Black Girls Killing It

I found this marketplace through my new tumblr and I was instantly excited. The point of Black Girls Killing It is to compile online boutiques that are run by Black women. In this way, it increases traffic to these sites and gives people a one-stop shop to finding interesting products that cater to a fashion forward generation of women of color. 

black style

I realize that we're in a weird racial place in the world. A Black President and First Lady, megastars and Nobel Prize winners give the illusion that Black people and particularly Black Americans have "made it". But then there's French Elle telling Black women that until Michelle Obama we didn't know how to dress chic and the GOP talking about how Black people should be demanding paychecks instead of food stamps. So as I walked around First Friday drinking wine and checking out art, I wondered what people would make of this? Black and brown folks freshly dressed and deconstructing art. Twisted locks and kinky curls right next to blowouts and perms, clad in jeans and bright dresses; all dapper and chic and intelligent. Surprise, surprise. I took a few pics just to document the moment. It's all Black, all beautiful.

Tortured Soul

 This review has been a long time coming. I've already discussed my issues with the set up of the Alexander McQueen exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, but logistics notwithstanding the clothes, the clothes, the clothes. Like Gaultier, McQueen's collections can also be traced to childhood and family. Scottish tartans and heather and bracken used in his Highland Rape (autumn/winter 95-96) collection are a nod to his Scottish roots. And his love of England, the country he grew up in, is also evident in his collections like The Girl Who Lives in the Tree (autumn/winter 2008-09). But it's McQueen's flair for fantasy and the dramatic which makes him an inspiration and stand out in the fashion world.

Me and Mr. Jean

Whatever you may think of the tastefulness of Jean Paul Gaultier's new Amy Winehouse inspired line, you have to give the man credit. Gaultier creates clothes that flatter the female form and leave a lasting impression.

cocoa chanel (pt.1)

Black History Month is right around the corner and while looking for interesting people to feature and discuss at my job, I found myself researching designers and models who are currently or have made waves in the fashion industry. Since I've found (and continue to find) so many interesting people, I'll make this an on-going series throughout the month of February. 

Vintage Swag

Usually when you think of teenage style, you think of homogenized Hot Topic-esque, emo crap. And for the most part you're right. Most kids today think that they're being super individual while being a complete clone of the teen next to them. But then there are those who truly dare to be different (without resorting to shortened hemlines). So I submit for your consideration, vintage swag.