Just My Thought..."I AM THE NEW BLACK"

"AS FASHION WEEK IN NYC APPROACHES, I REFLECT BACK ON THE TIME DURING THE LATE '80'S AND EARLY '90'S WHEN THEIR WAS A STRONG PRESENCE OF BLACK FACES LIKE NAOMI, TYRA, VERONICA WEBB, ROSHUMBA, IMAN, BEVERLY JOHNSON , JASON OLIVE, TYSON AND SOOOOOO MANY MORE. BACK THEN WE RULED THE RUNWAY. NOW WE ONLY SEE A COUPLE MINORITIES SPRINKLED ABOUT ON THE RUNWAYS AND PAGES OF FASHION MAGAZINES. I WAS SITTING HERE WONDERING WHY DO "COLORED" MODELS GET SO PUMPED UP ABOUT FASHION WEEK WHEN ONLY A SELECT FEW WILL ACTUALLY GET BOOKED FOR A SHOW. AND ASIAN MODELS ARE IN A WORST PREDICAMENT.THINGS NEED TO CHANGE......WE MAKE UP MORE THAN 58% OF HIGH FASHION PURCHASES BUT WE ARE HARDLY REFLECTED IN THEIR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS AND ON THEIR RUNWAYS. I'M TIRED OF PEOPLE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TOO MANY "COLORED" PEOPLE IN MY PORTFOLIO AND THAT I WON'T MAKE MONEY WITH SUCH STRONG BLACK PRESENCE IN MY WORK. I DON'T LIKE FEELING THE PRESSURE OF ERASING THE BLACK FACES FROM MY PORTFOLIO. WHEN I GO TO THE AGENCIES I AM ENCOURAGED AND PUSHED TO CHOOSE THE WHITE MODELS WHILE THE BLACK, HISPANIC AND ASIAN MODELS ARE OVER LOOKED. I AM A TALENTED ARTIST AND I FEEL LIKE IT SHOULDN'T MATTER WHAT COLOR THE MODEL IS IN MY WORK AS LONG AS THE WORK IS GOOD.THIS IS BIGGER THAN NY FASHION WEEK...THIS ULTIMATELY AFFECTS CHANGE FOR ALL OF US.THE FIRST STEP IS TO SAY SOMETHING....OPRAH WINFREY ONCE SAID ON HER SHOW THAT THE ONLY WAY THINGS WILL REALLY CHANGE IS WHEN PEOPLE WANT THEM TO. AS LONG AS WE DON'T SAY NOTHING ALL WE CAN CONTINUE TO EXPECT IS CRUMBS.....AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO FEELS LIKE THIS? I HOPE NOT.....WE SHALL SEE..." Tarrice Love (NYC Fashion Photograher)

September...The Fashion Month

September is here, and if you know fashion like I know fashion, then you would know that this month is The Fashion Month. So for the month of September The Mauve Society will focus on all the runway trends from NY Fashion Week and more. Please check back for current updates, because this month will be very sporadic with our postings. But of course I will still send you all notifications for anything new posted on the blog! For today...enjoy a posting that I received from a NY Fashion photographer in the "Just My Thought..." section.

Yes...She Also Speaks!!!

Alek Wek, one of the most notable supermodels, is using her voice to speak out about her life as a model. More importantly, she speaks about the crisis that has plagued her birth country Sudan, in her new book entitled, "Alek Wek: From the Streets of the Sudan to the Runways of Milan & New York". Born the seventh of nine children in Wau, Sudan; Alek Wek and her family were thrust into a ruthless civil war that killed nearly 2 million people. The book takes an in depth look into this country's crisis of refugees and the horrors she faced growing up. This is an impeccable story detailing her flee from the war, on foot, and escaping to London only to become the next African American supermodel. "Alek Wek" gives an inside look into the life of a unique supermodel and showcases the rise of a young model to supermodel who was most notable because of her non-European looks.

If you are a die hard fashion fan, I would suggest this book to read because, not only does it give you a glimpse into the fashion world, it also serves as an eye opener by teaching us on the history of the Sudanese conflict, and raises awareness about refugees.

The book is scheduled for release on August 28, 2007 and you can find it at all of your major book retailers.

Alek Wek has been modeling for over 10 years and I believe she, like many others have made a lasting impression on the fashion world. She has a handbag collection, "Wek 1933" and is also an active member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees' Advisory Council.

Look for our Alek Wek spread in our "M-M-M Good" Section, as she has been chosen as our Mauve Model of the Month September!

Just My Thought..."Vintage MCM"

I've actually been seeing many MCM logo bags on ladies' arms lately. I particularly think that this is a fashion don't do. I just think that when this brand was out in its prime it was only worn and highlighted by the ghetto fab. I understand bringing in the old school Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel...but the MCM? I'm not fond of that. To me its just tacky to wear that brand now. Hmm...maybe if it was an MCM bag without the logo, that probably would be more chic and distinguished, but the logo bag...its just tasteless. I get the whole "vintage" thing...but in this case this is a brand that should be left in its coffin!...Just my thought- Kristie Shaw Tampa, FL

What Lies Beneath

When discussing fashion, it seems that what quickly comes across a person's mind is clothing, jewelry, and/or accessories. A corner that is very seldom overlooked in the fashion industry is Lingerie. There are very few fashion designers whose focus is on what lies beneath. Believe it or not...fashion goes way beyond the blouse, skirt, and pumps you decide to wear each day. It is to my knowledge that men go crazy over a women who takes part in matching their bras with their panties :-) But it goes beyond that ladies...it is well known that Victoria Secret is the leading lingerie seller amongst all, but they are indeed a little too commercial. Then there is the ever so "riskay" Frederick's of Hollywood...whose whips and chains may scare many housewives away! If you search and look closely you will find a point between the "too commercial" and the "too riskay", in which fashion is noted as the forefront for lingerie. Yes, my dears...I am talking of the well sought after, fashionable lingerie line, Agent Provocateur. Founded in 1994 by husband and wife duo, Joseph Corre and Serena Rees, this line of edgy, sexy, and couture style "undies" have men drooling after their wives, mistresses, and girlfriends all alike. This duo has managed to deliver "high quality designer lingerie with a creative flair to stimulate, enchant, and arouse both wearers and their partners". They have established a lingerie line where prudence is of no character and seduction is of high magnitude. They have created an environment where taste, sensualism, and fashion intertwine. For over ten years they have established a brand through cinema advertising, celebrity endorsements, and much more. Their celebrity endorsements include pop star Kylie Minogue in 2001 and Supermodel Kate Moss in 2006. Their current campaign, which has not been released, will be endorsed by Maggie Gylllenhaal. AP has gone on to create other products such as jewelry, shoes, books, and fragrances to expand on their name. They have been deemed the "only true credible lingerie brand on the fashion map." Agent Provocateur has stores in thirteen countries and offers online shopping. Visit their latest catalogue at http://www.agentprovocateur.com/

Just My Thought...

Hello to the Mauve…I have added a new section to the blog entitled “Just My Thought”. This section is an opinionated section, where I basically rant and/or rave about topics related to fashion, luxury, and lifestyle. Now what makes this section so fun is that I will allow the readers of The Mauve Society to rant and/or rave about topics they choose to discuss within the fashion, luxury, and lifestyle fields. If you are interested, just send me an email to madam.shai@gmail.com with your thoughts, including your “name” and location, and I will feature you in the next submission of “Just My Thought”. This section will be posted every Friday. Please do note that I will be selecting each submission based on clarity and relevance to the blog’s related fields. Have fun…share your thoughts…interact!

"AFRICHIC"

Africa, a place I like to call home, is making more of a presence in the fashion industry. With the help of different organizations pushing to bring African designers to the center stage...it won't be long until many African designers become mainstream. Everyone... lets give a warm welcome to Runway Africa, an organization created to showcase African designers and place them into the global market. The creators of Runway Africa are "inspired by the urbanity of African textiles, fashions, and designs". They basically provide a "home" to African fashion designers from around the world, and give them a place to reveal their creations. While still standing behind African couture designs, they reach into the lives of others by supporting different non-profit organizations. This year Runway Africa will host their fashion show on September 15, 2007 at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. The designers include:

• Ruby (South Africa)
• Sika (Ghana)
• Bezeymailan & Togo (Russian, Vietnam, & French influences)
• Blokes N'Divas (Nigeria)
• Harriet's Alter Ego (Nigeria)

Their guest/featured model is Miss Universe Ghana, Angela Asare, the 21 year old who won Miss Congeniality at the Miss Universe 2006 competition.

This year they have chose to support "Keep A Child Alive" as their non-profit organization.

If you are in the Washington D.C. area during that time, make sure you purchase a ticket to the fashion show, tickets are $25 for regular admission. For more details on their future projects and events, log on to http://www.runwayafrica.com/.

Please also visit... http://www.keepachildalive.com/

"We're Off To See The Wizard..."

For a brief moment you close your eyes. The scene is pitch black. You open your ears to the sound of loud thumps beating against your ear drums; in which brings you to the thought of techno music. Out of the pitch black scene a neon green laser light is reflecting sporadically through the open space...The techno music continues to grind into your ears...and as you open your eyes...you immediately believe that you have warped into another world, where bold, bright colors are infused with mixed prints, leather, and elaborate make-up. You awaken from this fantasy only to realize that you are sitting front row at a Heatherette fashion show. Heatherette is a fashion company and design house, created by Traver Rains and Richie Rich. The development of this futuristic, flirty, and fun clothing company began in late 1999, where they constructed custom made t-shirts on their living room floor. The pair quickly rose to fame when a buyer for Patricia Fields ordered twenty of their signature shirts, on the spot. From that point on there was nothing but good news for Heatherette. As seen on many celebrities that include Gwen Stefani, Mya, Kelis, Pink, Paris Hilton, and Aubrey O'Day, Heatherette has become the epitome of fashion "pop". It is often said that clothes should be a reflection of who you are...and those who wear Heatherette can be classified as people who are unique, life-loving, eccentric, and exude a bright and kooky spirit. There fashion puts you in a psychedelic mind frame...bringing a cartoon-like atmosphere to your wardrobe. Their pieces are fun and playful, and will shine a light on everyones' spirit. Heatherette's Fall 2007 show reflected a deconstructed/reconstructed feel, as they pieced together scenes from the favorable movie, "The Wizard of Oz". They entitled the show, "Over The Rainbow", which in turn gave them much critical acclaim. The clothes showcased bright colors and gave an appeal to those yet to be jaded by reality.

This design house duo are also very active in charitable causes...some include: Hetrick Martin Institute Lower East Side Girls Club Operation Smile Youth Aide Designers for Darfur MAC Viva Glam Campaign You can find Heatherette in some of the major department stores...they also have a website coming soon (I'll give you an update as to when it will be launched). As for now check out their Myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/heatherette

BACK WITH A BANG!!

Today the bang is in, or as the British would like to call it, "the fringe"! Wear it messy and curly or tame and straight. Try a fab short and choppy bang, a long sexy peekaboo, or jump right off the edge with a hip modern asymmetrical cut. Which ever way you choose to wear it...you'll definitely be aboard the "Trend Bus"! This hair look constantly cycles in and out of fashion, and throughout recent hair history bangs have been seen in large numbers on the fashion walkways.

Whether you call it a "fringe" or a "bang", this hairstyle has once again become popular with many of the top supermodels, fashionistas and celebrities, giving reference to the "anything goes" attitude relative in 2004's fashion trends. A basic blunt bang (which I am currently wearing) draws fantastic attention to your eyes. It adds instant drama and works well if you love to crank up your eye makeup. The blunt bang coupled with the right amount of makeup will produce big beautiful eyes. Blunt bangs are usually very flattering for face shapes like some heart shaped and inverted triangular face shapes that feature wide or full foreheads.

Models and celebrities alike are often captured on camera combining wild curly bangs with sleek, slicked back ponytails and braids or stick straight bangs with wild curly hair that flows to their shoulders. Here is a list of different bangs, provided with a brief description, that should be able to work for different face shapes:

Fringe Bangs-This type of bang is just a hint of bangs. They do not completely cover your forehead, just a subtle effect. They work to soften a hair style, draw attention away from high foreheads or other facial features.

Choppy Bangs-This type of bangs is very popular. The hair is very choppy, meaning not a straight or even angled line. Choppy bangs can range between short and long lengths. They are not a full bang, but add visual lines that can help accentuate your facial features.

Straight Bangs-This type of bang is cut straight across the forehead, with no angles whatsoever. It can be cut to medium length bangs and even very short bangs. This type of bang is also great to broaden a narrow face shape.

Long Bangs-- We named these the eyebrow bangs because they are long, full and right at or below the eyebrow. The long bang is sometimes worn very long and practically covers the eyes. This type of bang is sometimes called the Seventies Sexy Bang, and it is best suited for face shapes that are narrow, heart or pear shaped.

In short, bangs is a very smart technique in hiding or accenuatuating certain features of the face. It can be useful in bringing out boldness in the eye or it can be used to conceal a large forehead. Whatever case you want to use it for, you will find that it is a playful yet seductive hairstyle that allows you to show off you womanly facial features. The bang is also a chic & warm hairstyle for the fall, so run to your hairstylist and get the bang for your buck!

Never be afraid to STRIP!!

On my most recent trip to Atlanta, I enjoyed all the wonderful things the city has to offer...and as a past resident of Atlanta I got a taste of some things old...and some things new. I enjoyed shopping, the nightlife...and most importantly...dining. Whenever I travel to different cities, it is very important to enjoy a wonderful dining experience. You know, it kind of makes the city worth its while if you know there are great places to eat and drink! Now, Atlanta is known for its rising entertainment/music industry; but behold members of the Mauve...Atlanta has a kept secret, its dining experiences! There are so many different restaurants that cater to so many different taste, whether it be American to Mediterranean to Thai...it offers everything! So... earlier this month when I was there, my friend and I were torn between which restaurant to dine at for dinner. She mentioned Strip, a steak and sushi restaurant located in the Atlantic Station district. The name caught my ear, and steak and sushi caught my taste buds, so I agreed. We walked up to a three story building illuminated by white and red lights. We walked in on cherry hard wood floors and a very delicate atmosphere...(very different for a steakhouse). They accommodated us with balcony seating that overlooked the city...it was unbelievable.

The menu was filled with much to choose from...a sushi menu/bar ready at your order...and steaks grilled to perfection. I myself had a combination of sushi and steak, their infamous "strip" steak, to be exact. It was marvelous! My dining experience at Strip was one of the best dining experiences to date. The location, the service, the seating, and never the least...the food!

Strip has been open since February of 2006, so it has more over a year of delivering great food service under its belt. Strip Steaks & Sushi is Atlanta's place to be when craving for style and substance. The first level seats as a normal restaurant layout, with large 12 foot windows that overlooks Atlantic Station's Central Park. The middle level – known playfully as the “MEAT MARKET,” has a 20-seat sushi bar with Atlanta’s most talented sushi chefs creating sumptuous delights. Strip also hosts an in-house DJ that plays music, which allows their guest to go on the dance floor for a spin. The rooftop deck overlooks the city skyline and calls for an intimate setting.

Meet your friends after work on the rooftop to see and be ‘scene’ at Atlanta’s hottest place to "MEAT, DRINK and EAT!"