That boy is a MONSTER

Since the guy I'm talking about (Kanye West) is a monster, and Lady Gaga will make an appearance in this post, I thought the title was very appropriate.

From the looks of the photos, it seems as though everyone had an amazing time at CFDA 2011. Everyone got glammed up and put on their finest clothing for the event, and everyone looked gorgeous. Out of the numerous twitpics, and different press pictures from the event, I've picked some of my favorite photo op's and looks. Don't worry, I've already made Lady Gaga my background picture.

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler

Menswear Designer of the Year
Michael Bastian

Accessory Designer of the Year
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Prabal Gurung

Swarovski Award for Menswear
Robert Geller

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Eddie Borgo

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
Marc Jacobs

International Award
Phoebe Philo for Celine

The Media Award, given in honor of Eugenia Sheppard
Hilary Alexander, The Telegraph

The Founder's Award, given in honor of CFDA Founder Eleanor Lambert
Hal Rubenstein, InStyle

Fashion Icon Award
Lady Gaga

Swimsuit chic

CREDITS:
Contributing Editor
Photographed by Hans Neumann
Fashion Editor: Grace Koo
Model: Merethe Hopland at Marilyn Models
Hair: Andre Gunn at The Wall Group
Make-up: Stevie Huynh at The Wall Group
Set designer: Jessica Ennis
Manicurist: Shamina J. Di Mauro
Photo assistants: Alain Aguilar and Ruben Rodas
Fashion assistant: Rayna Basta
Hair stylist assistant: Gabby Langone
Set assistant: Veronika Ossi
Props provided by Pearl River

I really have no words. This is the exact type of style I'm into. Punk Rock Glam. I'm about to start my work on a swimsuit guide for the summer though.




Justin Alvis

Martin Luther King Jr.: The Fashion Icon.

It is Black History Month folks. I'm sure not a lot of you probably know that because since 1976 the culture and significance of Black History Month has slowly deteriorated. When I was in elementary school, it was a very big deal, and now being in a predominately white high school, I sometimes too forget about it. I feel as though we, as bloggers, should help get all of our readers more in the know about these significant people of our past. The orginial go-getters, trendsetters, and bad asses (for a good cause, of course.)

That said, today I would like to talk about Martin Luther King- from a fashion perspective. Martin Luther King Jr. is the first person who comes to mind when you think of African-American rights and civil justice. He was an ambassador for equal rights of African-Americans. Sadly on April 4th he was assassinated on his hotel balcony, by a Caucasian male. His legacy lives on today with being honored his own day in January, a national historic site in Atlanta, and numerous movies and books about him. However, has anyone taken a chance to discuss his marvelous fashion sense. The man could put on a three piece suit and speak eloquently in front of thousands of people. To a public speaker and fashion enthusiast he should be in your book of icons.

Below are some pictures compiled to showcase his style which was very contemporary, and dead on with classic trends that are still relevant now such as: Tweed suits; skinny ties; hounds tooth print; shiny notch lapel; tapered leg. His look was very- dare I compare- Tom Ford.

Justin Alvis

Matthew Anderson

We all have dreams right? "I want to be a lawyer" "I want to be a doctor" "I want to be a marine biologist". Well, what about saying "When I grow up, I want to be a fashion stylist!". How does that sound? Meet Matthew Anderson, the fashion stylist. Growing up in St. Louis MO, he figured out that Fashion was his calling and started working towards it. After going to college, he moved to Atlanta and stormed the fashion scene, making valuable connections and doing jobs that he dreamed of. Now, he is in NYC and every day he is working on Matthew Anderson-the stylist and brand.

Of course I had to talk to talk to him because he's very creative and his resume is growing by the day. Click on to view the interview and some of his work. (Also VERY good tip for those wanting to break into this part of the vast fashion world. 

J'adore Dior

Cliche- an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, rendering it a stereotype, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel.

J'adore Dior is a term that has been used for a long time now. If you do not know what or who Dior is, you need not want to be in the fashion industry. Christian Dior is a French fashion label founded by Christian Dior in 1946. His signature is using an abundance of beautiful fabrics to make designs that-dare I say- cover the legs. He is one of the few Fashion houses that produces a Haute Couture line. Here's his latest S/S 11 Haute Couture collection:








I have coined the phrase "J'adore Dior" and as much as I despise cliches-especially "Passion For Fashion"-this one I hold true to me because it is true.Majority of the people who use the term "J'adore Dior" know nothing about the history of the fashion house itself, but such is life. Jonh Galliano-now the designer for Dior after replacing Gianfrannco Ferre in 1996- has this way of creating whimsical designs and even racy ones. His shows are always a delight to watch and one day I even hope of attending one.
Justin Alvis

I ain't hungry.

Her name is Bevy Smith. First look you're asking, why is she so significant? Years back, Bevy quit her SIX FIGURE (yes, I said it) career at an advertising agency to pursue her dreams. She started taking acting lessons, painting, everything to find herself and discover her true talents. The first three years were TOUGH. But she mixed with the who's who and VOILA "Dinner with Bevy" was established.

What is Dinner with Bevy?
Dinner With Bevy is a private, invitation only soiree. Bevy's dinner party guest list reads like a "who's who" from the worlds of fashion, music, art, sports and entertainment! Bevy is known for hosting dinners that act as an incubator for lasting relationships.

Click to view inspirational videos and the socialite in action.

Designers you should know: Tom Ford

Who in here loves structured suits? *Raises hand* What about American traditions with a twist? *waving hand* Well then I introduce to you Tom Ford.

 "And he’d rather people didn’t “Tom” him anymore. At 49, he lets it be known he prefers “Mr. Ford.” -Sarah Mower (Article w/ Vogue)

Tom Ford is an American designer that knows what us "commercial" (so we've been told) Americans love! His speciality is structured mens suits. He also is a movie director, owning a film production company called "FADE TO BLACK". 

Click for early life and some of his work.

Thakoongiving?

You know how some black people are. They don't mess with something they can't pronounce. If they can't get it from Wal-Mart then they not messing with it. Well, I have something for you..

Thakoon pronounced Tah-Koon is an designer who moved to America with his family to Nebraska when he was 11 from Thailand.His story is somewhat a hustler tale. He took his degree from Boston University and became a Fashion Writer. HE wrote photo captions for Harper's Bazaar. He woke up one day and said that this wasn't going to work for him. So he decided to enroll in classes at Parsons from 2001 to 2003. Well, a year later in 2004 he produced his first ready to wear collection and immediately sent the editors and stylists going crazy! His clothes are now worn on Rachel Bilson, Demi Moore, Michelle Obama, and Sarah Jessica Parker. I mean Sarah Jessica is enough said.

I was first introduced to him in the movie "September Issue" and Anna Wintour was hyping him to get a collaboration with GAP. What Anna says, goes of course, so GAP did an collaboration with him and I must say it was nice.

(Spring 2011)

Now, Thakoon is a household name in Harpers Bazaar (ironic how he used to wait for them, now they wait for HIM! HA! Hustler!), Vogue, Elle, and many stylists corporations.

(Kerry Washington in a Thakoon for Gap dress)

Click Click to see the rest of his Spring 2011 line.

Isabella Blow.

When you're talking about Fashion innovators, Isabella Blow's name should come up. Whether it be negative gossip or just praise.

 

Who is Isabella Blow? Click to find out.