LOOK WE LOVE: VIOLA DAVIS

I came across this photo of Viola Davis in an LA Times editorial and it literally took my breath away.  If I didn't know better I would think this page was ripped from a high fashion magazine.  The two-time Oscar nominated thespian is draped in a stunning Marchesa creation with lace sleeves and organza flowers at the shoulders.  In the article the red-hot actress discussed her extensive career, being a Black actress in Hollywood, and that she's ready to start producing movies instead of starring in them. 

ASTONISH MAGAZINE LAUNCH PARTY AND FASHION SHOW BY PHUONG MY

To kick of New York Fashion Week I attended a launch party for ASTONISH magazine featuring a fashion show by Phuong My.  Staged on the top floor of the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Ave with views of the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, models swarmed the runway in Spring looks from the Vietnamese designer.  Oversized bows, ruching at the shoulders, and flower embellishments were all a part of this collection.  Phuong's finale dresses were unique with their accentuated waists channelling Marie Antoinette and the days of panniers and petticoats.

VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS COVER HAMPTONS MAGAZINE

New York is a city where people look for any excuse to throw a party.  So why not have a bash for the cover girls of the latest issue of Hamptons Magazine?  Tennis fashionistas Venus and Serena Williams were at RdV in the Meatpacking District celebrating just that and Estilo had to be there to see them close up before they were whisked away to VIP.  Serena showed her famous curves in a sexy black catsuit while Venus chose a short, flirty, kaleidoscope print number.  

FASHION IS ART IN VIRGINE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

It's hard to imagine a dress made entirely out of coke cans or a teddy bear skirt but in the premiere issue of Virgine Magazine these images have become reality.  In the editorial spread entitled All You Can Get, Photographer Ryan Yoon makes household items and various other objects fashionable by turning them into wearable works of art.  Of course this has been done before (check out these pics of garments made out of other unorthodox objects) but never in such a glamorous and arty way.

CELEBS IN STYLE: STUDDED LEATHER JACKETS

What's more classic than a tough leather jacket?  A staple in many wardrobes, this standard is being tricked out with studs.  Seen on Alicia Keys, Nicole Richie, and Teyana Taylor, studded jackets are one spring trend that won't be going away anytime soon.  

Nicole Richie dresses up a casual outfit with her Simone leather jacket

Alicia Keys, shown here with hubby Swizz Beatz, is not afraid of color in this cropped Catherine Malandrino creation

Teyana Taylor looks rocker chic in her Robin's Jean jacket paired with ripped jeans and open-toe stilettos

This favorite amongst celebs has also been spotted on the pages of Vogue and Elle magazine.  In the March issue of Vogue, model Arizona Muse rocks a Balmain studded lambskin jacket complete with zippers, safety pins, and metal stars.  It's a little too much for my taste.  But the Burberry Prorsum coat worn by actress Emma Roberts in Elle's April edition with its studded collar and spiky shoulders gave me goosebumps. For a cool $6,000 you can own one too.  

Arizona Muse in Balmain

Emma Roberts in Burberry Prorsum

MY OBSESSION: SASS AND BIDE MINI DRESS

The other day while I was surfing the net I came across this Sass and Bide one shoulder mini dress and I immediately fell in love.  What caught my eye was the exotic tribal print, sexy off the shoulder neckline, and a belt that cinches the waist and accentuates the figure.  If I could afford this dress (it cost a whopping $545) I would pair it with simple accessories: some gold bangles, dangly earrings, and a neutral bag, as well as a pair of nude pumps.  Here's how I would style it.

 

created using polyvore.com

Sass Bide one shoulder mini dress
340 GBP - glassworks-studios.com

Brian Atwood patent leather high heels
319 GBP - net-a-porter.com

WGACA Vintage lizard handbag
$2,560 - aloharag.com

Amrita Singh gold beaded bracelet
$100 - pinkmascara.com

House of Harlow 1960 dangle earring
$75 - shopthetrendboutique.com

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.