Ever wonder why people like Tom Ford so much?

Here's a hint  ;)



The renowned fashion designer debuted his first collection in six years, since he left Gucci in 2004.

I personally LOVE the textures that were seemlessly worked into many pieces shown. The intimate, yet socially LIVE runway show definitely created a buzz of excitement among the crowd. I could feel the energy... could you?

Beauty?

One thing that is beautiful is courage. Courage to show your faults in order to encourage a positive path for another. Courage to bear your soul to the world... To me, there is so much beauty in strength & courage.

However, what is NOT beautiful is harming your body to achieve societal standards of beauty (i.e. ANOREXIA).  Now that I can say I've worked backstage at several New York Fashion Week shows, I can attest to seeing bones bulging out of uncommon places on the bodies of the "beauties" who walk the runways, and also to hearing comments of how desirable it is to be that thin by intrigued bystanders. These are things I'd only heard of before, but actually witnessing someone say that they longed to have the thin, frail frame of the half-naked model whose spine I could literally see in it's entirety, was quite jarring to say the least.

There is a stigma that plagues a good bit of our society creating a negative image on what many doctors might say is a healthy figure/weight. Which is why I DO see beauty when I look at these anti-anorexia advertisements that were launched in Italy.

The images are scary & appalling, and they relay the point. This is not beauty, this is not ideal, this is a sickness. This is torture.

But I will NOT say that she, Isabelle Caro, lacks beauty, because she does have courage. Even if her reasons for doing this campaign ad were slightly selfish, (not saying they were) it is still an admirable act that has potential to touch someone's life.

Follow the link to see her story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKUSGOB-0V8

Nature Exploration

I'm a sucker for snow days; it's like love! Probably since a rarity in NC. It's always a good excuse for an amateur photo session!!

The world is such a beautiful place... I had to share :)

12/26/2010

Addressing the Public... & Red Pump Project Info

Hi Blogger Friends!

I just want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who voted for me in the people's choice awards! I won that award, and the pageant was an overall success for me!!

I will be representing my city, the Queen City, Charlotte, NC in the next year as Miss Black Queen City USA 2011!!

I am so ready to begin working in my community and creating awareness of myself and my initiatives throughout 2011. My platform is "Promoting Self-Efficacy in Today's Youth!"  If you know of organizations within the Queen City or across the nation (Miss Black Queen City is not bound to the QC) that need spokespersons or general support, I am of service to you! For booking information, contact me at ivey.fashion@yahoo.com, and I will refer you to the official Miss Black Queen City USA 2011business contacts!

In other news, World AIDS Day is tomorrow, December 1, 2010. What do you have planned to support the cause?

I will be making one of my first appearances as Miss Black Queen City USA at the Red Pump Red Tie Affair.  This is a benefit gala in association with the Red Pump Project, an organization that raises awareness of AIDS in women & girls.

If you will be in the Queen City, come support this movement while enjoying a taste of STYLE!! (You know how I do!!)

For more info on the event, click this link.

I attended this event last year, and it was AWESOME!! Check the article I wrote about it here!

My Princess Diary {VOTE 4 ME!!}

A little inspiration ;)

NEW interesting fact about me: I am currently a contestant in the Miss Black North Carolina USA Pageant!!

My local title: Miss Black Queen City USA 2011

I am super excited about this new venture, and just being honored enough to be a part of it! It's a great way for me to reach out to the community, and make a difference within it!

I could use your support! Please follow the link below and vote for me in the People's Choice Award!!

-->> People's Choice Award!! <<--

Thank you!!

xoxo,

Ivey

Charlotte, NC Fashion Week

September has really been a busy month for me as a Fearless Passion aficionado! It began with the ultimate fashion experience, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (New York), and it's ending with memories of Charlotte, NC fashion week that I attended last weekend.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Thank God for a press pass! I was, of course, covering CNCFW for Charlotte STYLE magazine! Check out the article I wrote, entitled Charlotte, NC Fashion Week Wrap-Up, here.

Needless to say, I've done a lot of great networking over the last month, and I've come up with a GREAT idea.  I have something up my sleeve and I can't wait until it comes into fruition!!

Until then...here's a glimpse into CNCFW through my eyes!!

 On the red carpet...blurry! A better look below ;)

Enjoying my natural hair!!

Day 2

Quick interview with the Queen B (Lil' Kim)!! "About what," you ask?

Her new fashion line, of course! A sneak peek below.

Glam ROCK!

Photos by Yeng Moua

Alva Page (Runway Coach Extraordinaire) & I

Cool people :)

And, back to the red carpet!

Goodbye September...Can't wait to see what October will bring!

Let's GO

Smoke Break

Note from the author. I do NOT condone smoking in any way or form. I do NOT smoke. However, I thought it would be cool to have a cigar to go with this ultra-gorgeous smoking jacket...or rather, my version of a smoking jacket ;)

Thank you!

Fashion's Night Out in Soho [Amongst a Sea of New Yorkers!]

Fashion's Night Out was great! Lots of energy in the streets of NYC! This is why I love that city. Never a dull moment. In the city where I reside, I only heard of one store participating in FNO activities, but there were so many options in NYC. It kinda made it hard to choose, but Soho was a no-brainer. Shops, and shops, and shops GALORE! The streets were flooded like it was New Year's Eve at Time Square. I actually had to wait in a line to get OUT of the subway...#Madness!

Once I met my party, we basically hopped from shop to shop. At first I was on the search for cocktails! I got there kinda late, so most stores had run out of them. Bummer. But I eventually found some!
First store was Prada. Even beyond the Swarms of people inside, I could feel the luxe-ness in the air ;)

Just a glimpse inside the main lobby of the Prada store. People everywhere.

Posing for Prada
Keri & I

Winter Wonderland by Prada!! While I was taking this shot, I was kindly told by a very large security personnel that no pictures were allowed to be taken. #YIKES! I quickly snapped and moved on ;)

We moved on to J. Crew, lots of boutiques, Michael Kors, Zara and the list goes on. Forever 21 had the best music. I heard from a few drunken friends that Nike had the best drinks. Open bar, I heard. I missed out on that one!

To conclude, FNO was really created to help bring business to retailers in the midst of this dreadful recession. Vogue's version of a bail-out plan, I guess! So, I'm proud to say I helped the fight by actually making a purchase! Steve Madden was giving away scratch off cards, and mine was for 40% off. Love my new ankle booties, and I've already gotten tons of compliments. Good purchase.

More Pics Below
                                                                               
"Shopping" at Michael Kors (lol)

My FNO look!

Stylish female DJ's on the 1's&2's in most stores!

Crazy packed in the Steve Madden store. Don't know if I would have made it working in there all night. But, I'm sure they made 1 HECK of a commission check! Took a minute to get my shoes to try on, but they were pretty quick considering the circumstances!

Harajuku girls promoting Gwen Stephani's fragrances in a pink truck on the street...cute!

Had Fun. Can't wait til next year!

William Tempest Fashion Show {Backstage Exclusive!}

I got a last minute opportunity to work the William Tempest show at fashion week and I was so excited for another wonderful experience.  William is another designer that I'd never heard of, but won't forget. His clothes were exquisite! This was his first showing at New York fashion week, and I have a feeling it won't be the last. He's already made ties with Victoria Beckham, a fellow Brit who has worn his clothes in the past. I definitely saw a few pieces in this collection with her name all over it!

I must note. One thing that was very different about fashion week this year at it's new location, Lincoln Center, is that some venues were for presentations and instead of runway shows. This particular show was a presentation set-up. The models basically rotated in still positions. Interesting, and I guess it worked for some designers, but for me personally...I don't think there's anything better than a moving garment on a lite runway. However, this may have been a less expensive alternative for newer designers or jewelry designers like one other presentation I worked. I miss Bryant Park, but there are some great things about Lincoln Center, namely the huge space and chic atmosphere.

Soft draping organza's and chiffon's meet structure in William Tempest's “The Sirens’ Song” collection. His designs were inspired by crustaceans of the sea and such. I will show in detail below!

Umm...let's begin with the make up, because it is too lovely to be overlooked! When I saw the models in make up backstage I couldn't see where they were going with this look, but I learned a while ago to never doubt a skilled artist! In this photo, the make up creates an ethereal siren/sea-creature look...I love it!

Now back to the clothes. The structure and shapes were great!

This was his show piece. →      When I saw it on the rack, I said..."I'm dressing this model!" Secretly, I was just wishing I could wear it myself, but I since I couldn't, I did what I could! lol But, let's talk about the print. He did this print on several dresses in nude and coral. At first, I thought it was just some design, but if you look closely you'll see how it's tied to the theme of the collection.

The print is a woman's form with crab-like claws. They really put some thought into achieving this theme. I think it's kinda cool! Not just some digital print.

And on to the draping. He did a few jumpsuits that were pretty gorg!





Photo: fashionindie.com



Photo: fashionindie.com

Backstage was actually a bit relaxed, at least for a fashion show, but I guess the lack of runway show made things easier.

Me backstage during the show....I was a little fatigued from the 5:30 AM call time and the 1 1/2 hours of sleep I'd gotten the night before! All in the name of fashion!

~Fearless Passion~

New York Fashion Week [Through my eyes!]

So, I've taken my precious time to do a fashion week post, but I was definitely in the building so my experiences must be shared!

Let me begin by saying that this time around, I really began to notice how anal and sometimes even ridiculous "fashion people" can be. However, I do understand that people are super tense because they are resting tons of money on less than 15 minutes! In short, everything had to be PERFECT!! AND, some random person (or persons) is always there to put in their two cents because of their silly little position/status/rank! lol

I worked 4 shows and got to attend 1 as a guest, so fashion week was pretty eventful and fun for me!! The first show I worked was "Edition" Georges Chakra. I'd never heard of this designer before, but after witnessing his work, I'll never forget! I expect to see at least one of his gowns on a red carpet next award show season! Check it out some of my favorite looks↓

Photos: ModernGlossy.com

I loved the weaving he did on the bodice of most of the dresses. On the runway, these dresses came ALIVE as the fabric flowed like water. It was so gorgeous! The colors were great. I only had 1 issue, and that was with the last gold dress on the left. The woven bodice was thick, and the loose flowing fabric at the bottom hung like dead weight a little off of it...I would still wear it any day, though! ;)

I also worked the Prabal Gurung show. Very interesting. I almost freaked when Rachel Zoe walked in, but luckily the "groupie"thing isn't my style! I was working after all... The show was full of lots of little chic dresses, feminine suits, and a few separates. There was lots of texture, but the photos don't really do the clothes justice. Maybe the white runway background wasn't the best choice for this particular show, but here are some looks.



Photos: Style.com

Sorry for the picture OVERLOAD, but I just want to share the world with you! Lol, and I apparently have a problem with editing!

I love how he used the graphic print that you see in coral above to the right. He used this print and one other blue print on several dresses. Gorgeous nude/gold suits and tailored, yet feminine trench coats were seen and loved as well!

Stay tuned for more fashion week posts!

xoxo -Ivey