Dolce & Gabbana

This designing duo went crazy over plaid with nearly every model that walked the runway dressed in tartan cloth.  Ruffles and belted waists accentuated many of the looks.

Lanvin

This show featured some really great day and evening looks.  Pantsuits and knee length skirts are just right for the office while one shouldered cocktails dresses can be worn on a night out with drinks with the girls.

Versace

Donatella does is again!  Her evening gowns were stunning and I can’t wait to see which celebs will be rocking them on the red carpet.  Several pea coats in eye catching jewel tones also caught my eye.  Talk about standing out in a crowd!

The outerwear was outstanding at the Burberry show as well. 

Who did it better?

<form method=post action=”http://poll.pollcode.com/e2zX”><table border=0 width=150 bgcolor=”EEEEEE” background=http://pollcode.com/images/bg/gray_stripe_horiz.gif cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td colspan=2><font face=”Verdana” size=-1 color=”0000CC”><b>Who had the best coats for fall?</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=5><input type=radio name=answer value=”1″></td><td><font face=”Verdana” size=-1 color=”0000CC”>Versace</font></td></tr><tr><td width=5><input type=radio name=answer value=”2″></td><td><font face=”Verdana” size=-1 color=”0000CC”>Burberry</font></td></tr><tr><td width=5><input type=radio name=answer value=”3″></td><td><font face=”Verdana” size=-1 color=”0000CC”>Neither</font></td></tr><tr><td width=5><input type=radio name=answer value=”4″></td><td><font face=”Verdana” size=-1 color=”0000CC”>I don’t care</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2><center><input type=submit value=”Vote”>  <input type=submit name=view value=”View”></center></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor=”white” colspan=2 align=right><font face=”Verdana” size=-2 color=”black”>pollcode.com <a href=http://pollcode.com/><font color=”navy”>free polls</font></a></font></td></tr></table></form>

Everyone is talking about the new issue of New York Magazine with Lindsey Lohan on the cover.  For those of you who have been living under a rock, this is the issue that has a photo spread of Lindsey showing all of her kibbles and bits.  This also happens to be the Spring Fashion issue and when I received my copy I was both shocked and very pleased to discover Mr. Icecold aka Andre 3000 on the back cover.  Turns out he is launching his own fashion line called Benjamin Bixby.  The 70-piece collection will feature preppy yet fun attire that was inspired from “college football circa 1935.”  Andre has always had his own eclectic sense of style which I absolutely love so it was only a matter of time before he brought his interpretation of fashion to the world.      

A look from the Benjamin Bixby collection…

…and a look at Andre’s personal style. 

This is a new series in which I will feature up-and-coming designers, models, stylists, and anyone involved in the fashion industry that is doing their thing.  First up is a model from Baltimore, MD who goes by the name of Tony Triumph.   Tearing down the runways ever since he could walk, the 20 year old fashion fanatic has appeared in countless fashion shows, editorials, and advertisements, even making a cameo in Kelly Rowland’s video for “Daylight.”

I met up with the stylish catwalker over a lunch of tasty Thai food and we discussed everything from the highs and lows of the modeling world to life in New York, to how he keeps that model physique (fifty push-ups a day and he eats whatever he wants!) to his dating status (yes ladies, he is single). 

It has been quite a year for Tony, moving from Maryland to New York City to pursue his dream of modeling with just three hundred dollars in his pocket.  The dream that started when he was a young boy modeling in mall and church fashion shows has led to much bigger and better things like walking in New York Fashion Week and appearing in Pulse Magazine and The Washington Post.

Now signed to several agencies including Ikon Models in New York, Daniel Brown Street in London, and T.H.E. Artist Agency in Washington, DC, Tony is busier now more than ever.  But even with all of this representation, it’s still a hard road where Tony has to face rejection every now and then.  “It’s one thing to get sent out,” he says, “it’s another thing to get booked.”

Still it’s been a life learning experience for the young model that stays focused in the midst of all the doors that have been open and shut in his face.  At times, Tony feels that he is an underdog in the eccentric and ever-changing world of fashion but he turns this into a positive saying “what makes a noteworthy supermodel with no struggle?”

Tony also relies on his family for support, particularly his mother who was at first skeptical about his modeling career.  She wanted him to finish school (at the time he was a student at Bowie University) as any mother would.  But the catwalk was calling and Tony had to answer.  Soon the bookings came pouring in.  “My family couldn’t do anything but support me,” says Tony.

Inspiration comes from several sources including esteemed designer Alexander McQueen, Ethiopian model Liya Kebede, and surprisingly, Boris Kodjoe.  Tony loves the detail in McQueen’s clothes, his long, fitted coats, and the vivid colors the designer is known for using.   Kebede, who Tony labels as “the most gorgeous women in the world”, brings a vast amount of motivation.  Tony’s whole face lights up at the mere mention of her name.  He also admires Kodjoe for his courageous move to New York in order to become a successful model and later, a successful actor.

So what does the future have in store for Mr. Triumph?  To my surprise, he wants to be in Walmart and Target ads.  “Commercial pays the bills,” he explains.  Tony also wants to be featured on the pages of Details and GQ magazine and travel the world particularly Brazil and Thailand. 

For all of his strong will and determination, the possibilities are endless.

BCBG MAX AZRIA

It looks like the hourglass silhouette will be in this fall if designer Max Azria has anything to say about it.  Every one of the thirty-eight looks he revealed at his show was belted at the waist.  Neutral colors dominated as models slinked down the runway in various shades of tan, beige, grey, and black.  Towards the end of the show there was an unexpected pop of color in fiesty jewel tones.  Flirty dresses that ended well above the knee were oh so sexy.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

A forties flair was in the air at the DVF show.  The designing diva did a lot of layering with belted coats and cardigans.  And she showed some fabulous printed dresses and skirts.  Overall, her looks were just as timeless and classic as always. 

 Valentine’s Day came early this year for Chris Brown.  It looks like he’ll be playing matchmaker as he showed up to the Grammy Awards Sunday night dressed as Cupid’s long lost brother.  Not even his good looks and charm can help CB pull this one off.  Sorry Chris but next time, you gots to do better!

The man of the hour: Jedda-Khan

  Earlier this week I was able to attend the presention for Jedda-Khan’s Fall 2008 collection.  Staged poolside at the ultrahip Hotel QT, the collection featured eight elegant dresses in deep hues like vibrant navy and luscious chocolate.  Black lacy tights completed the looks.  I’m looking forward to seeing what else the Baltimore native has to offer in the upcoming months.  Stay tuned! 

     Although I wasn’t too crazy about this piece…

            This hot little halter won me over! 

 Our first fashion faux pas of the new year is none other than Lil’ Kim.  The Queen Bee looks like a royal mess in this mismatched, jumbled up horror of an outfit.  Usually the racy rapper wears styles that are out there, but she somehow manages to pull them off.  Sadly, this was not the case at the special screening of the documentary “Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton”.  On a positive note, at least her purse is cute. 

Well the holiday season has passed but I have come to a couple of conclusions. I’ve always had a thing for shoes, but tennis has always won the battle. Since i’ve hit the mid 20’s stage I feel like it’s time to step up my shoe game and try new things. Fashionista do you have any ideas on what the shoe scene will be for spring/summer? Remember the top two: Style and Comfort. Thanks.

Well Patrice, for spring it’s all about bright colors, exotic prints, and fun embellishments when it comes to footwear.  The spring fashion runways were dominated with vivid, tropical colors (think seafoam blue, sorbet pink, or lemon yellow). 

                     Leather “tea” shoe, Steve Madden, $69.95                                                 

Pink Espadrille available at JCPenney, $39.99

Another hot trend for spring is the tribal look (animal prints, safari-inspired style).

Zebra print flat, Bandolino, $65

        Resselini shoe, Nine West, $89   

Giraffe print flat, Nine West, $79

If all else fails, choose a shoe with funky embellishments like buckles, charms, beads, and flowers.  Your feet will thank you later.

      Guiseppe Zanotti sandal, $595               

                Charm sandal, Sam Edelman, $79                   

Wooden thong with bead detail, Newport News, $29   

Leather slingback with buckle, BCBG, $112.50

 Will looks casual cool and Jada sparkles at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

 The couple looks anything but basic in matching black at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

 This yellow looks stunning against Jada’s skin tone.

 They have come a long way!  Matching camouflage outfits?  What were they thinking?