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

Street Style at the Tents

The best style is personal style! To me, it's an art-form when a person can take an obvious outfit combination, and mix & match the items to create drastically different looks that you'd never think of on your own. Personal style is key, which is why I look for individuals with unique style at the fashion week tents. Here in America, fashion week in NY is the mecca of fashion, and you get such a great variety of personal styles to fill your fancy.

Glam-ROCK

Noel

Jacket-Australian designer, Camilla & Marc
(The shoulder detail gives me LIFE!!)
Shirt and shoes-BCBG
Denim shorts-Paige


Sweet & Chic

 
 

Aja

Jacket-Urban Outfitters

Dress and shoes- All Saints

Purse-Vintage

Concrete-Jungle

Destiny

Dress-forgot where she got

Express necklace

Belts and shoes-(Two doubled-up belts) by Forever 21

Jet Setter

Alessandra

Vest-vintage

Shirt an leggings- H&M

Shoes-Zara

Stand-Out

Dress by Naeem Kahn
I love that she mixed silver & gold! A big (F you) to your mother's fashion rules!
Nude pumps can pull any look together.
P.S. She does have two arms; one was behind her back ;)

Dapper/Fresh

Wilson
Micheal Kors Bow tie
Zara bag

Turbanista

Ahhhh.....Refresing! I love a good turban!
Turban by BCBG


Celebrity Edition

I got the pleasure to capture the style of June Ambrose (celeb stylist)
 I'm a big fan!! See how she inspired me here.
She's wearing her signature shades...
 The sequin harem pants, she said, were by June Ambrose...!
Hmmm...do I smell a fashion line debut?? Who knows!
It would be FAB tho!

Fashion week was an amazing and BUSY week for me...more to come!

Featured!!

Get hip to what music celebrities are doing in fashion & see my featured article at:

 http://www.charlottestylemag.com/

"Music Celebrities in Fashion"

P.S. Who's ready to see what the Americans can bring to the world of fashion?? I know I am....New York Fashion week is almost here, and I'm so ready to be inspired :)

Stay Tuned!

What I want...What I NEED!!!

I have been an absent blogger for quite some time now, and I thank you all for continuing to follow!

I must say that my absence has not been in vain, though! I have been one busy little bee! It's no secret that I love fashion, but I would like to announce that I love wardrobe styling as well. {Who coulda guessed?!} I have gradually been building my styling portfolio of late. I have a good group of people that I work with from time to time, and I'm constantly trying to build networks with people to expand my horizons! I have also started writing for a local fashion magazine--very exciting! Recently, I've been asked to write for another magazine as well, so we'll see how that goes!

In short, beyond my full time job, I've been Fearlessly pursuing my Passion! Fatigue is setting in, but I won't settle until I'm where I want to be!

Anyway, my shopping addiction has not been resolved, in fact, it has moved into the electronic arena. One thing I feel is imperative in my life right now is a new camera!! Especially after working on photo shoots, I need and want some of my own footage that a photographer can't or won't give to me! Of course, it's 2010 and I, like everyone else, have a digital camera...but it just won't cut it anymore!! I want to get a camera that leans towards the professional field...with the extended lenses and such. I want more clarity and quality!! This is the camera I have in mind. It's a pretty penny, but it's nothing in comparison to the best of the best cameras out there (price-wise). The Nikon P100

The Nikon L110 -I also heard it was good.

These are great for price I'm willing to pay. I want great pics and I'm artistic by nature, but I'm not a photographer and I won't cut a hole in my savings to pretend to be one! lol

Also, I'm in L-O-V-E with the iPad...I need one. They are so convenient for a writer such as myself. I'm always lugging around my laptop and that can't be great for my back!
Light weight, and full of cool stuff!! I NEED ONE.

These are a few of my favorite things {that I wish I had}!!

...and I WILL have eventually =)

Fierce Protection

I practice non-violence on the regular, but the more I look at this necklace, the more have to have it!

Cool!

Maybe this leads back to my younger years when my brother had a collection of pocket knives, and I wanted one too. Now's my chance! ;)

This piece of neckwear is under $50 at Erica Weiner Jewelry.  Check out the site to find other oddly cool items.

Be safe and Enjoy!

Actively Fashionable

Activewear gone chic...Humph, who woulda thought?

Actually, I've been on the HUNT for fashionable activewear, and let me tell ya...it's quite hard to find! However, I ran across a fairly new line by Fornarina, Sportgalm, and it seems to be a step outside the norm!

If you have a minute to spear, check out the Fornarina Sportglam Fashion Show. It's a bit long! The actual clothing doesn't come out until about 6 minutes in, but it is quite entertaining all the way through...


So to say the least, I am quite intrigued by this take on activewear! However, there is a DILEMMA!!

Fornarina is an European-based brand. It is sold internationally, but nowhere in my state (for retail). I found some Sportglam shoes online, and they are perfect for what I need, BUT there is only 1 size left! Not my size. Smh! Fornarina needs more vendors in my area.

Either way, I'm glad to see a brand that brings a little flair to activewear! ;)

My Natural Hair Debut

Shortly after January 2, 2009, the date of my last relaxer, I began what many women in the African-American community refer to as the natural journey!

This journey is the transition from using chemical straighteners/relaxers to revert back to the natural state of the hair, which I might add is NOT straight by any means. LOL!

Why, you may ask, would I make this decision?  Despite the obvious reason of "getting back to my roots, or embracing my heritage," I decided to go natural because relaxers were burning the CRAP out of my scalp every month or so that I had to get one.  I am an ingredient freak, and I just didn't feel comfortable allowing those harsh chemicals to seep and tear into my scalp as often as they did. I was also digging the curly style of natural black hair, and I wanted to enjoy the options that our hair provides (curly, straight, wavy, braided, etc.).

My hair is now fully natural (no relaxed ends) and I have the opportunity to wear it natural, but I have yet to do so. I'm just not sure it's for me, and I haven't taken the time to experiment with different styles.

This is me on an average day; hair blown out and flat ironed.

I was in the process of washing my hair the other day, and decided to stop and do a mini (homemade) photo shoot!! Time to show off my natural locks...online if nowhere else!

Feeling like Cleopatra Jones... ; )

Ethnic Diva...!

Just after taking these photos, I got out the ole' blow dryer and flat iron, and got down to business.  Soon, very soon, I will be ready to rock the natural doo, I just have to get use to it...

Whatcha think?

Yay or Nay? 

Fashion Bares it all...

Flipping through the pages of fashions magazines, these days, should require parental advisory...

Peek..

...A-Boo

... (O_o) ...

So, it seems fashion (or clothing rather) is becoming less & LESS relevant in fashion magazines. Of course, sex sells, but I'm sure that in the tail end of the current "recession," designers and retailers can find more than bare nipples for fashion magazines to sell. 

I do realize that many fashion magazine spreads are about creating/portraying a particular look, theme or mood, and I suppose some looks are better achieved through the addition of partial nudity. However, when I see pictures like the one below... it gets to be a bit much (for me).

Call me prudish, but if I can decipher which bikini design the model chose, I begin to feel like I'm looking at Playboy, not V magazine. I mean this girl had a 25 page spread, and her nipples were featured in most.

In short: I think nipples have become the next best accessory in fashion. Hope you have yours ready for next season! LOL

Who did it FABulously?? --->> Heidi Klum in Allure Magazine, April 2010

I really like this spread. Sort of super woman-ish.

Is BlackFace acceptable in 2010??

There is a fashion & photography festival each year in Hyères, France. It recognizes emerging artists such as designer, Tsolmandakh Munkhuu, whose 'BlackFace' collection showcase received great reviews despite its controversial presentation. Check out the looks, and more importantly, the models here.

Though this type of body painting has been offensive to African Americans in the past, I don't take it as an offensive gesture, but rather a use of artistic expression and vision. It is still a little jarring at sight, but I honestly think it adds to the collection.

It makes the models looks like zombies, or of evil nature. Or maybe a black Avatar...LOL. I'm reaching!

Tell me whatcha think!!

Offensive or Artistic?