In case you missed it....

There has been much ado about the latest issue of Vogue Italia which features top black models from around the world on the cover and throughout each editorial in the magazine. It has been specualted that the driving force behind the "Black Book" issue is part of the "Obama Effect" and that the use of black models in editorials and runway shows is as much of a passing trend as gladiator sandals and maxi dresses. Could the sudden interest in black models have any relation to the recent gala thrown by major fashion players like Zac Posen and Iman for Michelle Obama in New York? Whatever the impetus behind it, Vogue Italia has made a bold statement by being the first major fashion publication to focus solely on black models and acknowledge the "blackout" of models of color from major fashion publications and fashion week runways.

In New York City, it is next to impossible to find one of the much sought after magazines, especially since it has been reported that less than forty were delivered to a handful of stores in Manhattan. If you weren't one of the lucky few that were able to grab a copy at your favorite newsstand, read the New York Times article Conspicuous by Their Presence, which discusses this historic issue and the future of minority models in the world of fashion. The article also features some of the brilliant photos by Stephen Meisel and other notable photographers from the magazine. The pictures, which showcase the beauty of Naomi, Liya, Tyra, and others, serve as reminder that a beauty is not defined by color. Brava Vogue Italia!

Fashion Celebrates Michelle Obama from WWD June 19, 2008

For her first official meet-and-greet with New York's fashion industry, Michelle Obama adhered to the cardinal rule of style — she wore all black.
At a fund-raiser in her honor Tuesday night, Obama chose to wear a black ensemble by Isabel Toledo, accented with a striking costume necklace by Tom Binns. The potential first lady arrived promptly to the reception at the Sikkema Jenkins & Co. gallery in Chelsea, minutes after hosts André
Leon Talley, Anna Wintour and Shelby Bryan. (The other co-host, Calvin Klein, who opened his Perry Street home for a private dinner afterward, arrived later on the arm of his daughter, Marci.) Once inside Talley introduced her to the crowd, which included Catherine Malandrino, Erin Fetherston, Cynthia Rowley, Lisa Airan, Thakoon Panichgul, Ralph Rucci, Julie Gilhart, Amanda Brooks, Iman, Chris Benz and Yigal Azrouël, who had paid either $1,000 or $2,300 to attend. And, according to one source, the crowd was "pumped" by Obama's presence, in spite of the soaring temperatures inside the venue.

"I'm excited for Obama becoming president," said Zac Posen, who was wearing a "Yes, we can" T-shirt emblazoned with Barack Obama's face under his suit. "I think it's always great for someone who represents our country to look good, but most important is for the values of our country to be in place."



Peter Som echoed those sentiments. "I think she's amazing," he said. "Michelle and Barack are hopefully the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. And she's fabulously styled. She seems that she has an amazing sense of self. She has impeccable taste, so she is not going to need any help from anybody else."

Tory Burch, in preparing for the event, had been reading up on her. "I have a lot of questions, but I'm just excited to meet her," Burch said, adding of her style: "She has a great figure and is so easy to dress."

At the reception, Obama spoke for an estimated 20 minutes about meeting and falling for her husband while working at a law firm in Chicago. They were the only two African-Americans at the firm, and he was a summer associate and she was the lawyer to whom he was assigned. According to sources, Obama spoke of how she was initially less than impressed with her husband's background, odd name and ears, even as he kept asking her for a date. Eventually they went out for a sandwich and then to a church she always visited, where he sat with people in the basement and explained how they needed to change things. She praised her husband's ability to connect with people at all levels. She talked about how there is a choice in this country between "the way things are" and "the way things should be," said one observer.

There's no better accessory than a smile

courtesy of Copenhagen Street Style

This picture is a perfect example of how much better someone looks when they are comfortable in their clothes. Too often women are concerned with being trendy and forget that fashion is actually supposed to make you look better! This girl is wearing a simple outfit, but that smile makes her look amazing.

Also, be sure to check out Copenhagen Street Style For the next three months it will be featuring street fashion shots from around New York City. It will be interesting to see an outside perspective of the best-dressed New Yorkers.

YSL, vous nous manquerez

Lovely Lady from Stockholm

courtesy of facehunter

J Crew takes on...the World

With the state of current economic affairs, most Americans are tightening the purse strings, so the idea of jetting to exotic locales may seem out of reach, but now it is possible to live out those travel fantasies through the J. Crew catalog. As strange as it may sound, J. Crew has taken a novel and interesting approach to the marketing of its decidedly Amercian-style clothing by having destination photo shoots around the world for its catalogs and website. So far, some of the picturesque locations have included Paris, Rome and most recently, Morocco. In addition to a new approach to its shoot locations, the quality of the photographs are also more fashion editorial. Both the new style of photography and the amazing locales have the J Crew catalog looking more like a high fashion glossy. Where will J Crew take us next? Sources say that the company's creative team has just returned from Prague. Stayed tuned- there are surely more gorgeous photos to follow.

All photos courtesy of jcrew.com

A pop of color for spring

photo courtesy of Styleclicker.net

Spring is all about bright colors and this pic is a great example of dressing with color in a fun sophisticated manner. This gentleman definitely has his own style and the mix of sporty and classic pieces looks great on him. Where do you find a yellow fedora anyway?