NEW YORK FASHION WEEK & ARISE MAGAZINE PRESENT: AFRICAN ICONS

So you all know every September and every February I try to recap Fashion Week and the season's hautest trends for you. Well this year is no different...However, while perusing and carefully watching each runway show which by the way there are 135 runway shows this year....yeah crazy right...there is always a collection that immediately catches my couturier eye. Now while I plan to still bring you a recap of all the fabulousness that is Fashion Week. You absolutely must check out the presentation by Arise Magazine as it presented its collection entitled: AFRICAN ICONS...this entire collection was about 90 pieces long and breathtakingly beautiful.

The blend of authentic ankara prints, the details of tassels and sequins, the textures they all told the tale of the magnificence that is the Motherland and I think the men OF color being men IN color was just a bonus

 

 

A bit about ARISE:

"ARISE Magazine Fashion Week (AMFW) was overrun by press and buyers, fashion professionals and photographer who attended their second Annual AMFW event in Lagos, March 2012. 77 designers and over 50 world-class models showcased to the world to high critical acclaim.

Of the 77 designers, who participated earlier this year in Lagos, FIVE African designers won the coveted prize to represent the ARISE brand as part of its self-styled themed: "African Icons" extravaganza, which will be held at this year's Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week on September 6 2012 at 3pm at Lincoln Center."
ARISE's 'African Icons Spring 2013' Designers will be:
Ozwald Boateng OBE
Gavin Rajah
Tiffany Amber
Tsemaye Binitie
Maki-Oh

“An Elegance that Comes from Inside” – Giorgio Armani on Ozwald Boateng, 2009

"Gavin Rajah has been the only African to speak at the Global Luxury Goods Conference in Milan and his paper on “Creating an Identity in Design: South Africa the future of fashion?” made headlines in the Wall St Journal and Milano Finanza. He was invited by the Federation Française de la Couture to show in Paris in July 2006, which was a first for South Africa.
Gavin started and funded Cape Town Fashion Week."

 

"In 1998, Folake Folarin-Coker launched Tiffany Amber, revolutionizing the Nigerian fashion industry. Born in Lagos, Folake schooled in Switzerland, England and Scotland; then relocated to Nigeria in 1998 to become a lawyer. Despite holding a masters degree in Petroleum Law, her love for fashion reigned supreme over all. Folake Folarin-Coker won designer of the year at the African Fashion International (AFI) in 2009 in Johannesburg. The AW 2011 Fearless Luxury collection won "Fashion Brand of the year" at the Arise Magazine Fashion Week. The brand is, without a doubt, fast becoming the premier African lifestyle brand."

"Tsemaye Binitie was in February 2012 named by industry website fashion etc as one of five designers to watch for New York Fashion week A/W 12 and In March 2012 was awarded Womens-wear designer of the year by Arise magazine."

 

"Maki Osakwe studied at the Arts University College at Bournemouth where she obtained a BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies. Her passion for couture and culture inspires her artisanal collections, as she believes cultural heritage must be kept alive. Sustainability and ethical practices are also principles she strongly embraces"

Stay tuned because there's more to come

 

Signed,

Domo

" Damn Fashion Week is long but the Fashion sure is worth the wait"

DeVeReaux

ANNA DELLO RUSSO FOR H&M

Anna Wintour...Carine Roitfeld...Andre Leon Talley...Anna Dello Russo...Whether you acknowledge them as Editor in Chiefs or their counterparts of Editor at Large- there are certain name staples along with the name VOGUE that continually make a splash yet remain mainstays in the industry. They share the commonality of being historical fashion figures in the fashion community and just downright damn you FABULOUS.

The kings and queens of reinvention with maybe the exception of Anna Wintour- she undoubtably never changes....these individuals are magicians and must is to be expected especially from 

ANNA DELLO RUSSO

undeniably awesome and currently Editor at Large and creative consultant of Vogue Japan she has of course teamed up with haute fast fashion house H&M to bring you a beautifully excessive accessory line

CHECK IT OUT!!!

Here is the Advertisement

 Photo by Magnus Magnusson

I for one will kill for for these alligator shades- yes I plan to be there when the store first opens to cop this killer shades!!!

Also check out ADR and her advertisement music video entitled "Fashion Shower" below....In this video Anna lists her Fashion Rules/Philosophy to living to the fabulous life and while I found all of them to be funny I also found some to be rather true

1. Fashion is a declaration of your own freedom
2. Between style and fashion? Absolutely fashion
3. Fashion is always uncomfortable, if you feel comfortable you never get the look
4. Fabulous at every age
5. Wearing night clothes in the daytime is unexpected
6. Somebody wearing your same outfit? Wonderful, you did the right choice
7. You must wear outfit once
8. Wear coat as a dress
9. It doesn't matter the size of your body, fashion flatter everyone
10. Fashion jewels personalise your style. Nothing succeeds like excess 

Do you agree or disagree? Critics have described the ads and collection as over the top, opulent and excessive EUROTRASH..harsh much...well if that's the case- you all know me- where do I sign up for the ADR freebies? The collection hits 140 H&M stores worldwide on October 4th

Signed,

Domo

 "I'll be damned if I don't get my ADR Alligator Shades" 

DeVeReaux

GAP FALL/WINTER 2012

So I'm a strong believer of embracing individuality when it comes to personal style. While I am a follower of trends in order to remain abreast of the industry and its news, I for one don't usually wear seasonal trends. I believe that you can take inspiration of a trend and adapt it to your own style however wearing an entire trend from head to toe especially those specifically made to convey a shock and awe factor on the runway is a fashion DON'T in my eyes. An example of this is the new FALL Collection for GAP.

This was a runway show from FNO that was left off my original post but I still felt inspired by all of the bold and bright colors being mixed with stripes and colored tights as well as the revival of a fashion dream or nightmare whichever you choose- CORDUROY. Check out their collection- pull some inspiration and go and and fabulously FALL INTO THE GAP if you wish to take a gander at their Fall garb.

FASHION NIGHT OUT- DALLAS EDITION

Sooooo as to be expected the diva took a small vacay away from her cyberhome- but I'm never too far away. This year has brought about some major changes- one being my relocation to the big city of Dallas,Texas by way of Denton.....more details on that later....yall know me I gots ta give you the full "T" but we will save that for another day. Anyhow, last night I had the pleasure of perusing this new playground and checking out the local "FASHION NIGHT OUT" at the premiere shopping centre here in Dallas known as NorthPark. Now for those unfamiliar with the fashion capital of Texas, NorthPark is the higher end epicentre of everything luxurious outside of the Dallas Galleria. Here you can head over to Henri Bendel, visit Versace, gawk at the Gucci, take in some Ted Baker London and catch you some Cartier or if you are an authentically Austin girl at heart like myself with a slight boho chic flair- find your way to Free People or Anthropologie. Whatever your pleasure- Northpark knows how to please your pret-a-porter palate.

But first what is FASHION NIGHT OUT you may ask?

"Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative, sponsored by Vogue and the CFDA. The first event began in 2009, it was held in New York. In 2010 the event expanded and was held in Australia, Brazil, China, London, Paris, Berlin, Greece, India, Milan, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. Fashion's Night Out began in 2009 as a means to encourage consumers to shop and support the fashion industry during the tough economic climate. The event has expanded to 16 countries in 2010 and will occur over the span of eight days to maximize traffic in individual retail environment."

Now for all my true fashionistas- we live for the month of September for not only Fashion Night Out but of course the return of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week's  when Spring/Summer collection premiere (recap coming soon) and of course the coveted release of the September Issue of Vogue and I must say Dallas' Fashion Night Out did not disappoint. I had the pleasure of enjoying this night with my ladies nouveau- my fellow fashionistas who found their ways into my heart by way of our undergrad careers at Texas State University. Of course we were fashionably late and unfortunately missed the first set of shows by Diesel, H&M and Neiman Marcus. However we were just in time to take in runway taste of Ted Baker LONDON, Macy's, Dillard's, the GAP and in true Texas style- PINTO RANCH.

A special thanks to my photographer friend, Quinton of T-Square Photos for getting his girl the perfect press placement seat amongst the most plentiful crowd I've ever seen at an FNO event...every girl knows you either want a front row seat or one at the end of the runway and I got just that...alright enough chatter....check out the chic fashions and let me know how you feel fashionistas :)

     BUT BEFORE I TOOK MY END OF RUNWAY SEAT I HAD TO CAPTURE SOME REAL STREET STYLE

 THESE WERE THE FIRST YOUNG LADIES I HAD SEEN WITH A STYLE ALL THEIR OWN WHICH I HAVE IRONICALLY FOUND TO BE A RARITY IN THE DALLAS AREA- GO FIGURE!!

 I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED A CUTE PEPLUM TOP- ITS GREAT FOR CONCEALING THOSE SELF CONSCIOUS AREAS THAT ALL WE LADIES HAVE...PLUS I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PAIR OF ELECTRIC BLUE JEANS THAT FIT ME ALL SEASON LONG!!

 TED BAKER LONDON PRESENTS "THE GREAT GATSBY 2012"

  MACY'S PRESENTS "2O'S LUXE WITH MODERN MIX"

  DILLARD'S PRESENTS "SIRENS AND SIRS OF THE SILVER SCREEN"

PINTO PRESENTS "TEXAS TAKES OVER FNO"

 DELICIOUS CAKE BALLS FROM BREAD WINNERS

- l to r- Strawberry, Chocolate, Red Velvet, Birthday and there was a lemon that just kept disappearing :)

 

THE LADIES :)

 THE DRINKS OF COURSE

THE FASHION GIRL NEVER FORGETS- HER PHONE, CLUTCH, MAG AND A MARTINI

 

THE CHOCOLATE DALLAS COWBOY HIMSELF- DEZ BRYANT

All in all I had a blast at my first "FASHION NIGHT OUT" in Dallas. We even got some deliciously cute cake balls complimentary of BREAD WINNERS BAKERY and ended our night at Reverse Happy Hour inside Kona Grill where we ran into the Dallas Cowboys very own chocolate cowboy himself Dez Bryant and enjoyed Raspberry Crush Martinis and sushi

This is your favorite fashionista waving au'revoir to all my Austin family back home and check me next time as I bring you my recap of NYFW and the Roberto Cavalli Red Carpet Dress Exhibit

Signed,

 Domo

 " I don't think Dallas is ready for this Diva and neither was Fashion Night Out"

 DeVeReaux

......WITH THE PUMPED UP KICKS

We all know that fashion just like history repeats itself in every aspect....so I'm not surprised by the resurgence and revival of the classic pointed toe pump....its versatility in hues, textures and prints and functional ability to make any pair legs look longer and leaner whether you are a gorgeous glamazon with gams for days like your gal-DeVeReaux or perfectly petite standing a fabulous 5'0 tall...this style of footwear has the ability to transform any lackluster look into one you love. These are sure to please when placed with tapered, cigarette, pipe or skinny leg denim, the perfect pencil or midi skirt or simplistic sheath dress. Gone are the days where your purse and pumps have to perfectly match. Play with complementary or contrasting colors, pair nude pumps and a camel bag or vice versa...try cobalt blue and emerald green... Remember that footwear is worth the the splurge so don't buy your pointed pumps from the same place in which you purchase your hair...yall know who I'm talking to- so check out a few of my favorite pair

Manolo Blahnik, Boutique 9, Christian Louboutin, Dolce and Gabbana, Boutique 9

(Right to Left)

 

And of course KING BEE- is always on trend

Whatever way you choose to wear or rock these pumped up kicks, cute or casual- remember that EXECUTION IS KEY...

Signed Domo "You Damn Right I'm one of KIDS with the Pumped Up Kicks" DeVeReaux

THE 2012 KENTUCKY DERBY

Now we all know I'm a girl from the South with an affection for all things BIG- big hair and even bigger hats and the Kentucky Derby celebrates just that....an annual event held the world over (well in just Kentucky)- it brings out masses of wonderfully tailed men and women wearing the most whimisical of hats custom made for their crowns. From original and ornate to simplistically chic- this affair is viewed by some as ostentatious but a diva like me can only appreciate the over the top flair of it all...Moet & Chandon and Mint Juleps flowing, Veuve Clicquot pouring, dapper dans dipping in on the bets for the best Derby horse while smoking only the cigars sipping on Woodford Reserve Bourbon and checking out the finest and most feminine of "flowers"- who all came out for an afternoon of beautiful weather and even more beautiful people...now that is my kind of kickback soiree...check out this year's fashion's and affair tidbits and tell me what you think...

The 2012 Kentucky Derby

 

 

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How to Make a Mint Julep

 

 

4 fresh mint sprigs

2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.

Signed,

Domo "I'm determined to  to the Derby before I die Damnit" DeVeReaux