RIP THE RUNWAY VIEWING PARTY

Rip the Runway hosts Mehcad Brooks and Selita Ebanks

Last night I attended a viewing party for BET's Rip the Runway at Katra Lounge.  The annual runway show combines the latest in fashion with some of the hottest musical talent.  This year designs by Rachel Roy, WISB, Tennille White, Man vs. Machine, LaQuan Smith, and Lila Nikole graced the stage with performances by Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Melanie Fiona and more.

But back to the party.  Surrounded by models from the show, I was able to watch it all unfold on the big screen while sipping on cocktails from Fragoli and nibbling mini cupcakes from Tonnie's in Harlem.  Even though the crowd was a bit noisy, everyone was enthusiastic to watch the show at times cheering like it was a football game.  Overall it was a good way to end an otherwise dreary Monday night.

Aminah Benjamin, casting director for Rip the Runway and LaureLuxe designer Laurel DeWitt

Cupcakes by Tonnie's

Two ladies in one of this season's hottest trends: sparkly metallic dresses

LOOK WE LOVE: GARCELLE BEAUVAIS

photo courtesy of instyle.com

Garcelle Beauvais showed up to an event at Intermix wearing one of the key trends for Spring- bright colors.  She paired this bright red maxi skirt from Rag and Bone with a white cami and cropped denim jacket for a casual yet chic look.  The actress chose neutral accessories to complete her look.  This look is perfect for a day on the town or a night out with the girls.

ANOTHER ALL BLACK EDITORIAL ON THE PAGES OF VOGUE

It seems that US Vogue is following in the footsteps of it's Italian namesake by publishing an editorial featuring only black models in it's March edition.  The 10 page spread, entitled "The Life Rhapsodic" features models Ajak Deng, Anais Mali, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Arlenis Sosa, and Joan Smalls with various black artists in looks from the Spring runways.


I first reported on the all-black fashion editorial in Italian Vogue here and now that American Vogue has come out with its own version, it seems like a cheap ripoff.  Italian Vogue has done this twice and now it seems that US Vogue is jumping on the bandwagon, recycling the same models used in the earlier spread.  Although we should be celebrating seeing more diversity on the pages of Vogue magazine, I don't think this was done the right way.  You be the judge.

PARIS FASHION WEEK FALL 2011

Christian Dior

John Galliano, former creative director at Dior and fashion legend is out.  Fired just days before his runway presentation amidst allegations of an anti-semitic rant at a cafe in Paris, it was obvious that Galliano would not be present during Paris Fashion Week.  But the show must go on and indeed it did.  There was something for everyone from the deepest of purples and blues, to the palest pinks and yellows, to virginal white.  Floor skimming overcoats and bulky furs to tiny baby doll dresses and sheer fabrics graced the runway.  And for the hopeless romantic, a duo of dresses adorned with frills and bows were made to order.  The collection is a testament to the talent of the scandal-plagued designer whose future in fashion is as uncertain as who will replace him at Dior.

Lanvin

The show commenced with a Zorro moment complete with a black cape and wide brimmed hat paired with a thigh length skirt and bare legs.  Alber Elbaz, the creative force behind Lanvin, decided to play with proportions this season as evidenced by a black turtleneck dress, puffy up top yet form fitting below, and a beige showstopper with oversized sleeves and a cinched waist. The finale dresses came in bright, juicy colors and fun shapes sure to appease any body type. 

Viktor & Rolf

Spiky shoulders, scaly arms, and a shirt that resembled bat wings were all a part of the craziness that was the Viktor and Rolf show.  The model's faces were painted devil red adding to the  over the top presentation.  The looks seemed stiff and unwearable (i.e. a coat with two black pinwheels decorating the front and a raised collar suitable if you were a vampire but not for the everyday woman).  However there were a few frocks with dainty pleated skirts and an enlarged rose print covering the bodice that were very pleasing to the eye. 

photos courtesy of style.com