With Emmi” host, Emmi Grullon, takes it back to New York City’s park scene in his interview at Bryant Park, with Dominican fashion model, Miguel Perdomo, just days before New York Fashion Week.
The above video is the 4th episode of the Hanging With Emmi Show, which was recently picked up by EXO TV, a division of EXO Magazine. The show will be premiering on a weekly basis, so stay tuned to see who Emmi is hanging with from week to week.
Actor VJ Emmi Grullon
Since holding a small role in the Denzel Washington movie, Manchurian Candidate, the Dominican Republic native has been making a name for himself as an actor.He has since appeared in Nick and Noora’s Musical Playlist along with booking several modeling and hosting jobs in the area.
While speaking with Emmi, I was impressed by the amount of creative involvement he holds in the directing and producing of his segments. Although a new project for the actor/host, I see plenty of potential in his project and will be looking out for more showcases of the VIP lifestyle captured through Emmi’s perspective.
An Antique Jewelry and Watch Show is coming to the NYC area ladies and gents. Metroplitan Pavilion will be hosting this year’s antique jewelry show where designs such as Cartier and David Webb will be exhibited.
This will be a 4 day event beginning Friday July 24th. Tickets for the show can be purchased for all four days or for individual days.
The folks over at the fashion power house, Louis Vuitton, put on their party hats this evening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. There to celebrate at the event were astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell.
In commemoration of this event Louis Vuitton has created a fashionable capsule “Malle Mars” which has all the essentials needed for a trip to the moon. Now, I don’t know many people taking trips to the moon…in a Louis Vuitton capsule at that, but this LV monogrammed capsule will be displayed at the American Museum of Natural History, located on Central Park West, following tonight’s event.
Openned Capsule
A few celebrities came out to party including Cassie and her unflattering haircut, Estelle, Whitney Port from “The Hills”, Lance Bass, and pregnant Victoria Secret’s model Adrianna Lima.
Cassie Attends LV Party (Photo Courtesy of Michel Lavache)
I just can’t help but think her hairdo is just a publicity stunt…it’s like everyone is trying so hard to be different. She is a very cute girl, I would just like to see her hair back….
Side View of Cassie's Haircut (Photo courtesy of Michel Lavache)
Fashion Fights Poverty will host DC’s first ever “fashion swap” on Saturday, July 18th from 12noon to 5pm at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Clothing items will be donated to Washington, DC’s Covenant House, an organization that provides shelter and protection, food, clothing, counseling and job training to Washington, DC youth.
How does it work?
Consign: Bring your former favorites for consignment with Current Boutique. Current will consign quality items that can be resold. Consigners can also choose to donate their consignment to Fashion Fights Poverty.
Swap: Attendees will leave their unwanted articles of clothing, shoes, and accessories on tables based on clothing size range or accessory type. The swap begins with a collective pile on the table. At a determined time after the event begins, attendees dive in and find their next “new to them” item(s) from the pile. Guests can interact and make trades with other guests. There is a time limit, once time limit is reached all other items will be donated to Covenant House Washington.
Donate: Guests can donate items to Covenant House Washington. At the end of the event, clothing not consigned or swapped will go to Covenant House.
For entry into this event, all guests must bring an item (clothing, accessories or shoes) big or small.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel – Cabinet Room
1127 Connecticut Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
During a time of economic turmoil, George Greene and his line of accessories is allowing women to turn their past season looks into one of a kind outfits.
George Greene, A featured designer for Belles and Bulls, presented his collection of unique and innovated belts during a Boutique Show in New York City. Greene, originally from Guyana, uses animal prints, textures, and asymmetry in order to make his designs one of a kind. These one of kind pieces are versatile and can be used as a layer on almost any outfit to jazz up a look and make a statement.
George Greene Design
Spring 2009 Trend Update:
Recycling is not only “in” to help the environment, but it can also benefit your pockets when shopping during this recession. Queen Elizabeth helped to jump start the trend of re-wearing “gently-used” garments. Now, wearing past season looks is totally back in! Neons, animal prints, geometric shape, asymmetry, and 80’s are all trends that were seen on the Spring 2009 runway. Layered looks with vintage jewelry are also key for this spring, So go through your closets and become inspired! You might have your very own Nordstrom Rack in your apartment.
picture taken from style.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs: Layered Look
picture taken from style.com
Ladies, this is the season to get creative! Pick-up a statement making piece by george greene and make a completely new emsemble of that outfit you’ve been photographed in and hesitant to re-wear.
picture taken from style.com
For more fashion trend reports and updates go to bellesandbulls.com and bellesandbulls.wordpress.com where my bff Gabby and I will introduce you to new and emerging designers via the ladies of Belles and Bulls.
I recently came across Vivre, a magazine and website of a collection of beautiful clothes, accessories, and timeless pieces of all sorts. I love-LOVE statement making pieces and Vivre is a great place to find really cool and stylish accessories for any occasion.
According to Eva Lorenzotti, the founder and CEO of Vivre:
“My goal with Vivre is to create an experience
Multi-Strand Chain Necklace By Erickson Beamon
where you will never fail to discover something new to inspire and delight you. It might be the work of a new artist whose handcrafted pieces will be a treasured addition to your collection… or the perfect, timeless gift that perfectly expresses your appreciation for a special friend… or fabulous jewelry or fashions that help create your signature style… pieces that you will wear again and again, this season and for seasons to come”.
“Vivre is a luxury destination with its own unique sensibility. Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti has a wonderful sense of style and this is reflected in every page of her magazine.”
The ladies of Belles and Bulls held a post fashion week Boutique Show of George Greene’s exotic and one of a kind pieces of women’s accessories last Thursday at the Envoy Gallery located at 131 Chrystie Street in New York.
As soon as I walked into the gallery I felt the creative energy in the air as drum players entertained the crowd and event guest tried on and modeled the unique belts handmade by George Greene. As I spoke with one of the partners of Belles and Bulls, she quickly sized me up and picked out a great belt which she confidently wrapped around my waist. The belt was truly a perfect fit for my personality and taste. It was a white and red belt with a bit of animal print. It stood out to me as a versatile piece that could be worn to belt a thick winter coat as well as a light summer tank during a hot NYC afternoon.
Originally from Guyana, George Greene’s unique and exciting sense of design comes through in his belts, bags and other accessories. Many of the pieces demonstrated contained several different patterns, but they all seem to come together in a way that can accentuate any girls figure, regardless of whether a belt is worn at the waist or at the lower hip.
Belles and Bulls distinguishes themselves by empowering designers and
Designs by George Greene
nourishing creativity through innovation, inspiration, and enlightenment. They provide a platform for an ideal buying and selling opportunity within the fashion market. The boutique showcase at The Envoy Gallery demonstrated to me how the company allows buyers to mingle, enjoy music and a fashion showcase all while accomplishing their goal of selling distinctive pieces. I definitely recommend picking up a statement piece by George Greene which will add a flirty and bold elegance to any outfit you wear this spring.
**This post can also be seem on Tia Walker’s The Quest For “it” (www.thequestforit.com).