A Diva State of Mind

While perusing through my favorite sites last week, I came across photos of the new Gucci Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.   It is in complete contrast to some of the Spring/Summer 2012 campaigns I’ve seen and I LOVE IT! One would expect neon colors, pastels and lots of prints, but instead Gucci chose to stick with darker hues while still giving us dramatic prints and tailored pieces.  I love everything about the campaign, from the fabulous silhouettes to the dramatic smoky eye.

Gucci!!

What do you think of the Gucci Spring/Summer 2012 Campaign?

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I first introduced you to the Dareen Hakim handbag collection last month during the 10% off holiday sale. Her handbags and clutches are bold and dramatic, making them the perfect unique accessory to compliment an outfit.  I had the opportunity to talk to Dareen about her collection, inspiration behind her designs and who she’d love to work with in the future.

ADSOM: What are three words you’d use to describe your collection?

DH: Bold. Chic. Unexpected.

ADSOM: What is the inspiration behind your current collection?

DH: My Lebanese heritage has always been an inspiration in both self-expression and my personal aesthetic and it is this cultural influence that’s driven by the concept of contrasts that’s behind all of my creative expressions.   My designs are meant to incorporate this beauty of contrasts; whether in the materials such as artisanal metals in my classic core collection, in the textures such as the mesh and leather combination of my second satellite collection, or the vibrant hues and embossing, which is a big part of my current satellite collection. 

I am always looking for new inspirations to help to expand the brand.  Sometimes I just take a walk outside or look through pictures of my travels. I search for things that resonate with me (shapes, memories, colors), and those somehow always tie back to my heritage because that’s what naturally sticks with me. 

ADSOM: How would you describe the woman that purchases your handbags?

DK: The brand is constructed around the confident worldly curious woman in mind… one who desires a unique statement piece to express herself in her own way, yet also one who appreciates the timelessness of a clean silhouette, with an unexpected twist.  Take a clutch wrapped with a bold color like sapphire, or embossed with an ostrich print, and adorned with a contrasting hand-crafted raw metal; it creates that statement piece that neither they, nor any of their friends, already have in their closets.

ADSOM: Which celebrities would you love to work with? 

DH: I’m proud to have had my collection carried by the beautiful Eva Longoria and Fergie.  Both women with strength, confidence, cultural appreciation, ambitiousness and sensual femininity yet curious edge; all traits I admire and respect.  Similarly, I would love to work with Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez for the same reasons. 

ADSOM: What is your favorite handbag from the collection?

DH: This is a toughie; I love all my bags as they each remind me of special memories.  But if I could only choose one handbag, it would have to be Le Icon since it is not only my first design, but also the signature piece of the brand.  It was my original inspiration for launching my own business… it was my way of expressing the story of my life, present and past, and reflects inspirational messages by which I live.  Le Icon embodies all of this due to its personalization component, where the customer can design it as their own self-reflection, choosing from a selection of leather colors, embossing, metal type, and inscription.  The inscriptions are strong life values while also making the bag a contagious talking piece, with motivating messages such as “Happiness”, “My Love”, “Wisdom and Strength”, and “Live and Laugh”.  Every season this classic clutch bag is reintroduced with a trend of new colors and prints.  Le Icon is usually the handbag that customers identify with our brand, and I’m very proud of it.

ADSOM: What is one accessory you can’t live without?

DH: My favorite accessory is handbags, of course.  But the one accessory I can’t live without is my little tot Mila (daughter), who goes with any outfit I may be wearing.

Dareen’s handbags are gorgeous and I need to get my hands on one ASAP!! To view her entire collection, click HERE. You can also follow Dareen Hakim on twitter @DareenHakim.

Last month I attended an event at The Gibson for Marshall Anthony, a men’s accessories collection based out of New York.  The collection features neckties, bow-ties, handkerchiefs, custom shirts and suspenders.  Marshall Anthony has had much success in New York and are now focusing on expanding into other major markets including Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA.

Marshall Anthony was founded in 2009 by Darhel Anthony, in search for a simple quality bow-tie. Over the years, the brand has evolved to include handcrafted neckwear and accessories. In 2011, Darhel and Caron Gabriel partnered to share with the world their vision for the modern gentlemen. Marshall Anthony will soon be a full high end menswear brand, encompassing all garments necessary for a gentleman’s wardrobe.

The target audience for Marshall Anthony is the gentleman of all things sartorial, regardless of age and status.

The ready to wear bow-ties and neckties range from $75 to $105.  The made to order garments range from $85 to $115. Prices of custom garments vary.

There are a number of brands that provide men’s accessories however, the quality of design and construction of each accessory truly sets Marshall Anthony apart from the rest.

To learn more about the brand and to view the current collection visit www.marshallanthony.com.  Information on all upcoming events will be available via the Marshall Anthony website and Tumblr page www.marshallanthony.tumblr.com

With a less than a month to go until the Jason Wu for Target collection is launched, pictures from the look book are FINALLY available for all to view.  The collection is made up of mostly dresses and accessories with a few tops and a pair of shorts thrown in the mix. Here are some of my favorites: 

Check out the remaining looks from the collection below:

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Courtesy of Target Style

Last Friday, Jimmy Choo tweeted pictures of its Spring/Summer 2012 photo shoot.  As expected, the collection is fabulous. The handbags are full of bright colors and amazing textures.  And there is a pair of coral LETITIA pumps featured in the picture below that is speaking to me!! *swoon*

While Jimmy Choo didn’t share too many pictures from the photo shoot, they were just enough to tease and spark an interest to visit the website to view the entire collection. While there is one or two that stand out, overall the shoe collection is underwhelming. Since it is early January, let’s hope they have more shoes to add to the collection for me to drool over.  The handbags on the other hand are gorgeous. I love the color of the clutches and day bags.

Check out pictures from the photo shoot below and then head over to the Jimmy Choo website to view the entire Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  I promise you’ll find an accessory to fall in love just like I did!

MYRA pump and CAILIN pump

IRIS Sandal and CAYLA clutch

JUSTINE sportswear inspired handbag; LETITIA pumps

Big Krit, Sunni from WPGC, Raheem DeVaughn

Known for his work as a photographer at some of DCs most fabulous events and the mastermind behind Elite DC Mag & Elite DC Radio, entertainment mogul Anwaa Kong can add clothing designer to his list of accomplishments.

Released in November, Kong released the Ble$$ed Beyond Belief (BBB) sweatshirts and since then, everyone has been dying to get one for themselves.

When asked about how “BBB” was started, Anwaa states “The “BBB” concept started on Twitter. Everyday I would get up and my first tweet would be “BBB Blessed Beyond Belief.” I would get a lot of retweets from it and someone suggested I should make it into a clothing line. I thought about the idea and decided to move forward.”

Anwaa prides himself on originality and being creative and believes that “BBB” is a movement and one that can change the world, one person at a time.

“The thing with BBB is that everyone is blessed. That’s why people can relate to it. If you have a job, home, money, clothing, health and life you are blessed. None of those things are promised to us. Its a blessing to have it. Being Blessed is not exclusive to anyone, we are all blessed.” – Anwaa Kong

AMEN Anwaa!!

For more information on “BBB” please follow them at @weareBBB and visit the site to purchase items at www.weareBBB.com. The sweatshirts are available in a variety of color combinations.

Great item for the New Year!

The Rachel Zoe’s new collection is AMAZING!!  The pre-fall 2012 collection pays homage to the 60s and 70s; full of structured pieces, flared pants, faux fur, maxi dresses and military inspired jackets. The collection is a full of neutrals with splashed of red, fushia, sky blue and fabulous prints.

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Seriously, I would wear EVER SINGLE piece in her collection (a girl can dream right??)! This is what you call a ready to wear collection.  It’s so me; classic, chic with a little edge. Love it!

The Dareen Hakim Handbag Collection came across my inbox earlier this year and I fell in love!  The bags are chic, bold and unique.  Inspired by designer Dareen Hakim’s travel and heritage, the collection is best known for “sumptuous leathers, unique contrasting effects, handcrafted metalwork, and dramatic hues.”

There are a few clutches that come in a variety of colors and plaque options, allowing you to create a handbag that is uniquely your own.  Here are some of my favorites:

Le Icon in Sapphire

The V Clutch in Flame

Le Capri in Forest

L' Ôciel

Between now and December 31st, Dareek Hakim is offering 10% off any collection handbag. Enter code DH10Holiday at checkout. To view the entire collection, click HERE.

Stay tuned for an interview with Dareen Hakim and preview of the new Spring Collection in January 2012!

Pink Rocks The Runway is only a few days away!  I had the pleasure of interviewing DC designer Afua Sam of Studio D-Maxsi Designs in anticipation of the fashion event.

Afua is originally from Ghana; her Ghanaian roots and culture serve as inspiration for her designs.  She creates pieces for the chic and funky modern woman. Studio D-Maxsi Designs have been worn by Jaime Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister Magazine and Glynn Jackson of the Golden Scissors Award Show. Afua’s designs have also been featured in 3G Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, Ghanaian Times and Ghana Web.

ADSOM: What are three words you would use to describe your designs?

Afua: Chic, classy and sexy at the same time.

ADSOM: What was your inspiration behind your current collection?

Afua: I am inspired by color, texture, and everything around me. Most of my very best designs come from when I sit behind the [sewing] machine. I don’t sit around and sketch. Best designs from sitting behind the machine and creating.

ADSOM: Why did you decide to participate in the Pink Rocks The Runway Fashion Show? 

Afua: I have two reasons; first, I received a message from Stef Woods. She wanted me to design her dress. I was so humbled by it. If you are doing something people like, that’s inspiring.

Second, I’ve worked with a lot of breast cancer organizations. I was drawn in because my father and brother died of cancer. I’ve worked with tons of organizations. I also created a bra dress purposefully in honor of breast cancer survivors. Hopefully I’ll be able to bring it to Pink Jams!

ADSOM: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

Afua: Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t follow your dreams.  It doesn’t matter what you want to design. As long as you believe in yourself and this is what you want to do, keep going and someone will love what you’re doing. Dreams do come true.

If you can, you learn about sowing because if you have a vision and you don’t find the right person to bring the vision out, it won’t come out the right way. If you know about sewing, it will help you save money on construction.

ADSOM: Which celebrity would you love to work with that you haven’t worked with yet?

Afua: I love Oprah. I think she’s a big inspiration to a lot of woman. I would love to create something beautiful for her to wear. I would love to do something beautiful for Mrs. Obama. I think she is inspirational, especially for black women.

If you are interested in checking out Studio D-Maxsi Designs and other fabulous designs on the runway, purchase your ticket for Pink Rocks The Runway today!

This Friday, Pink Rocks The Runway will showcase designs from local DC designers and Christian Siriano.  In anticipation of this amazing fashion event, I had the pleasure of interviewing designers participating in the show to learn more about their collections and why they decided to participate in the fashion show.

Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan is the designer behind KAS Collection, Inc, a high end couture fashion company that specializes in sophisticated evening wear, stylish men and women business suits and high fashion urban apparel.  KAS’ collections have been worn by a number of celebrities including Rihanna, Trey Songz and Keyshia Cole.

I attended his House of KAS fashion show earlier this year at the National Harbor; gorgeous! So of course I was excited to interview KAS about his collection and why he decided to participate in Pink Rocks The Runway.

ADSOM: Your love for art began when you were 4 years old. When did your passion for art transition to becoming a fashion designer?

KAS: When I turned 15, I was frustrated with the clothes that I saw at the stores and I was tired of seeing clones every where.

ADSOM: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? 

KAS: The first design I created was a shirt out of designer pockets (Jean back pockets).

ADSOM: What are three words you would use to describe the KAS Collection? 

KAS: Timeless, sexy, and fashion-forward

ADSOM: What was your inspiration behind your current collection?

KAS: My mother, Mahogany and the well-tailored men from the 40’s.

ADSOM: What matters to you most as a fashion designer? 

KAS: Designs, construction of garments and taking risks.

ADSOM: Why did you decide to participate in the Pink Rocks The Runway Fashion Show? 

KAS: It’s very personal.  My mother passed away of cancer and l have big respect for Christina.*  I want to support her in everyway I can.

ADSOM: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers? 

KAS: Don’t rush. Get your business right first. Take an intern position so that you can get hands-on experience. Know your target audience and your competitors. And don’t be afraid to fail. Stay hungry and keep God first.

If you want to see KAS and other fabulous designers showcase their designs, purchase your ticket for Pink Rocks The Runway today!

*Christina Floresca is the founder of Pink Jams! and Pink Rocks The Runway