VSG: How does one prepare for something so
meaningful in the world of Dreams realized, What
does that feel like?
Do you wear briefs or a thong? Briefs
Would you have a Dogs or Cats? Cats
Do you like to drive or be driven? As long as I get
there.
beach or County home for vacation?
.
read comments (0)A Fashion Designers, Designer.
Eppreson is known, as a designer’s designer
because each one of his garments is a piece of Art.
Fashion designers are artists, as with all affecting
Art it is subjective. A Painting can be many things,
a snap shot of another time done with varied linear
stroke. Some artists have moody period and take
us with them on a journey through their innermost
minds and circular movements. The masters once
in a while did self-portraits and allow us to form
our own conclusions on who they were and why
they created their works. I love all art forms but I
am moved most by fashion designers, they reflect
current states. As I evolve in my political
persuasion and my life’s needs change so does my
wardrobe. My fashion style often mirrors my
emotions and reflects innermost sensibility, those
who watch can interpret where I am. For fashion
lovers the famed Seventh Avenue, in the heart New
York City is similar to strolling the halls of the
Lourve or the Henan museums this is ground zero
for style.I spent an afternoon with Epperson in his new the
38th street Studio and I was once again moved
deeply by his talent. We had a lunch appointment
and I made my way bobbing and weaving the street
filled with folks in a New York rush. Everyone multi
tasking, carrying bags and talking on their
blackberries and impatiently waiting for the traffic
light to change so that they can continue their
quick step to their next stop. During to day the
streets are just mobbed with an excliche mix fixed
on rushing to and fro with blinders on. These
streets and no place for tourist mid week from
8:30 am until 7:30pm because you will get mashed
without a mission. The trucks are mixed in with
the passage buses and expensive luxury cars all
trying to get their 45minute long destination in
15minutes so you got to be quick and alert.
Construction in this city is every where and today
is a clear and warm picture prefect spring day and
the hard hats have a little fever and heckle every
female not carrying a cane just because. They do
the same thing all over the world just Big boys with
jobs. I enter this breathtaking mosaic tile lobby in
what was an old sewing factory in the 80’s. I am
greeted by a very handsome uniformed doorman /
security guard to be announced. I walk in to a huge
elevator used to hold rolling racks of clothes but
now it is filled with funky artist type from every
genre. I was going to the tenth floor and my short
ride was what I image the tower of babble to be
like. Every single one of the maybe 15 passages
was on cellular telephones discussing varied
business topics. On my far left was a hip music
executive instructing some one to press more
copies tomorrow, on my right was a fashion
designer upset that her garment were going to be
late for delivery, it was just overwhelming space of
varied degrees of “do it Now”. This is a typical ride
in the heart of every industry during work hours. I
have been riding in elevator chatty on seventh
Avenue since 1982.I have over heard conversation
from Tom Ford at his peek with Gucci, the late
great Gianni Versace order his car service and
Famed Japanese designer Yohji Yamomoto cancel
flight arrangement. Points begin in these building
up and down the New York garment district the
fashion world gathers every day. My goal is to give
you a little more than just a replay from the
runways but useable insider information and
conversation with tastemaker from around the
global. The newsstand and the Internet are filled
with hot lists that can be very confusing. Before
you even get to wear your new purchase it is most
time out of fashion. Together we will reach more
toward the makers and gatekeepers of well made
thing and long lasting Style. The women who read
these pages have lived a little and seen a few
things along their paths and flashes in the pan no
longer excite. My column will bring to you
cultivated folks from around the world who’s
passion and dedication is to how grown up women
are dressed. Floor number 10 was mine and I
bristled out and paused before knocking at his
studio door to reposition and center myself to
interview this virtuoso.
I crossed the Epperson studio doorway and
stepped into an oasis. I was embraced with a warm
hug and the wisp of scented candle burning. Huge
floor to ceiling windows framed the ciaos out
doors the sound of soft Gospels singing tickled my
ears almost like a whisper. Body forms dressed in
different stage of work edged the space. Remnants
of three seasons were sprinkled around vintage
work tables. One had the last of summer fabrics
another was spring 2008 beginnings and the
longest was fall special orders. We sat and caught
one another up on personal things like the
Epperson’s family move back to Harlem from
Brooklyn and some of the transforming techniques
he used to recreate his new studio space. I shared
with him my debut post as Style editor with Black
Intellect Cafe. We ordered “in” some Tea from a
local shop and I hit the start button on my tape
recorder.
VSG: What was your inspiration for Fall Collection?
EPS: The global women who survived the clone Era.
My ladies is powerful, vibrant and she appreciate
the complex done with simplicity. I know she is
special so I specialize in made to order, it’s a fresh
idea for this woman chooses carefully. Her closet
is lading with the like of Gucci, Helmut Lang,
Comme Des Garcons and Issey Miyake. In this
company I can never complete a season until it’s
done so that is why I am still creating for Fall. My
collection is named “Luxurious edgy survivor”; Fall
is my favorite season because I love layers, hand
tailored de-constructed jackets, skirts and
dresses. Each piece is designed and made with the
most innovative, luscious fabric’s of deep texture
and rich tactile. Visceral hues in Navy Blue, Smoke
Grey, Dark chocolate brown dominant, which calls
for long, trips away.
VSG: Where do you see fashion going in the few seasons?
EPS: I feel that everyone is ready for something
that they can claim! People are tried of begin
dictated too. As crowded as the retail stores are
there isn’t very much new and exciting. It all kind
of looks the same. Yet we all feel different about
shared experiences. On a 70-degree day some will
be warm and others cool so why should we look
the same? I see the move away from disposable
things and toward more value and knowing when
to own a special piece.
VSG: What is your favorite body part of your muse’s
EPS: Shoulders, It holds up the beautiful Face.
VSG: How do you describe the Epperson Studio
collection?
EPS: My collection is Trans cultural, it is an organic
blend of Yen and Yang with a sophisticated
sensibility for well-lived and traveled clients.
VSG: What is the one thing that would like the
reader to be left with from the interview?
EPS: I am a god-fearing family man, I have two
handsome and very grounded Sons’. My truly
beautiful wife, Lisha is my partner in life, which
includes my business. Epperson is a craftsman
who is an artist and chooses to make clothes as
my medium.
This creative business and relationship are
superficial most times. I believe that like energies
pull to one another and every time I have ever
been in Epperson Company I leave lifted. Touched,
some how changed and always bearing a gift. This
time I exited with a beautiful book on Black
fashion models ” skin Deep by Barbara Summers
that I was just admiring. After more than twenty
years in the business it’s hard not to be jaded. My
admiration for his masteries is welcomed in this
everything go’s fashion world.
For more fashion 411, real fashion stuff that
matters come and blog with me to you go to
www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com anytime Now follow
VSG on Twitter VSGVerystylishG@twitter.com
** really special Farewell To the first Black Cover Girl The New York Times reports that model Naomi
Sims died on Saturday at age 61. The cause of
death was cancer.Sims was considered the “first
black supermodel” for appearing on the cover of
Ladies Home Journal in November 1968, a time
when African-American models were few and far
between. She subsequently modeled for designers
like Halston, Fernando Sánchez, Teal Traina, and
Giorgio di Sant’Angelo. She also appeared on many
other magazine covers, and two images– a 1969
cover of LIFE and a 1967 New York Times fashion
magazine over–are on display in the Metropolitan
Museum’s “The Model As Muse” exhibit.
After five years, Sims retired from modeling and
started a multimillion-dollar wig-making business
that specialized in designs for black women. Sims
also penned at least five books on beauty and
modeling
From where I Sit, Your VSG ……………
This is the last page of 2008, it was very difficult
to edit with so many stories to tell and discuss. I
hope that you and many others will join me in
2009 in more dialogue and exchange the concept
of Style in this business called Fashion.The goal
of VSG is to shine enlightenment on the Art of
styling a fashionable life and challenge an
opening of a few more gates locked by Size, Age
and still Color.
Our New President Elect has moved many serious
conversations into the living room but there are
still topics to be engaged. I am first an African American
Woman in stilettos heeling the doors of Seventh Avenue for
more change and posing questions to the inclusion of more
Size, Age and Color in the industry. I will beat the pavement
until it softens for You and change like this past November 4th
is true. I will continue to bring a truth and an insight in
between the lines of my column titled “from where I Sit”. I
wish all logged in the Healthiest and a fulfilling 2009 I could
also wish you prosperity and happiest but I will leave those Up
to You… Seasons greeting Now for some Style and Fashion:
Fashion (N) Prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette,
socializing, ETC as stated in Websters New Universal
Unabridged Dictionary. In a tribute to a style maven and true
Oxymoron the Quiet Icon, Odetta whose passing on December
6th called many emotions and a few necessary notes to be
shared. Here is my attempt to pay proper homage to a great
prevailer of a socialized style of doing yourself, your own
way. The Art of fashion is sometimes the measure in which you
style your own life and Odetta blazed a trail forgotten and
rarely taken by African American Women in Music as a
Folk songstress. I had the awesome pleasure to meet
her many moons ago and from it I was changed. These
thoughts come to mind while reflecting on my meeting
“Success is not reached by chance-it is reached by
choice and Leadership begins with defined goal that cut
through the fog like a beacon in the night”. I borrowed
these unnamed quotes as watermarks that echo styling
your own personal paths to your own measures of
success. Falling into to singing, as a child, was her
entrance; it was the honing of that realized talent that
took her from being politicized by Paul Robeson to
being scheduled to sing at the inauguration of our new
President elected Barack Obama.An original in style,
which includes what is an Afro or natural today, used to
be called an Odetta. Breaking rules and crafting a style
with help from notables such as the Nat King Cole trio
and Ella Fitzgerald, she began to mold her own sound
by singing prison songs. Singing these types of
hardship songs helped to release her own inner
prisonership during the volatile times of the 50’s & 60’s
for Black people in the World. Odetta’s intense
emotions marked and influenced many into legendary
status such as Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and Bruce
Springsteen. Her unique style still inspires talents to
reinvent their own modern versions of prisoner love
songs from the likes Tracy Chapman; India Arie and UK
born Corrine bailey Rae works is undeniable. Martin
Luther King Jr. requested Odetta to sing at the 1963
Civil Rights March on Washington the old slavery
anthem “O Freedom” and she became one of the voices
that is the background of the movement, she was a
lifetime fighter for the Civil Rights.
Click here: YouTube - The Midnight Special / Odetta
Her first Album “Odetta sings Ballads and Blues” (1956),in 1999
presented the National Medal of the Arts by our 42nd
President, Bill Clinton. Her life was a life that spanned so full
witnessing the death of John F.Kennedy for whom she sang
for, to proudly participating in electing the First African
American President of these United States of America, fullness
reigned. Her voice Big, Bold belting out calls for pause and
action, like many of our lost jewels Mahalia Jackson and Marian
Anderson whose journeys provide wide shoulders we stand
upon, were also full in stature, girth and life lessons to be
learned. A Glamorous and flamboyant stylish group of
powerful Women with huge stories are now shiny and
sometimes sad examples of maybe what not to do as well as
why not just do it?
At 77 years young, a life span shortened in today’s
standard but sadly for black folks is still well lived
years. Odetta lived with and now died from Heart
Disease, stealing from her grasp one more great
moment is also sadly an issue for both Blacks and too
many Women, Still. Health and Size are not synonymous
as is not Fashion and Style so be more proactive and
take a loved one, maybe even your Grandmother, Mom
and or a Auntie and get them checked out, small
changes could make big impacts. I am not trying to
preach but do a little more teaching and learn from the
life lived and loved by others. Yes, this still is a fashion
blog page. In Memoriam of Odetta’s sense of style I
would like to kick it off with my Spring 2009 Picks from New
York’s fashion week and give you a peek into the future
promised up close and in-depth interviews and some juicy
insider information.Here are my Top Five picks and my must
have spotting & shopping list.
Ports 1961 By Creative Director Tia Cibani *
launched In 2004 this Canadian inspired collection is
fresh with it’s signature prints and Boho / global
aesthetic is why I am looking forward to a conversation
soon.Click here: http://www.ports1961.com
Tracy Reese Tracy Reese is another one with
her ladylike and girlie essence for Spring no one comes
close. Every season she just out does herself and 2009
is a solid well crafted modern luxury with no hard
edges. Keep a look out for a little Sister to Sister
connection Click here:www.TracyReese.com
Baby Phat By Kimora lee Simmons, her maturity
has evolved from the street wear genre to real world
Gottexx by Gideon Oberson, every Spring his swimwear
pushes my tail into the Gym in hopes to claim his Art on this
body. What is so beautiful about his collection is that whether
I’m diligent about my training or not I still get to wear a well
made and stylish suit at any size and for this I give big props.
As the weathers starts to get hotter, don’t spend a dime on a
suit before reading the blog. Click here: Gottex-2008
mention. Ask your salesperson for his collection at
your favorite place to shop. Not many know of his and a
Sadly one of the original Divas of all times “Eartha
Kitt” THE CAT WOMAN has passed on Too. Well,
these two innovator can have Tea together in
Heaven .. Be still a tried Heart.
whisper is always more noticed than a scream.
Big kudos once again to Ms. Fern Mallis and her team
for another exciting and visionary “Fashion Week” and
for always pushing the envelope with refreshing new
designers I can’t wait for the next season in February.
One more thing, pass on good information and share
your tricks with others like Celebrate National Wear Red
Day Click here: Heart Truth Fashion Week Red Dress
Collection 2008, DHHS, NIH, NHLBI On Friday,
February 6, 2009, and when buying trendy not so real
real jewelry, stop it from turning by sealing it with clear
nail polish, sshhh……Until next time…. Thrive
(Have a Happy New Year’s and if anyone has an
extra Inauguration ticket, pass it over here)
One of the thrills of gambling is that you just never know who will be the Winner, its chance. Well one of my picks of season five of Project Runway Korto took it to the tent and perhaps missed the coveted title of “Winner” by a mere big dress and or being too safe. Like most gamblers you must stack the preverbal deck and never ride the safe edge. With only 2 days before the entire Free world gets turned on its axis and I go in the back of the closet and dust off one of my big dresses for the possible Party! Folks do not stand by on the sideline, get in there and mix it up in the booth and make yourself accountable on November 4th. This will be one of your most
affective
actions of the next four years you are living history, Rock you RIGHT to Vote.Oh, Yes, right this is a fashion blog so let’s get back to that dress stuff because I do have something very special for you on this page. Sometimes size as an idea is a relative perceptive however huge talent is unmistakable from any angle. In my opinion gambling is chance mixed with speculation and a little research. This month we’ll highlights a true talent, which is GOD given. I hope that I am successful in conveying one small lesson, which is that everyone should recognize his or her own specific talents. My quest is to inspire all my readers to hone your own talents into the sweetest ark of success, as did this spectacular International savant, Tadashi Shoji has. I have had the pleasure a few times of being in the front row, witnessing his unveiled collections in the tent on Seventh Avenue. I have even whispered a few requests in his ear both behind the scenes as well as on the phone. He is a soft-spoken gentleman originally from the picturesque humble industrial town of Sendai, Japan.
Tadashi’s journey has taken him more than 5471 miles from him studying Fine Arts and later training with Legendary Japanese artist Jiro Takamatsu to his not so humble 14-room 5021sq ft 1950’s home in Pasadena, CA today. In 1982, Tadashi established his company and set out to join the racks of the American designer elite and has outdone even his own big dreams. He entered the gateway under the tutelage of costume designer Bill Whitten, creating some of the most over top and flamboyant 70’s icons looks for names likes Sir. Elton John, super band Earth, Wind and Fire and the unforgettable “Jackson’s”. Staying the course that included being selected three times as the Official designer of the Miss Universe Pageant, which was seen live in 170 countries around the world. An event that had been known for Big dresses, his sensibility bought chic and cutting edge style that reshuffled how we view global style on one of the biggest stages. Tadashi has engaged in intimate project like revamping the uniforms of more than 400 employees with creating 30 looks for the staff of the Ivy Hotel. Now with over the past 26 years, Tadashi has quietly become one of the leading Los Angeles based eveningwear designers. His brand of balance between Art and making form-flattering clothing pulls a celebrity clientele including Shakira, Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Hudson. Luminaries such as The Queen ( Latifah), Condolezza Rice, Claudia Schiffer, Trya Banks, Halle Berry and Countless other millions of beautiful woman around this World; Including a few of VSG’s “stylizing”.
With the launch of Tadashi Shoji, the brand’s new luxury eveningwear collection, the company began its move into new categories, which include ready-to-wear and home. Tadashi is currently available at the company’s retail boutiques in South Coast Plaza and the Forum Shops at Caesuras, as well as better specialty boutiques and department stores posting earning upwards of more than $25 million-a-year selling gowns to such names as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.
TS: Women around the World felt Pretty in my Designs.
K SUGGS. Yes it is named after yours truly admit it; you got to love it … Get your own!
 |
K Suggs
Style #1114 Finally, hippie chic that actually works! Leather & crochet make fabulous bedfellows in this Samanta K Suggs barely there tan leather t-strap on top of a 3″ wooden heel. A great way to work it out while keeping it real. Price:$165.00 |
Pull in just a bit closer here’s one last tip “Keep in mind when possible even in the bedroom never let your shoes Fall but slip them off and wrap tight for better keep and wear”. This seasons hot fashion pick is the Scarf get a few the Bolder the better. See you next page and walk in Style on November 4 into the Booth for the Next Big Seater; Rock your VOTE…
Note: I wrote this article about Dana Owens, A.K.A. Queen Latifah in 2006 right after the launching of her collection.
Potential:1po·ten·tial Pronunciation:\pə-ˈten(t)-shəl\ Function:adjective Etymology: from Late Latin potentialis, from potentia potentiality, from Latin, power, from potent-, potens Date:14th century 1: existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality. Capable of being or becoming.
The fashion business is filled with secrets, potential mergers and big deals always “in the works.” This past June, in New York, one of the “big secrets” was revealed. The “Queen” (no, not Aretha), Ms. Queen Latifah, announced an unprecedented multi-part, multi-year contract with the Vanity Fair Corporation’s intimates line, CURVATION. As Spokesperson and Creative Consultant her “reign” will include a sportswear collection that will launch in 2006. This groundbreaking partnership, with the potential to run for 21 years, is revolutionary. During the press conference I could hardly contain myself. Divas everywhere, the drum roll has just begun and the plus-size fashion revolution is officially ON!
It has been my pleasure to work with Queen on many occasions over the years and I must share with you that she IS the real deal. This is not a “fake out” along the lines of Paris Hilton or JLo with their couture friends all lined up in the wings. I have done my share of styling and I am telling you that it is much easier to drop by D&G, Prada or Gucci and pick up a little sumthin’ off the rack. There aren’t many racks for us “healthy” girls above size 12, at least not just yet, but the Queen does have some clothes to share and baby they will be stage ready. Finally, a celebrity body who understands what it is that we need. This collection will be, for us, by one of us, not a skinny wannabe who doesn’t understand the first thing about a good fit even if it hit them upside their finger snapping head! Latifah is not only diligent in her pursuit of excellence but she worked hard and long before adding her name and talents to a collection that would befit a Diva’s status. The line is slated for 2006, I fortunately got a peek at the collection and added a few important details — and trust me, it will not disappoint! There are great woven shirts for any body type,head turning prints, knit dressing for easy travels, and a killer denim collection. The Queen’s body of work has crossed many disciplines and she masters them all. Whether it’s her voice gracing a musical recording or commercial or her flawless face and sumptuous figure looming large on the silver screen and on the pages of countless magazine covers and in articles, she always projects the persona of a true fashion diva sans the drama. This lady is a platinum personality, with a heart as big as her smile and a wit and bright mind that is unmatched.
Her success is no accident and via her varied talents she has broken many stereotypes about the draw and audience appeal of the full-figured woman. While garnering roles not just written for the “big girl” and as pitch woman for Cover Girl, Pizza Hut, Cuvration underwear and now with Jenny Craig she has expanded the collective consciousness to the potential of plus women in the arena of advertising and entertainment. Playing against dashing leading men such as Richard Gere, Denzel Washington, Djimon Honsou, John Travolta, Ted Danson and Steve Martin she proves that we are every bit as capable, desirable and bankable as the next woman. Queen Latifah has a wonderful sense of style and knows what works for her and on her, and that ’strong spirit’ never compromises. This woman has a great head for business so this new partnership didn’t just up and happen. She has been the brand spokesperson for Curvation since its launch in February 2003. Curvation offers sensual and livable lingerie at affordable prices. Her realness and sincere sense of being grounded are a few of her most wonderful qualities. She challenges all around her to keep things real. I first worked with her In early 2004 and I was impressed by her sense of style and her uncompromising drive for quality at a price that is affordable, well designed and wearable. It was never about the glamour factor without the price factor. She always remembered her base, the curvaceous real woman, with real lives. Even with two vocal albums (The Dana Owens Album and Trav’lin’ Light Grammy nominated ) and a few big budget movies under her belt where she served as executive producer like the very funny (The Last Holiday, in which she appears opposite L.L. Cool J), she is still very reachable. Her long time personal stylist Susan Moses is all style and class. This beauty is a veteran with more than twenty years of cladding countless stars from Hollywood to Broadway also keeps it real and that is why they work like hand in glove together. Susan’s sense of style is never over the top but always tasteful and ladylike. I have met many stylists and fashion folks over my career but these two are winning because they are truly talented. As I stated this article there are lots of secrets in the fashion business but the secret to true success is talent. I have reopened this article to add kudos to La Diva for her once in a lifetime experience of being apart of the first and only ever Black issue Italian VOGUE magazine. Ciao bella belissimo!
* Toccarra Jones *Naomi Campbell
* Pat Cleveland * The Queen Of Soul Artetha Franklin
* Gail O’Neill *Liya Kebede
* Karen Alexander ( photo’s courtesy of July Italia VOGUE)Potential Unlimited : (Queen’s Bio: American rapper, singer and actress. Latifah’s work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination.) Until Next Time… Thrive, VSG
Bravo !11 Emmy nominations, It is hard to believe that this is the fifth season of the Must see TV Project Runway , much like the HBO hit show “Sex in the City’s” impact on my life I now have to rework my schedule. With lots of anticipation, mixed with serious scrutiny for me lately, the show did open with a bang, Whew! Change, oddly in the fashion world, is not easy to make seamless. Fashiontista have been wondering what will happen when the show moves to the not-so-fashionish Lifetime network for the next season.Thankfully they brought in a new dimension by adding a guest judge, season one’s Austin Scarlett. I do applaud bringing realness to the judge’s table with someone who has walked the talk. I hope they continue to seat many of the talents we learned to like and those who have the experience. Speaking of change, this season would premier now that I got a good groove on my Wednesday evening, heavy work out night at the gym. Now it is the mad dash night but one just has to make it work and carry On!This season’s collection of 16 skilled creative hopefuls in the heart of Gotham City feels a lot different and I smell some serious issues brewing in the background. I also see a little ” carrying on” plot begging to be sketched out behind the scenes. The show has been under a good deal of mixed reviews and I think they will put a shocker in the clan. All these passionate folks sleeping so closely together something’s got to happen. I will be tuned in and watching for those nuances.I do want to gamble a bit and call my picks early. I have eyed my top three Terri, Daniel and Korto to the last ones standing by season’s end. Who do you forecast will ultimately make it work ???????Season One Winner Mr. Jay McMarroll & VSG
Season 3 runner Up Daniel V & VSG
venexiani-1
The European designers are ‘ahead of the curve’ with the inclusion of models
of size diversity in shows — which is divine as seen in the closing finale bows
at Jean Paul Gaultier for Spring 2006 in Paris!!! Photo courtesy of stylefile.com
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Well, ladies in this update I wanted to share a realistic report of New York’s Spring Fashion Week, from my seat. Not that the reports haven’t always been “real.” (Girls you know I keep it real with you 24-7!) Twice a year the entire fashion world comes to the park and plays in a tent. The ‘playground’ is in Bryant Park on 41st Street and Sixth Avenue in the middle of Manhattan. It was nonstop action with the shows beginning as early as 8 am and the last show starting at 9 PM. Each of the 87 shows ran about 30-40 minutes a piece; and each is filled with its own unique excitement.
Everyone except VIP’s (that mean’s Bono a fide celebs who will be possibly wearing these looks down the red carpet runways for Movie premieres, newest music video’s and Hollywood events) must stand in line and present invitations with an assigned seat number before entering one of the four theaters. All the tastemakers of retail and publishing worlds await their favorites to be unveiled. The anticipation of “What’s Next? is intense. The waiting line is offered like old home week meeting up with Colleagues past and present exchanging the 411 of who’s Hot and best in Show.
The lights are always dim and the seats are tight and seconds before the music cues there is a hush in the room, an electric silence. It is that magical energy reminiscent of the first drop on a big roller coaster. The lead outfit sets the tone of the Collection but it is usually another outfit number that is the “WOW!” I attended 41 of the 87 tent shows and 48 of the more than 100 off site shows with all my notes in hand. Out all that information here is my list of what size 14 and above women should look for in Spring/Summer. I would also like to introduce and share with you the name of one new Designer who showed in the tents: Glamour Rules …….. I would like to introduce you to my new favorite of the season Kati Stern for Venxiana. Seated in section E, row 4, seat # 11 for a first look at a new Runway journey from the gateway of fashion from the “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week” held only twice a year . After the show I pulled my seat in hit my tape recorder and spoke with Kati Stern about her drive and inspiration for the collection. To read the full interview go to where I’m the fashion editor for all of the World http://www.globalwoman-magazine.com/home.htm And Venexiana home site for all of the collection offering. www.katisternvenexiana.com.
Clean lines were the dominant trend. After seasons of much needed color, color, and color its time to relax with natural shades and nude skin tones. The silhouettes are feminine with an indulgent, luxurious undertone. This visual palette creates a balancing platform for both the sweet, soft mood of yesterday and tomorrow’s dreamy future super-women. The title of this season’s spectacular was “Picture Yourself in this” so here are my favorites:
From the fringed dresses of the hey days of the 1930s to the flower print mini skirts of the Love Children during the sixties, fashion has played a big role in how we feel. This year has been filled with lots of change. We are still at war, we’ve been devastated by lots of floods and natural disaster have rewritten our world. Even the NBA players have a mandatory dress code, now that is change! New York’s Fashion week is now, oddly enough, always falling on the week of 9/11. I had a reality check that night after six shows in the tents. I raced over to (Radio City Music Hall) to the Baby Phat show. Yes, Mrs. Simmons rented the entire hall for her event. As we all exited high off of a phenomenal show and still worked up. The show’s attendees were greeted by the sound of bagpipes and kilted members of New York’s Bravest and Finest walking arm in arm with family members in a memorial parade to pay homage to the fallen thousands on that unbelievable day.
A passionate life doesn’t have a script and we have lots of work to do to make things better. Fashion marches on and the beauty of fashion is that it is most times, a mirror of our collective mind, a reflection of us on many topics. |
The (SE)X Factor
www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com
Counting the days before Se X (Factor) of Sex in the City ”The Movie” is revealed. Written By: VSG. At long last “Sex in the City” the Movie that had to be will finally debut this week. At the end of season 6 we were all left breathless and wanting more answers so it must be completed because of those X factors. We all have our own opinions on its outcome with only a few days before the premier on May 30th 2008. “ The Movie” is part of a jump off to what will certainly be a hot and exciting summer season. In an election year with its own cable station series like drama we all need the little fantasy and hopefulness that “the Girls” can bring. With a new girl added to the mix, Jennifer Hudson, we have an unknown factor. As a sister of size she is a true X factor. Let’s see if adding a little brown filler changes the gravy’s texture at the very least stirs the pot. I have been waiting to see if Samantha’s tenacity is enough to breakthrough the physical obstacles of the C word and if her age issues catch up? Can Miranda swap out the choices of ME for US and WE and be happy in BK? Will Charlotte’s remaking of self-spirituality yield the fulfillment she yearns when the mind and spirit meet at the pillow before twilight and can a child bring her happiness? Can Carrie cross the same ocean twice and have it work? After being changed now and a lot less breathless about love’s possibility and knowing herself, today can she be happy? Could there have been any rapture without the Boys? Can players ever stop playing games and do we want them truly grown? Do we find that sexy? Can Mr. Big harness his EGO and get out of his own way, change and let love in?
Big Time! VSG and “Sex and the City” icon Chris Noth
![](http://vsg-verystylishgirl.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/vsg-big-at-fashion-week-300x190.jpg "Big Time \\" Chris\\" with your VSG")
Are the men more complicated than we are after all? To hell with those Girls room philosophies of feed and fuck em, that’s crap! Have you ever really noticed that they may not carry shoulder bags but go open up a closet or toolbox with a light on and take a good look? Most men are little boys playing with train sets and the theory of evolutionary shit like NASA. Oh yeah, that is one of the biggest boy’s club, Hmmm?
To live and thrive in the City you must like living between Exciting St. and Danger Ave. because you never know what can happen here. This city, New York, is a destination, a place where folks converge on and not just end up at. One of this city’s credos is all punks either go back home or get transferred to Atlanta or L.A. Eat or be eaten. This space is a mix of random encounters and people. You can live on the same block with Sarah Jessica Parker or down the stairs from Jay Z & B and not even care because it is truly all about you. The Apple is 304.4 square miles packed with 8,214.426 million folks around everyday all day and most are desperately lonely and in need of hugs. Too many hailers substitute Sex in the City for love and 700 square feet with a view for a home and a heart. Being a native born and breed I am in no way being melancholy, just truthful. This reality encourages daily drinks of one hell of a cocktail, just mix the passion of art, the best of fashion, food and mammoth wealth and a baby. What an X factor! Like I said City living is costly on many fronts but the rewards are great. Where else could such chemistry take place? Gotham has no rules. Where else can a blue blood pearl wearing Protestant girl could and would convent to Judaism? Only this city could mix together a Harvard JD who would fall in love with a bartender and get knocked up on a goodbye tryst with a one ball, baller. It is the only place where a self made PR firm owner would not marry the cheating, handsome, millionaire and settle for the love and compassion of a beautiful understudy. The only locale on the planet where a creative fashionista writer, pushing 40, would not marry the internationally renowned, rich artist with a home in Paris and go back to the hurt that lies and bodies strewn on the Big American road. Who is also having a mid-life crisis. I am hoping that the “Sex . . “ the Movie is much more than just an elongated fashion show. I feel connected to these people, it’s like I know them. I think of “the Girls” as friends that I hang with every summer for the last 5 years, kind of like a fifth degree of separation connection. Like a City, friends always happy to do the chat up in a New York minute .We are all like long distance cheerleaders and now it is the summer season again and stuff has been happening since we last met up, Whew. Like good girl friendships born in the city. I’ll get the tickets for the 10pm show we’ll meet up at 8pm for finger food and cocktails and let the juicy stuff happen … Until next time, Thrive…. VSG
