Fashion Night Out w/ Josie Maran

It is Fashion Week in New York City and I had the pleasure of kicking off Fashion Week on 5th Ave with Supermodel and CEO of her own cosmetic company Josie Maran. The event was lots of fun and I actually completed two looks on her that will be used for her holiday and Valentine’s Beauty Campaign. Josie is best known for being the face of Maybeline Cosmetics for a record breaking 10 years and now she is taking high performance cosmetics and making them natural and organic. This chicolgic genius is serving up fashion and beauty with the most natural and organic ingredients around the world. The secret to her success is Argan Oil (100% pure first cold pressed and rarest oil in the world) and her BIG HEART.

It is such an honor to be working on Josie’s team and I am very excited to see my work on a public scale again. Many of my followers were not aware that not only do I love being in front of the camera; however I am also one of the many people who are behind the beauty. Check out some of the behind the scene pictures of Josie in the window of the 5th Avenue Sephora… Pictures for the campaign will be released later this year.

Byron Lars Beauty Mark 2011 Fall Fashion Presentation at Lincoln Center

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On the evening of Friday, February 11, 2011 Byron Lars Beauty Mark once again reinvent the perception of classic Americana by presenting the fall 2011 fashion collection in a luxe Stanley H. Kaplan penthouse turned lush forest overlooking Lincoln Center. The celebration of “Native Americana”, set in a surreal recreation of the great outdoors (indoors) as featured in a collection's photo-essay. A slide show projection of these images was prominently featured on one wall of the space. One image captured the wilds of the 120th floor of an office building where Buffalo run free on its' expansive square footage against a backdrop of big sky framed in pane glass.

Guests were transported to a forest in the sky brimming with trees and all manner of greenery. While standing on brown leaves, 20 models showcased feminine and chic outerwear like silver glazed cocoon coats, tweed jackets and even belted trenches.

Refined and feminine, the daytime separates ranged from peplum sheaths to mock turtlenecks and brocade mix panel skirts. Lace was used creatively as a print livening up the front of flared dresses and trench coats the entire collection was graceful presented all at once. Dramatic makeup and accessories juxtaposed the wearable ready-to-wear pieces. Headpieces with brightly hued feathers and elaborate beaded necklaces added personality to each look.

The makeup look, created by L’Oreal, resembled traditional tribal paint with a white line across the face and colorful lips. Hair by Mizani USA was soft in loose undos and braided ponytails.

At the southern end of this wood land oasis facing a wall of glass was a flood of natural light, offering sanctuary from the darkness of the tents below as well as a beautiful setting for (show weary) guests to have a relaxed and interactive experience with the clothes and each other while milling about and viewing it at there own pace. Photo: Anika Noni Rose & Byron Lars

The event took place over a span of three hours, so guests could come and go as they please within that window of time and enjoyed the bar that served mineral water and featured Moet & Chandon Champagne. The event was produced by MEGA Management Inc.

Inspired musical hybrids of native ceremonial chants and electronica rhythms charged the room with melodic verve, only to be heightened by the primal beats of a live Native Drummer. To review the entire fall 2011 collection got to www.ByronLarsBeautyMark.com and follow us on Facebook at Byron Lars Beauty Mark.

NY Fashion Week ends at the Studio Museum of Harlem of with Andre Leon Talley

LaQuan Smith / Photo: Suzette Lee

Last night at the Studio Museum of Harlem, a special conversation about fashion and art with André Leon Talley and emerging fashion designer LaQuan Smith was moderated by the museum’s Director and Chief Curator Thelma Golden.

A 25-year veteran of and contributing editor to Vogue, André Leon Talley regularly pens a witty, pithy column called “Life with André." He also worked at Interview during Andy Warhol’s tenure. Talley regularly appears on television and in film and can currently be seen as a judge on the television show “America’s Next Top Model.”

LaQuan Smith has designed custom fashions for artists including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Aubrey O’day, Amerie and more. Smith’s New York Fashion Week debut was held on February 15, 2010 and he has been featured in many media outlets including The New York Times, New York Daily News and Studio Magazine.

Both shared a wonderful view on fashion. Mr. Talley told the standing room only audience, “Fashion is HARD WORK, hard core work;” he continued to say, “true fashion insiders must do their homework, be patient, learn the business and live your dream.”

LaQuan’s 2nd fashion collection frenetic energy filled the Gramercy Room of the Peninsula Hotel as editors and buyers waited for wunderkind LaQuan Smith’s Spring/Summer 2011 show, entitled “A Storybook Path,” to begin. While a crush of photographers circled around rapper Common to get a shot, a gaggle of reporters rushed before Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley and designer and CFDA President Diane Von Furstenberg for a soundbite. The excitement generated so much heat, attendees fanned themselves with hot pink paper fans provided on the tables. As classical music began to play, a young lady wearing a blush pink corseted brocade jacket and matching frilly skirt came out, pursing gold lacquered lips and tottering atop Walter Steiger stilettos. The show had begun, and the air erupted with shouts of enthusiasm over the clothes–and the models themselves:

Exclamations of “Honey better work!” and “Ok!” could be heard as models sauntered out in a series of bust and thigh accentuating pieces seemingly inspired by the famously coquettish and fashion loving late 18th century Marie Antoinette. Brocade fabrics in champagne pink, deep burgundy, white, black, and electric blue were fashioned into cropped frilled tops and bodice dresses, perfectly fit for modern day princesses. Though dreamlike, as if cut from a storybook, the clothes were designed to titillate. To wit, an almost bare bottomed Jaslene Gonzalez elicited whoops of “Yes, girl,” as she worked a sheer mint green flapper dress with green plumes of feathers peeking out the bottom.

The shouts reached an almost fevered pitch as even more celebrity models emerged. Singer Cassie in a corseted gold and burgundy bubble hem dress; Deborah Cox in a Tiffany blue gilded number with an asymmetric train; Serena Williams, who closed the show, in a Bourdeaux red regal gown with exaggerated hips.

Fashion's Night Out 2010 goes GLOBAL

THE DAY YOU SHOULD SHOP TIL YOU DROP!!!

For those who haven’t been anxiously counting down the days until New York Fashion Week, you probably aren’t aware of a little event called Fashion’s Night Out. This huge, globe-spanning extravaganza kicks off NY Fashion Week, which showcases the spring/summer collections of the current top designers. The event begins tonight, Sept. 10, 2010; it’s centered in New York City and is promoted by Mayor Bloomberg, “Vogue” and the CFDA, but is celebrated in cities across the country and in many countries around the globe.

Fashion’s Night Out gives the chance for shoppers to get exclusive access to many stores and the opportunity to shop with the stars and see big names in fashion such as Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and tons of supermodels up close in person. The second annual event, whose slogan is “Shop for Something Good,” is the biggest shopping event of the year, with top designers like Alexander Wang, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Byron Lars and Proenza Schouler opening their doors to the public and encouraging customers to shop.

In addition, mass retailing companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Sony Style and American Apparel have participating stores across the states. On top of the designer merchandise sure to fly off the shelves, the collection of Fashion’s Night Out merchandise is equally well-known and is sold with a purpose. A percentage of the proceeds of the tanks, classic tees, tote bags, hoodies and more go directly to the New York City AIDS Fund.

On Tuesday night, Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American “Vogue,” and her team staged “Fashion’s Night Out: The Show,” which displayed models wearing the looks that fashion editors picked for Fall 2010. The event was intended to entice the public to come out on Friday and begin shopping. Over 1,500 patrons forked over $250 per ticket to see the biggest public fashion show in New York City history, which featured models like Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell and Lara Stone working the runway along with 150 other big names.

The location of the show was the new home of New York Fashion Week, the Lincoln Center. Each of the 157 looks showcased on the runway were based on the trends of plaids, twenties glamour, rock chic, romantic minimalism, ladylike ensembles, utilitarian outerwear and bohemian. Though the show only lasted 20 minutes, including the runway show and a performance by Pharrell Williams, the show executed its mission of exciting the crowd for the coming weekend extravaganza.

Fashion’s Night Out marks a new kind of retail marketing, sparking excitement in fashion again and providing patrons with a fun night out instead of the regular old shopping trip. The official website for the event even allows you to plan out the entire evening to include celebrity appearances, free gifts with purchase, refreshments, pop-up shops, contests, DJs, designer appearances, exhibitions and tons more.

Fashion’s Night Out is the first and only event of its kind, thought up by fashion leader Anna Wintour in an effort to revive the fashion community after the effects of the recession. After such a huge turnout last year, this weekend is sure to see a jam-packed New York City.

For those of us who unfortunately can’t make it to NYC for this star-studded event, CBS is airing a special Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 10 p.m., and of course, the official merchandise is available online to shop for and order, so you can celebrate the event wherever you may be.

The Cast of Model City Talk Egos and Whether TV Can Help Their Careers

By Text and Photos by Phil Smrek

While Jersey Shore introduced "gym, tanning, laundry" to America's pop culture lexicon, BET's new reality series, Model City, has an offering of its own: "don't get mad, get money."

Chronicling the lives of non-white male models from agency Red NYC, Model City offers an authentic look at the often discouraging professional lives of multicultural men in an industry dominated by women and white men. Only about 3 percent of all jobs for men go to black models and the competition for them is appreciable. Says Red co-owner Neil Mautone, "We're hoping to draw attention to an unheralded segment of the industry and look forward to the day when race and color are irrelevant."

The episodes center around four twenty-somethings: Nelson is a Bronx native discovered while working retail five years ago. He's a consistent money maker who's often late to the ring but always delivers a knock-out punch. His first booking was an international Levi's campaign. Zeric, openly gay, is an Afro-Cuban American hailing from Miami who's paid his dues to become a signed model. His panache is tempered by wisdom rare in youth and beauty. Dating Victoria Secret model Sessilee Lopez is Wendell. With his 2008 Summer Bleu Magazine cover, tearsheets in his portfolio from a Bruce Weber shot solo editorial in L'Uomo Vogue and a Hermes campaign, Wendell's under no disillusion of who he is: America's top ethnic male model. A Pratt Institute graduate, Ibrahim's passion is for his art. The veteran model uses his honed skills to flawlessly execute the creative visions of photographers, stylists and art directors.

I caught up with the fly four at Red's Tribeca headquarters the other night before they headed to Model City's premiere party.

Wendell, Tyson Beckford, who appears in an episode, says success in modeling taught him to be humble. Having a rep on the show as the model with the most swagger, does humility fit into your game?

Wendell: I'm humbled and blessed to be here but on the same token I've worked very hard for everything I've accomplished. If you're a confident person and you come across someone else who's very confident, confidence complements confidence. If you're insecure and you come across someone confident you're going mistake his confidence for arrogance.

Do you think it's better to want to aspire to be model or be discovered?

Zeric: For me, it has been a little bit of both. My passion and my drive led me in the right direction but at the same time opportunities presented themselves. For example, I've had the chance to do other reality shows but when Model City came up I realized it was the perfect fit because it's really a documentary of what my life's been like for the past five years.

As successful models you've gotten plenty of exposure. Why bother being on a reality show?

Nelson: What I envision for my future is acting. I feel that by being camera-friendly on a consistent bases you become immune to it as if it weren't actually in your face. So what better way to train yourself than to have a reality show?

Ibrahim, how has being an artist influenced your work as a model?

Ibrahim: Being exposed to photographers' visions gave me a greater respect for their creativity, which forced me to stop using other people's images as references for my art and to start photographing those images myself. As a model I always ask the photographer "where you want to go with this?". Being able to paint compositions, I can envision what he's describing and give the poses the way he needs to see them."

Model City airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on BET's Centric

Are You An Urban Socialite?

By Deshawn Moody
Contributor Writer for The Future
amourinc@gmail.com

Urban Socialites celebrates and promotes positive influences to enable cultural experiences. “Our model is based on exposure and the impact of cultivating oneself,” says Rameses Frederick, Founder of Urban Socialites.

Ladies and Gentleman, there’s a new infusion hitting the net and I’m sure you all will be a fan real soon. The founder and creator of Urban Socialites took a little time out to let The Future know how they plan to redefine themselves in ATL and the world.

“Make up your own PHILOSOPHY”

“See your own ABILITY TO CHANGE THE WORLD”

“Invent your own STORY”

“Perfect your own FLAWS”

“Follow your own EVOLUTION”

“Believe in your own TEAM”

Rameses, can you tell us a little about Urban Socialites… Who is Urban Socialites?
“We all are contributors. We really don’t have enough role models in the LGBT community. Urban Socialites is trying to redefine the face of the LGBT community, proving that we are far more than just a community that parties”.

So who Man’s the crew, who’s in charge?
“We are a staff of four and I (Rameses) am the founder”.

What was the inspiration for Urban Socialites?
"About two years ago, I wanted to know what would transpire if I researched the word GAY. In an abundance, there were pages and pages of all types of sexual content, sexual images, and sex sites. That was a focal point I immediately wanted to change. I wanted to portray things differently. Focus more on important issues like the HIV/AIDS epidemic and it’s constant rise or other related issues. Work more on gaining relationships and networking rather than just HOOKING-UP."

What makes Urban Socialites different than any other publication?
"We promote the influence of the gay community but we embrace everyone, making us gender friendly. We focus on real issues that relate to everyone with the focal point of the LGBT community."

Is Urban Socialites only an online publication?
"Yes, Definitely. Print publication is the next stage for Urban Socialites. You can also feel free to order a copy as well."

So, it’s the end of NY Fashion Week, what’s in style in Atlanta?
"Hmmm… (pause), that’s very hard to define. To me Atlanta is second tier compared to New York. Our style is really defined by the person."

What is the Must-Have piece of the season?
(Laughs), "...a man bag very metrosexual. A Man Bag is always a must have."

What’s up next for Urban Socialites?
"There is a small tour scheduled for October. A tentative schedule is coming real soon."

What is one thing that you want people to remember when they think of Urban Socialites?
"That we are a positive movement Urban Socialites Status and Image redefined."

Check them out at:

Urban Socialites Online Magazine

Here's GRACE!!!

A Sunday Afternoon with Andre

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Andre Leon Talley

written by Tenielle Craig
The Future Media Partner Boys and Clothes Magazine

Striking, regal and debonair, no matter your familiarity or perceived notion of Andre Leon Talley, you’re inquisitively drawn to his presence and intrigued by his passion for worldly fashion. One third of the American Vogue holy trinity alongside Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, the strappingly chic and secure Editor-At-Large has played the style savior to not just millions of Vogue readers but, to many of Hollywood’s most beloved and recognized personalities. To the untrained eye, figuratively this sore thumb might strike others as a most eccentric and misplaced figure in the world of high fashion. But, after sitting and soaking in his words of wisdom, you come to learn that fashion is indeed his first language.

“Are you the young lady who is supposed to be interviewing me?” he beckoned charmingly. Nervous and unsure if I would be dressed to his liking, I forced a tense smile, nodded yes and stood awkwardly in admiration spellbound by the iconic man before me. “Well come sit with me!” he warmly motioned inviting me to come closer and sit beside him this one Sunday afternoon at George Faison’s Firehouse Theater in Harlem. I’d been prepped earlier on that I’d be granted a quick interview and had already primed myself for an abrupt reception given his many other important cares scheduled for the intimate event. Instead I was welcomed with a much unexpected and opposite treatment. Within the next fifteen minutes, I was a more enlightened and appreciative lover of fashion and the man whom granted me this courtesy intrusion. Perched luxuriously in a grand velvet chair, wearing a chic authentic African clothed cape and caramel-mauve peep toe velvet slippers, this alluring industry legend had proven to be modest, sophisticated and compassionate.

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.”

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.” he tells of his days of obsessively channeling fashion as a young man. “I dreamt about visual stunningness, visual sophistication.” he shares. This curiosity of visual expression would later be honed during his time as a student at Brown University where he’d befriended several fashion students studying at the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design. Mastering his natural aptitude for developing innovative and eye pleasing style stories, he’d earned himself a name within the fashion industry having worked for Women’s Wear Daily, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, W Magazine and of course his current residency at Vogue Magazine.

“Always have an education to fall back on. That’s the most important thing.” he preached reassuringly. Stressing that quality, consistency, passion and faith are the pillars to success for a fulfilling and lasting career in the fashion industry and life in general, his honesty and encouragement exudes with an authenticity unmatched. An authoritative but, gentle giant Mr. Talley is the finest example of the phrase “Never judge a book by its cover”. Distinguished and enigmatic, whether in Kente or on the tennis courts, Andre Leon Talley is filled with enough charm and humility to heal the world.

All Photos Courtesy of Dexstar G The People Photographer

Fashion's Night Out - with THE FUTURE

The Future will be a Pieces with Latisha & Colin Daring come joins us and DO YOUR PART for FASHION!

PIECES
www.piecesofbklyn.com

671 Vanderbilt Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11238-3829

(718) 857-7211

Fashion's Night Out, a global initiative that takes place stateside in New York City on Sept.10, encourages shopping, shopping and shopping. More than 700 stores will stay open late, engaging shoppers with celebrity guests, designers, musical performances and food. Profits from a charity T-shirt will benefit the September 11 Memorial and Museum, while a citywide clothing drive helps the NYC AIDS Fund. Advertising can be found on bus shelters, street pole banners, phone kiosks, online, TV and 6,500 taxicab monitors.

http://www.fashionsnightout.com/

A Show All Her Own

The MEGA World of Lil Mogul
As an entrepreneurial buddy, I get calls from all kinds of people from all types of careers. Since my company specializes in fashion, beauty and entertainment businesses a number of my entrepreneur pals are “Industry”. So, yesterday, I got a 411 call from such an associate. She is in fashion. Very talented fashion stylist and knows her stuff inside and out. She was concerned that she might have hurt the feelings of a fashion designer by pulling a number of outfits yet not using any of the pieces for an upcoming fashion magazine photo shoot. She wanted to know how she could develop the RUTHLESS, cold, fashion edge. I told her that business is business and honesty will set her free. She needs to develop her own style of telling the truth. Nasty is not in VOGUE and is not the only way to get the point across. It is sometimes hard for others hear the truth but as an authority in the industry it is her responsibility to be truthful with style and grace.

My ultimate suggestion... take notes from the new film September Issue. The September 2007 issue of Vogue magazine weighed nearly five pounds and was the single largest issue of a magazine ever published, reaching an audience of 13 million people and impacting the $300 Billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication EVER. With unprecedented access, this film tells the story of Anna Wintour, the legendary Editor-in-Chief of Vogue magazine, a show all her own. For 20 years, she continues to be the most powerful figure in fashion and her larger-than-life team of editors creating the issue and ruling the world of fashion inspires us all while revealing GREATNESS is only a graceful stitch alway.

Open August 29th in New York City and September 11th Nationwide.

www.theseptemberissue.com