inCOLOR TV visits London Alternative Fashion Week and interviews three talented young designers.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this week’s Designer Spotlight featuring Anitra Michelle of the fabulous line PLUTOCRACY. Check out the BEPLUTOCRACY video below which premiered during her Fashion Week presentation:

Calling all artists and art lovers! Please join the arts & media innovators at inCOLOR for a night of art, fashion and music. Mingle with fellow movers and shakers in the art industry and swap ideas with the fashionista next to you. Get to know a little more about the creative minds in your local community and show off your own artistic finesse too!

Live and inCOLOR presents F.P.P.O. will take place on Jan. 28, 2010 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at TAG Galleries, located at 732 S. Broadway. Come out and network with the newest generation of artists: generation you.

Featured artist of the night Terry Plater is a Baltimore-based artist and graphic designer known for his cool, up-and-coming T-shirt line Fresh Toppings. Plater was one of the first local designers to be displayed at the downtown Di[ɘ]ce Boutique , located on 1211 S. Charles Street, and was previously featured on inCOLOR. Some lucky winners will also walk away looking fresh with an exclusive inCOLOR + Fresh Toppings T-shirt giveaway!

TAG Galleries was developed with the goal of bringing together the top artists of the current generation and connecting them with a larger market of people seeking unique expression, and they’re teaming up with inCOLOR for one night only! This event is the first in a series of publishing events inCOLOR will be holding in 2010, designed specifically with the modern artist, designer, musician and photographer in mind.

Stay Live and inCOLOR to know the who, what and where of what’s happening within the art community. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/in_COLOR and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/LiveandinCOLOR.

It is easy to forget that Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfield once was carrying a few extra pounds, especially when you consider his quotes concerning weight. A few months ago, for example, he proclaimed, “No one wants to see curvy women” in fashion, explaining that, “these are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly”. But fast forward a few months and he is shooting burlesque star Coco a Go Go in Chanel’s beautiful ateliers for V Magazine‘s highly anticipated plus-size issue. Fashion can be so forgiving.
And the icon isn’t alone! Joining in to support V Magazine‘s celebration of women of all shapes are the likes of photographer Terry Richardson, famous plus-size models Crystal Renn and Mia Tyler, and stylist Nicola Formichetti. Known for its edgy editorials, V Magazine‘s issue, which hits stands on the Jan. 14, sees curvy women in body-conscious dresses, skinny jeans and waist-hugging T-shirts. The issue features two covers: one with “Precious” sGabourey Sidibe and the other with size-zero actress Dakota Fanning. Highlights include editorials of lean model Jacquelyn Jablonski in the same fashions as plus-size model Renn. Creative director Stephen Gan says of the venture, “Big, little, pint-size, plus-size — every body is beautiful. And this issue is out to prove it.“

Visit V Magazine online to see images from the spreads One Size Fits All + Curves Ahead.

These days one would think that someone appearing in blackface is without a doubt a taboo but apparently not in France.  In French Vogue’s October Issue model Lara Stone appeared in blackface which, understandably, ruffled a few feathers.  This matter may seem fleeting or minor to some but it resonates with many black women who are in the process of finding their identities in a wide society that holds narrow views on beauty.  French Vogue probably had no intension of initiating racial controversy.  However, simply blaming their lack of sensitivity and commonsense would be letting them off too easy.

As an open-minded individual who respects artistry and creativity in all forms I would have liked to give them the benefit of the doubt but I began wondering if that would be in vain.  As Americans living in a diverse country we are more privy to racial taboos—but the French are not off the hook yet.  France, just like America, has history involving slavery and, although not as prevalent as in the U.S., blackface’s iconography.  Therefore, French Vogue cannot use ignorance as an excuse.  There are those that may argue that the spread was a far cry from racist because the images do not visually perpetuate black stereotypes (i.e. laziness) but that reasoning is in itself lazy; racism does not necessarily have to be blatant.  French Vogue’s intentions may have been admirable in the artistic world but they have to understand that their audience is more diverse and, unfortunately for them, more perceptive than they think. 

There are many gorgeous black models that could have done a great job yet American photographer Steven Klein, perhaps trying for an avant-garde approach, used a white model to portray a black woman.  These images may be discouraging and rightfully so; historically, African-American women have had to struggle with appreciating their unique beauty in an environment where it’s encouraged to assimilate to the prescribed mold.  It would have been one thing if the spread included a black model portraying a white woman—therefore negating any racist connotation—but they chose not to.

Racism and, in this case, lack of sensitivity will most likely continue to exist but it is our job to point these instances out and act accordingly.  As long as we continue to embrace our beauty and uniqueness the ignorance of others will fail to distort the way we perceive ourselves. 

(Photo credit: Uniqlo)
The collaboration between Jil Sander and Uniqlo had been the talk of the town for months. Finally the line, +J, hit Uniqlo’s SoHo store in New York exactly half a month ago on October 1. Since the crazy crowds on the first few days were too much for me to handle, I waited til the mania cooled down last week and walked in the store one night to see exactly what kind of future +J has brought. Situated in the middle of the store on the first floor, the collection was surrounded by floor-to-ceiling white sheets. The garments were very typical of Jil Sander: shades of black, white, gray, navy blue, and deep purple; simple cutting; minimal design; quality fabric. Now, the reactions to +J have been very different. Some think it’s boring, cliché, monotonous. Others, like myself, think it’s probably what Sander and Uniqlo had intended — to produce a collection that is classic, timeless, and everlasting. If you want something chic, trendy, and fashionable, +J would most likely disappoint you. If you are looking for something that doesn’t go out of style even after ten years, then yes, the future is here, right now, with +J.

While there are notably more fashion options for women, men should not feel left out. The following guide to men’s style will cover everything from closet essentials to dressing like filet mignon on a Hamburger Helper budget.   

According to an article by business etiquette expert Lydia Ramsey, “When you meet someone face-to-face, 93 percent of how you are judged is based on nonverbal data: your appearance and your body language.” In other words, you can be the most dynamic guy in the room, but no one will assume that if you do not express that through your appearance. To many guys, clothes are nothing more than fabric to put on thier back because of the “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rule that governs many public places. However, it is important to realize that clothing and personal style is a great way for an individual to communicate their identity. While there are notably more fashion options for women, men should not feel left out. The following guide to men’s style will cover everything from closet essentials to dressing like filet mignon on a Hamburger Helper budget.

Closet Essentials

Every man should own a good pair of jeans. Jeans may not be the most expensive item in a man’s closet, but they will prove to be the most versatile. Jeans can be dressed up to wear on a date or dressed down to work around the house. In the case of jeans, it is better to look for more classic cuts than trendy styles. Good jean choices are straight leg jeans, as well as boot cut jeans, which are slightly flared at the bottom. Buying jeans that are slightly longer will allow you to make alternations if they shrink. When trying jeans on, make sure they work with your everyday life. Can they fit your wallet and keys? Are they comfortable and not too tight? Do the belt loops hold your belt properly?

Khakis are another closet essential because you can’t always wear jeans. When you are purchasing khakis, look for a softer cotton fabric and a darker color for maximum adaptability.

Not every guy works in an office, like the characters in Mad Men, where suits are the clothing of choice, but it is important for everyman to own a dark solid suit. Yes, a dark solid suit. Not a purple suit with rhinestones or pink with a matching bandana. The look we’re going for is classic. If you only have one suit, make sure that it’s versatile enough to wear to different events, such as a wedding or a job interview. Be sure to get it tailored so it fits you perfectly because you do not want to look like a little boy trying on daddy’s suit. 

In addition to the suit, get a tie that complements it. It was stated earlier that clothing can communicate identity, but remember clothing should not be a substitute for personality. We’ve all had that teacher who wore ties with cartoon characters or cute little pictures on it. Don’t be that guy. You do not need to show that you are funny through your ties. If you are afraid of tie patterns, choose a small print or a solid color. Also, don’t be afraid to wear suit pieces individually. Try a suit jacket with a pair of dark wash denim or the pants with a nice button-down shirt.

Speaking of button-down shirts, they are another closet essential. They can be worn over T-shirts or under a suit jacket. Button-down shirts also can be worn underneath V-neck sweaters, which are another closet essential.

Now that we’ve got some closet essentials out of the way, let’s turn our focus to styling outfits.

First, every outfit should begin with a good pair of shoes. There’s an adage that says you can learn a lot about how a guy will treat his partner by the way he treats his shoes. We know that every guy who lives inCOLOR takes good care of his shoes, right? When choosing an outfit, work from the ground up by selecting your shoes, then pants, shirt, et cetera.

Try choosing a personal style icon and use him as inspiration for your looks. No, this is not weird, unless you begin to create a shrine to him in your closet; until then, read magazines and blogs for inspiration. If you like Pharrell William’s style, then find ways to incorporate it into your style. Remember, there is a difference between being inspired and copying, so don’t take it too far.

If you’re on a Hamburger Helper budget, you don’t have to focus on wearing logos and brands. Real businessmen don’t advertise something unless they are being paid to do so. Don’t feel the need to walk around wearing a shirt with a logo on it because you think it’s cool, that is, unless they are sponsoring you. Leave labels on the inside of the clothing, not on the outside. Plus, you shouldn’t wear Billionaire Boys Club on a Hamburger Helper budget anyway because it’s false advertising.

Fashion Trends 2009
To get some style inspiration and the scoop on trends for men, check out the following sites:

Men’s Style

Men’s Flair

The Fashionisto

Complex Magazine

Swipe Life

Where to Shop

There are so many options for men to shop, depending on their style, but below is a list of places that carry good pieces and can work with almost any budget:

The Gap : Good for basics, such as jeans, khakis, and sweaters.

Urban Outfitters : Good for trendier pieces.

Macys : Department stores offer a mixture of classic and trendier pieces.

Marshalls : Off-price stores offer high style for a low budget. However, clothes are not available online, so search for a store near you.

Don’t be afraid to try thrift stores or consignment shops. If you’re in the Greater Boston Area, check out Rescue.

Ricki-L is hosting a launch party Wednesday, Sept. 30 to celebrate the grand opening of its upscale gallery in Montclair, NJ. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., designer Erica “Ricki” Levine will be on hand to meet with media and welcome guests.

Erica Levine established the Ricki-L collection in 2004. Her scultptural jewelry collection uses a combination of gemstone-quality faceted stones and rough-cut stones to create each one-of-a-kind look.

For one night only, there will be 20% off any purchase made at the opening event. Come out to Montclair and celebrate Ricki-L’s fabulous gallery opening. The Ricki-L gallery will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also by appointment.

New York may be the mecca of fashion stateside, but fashionistas know better than to leave Boston out of the mix. During Fashion Night Out on Sept. 10, 2009, several stores in the Boston area kept there doors open later so Bostonistas could shop the night away.

The goal of Fashion Night Out was to celebrate fashion globally and boost industry sales. Since Newbury Street is the epicenter of fashion in Boston, several stores that call Newbury Street home, such as DKNY, Cartier, Agent Provacateur, and Neiman Marcus, stayed open later than usual in observance of Fashion Night Out. When asked why her store participated in the event, DKNY assistant manager Alexandra Wachtel stated, “It’s an important night in the fashion world. We are welcoming customers and telling them about our brand.“ Though Boston’s streets weren’t as filled with glitterati and celebrities as New York City, the night proved to still be a classy affair as most stores offered customers champagne and sweet treats as they shopped.

During the same night, Cole Haan celebrated their new collection designed by tennis star Maria Sharapova with a party at their Newbury Street location.

For more Boston fashion, clear your calendars to attend events during Boston Fashion Week, held Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 2009. Check out the Boston Fashion Week Web site for more information about shows and events here.

It’s almost that time of the year again. Leafs change colors, the hours fall back, and mostly eager students head back to college campuses nationwide. Most students tend to over-pack for school using the usual, “well you never know what will happen” phrase as reason enough to pack everything they own (including that beloved baby blanket) to school. College can be an exciting time in a person’s life, but on a weekly basis things can get repetitive. Here are some examples of occasions that will always occur at some point during a college fashionista’s experience. Thank us later.

Television and movies typically portray college life as all-out crazy parties where sorority sisters hook-up with fraternity brothers waiting for their turn at the keg stand. However, many college students do not participate in these made for television moments because they are too busy studying. Yes, studying. Remember that the point of going to college is to get an education, so some learning is involved. According to the Center for Teaching and Learning, most universities recommend that students spend two hours studying for every one hour of class time. For all you mathletes, this adds up to about 30 hours per week. If you are going to spend 30 hours a week in the library studying, you should dress comfortably. Before you dust off those hideous Ugg boots from 2003 and tuck them into your pajama pants, try this other comfy yet stylish option:

Studying Outfit
- “Purdue Classic Pant” : Victoria’s Secret Pink Collection, $44.50
-“Converse All Star Lo-Grey” : Journeys Shoes, $49.99
-“Scroll Burnout Hoodie in Golden Sun” : Delias, $39.50
-“Junior Mossimo Supply Pocket V-neck tee in True White” : Target, $8.00

So, you’ve studied 30 hours for that 8 a.m. chemistry exam and after getting less than the necessary eight hours of beauty sleep, you wake up at 7:45 a.m/ because your alarm clock didn’t go off. You have 15 minutes to get ready and you don’t know what to wear. Though that outfit you wore to the library is oh so comfy, everyone in your class saw you wear it already. Don’t do that to yourself. Quick! Jump into that shower and then put this outfit on:

Class Outfit
-“Basic Leggings in Charcoal” : Forever21, $4.50
-“Anna Plaid Dress” : Delias, $44.50
-“Audra Flats in Black” : Bakers, $39.99
-“Perlina Zebra Printed Tote with Metallic in Black” : Target, $42.49

Okay, so you’ve finished the test and are left a little light headed and worried that you should’ve kept your initial answer to question three instead of changing it at the last minute. The test is over and there is nothing else you can but go to your dorm room and sleep. You better wake up by 7 p.m. because you have to eat before you go out tonight. It’s Friday night and the feeling’s right. Time to party! Real college fashionistas try to avoid parties that include keg stands. Getting the smell of beer out of a chiffon blouse is no easy task. College fashionistas love to “Just Dance,“ as Lady Gaga would say. Dance the night away in this fashion-forward ensemble:

Party Outfit
-“Brandy Woven Top in Black and Royal Blue” : Forever21, $17.80
-“Knit Motorcycle Jacket in Black” : Charlotte Russe, $24.99
-“Chinese Laundry Bow Cross Body Bag in Black” : Journeys Shoes, $40.00
-“Distress Liquid Matte Leggings in Black” : Forever21, $17.80
-“Chinese Laundry ‘Top’ Boots in Black” : Chinese Laundry, $79.99

It’s Monday evening and you just received a call from Greg, that cute guy you danced with on Friday. Greg just asked you to go on a dinner date with him on Thursday and you excitedly said yes. Now you have second thoughts in your head because you may have seemed too eager. Don’t worry, you weren’t because Greg would’ve called you earlier but he too didn’t want to seem too eager either. College fashionistas shouldn’t play cat-and-mouse games. If they want to go on a date, then they will go on a date. Whether you are looking at a Dollar Menu or a French menu, always dress your best. However, if it is a Dollar Menu then remember that not all first dates lead to second dates. It’s your choice.

Dinner Date Outfit
-“Trapeze Tunic with Sash in Black and Taupe” : Forever21, $29.80
-“Scarf Hobo Bag in Black” : Journeys Shoes, $40.00
-“Tavie Platform Closed Toe Pump in Black” : Bakers, $79.99
-“I ‘Heart’ Ronson Skinny Pant” : JCPenney, $29.99

College life is usually a balance of work and play. In college you a given two options. You either pay now and play later or play now and pay later. In other words, remember that studying is the main priority, so being focused now you’ll be able to cut loose later on in life. Every college student should graduate with completing at least one internship. Internships are great opportunities because they give student real-life experiences that can help them determine if they are really interested in a career in their major. Internships can be either paid or unpaidl some offer class credit as compensation. Whether she is making money or not, every college fashionista knows that she has to dress for success. Though every internship may have its own specific dress code, the outfit below can work for internships in fields such as business and politics:

Office Internship Outfit
-“AB Studio Sheath Dress in Black” : Kohls, $32.99
-“Plaid Trim Cardigan in Black and Orange” : Forever21, $28.00
-“Contrast Colored Skinny Belt in Gold and Black” : Forever21, $6.80
-“Naturalizer Bohemia in Black” : Piperlime, $79.99

What do Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin have in common?

They both make amazingly beautiful heels that every woman wants but most cannot afford. Some women can walk on heels as easy as they do sneakers while others wobble, sputter around and sometimes trip.  Last year, New York City was home to a 150-yard dash where 500 hundred women sprinted across Central Park in their stilettos. The winner of the race went home $25,000 and an assumed desire for a good foot rub.

It is common knowledge that wearing heels is great when you want to look leaner or taller, but how much pain are women really sacrificing for beauty?

Heels may be easy enough for some women to wear for a 150-yard dash, but they are truly impractical when climbing multiple flights of stairs or chasing errant children around the house.  According to a study by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 39 percent of women wear high heels every day. Within that group, three out of four of them admit that they have a shoe-related foot problem. Spring 2009 runway shows featured many pairs of painfully high heels, such as this pair of Dior Fertility Goddess Heels:

Recently, when asked about designer towering infernos, Vogue Editor at Large Andre Leon Talley commented, “I, for one, am over the mania for the high, high heel. Too many career women look like a herd of fashion beasts, aping one another in impractical shoes.”

Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” And she was right. According to doctors, women now owe him for their blisters, lower back pain, ankle sprains, corns, Achilles tendonitis, and decreasing bank accounts.

While high heels look sexy and are great for a night on the town or a fancy date, try these other more comfortable options for the summer. Your feet and body will thank you!

                                         
Flats are great for racing to catch buses, and running after errant children. Wear these J. Crew stunners during the day and break out your heels to dance the night (and feeling in your feet) away!

                                     
Wedges offer height, comfort, and arch support. And, who can deny the beauty of the embroidery on this shoe by Tracy Reese for Keds?

                                     
If you insist on wearing a heel, then try one with a platform. This pump from Michael by Michael Kors will offer you the height of a heel but with more comfort. Remember, the only corns you need should be on a plate not your feet.

Sometimes good things come in three’s. In this case it’s Anna Sui, Gossip Girl and Target. That’s right, famed bohemian-chic designer has created a new line for Target. This line, inspired by every fashionistas favorite guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl is set to hit Target stores nationwide in September.

Today I was watching the America’s Next Top Model marathon on Oxygen and repeatedly kept thinking to myself, “doesn’t Allison look exactly like a Blythe doll?” Her eyes are very wide and doe-like which you can either hate or love. I’m interested to see who wins during the season finale this Wednesday.

In most professions females make only 77% of what males make. However, in the fashion industry, female models make much more than their male counterparts. While there are numerous recognized female supermodels there are only about five recognized male supermodel icons. This season’s Make Me a Supermodel has a lot of potential to create some new familiar faces. My money is for Jonathon from England and Sandhurst from Trinidad and Tobago to make it to the final three.

As much as I adore the plaid shirt trend going on, it’s getting too much for me. I once went to a party where I saw four girls where the same red checkered shirt I planned to wear that night. I’ll still wear them because I really like them, but can this trend stop so I won’t look like a clone?

Lil Wayne’s rock album Rebirth has been pushed back again. This is definitely not a good sign of what’s to come. The first track Prom Queen left me with questions at first but now I’m almost getting used to it, although the video is hideously cliché. Now, I just have to decipher what he’s saying.

Justin Timberlake is really making his mark in the fashion world. I would have never guessed he would be chosen as co-chair for recently held Costume Institute Gala in New York. He is a jack of all trades; music, fashion, and acting. His time as host of Saturday Night Live last week was hilarious. Though most of his skits were revamped versions of skits he did on previous shows, they were still funny. Especially his team-up with Adam Samberg for, “Motherlover” which is soon to be a YouTube favorite.