I Like HIS Style!

Ebony Magazine is giving thanks to all those brothas that know how to make us swoon. Effortlessly swagger is innate. It cannot made. And if you don't believe me take a look the four men pictured (four other covers are avialable). Each one has made a mark in our community and the world, for not only being talented, but for being an unapologetic individual. Be sure to grab a copy, or two, this coming Tuesday:

For the first time ever, Ebony magazine presents not one, not two, but eight quintessential covers to celebrate the 25 coolest Black men of all time. Jay-Z, Barack Obama, Prince, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Marvin Gaye, Muhammad Ali and Billy Dee Williams take center stage as they personify Black cool on the covers of this historic collector’s edition. From their sleek, debonair styles to their smooth-as-silk personas, these magnificent Black men have conveyed, captured, and conquered the quintessence of cool while making it appear effortless.

Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge the photos...

I Like His Style!: Gavin Douglas

Gavin Douglas and a model at his Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection during London Fashion Week.

How many young designers can debut a collection in 2006 and by 2007 say that they’ve won a prestigious fashion award, secured a deal to sell their collection in U.K.’s most exclusive department store Harrods and have Tom Ford (savior of Gucci) take them out for a drink? Meet Gavin Davis, the U.K. designer who can claim all of the above. He’s clearly on the come up! With professional qualifications and training in the fashion and textile industry, Douglas is a dynamic, young designer who carefully researches, designs and crafts each individual piece of clothing, ensuring its uniqueness and quality.

In September 2006 Gavin Douglas won first place in the prestigious Fashion Fringe 2006 designer awards in London, England. As part of the award, Gavin won business, legal and technical support and development grants from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise and ultimately showcased his 2007 Spring/Summer collection at London’s Fashion Week.

Among his many achievements to date, his most notable are winning the Young Avant-Garde Designer of the Year award in 2004, showing in Caribbean Fashion Week 2005, Barbados Fashion Week 2006, Paris Fashion Week in October 2006, Brooklyn Fashion Week New York, taking part in the Black British Style Exhibition event and of course, getting Tom Ford to buy him a drink after Mr. Ford helped seal his fate as a judge for the Fashion Fringe award in 2006. I’m particularly proud of this designer because a.) he’s from Birmingham, U.K. where I spent most of my childhood and b.) his clothes are the epitome of eclectic chic.

Douglas doesn’t have a site up at the moment but you can view his latest collection here and see below for an interview with the designer. His line is currently available at Harrods and www.yoox.com.

I Like Their Style!: The Get ‘Em Girls…

Curious to know what men look for in women? Wonder no more. Three southern-gals, Shakara Bridgers, Jeniece Isley, and Joan Davis, set out to find out exactly what makes men tick simply by asking them. Their discovery led to “The Get ‘Em Girl's Guide To Unlocking the Power of Cuisine,” the first in the series of books penned to help any city diva find and keep a man. Although it's an old-fashioned cliché, the way to a man's heart is still through his stomach. From the first date to the wedding reception, good food plays an important role in relationships and in life. The Get 'Em Girl's Guide To Unlocking the Power Of Cuisine is filled with helpful advice from stocking your pantry and shopping for basic kitchen tools to tips on proper table settings and wine selections. Each chapter is preceded with laugh-out-loud advice on impressing your special someone and tried and true comfort food recipes.

Although the book is filled with tips to help you get your man, the authors forewarn, that the book is not intended to send women back into the kitchen. "When we first decided to write this book, it was solely based on our love of three things, food, fun, and men. Being three single career-oriented women living in New York, we didn't need (or want) to cook. There's a restaurant, deli, and take-out place on every block. We knew that in order to keep a man in a place as big as New York City, with so many beautiful women to choose from, we had to step up our game and ask ourselves what are we bringing to the table that separates us from the others? Yes, we're all beautiful, intelligent, and educated, but so are the millions of other women waiting to take our places." Never were truer words spoken.

If you like what you see here, head over to the Get ‘Em Girls three official sites. The main site (launching soon) will feature regular articles on everything ranging from food, business, fashion, beauty, technology and health. Their MySpace page keeps you up to date on all the Get ‘Em Girl happenings and finally their blog, updated daily, offers the latest musings on life, entertainment and culture. See below for how to find out about their future events including the Girls Bite Out 2008!
Authors Joan Davis, Shakara Bridgers and Jeniece Isley.

I Like His Style!: Edwing D’Angelo

Designer Edwing D’Angelo hard at work!

Looks from D’Angelo’s much talked about Spring 2008 runway show.

I only feature designers on this site that I really believe have an amazing future in fashion, so it’s been a while since my last “I Like Her Style!” (or in this case “His Style”) feature. Thank goodness for Edwing D’Angelo, the Columbian born designer making waves in the fashion industry.

The oldest of five children, D’Angelo first came onto the scene in 2002. In less than six years in the industry he has dressed celebrities such as Vivica A. Fox, Lil Kim, Paula Garces, Nelly, Sean Paul and the legendary Patti Labelle. If that doesn’t convince you then maybe the fact that his classic garments influenced with South American flavor were featured in the hit movie “The Devil Wears Prada” (look out for the yellow, floral dress that Daniel Sunjata’s character shows to the notorious editor of ‘Runway.’)

D’Angelo, who comes from a long line of tailors and seamstresses, always had a love and longing for fashion. In an effort to express his creative talent, D’Angelo, who worked fulltime at an immigration law firm, moonlighted as a stylist on various photo shoots and assisted with wardrobe on numerous video shoots and produced countless pageants. It wasn’t until he designed a prom dress for his younger sister that D’Angelo began to realize his destiny. The gown was such a big hit amongst his sister’s friends that he ended up making 32 in total. In 2002 he opened up his first boutique.

Edwing D’Angelo’s gallery-like showroom embodies an air of classic minimalism infused with a refined Latin flair located in the heart of SoHo. He currently has three collections under his belt. “Karaz By Edwing D’Angelo”’ is his vibrant ready to wear day and office wear. “Edwing D’Angelo Couture,” which contains details to perfection, is his one of a kind evening wear and “Edwing D’Angelo Bridal” is his sensual wedding gown collection. All three lines are masterfully crafted and tailored made. See the video footage below of Edwing D'Angelo on BET J.

I Like Her Style!: Chanel Iman

You’d have to be buried under a rock somewhere to not of heard of emerging model and icon-in-the-making, Chanel Iman. Born Chanel Iman Robinson, this young Californian native was discovered after winning runner up in the Ford Supermodel of the World Contest. Since then it’s been full steam ahead. Iman, who is of African-American/Korean heritage, has walked the runway for prestigious designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Dsquared, Hermès, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior Resort and Jean Paul Gaultier. Not a bad resume for an eighteen year old. And if things weren’t good enough, she recently scored the cover of American Vogue (May 2007) with nine other top models. Iman says:

"I want to go all the way. My goal is to be a household name, and when I do that, I want to help other girls become models, and maybe even launch a fashion line with my mom, like Beyoncé did with her mother. My mom has such a good eye, and it's always been a dream of hers. I'd love to be able to do that for her." [Source]

Watch the clip above of Iman talking about her career highlights.

I Like Her Style!: Tia Williams

I had the pleasure of interviewing beauty expert-turned-author and fellow Glam.com winner, Tia Williams this week. The former Beauty Director of Teen People has also worked at prestigious fashion magazines such as Glamour, Elle, YM and Lucky. She currently writes the must-read beauty blog "Shake Your Beauty". With all that experience under her belt it was only right and proper that she share her superior beauty wisdom with us mere mortals. We are not worthy…

What is the number one beauty mistake black women make?
Ashy foundation! It’s so important to choose a foundation or concealer that’s yellow-based—it’s the most natural shade on brown skin.

What is the best beauty advice you can give black women?
If you’re stumped when picking out a lipstick or gloss, stick to sheer bronzes, coppers, and gold-flecked neutrals. You can’t go wrong with a soft wash of metallic shimmer on your lips.

What are your top five beauty products right now?
Narciso for Her perfume, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Raisin Glaze, Nars Blush in Taos, Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Passionfruit Poppy. (See stockists below).

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m a mix of classic and bohemian. Basically, my uniform is a flowy top, gold flats, and skinny jeans (or a mini in the summer). Not groundbreaking, but it works when you spice things up with a great bag or fabulous earrings!

Where do you see "Shake Your Beauty" in 5 years?
It’s so sad, but I’m incredibly computer illiterate. I think I’ll still be happy with my weekly beauty posts! Hopefully, I’ll be totally global by then...and maybe I will have figured out the whole podcast thing.

Tell us a little about your new book "It Chicks."
My new book, IT CHICKS (Hyperion/Disney, April 07), is the first in a series for teens! It’s centered around a group of sophomores that go to a prestigious Manhattan performing arts academy. There’s a dancer, a singer, a rapper, a grafitti artist—and each one’s more spotlight-hungry than the last. IT CHICKS a super-juicy summer read, filled with competitive drama, a hot love story, sexy boys, and bitchy girls. And even though it’s geared toward high school students, it’s fast becoming a guilty pleasure for women in their 20s and 30s, too! IT CHICKS Book #2 will debut in Spring 2008.

Click here for more beauty tips at Tia Williams' award-winning blog “Shake Your Beauty.”

Tia’s Top Picks: Narciso Rodriguez “For Her” Eau de Parfum, $72 - $94, www.nordstrom.com; Nars Blush in Taos, $25, www.narscosmetics.com; Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Raisan Glaze, $7.99, www.walgreens.com; Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $18, www.sephora.com; Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Passionfruit Poppy, www.creativenaildesign.com

I Like Her Style!: Katie Rost

Hi guys! I’ve been swamped with work lately but I’m trying to keep the blog up to date. I don’t have a post for today but I interviewed D.C socialite and model Katie Rost a couple of weekends ago and thought you’d be interested in reading snippets of it. She was so sweet, funny and drop dead gorgeous! The interview is posted over on HoneyMag.com because she was on their cover once with Andre 3000. Click here** to read it and be sure to tell me what you guys think and I’ll post soon!

Sylvia
xx

**The interview has been reposted below.**


The life of a socialite, entrepreneur, and Honey cover girl is a busy one, so I thanked my lucky stars when I got the chance to sit down with the delightful Katie Rost. As we chatted at the Four Season's Hotel in Georgetown, D.C., Ms. Rost filled me in on her upbringing, impending projects and let me in on what it's really like being a non-white socialite in the nation's capitol...

When did you start modeling?
Well I started a little bit when I was 14. I was in the Ford New Model program where they basically look at you, try and track you, and see where your head is at. My mom decided at about 16… I'd done little nothing things, like mall stuff, nothing big. But she was worried because I was kind of immature and I took everything really personally. So if someone did my make-up and I didn't like the way it was done I would start crying or yell at people or whatever... and my mom was like "ok, you're not ready for this!"

Do you still model full-time?
I've just decided to recommit myself to it for the next few months because I just got a phone call from my agent and she's like, "we miss you here and we want you to come back and get a little more intense with it." So I'm going to but I'd basically taken a year off.

How was the Honey cover with Andre 3000?
That was crazy! Andre was like crazy and styled us all. I had this Mohawk and stars down my face. So much fun!

So are you going to be based in New York for the next year or will you be between NY and D.C.?
I just bought an apartment in New York but I'll be in between. Either I'll be at my farm in Virginia or I'll be in Manhattan or I'll be with my mom in Potomac, Maryland.

Now I understand that you worked for BET briefly on their Teen Summit show? What was that like?
It was really fun. It was like the only show on BET that was really quality and geared towards teenagers. Everything else was like Hip-Hop videos. A bunch of nastiness all throughout and then the gospel on Sunday. I don't even quite understand why that's considered to be Black entertainment.

Tell me about it!
Teen Summit was a great show. It had an intelligent, topical spin to it. So whatever was going on, whether it was, "Oh we're listening to these lyrics that say 'bitch' and 'hoe' all the time and what's this really about?" or "How is this impacting us as teenagers and what do we think of this?" or even "Is that how black women should define themselves?"... Absolutely not! And then we'd really get into those topics. I was a presenter so I got to meet so many amazing people.

So you've modeled and presented, surely acting is the natural next step?
Yeah, I thought about doing that... [hesitates] ...I had a little nothing part on Six Degrees this past season. And that was really fun because I was just at this party and the casting director was like "oh, I like your personality" and I was like whatever but I ended up on the show! I played a model so it wasn't a stretch or anything!

What about movies?
If someone wants to put me in a movie I'm happy to do it! [laughs at the thought] But I don't think I'm going to take acting classes.

So how did the Washington Life cover come about?
I ran into the editor, Michael Clements, at Elton John's Oscar party. The best party ever By the way! Anyway we literally slammed into each other on the dance floor and he was like, "you're hot!" And I was like, "so are you!" And he was like, "tell me everything about yourself." And I was like, "I'm leaving New York! I just bought a farm in Virginia!" And he's like, "you're gonna be in D.C? Like, oh my God, we have to hang out..." And we just completely fell in love with each other on every level he's just a brilliant, wonderful man. He also mentioned that he was really excited about what's going on as far as socialites in general in the media.

Do you define yourself as a socialite?
I think people are just starting to pay attention to that for some reason. And I was like, "Oh. I didn't really know that I was one." But ok! So I guess if I go to an event every night, or three sometimes, then that means that... That that's what I am. And I'm like cool! Y'know? I have no problem with that. But you know I've always gone to these sort of things, It's just what me and my mom do. Y'know? (Katie's Mom, Rynthia Rost, is VP of Public Relations for Geico)And it just always seemed natural... I just thought everyone did. So I'm realizing that it was sort of special.

And what do you think of your fellow black socialites?
I don't really know if there are any black socialites. I guess they are supposedly...

There's Genevieve Jones...
I honestly don't even know who she is. That's so strange. I think I was at one party that she was at but I don't really know her. I googled myself once and I was reading all these weird, weird things about myself and then I was reading about her and I was like this poor girl! I would die if people were saying these things about me! It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Just the way y'know, those stereotypes of black women. I don't care who she had an affair with or what she did, there's no reason to put someone's business out there like that. That's just nasty.

Who is your favorite designer?
I would have to say Stella McCartney still. She's pretty bad ass! But favorite designer who helped me the most in my career and was the most supportive to me was Stephen Burrows. He is an amazing, amazing black designer who not a whole lot of people know about but he is brilliant.

And how would you define your like personal style?
I try to be funky, I try to be kinda like downtown New York. But I definitely love ball gowns and I love to glam it up at night. And live for it really.

So tell me about your new skin care line Body by Katie Rost.
I just love it! It's so much fun! I have this beautiful farm in Virginia and I'm gonna be growing lavender and all of that stuff.

Do you have a team that makes it for you?
My production area is just finally been finished so I will have a team. But it's just been team Katie. I come up with all the recipes. That's what I've been doing for the last year at my farm. Mixing products...

Katie gives me some beautiful samples of her Vanilla/Plumeria Body Scrub and Shea Butter Body Soufflé.

Are you literally like churning away at your farm?!
I do churn! [giggles] But I mean the shea butter comes to me in bulk and then I add to it. The scrub I completely make myself. Shea butter is like the best thing for your skin. I coat myself with it every morning. I put it on thick on my skin then I get in the steam room and relax.

Ah the good life... Must be nice!

To buy Body by Katie Rost products visit www.bodybykatierost.com and also visit www.katierost.com.

I Like His Style!: Mario Testino

For my birthday I received Mario Testino’s book “Portraits.” It’s a concise collection of his celebrity photographs, many of which he exhibited all over Europe. The book is old (2002) and his exhibition is even older, but since I saw his pieces in person at the National Portrait Gallery in London, I’ve been pining for this book. If you’re a fan of photography that glamorizes celebrities, fashion, beauty and sex you’ll love this book. If, however, you prefer more gritty photography that strives for a deeper purpose then this isn’t for you! I’m not going to lie, I have stacks upon STACKS of glossy magazines that I’ve kept just for the pics, many are by Testino. Also do a google search for his infamous Princess of Diana shoot… Gorgeous!

I Like Her Style!: Crystal McCrary Anthony

Crystal McCrary Anthony at a recent photo shoot for "O" Magazine (Dress by Peter Soronen).
Crystal with her 4-year-old daughter Ella.

I first heard of Crystal McCrary Anthony when she was promoting “Gotham Diaries”, the book she co-authored with Spike Lee’s wife, Tonya Lewis Lee. Her beauty struck me immediately. The 36-year-old mother of two (6-year-old Cole and 4-year-old Ella) is an attorney by trade, but now enjoys the life of an author and produces films on the side. The independent movie “Dirty Laundry,” which she executive produced, has received rave reviews and won best feature and best actor at the American Black Film Festival earlier this year. You can catch Ms. Anthony on BET J’s “My Two Cents” talking about topics ranging from current events to social issues in the black community. You can also visit her personal site @ www.crystalmccraryanthony.com. Below is a recent article on Crystal's style from “O” Magazine and as if fate would have it, I spotted her on The Sartorialist's site hailing a cab! It’s easy to see why I Like Her Style!…

Staples: Dresses - "they allow a woman to be a woman," says Crystal. She'd wear this sheath to look like "a classy, sexy mom" while picking up her children from school. "The cleavage isn't vulgar; it works."

Shoes: "Stilettos. When I put them on, I'm six feet tall. I love looking men in the eye."

Never, ever: Miniskirts. "I sound like somebody's mother - well, I am somebody's mother - I think they cheapen you. There's a line between sexy and tarty."

Style Roots: "I'm from Detroit, not exactly the fashion epicenter, and I went through some baaad stages. Then I moved to New York and started studying window displays on Madison Avenue. That trained my eye."

Shopping Rules: "I go with a mission and rarely buy on impulse."

Words To Live By: "Even if something fits perfectly, you can't pull it off if it doesn't represent your essence. I don't try to go outside myself. I'm just not that woman who can wear an ostrich-feather dress!"

Note: See I Like Her Style!: Janelle Monae and Zadie Smith.

I Like Their Style!: Double Stitch

Erika and Monika Simmons of Double Stitch.
“Double Stitch” is the brainchild of twin designers Erika and Monika Simmons. Their fun and contemporary line is known for its colorful crochet apparel and accessories. Founded during Christmas of 2002, Double Stitch quickly grew into the label everyone is talking about. Last year, the duo received the “Rising Star” Award sponsored by Fashion Group International for the 5th Annual “Style Makers and Rule Breakers” Awards Gala. Dedicated followers of the line include Floetry, Leela James, Common and Patti Labelle! Double Stitch's Fall 2006 collection is currently available in Macy's on State Street, Chicago (see below for the address) or you can check out their web site for other boutiques that stock their line.

Address:
Double Stitch
Macy’s State Street
111 North State Street
Chicago
IL 60602

Store Inquiries: 312 781 1000

The Renaissance Woman…

Pat prepping the models backstage at Christian Dior’s Spring 2006 Ready-to-wear show and on the right is a sample of her color palette.
Some of Pat’s runway looks.

Pat McGrath is one of my heroes. Not only is she the most sought after makeup artist in the fashion industry (she’s worked with John Galliano, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, Christian Dior, Stella McCartney and Giorgio Armani), she has also been appointed the U.S. Color Cosmetics Creative Design Director for Procter & Gamble. As is life wasn’t good enough, she still manages to find time to create the color palettes for Max Factor cosmetics. The Jamaican icon was born and raised in the U.K., but now finds herself jet-setting all over the world with her 75-pound duffel bags full of makeup in tow. I'd love her mix the perfect foundation color for my skin, I can't seem to find one. Failing that, I’d settle for a one-on-one workshop with Pat so she can tell be all her beauty secrets… a girl can dream!

Note: Visit Pat’s VIP Tips on Max Factor’s web site.

I Like Her Style!: Janelle Monae

Singer Janelle Monae in her current photoshoot for 'Interview' magazine.
You may recognize Kansas native Janelle Monae, from Oukast's recent video 'Morris Brown,' but she's been making waves on the Atlanta scene for a few years now. While still in high school she moved to New York at age 16 to attend New York’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she was able appear in a few off Broadway plays. But recognizing the growing oppotunities in Atlanta, Monae moved there in 2004 where she made an immediate impact. In 2005, she signed with Big Boi's Purple Ribbon Entertainment, where the nineteen year old scored a single featuring the Outkast superstar. The track is called 'Called the Law' and you can listen to it on her MySpace page. She's also a talented songwriter with her album called 'Metropolis' coming out soon. Be sure to visit her personal web site @ www.janellemonae.com and pick up a copy of Interview magazine which Monae is currently featured in.

Credit: Concrete Loop for the pictures!

I Like HIS Style!

Too fine!
Look at those abs!
Take it all off!
Reggie Bush, the New Orleans Saint's running back, will be featured in September's issue of GQ Magazine! Ladies take your shoes off and run, I said RUN to your nearest store and pick up a copy! This man is the type of F.I.N.E that makes your brain go soft and your speech distinctly slurred. If I were Reggie, i'd start checking my bushes at night, because as soon as this hits the newstands women (and some men!) are going to be stalking your a$$. Can a sista get an AMEN?!

Learn more about GQ Magazine at men.style.com!

I Like Her Style!: Stacie J.

Stacie J looking F.I.E.R.C.E!
Stacie J's new fragrance ‘Golden’

Former ‘Apprentice’ star Stacie J has been busy since her colorful departure from the show. Not only has she created a jewelry and accessory line with the company Icing by Claire’s, she’s recently launched her first fragrance, ‘Golden’ by Stacie J. According to her press release, the jewelry line is "inspired by Stacie J’s eclectic New York style, [and] encompasses a variety of styles: casual, tailored, classic, dressy and sophisticated." The line will include an array of chic and stylish rings, belly chains, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, sunglasses, handbags and belts made from several materials such as shell, crystals and metallics.

As well as her new fragrance, Stacie is also developing her skin and hair care range with both the world-renowned fragrance house Givaudan and Revelations Perfume. For more information on, Stacie J visit her personal web site @ www.staciej.com and look out for her jewelry line in your nearest ‘Claires’ store!

I Like Her Style!: Zadie Smith

Author Zadie Smith reading a copy of her latest novel, 'On Beauty.'
Smith's three released book covers, including her best-seller 'White Teeth.'

I wanted to spotlight one of my favorite writers. Her name is Zadie Smith and she's from my home country the U.K. I don't know how wellknown she is over here, but her first book 'White Teeth' was an astronomical success. While still studying for her undergraduate degree at Cambridge University, she started writing her debut novel and pieces of the manuscript were leaked. A biding war ensued among publishers which resulted in her book becoming an instant best seller upon it's release!

'White Teeth' is a book that follows the lives of three cultures, three families and three generations, all based in North London. I've never read a book that explores the issues surrounding interracial relationships so honestly and theirs plenty of sarcastic humor to keep you laughing! Zadie has since written two more novels, 'The Autograph Man' (2002) and 'On Beauty' (2005), both are also great! In 2006, she won the Orange Prize for Fiction for the book 'On Beauty.' Zadie currently lives in London with her husband Nick Laird.