Turkey, Lights And Pierre Cardin

    

I spent Christmas in Virginia with a few family friends. I told my friend who cooked the turkey that it looked like it was taken out of a movie set. Not only was it visually appealing and stimulated my tasting glands, but it actually tasted great. One of the best turkeys I ate in years (still nobody has beaten grandma's). The rice was prepared by my mother, it was a concoction including olives, always a feast. I was playing with the camera before dinner. In case you're curious I was wearing vintage Pierre Cardin blazer, H&M chambray shirt and plaid tie. It all sort of came at the last minute, that's just how I like to dress. I'm still pondering on the idea of what I'm going to wear for New Years, but I'm sure it's going to be vintage. 

Love

Twitter is like crack to some, a coffee in the morning to others, and peer pressure to the rest (I guess). I love meeting new and exciting people, especially when their background is totally different from mine. Before this year is over, I just wanted to give a shoutout thing to those that have shown some love in the past. I know this is overdue, and I deserve a pat on my booty, but it's better late than never. I'm sure folks have some me love beyond these four mere tweets, but I just wanted to say I appreciate every email, tweet, and comment. I'm so ready for 2011. 

Take A Bite - Chad White

If you claim to be a "fashion person" and you never heard the name Chad White before, then you might need to reconsider your denomination. I'm talking about non-label-whorish-fashion-person here people. Anyways, I first spotted Chad at some Dolce & Gabbana show, I can't recall which season it was, but I when I saw this impossibly more beautiful specimen some kinky images started to formulate on my mind, which I can't share with you guys since this is a family-oriented blog, seriously. My eyes were not fixated on the clothes, but I couldn't ignore his cherub, baby face, and acknowledge the chiseled abs, which makes me wonder; Isn't that what every cougar wants? Is Chad White a cougar magnet? (If you're a cougar let me know, I'm just curious, I won't tell anybody). 

White has walked for some of the most influential designers int he world including: Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Ralph Lauren. His face has graced ad campaigns such as Hugo Boss, Rugby, Loewe, Gant; and has been featured in major glossies such as Love, Winq, GS Style Russia, L' Officiel Hommes and Vogue China Men. 

Backstage at the Fall/Winter 2008 Perry Ellis show during an interview with models.com, the Portland, Oregon native reveled his relentless dedication to his career, "I do work out a lot, when I have a shoot coming up, I go a little crazy, not crazy, but crazy (in a sense where) I just go a little extreme, because I'm so hard on myself." It's valid to add that a good chunk of male models are blessed with athletic, rapid-fat-burning-12-pack-abs genes, where a religious workout regime, like the rest of us, is not necessary. In the brief interview, he also mentions that he enjoys playing basketball, baseball, football and soccer, and reveals that his favorite baseball player is Alex Rodriguez (a.k.a A-Rod, a.k.a Madonna's ex fling). 

Back in February of 2008, he appeared on the cover "UK's best selling gay magazine" (according to them) Attitude, lensed by Mat Irwin and styled by Luke Day, in an editorial dubbed "The Gladiator". It's only befitting, he would grace "The Hot Issue" shirtless, with a couple of black belts wrapped around his waist, arm, and across his chest (I don't know about the armpits). I love the concept, styling, props, and overall composition of the pictures. There is taste here. I'm glad they didn't put him in a too small, much too revealing speedo, pour water in it (so his manhood delineates a protruding print) objectifying him as a sex toy. True, gay magazines tend to do that, but the best ones manage to produce pictures with though-provoking substance that you will not find in Playgirl. 

Chad's impressive portfolio exists beyond these eight mere images, I'm sure you can find some of his editorials all over the net. I wish I could post every single one I like, but that would be too chaotic and boring. Trust me, if you missed seeing his sexy Oregonian butt on the runway, don't worry, his agency just released a very casual picture, though he looks red-neck-ish, he might be back on the runway sooner than ever (hopefully next season). 

Now, don't you want to take a bite? I know I do. Sign me up!

Viktor&Rolf

I came across these images that brought nostalgic memories of two of the greatest, most dynamics minds in fashion. The Dutch duo, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren had, as usual, a subversively mind-blowing show last October, their non-traditonal take on men's shirts, and the countless possibilities it can take form was a manifestation of their frebrile minds and creative genius. I know the collection at times seemed hard to wear, but I'm sure the collection will be commercially tweaked, at the same time, I don't see Lady Gaga complaining. 

The first two images were part of Glamcult magazine, as a tribute to V&R. The shots were taken by photog Barrie Hullegie and features model Sophie Vlaming. When I peeped at the first photographed, I immediately made a connection to their Spring/Sumer 2010 collection, the chainsaw-like side cut of the tulle dress just gave it away. How could you miss it? The shot seemed to have taken place at one of their enchanted rooms in their magical castle, the main story for their website. The second double image reminded me of their hit Spring/Summer 2009 collection where they chose a more intimate format to showcase their offerings. They hired supermodel Shalom Harlow, dressed her in every look and shot a continuous runway video. The result, genius. The third photo, not part of the magazine, was found in the casualties of online browsing. The photo was taken by Gabriel Moginot, featuring model Jolanta. I love the irreverence of it, fuck you attitude. The mutilated fur coat, part of their Fall/Winter 2008 collection, singled-handely made PETA members chafe their teeth and ensued their altruistic anti-fu campaigns (shocking!). I thought this was one of their most controversial moments for sure, but I commend them for taking a stand on what they believe. I remember during backstage interviews, they were explaining that the word "NO", theme of the collection, was their stand on the rapidity fashion seems to become irrelevant. In less than six months, a dress is not deemed stylish, gets thrown in the "out" pile, and a new set of clothes get in the picture. If they wanted their customers to keep these clothes forever, or at least be pass down to their offsprings, these accouterments must elicit a flair of classicism that would remain relevant tomorrow, or ten years down the line. The last adjective I would use to describe their work is "classic", that doesn't make them great, but essentially, this was an exemplification on how fashion can be the ultimate non-verbal communication conductor. 


Their Spring/Summer 2009 show had a vibe of Willy Wonka in Mexico via the Philippines. That's a compliment.  

Jodie & Marc

The minute the last model exited the very non-traditonal Marc Jacobs runway last September, I couldn't help but acknowledge the strikingly similarity with actress Jodie Foster, or should I say, Iris Steensma in 1976's Taxi Driver (I was nowhere near conception by that time, that should give you an idea of my age). Some of the editors that attended the show (I saw it live) credited Foster for the source of inspiration for the collection. To my best of my knowledge, Marc never mentioned her as such, but I'm sure there was at least a tiny picture of Foster pinned among many others in the inspiration board. Besides the libidinous 70's Saint Laurent references and the vague Missoni kaleidoscopic patterns, there is no denying the Foster sensibility was palpable in a satin hotpant suit, diaphanous chiffon halter dresses and off-the-shoulder peasant blouses. Marc managed to subconsciously capture the innocence of Foster without looking passe or naive. 

When his 2011 Spring/Summer ad shot by Juergen Teller featuring models Caroline Brasch Nielsen (above) and Masha Kirsanova surfaced the web and now appearing in glossies, only purports the resemblance of the two. The big Coddintong-esque frizzy hair and straw hats, and granny upside down glasses add to my belief. 

Ken Downing said it best, "saffron, curry, with mahogany spice shades are absolutely just yummy".

CK Boys

This polaroid compilation by Jeremy Kost features some of the faces of the moment captured in their most organic nature. Mr. Italo Zucchelli, the creative mind behind Calvin Klein men, provides the clothes, or the lack there off. I'm obsessed with the neon pink suit and the acid yellow tee, appropriate pieces for the moment. Check out my soon boyfriends David Agbodji and Nate Gills, if you're not familiar with their names, then I suggest you look them up, google comes in handy once in a while. Anyways, this is another reason why I adore i-D magazine. 

I'm Not Dead. I'm Still Swinging.

As I get older, and transcend into a new year, I ponder upon the unique experiences that have occurred, while somehow I managed to get a grip on them, since I feel they occurred too quickly. Among them; moving to D.C., attending a numerous amounts of shows (whenever I say show, I'm talking about fashion shows, ok!), getting my phone stolen and breaking my ankle the same night (matter that would be addressed on a different post), styling gigs (I recently assisted my friend Walter on a shoot for Washington Life Magazine with dancers from the Washington Ballet. I haven't seen the pictures on print yet, though the issue should be on newsstands now, show me some love), and meeting one of my fashion heroes Robin Givhan (I have a picture of the extremely aberrant, surreal-like, unforeseen rendezvous-esque, but I would upload it as soon as I can get my phone to work, but seriously I feel like I have to blow up the picture, frame it and put it up somewhere). 

I been also given the opportunity to write for theurbantwist.com to share my thoughts on the whole "urban" culture. One of my favorite articles was my humble critique on the 2010 American Music Awards red carpet. I praised a few, but I had to cut others. I strongly feel when you're a "relevant" celebrity in the limelight, there is not an excuse to look half-ass. It would be biased if I didn't acknowledge the stylist, but again, many artist don't credit their stylist(s), unless they're asked, or given a shout-out. Willow Smith's stylist had to be penned down anonymously for plagiarism, you will learn about it (if you don't already) once you read the article. 

I been jamming to few songs lately. They may not be your favorite artist, or your preferred genre, but I'm developing a penchant for them. The Jazmine Sullivan's 10 seconds is the perfect feminist anthem, perhaps it's her way of telling a past fling the brief time he lasted in bed, but the message is still ambiguous if you ask me. And I love Lady Gaga's remix, it's the perfect background melody for a night full of lust. 

A Cantoire Experience

On December 4th, 2010, I heded down to TheArc Theater in Southeast Washington D.C. for a special show designer Carlos Reaves invited me about a month ago. For some reason, the date of the show just seemed forgotten in the back of my mind, but he reminded me a few days prior to the show via facebook, and also reserved two front-row seats for me and my photographer Matt Statler. Though I strongly dislike that less-celebrated, run-down section of D.C., I only intended to make this trip for the sake of fashion. The first time I met Carlos, I was still in high school, oblivious of the majority of what fashion entailed, but I still knew what I had in front of me was pure talent. I vividly remember the day when Carlos showed up with two pieces in garment bags, I gravitated for a leather frock, I examined the garment and extended my sincere adulations. That was the only time I saw any glimpse of his work. Thus this was an apropos opportunity for me to finally witness the aesthetic behind his work. 

A few days prior to the show, Carlos's Facebook status updates consisted of him painstakingly sewing until wee hours of the morning, "It's going on 7 a.m., and I haven't been to bed yet. Preparing the final garments for my show on Saturday", or promoting the event, "Preparing a Christmas collection like you've never seen!!! Don't miss "Winter Praise Fest" concert", with details posted below.

As I walk into the capacious auditorium, I was greeted by a quadruplet of gospel singers serenading the audience. Their voices were powerful with a pinch of serenity. Then, a statuesque man, who appeared to be in his late 40s, wearing the most hideous pleated pants (pleated pants, among other things, are an abomination to society) walks into the stage, gets to the microphone and says a few words, and between his sermon he shouts, "praise the Lord!", and I'm left baffled. Then a few other performers came out and I noticed a pattern. This was a church event. I later whispered to Matt, "I should've read the flyer more throughly", he just looks back at me and chuckles. I was certainly not ready for a Sunday's Best episode, but I just went with the flow. At one point, I thought someone was going sprint to the stage and "perform" all these acrobatic moves, drop to the floor and wither as if the Lord had touched his spirit, but thankfully none of that occurred. One of the performers, Michael Hunt, stepped on the stage and sang his heart out, he later brought out his wife and background singers, all clad in black, who performed a few canticles just so beautifully that it truly touched my heart. It's also valid to mention, singer Lashawna Moore (see below), wearing a off-shoulder rusty golden silk dress with a wing sleeve by Carlos, who closed out the show with a ballad that gained her a well deserved standing ovation. 

Carlos Reaves presented a cohesive collection consisting on twenty looks that echoed the Christmas spirit, yet it was decisively artistic and impeccably constructed. Reaves seemed to have submerged into a pool of references for this special collection. It was obvious the Dior influence found on the movement of a zebra printed full skirt, and a soft wool nipped jacket. The sort of thing a bourgeois woman would wear on the south in the 50's. He even told me after the show that he drew inspiration from Alexander McQueen's fall/winter 2009 collection. That was evident in the  form the models walked; coming out from one end of the theater, making a rectangular shape, posing at each corner, and exiting very nonchalantly. The volumes and shapes he used were also reminiscent from McQueen's highly lauded collection. The origami-like shapes were certainly challenging to wear but somehow  they elicited an appealing silhouette. An off-shoulder grey jersey dress, a gorgeous sleeves purple shift, and a simple open neck dress with soft tiered layers were the stand outs. 

The first clutch of models came out with disheveled puffed wigs with a branch going right through it, giving an illusion of deer's horns. The rest of them were wearing what I initially thought were lampshades (as McQueen's collection), but Carlos later told me they were actually hats draped or stitched. The head pieces, which came in oval or spherical shapes, certainly bolstered the element of surrealism to the collection. I was also enthralled by the make up, which was done in glitzy, sparkling shades of silver and green on the eyes and lips. 

There were few evening options that demonstrated Carlo's deftly ability to play with proportions, but it felt as thought they were overly design. One of them was a strapless gown with a bodice in ivory silk and a skirt in red, with frills on the top, a rosette perched on the chest and a few tiered straps draped on the hips. As dramatic as it may have seen, the overall result was a conflicting juxtaposition of elements that potentially could have worked independently. 

The closing act, a white corseted gown with an olive, drab green skirt over a gigantic crinoline and something that can only be described as multiple orbital like straps stemming from the front and ending on the back was imbued by "the angel in top of the Christmas tree", Carlos told me after the show. As he was talking, the inspiration made sense. I was trying to picture the gown in an actual Christmas tree, a miniature version, that would sure grab the attention of any onlooker. I liked the grandiose attitude of the gown, and the movement while it walked across the stage.

I left the scene a few minutes early in order to avoid the seemingly church-goers, and headed backstage to talk to Carlos about the collection. I caught him on my way to the second floor, dispatching one of his models. He was wearing one of his creations that Raf Simmons would have envied. He seemed composed and graciously greeted me. As I was inquiring about the collection, I immediately noticed the sense of mission and dedication behind his work. He was so knowledgeable about his craft and answered my questions throughly, which is the only thing I can ask for any designer. During the show, I heard a bruit that Carlos was leaving for Atlanta, I initially thought he was leaving for a show, but I later find out he might leave all together. I couldn't ensconce a slight sense of forlornness, but at one point we all have to move on. If this change of location occurs, I can only wish Carlos much success in his future endeavors. 

Pictures by Matt Statler, check out a clip of the collection here. 

Update

I been a a bit off the radar lately. The last couple of days, or should I say weeks, have been stressful, yet within all the chaos I find periods of joy. I mean, what's hard work without fun? When I stop, analyze the situation that I'm in, I feel as if I was the Energizer Bunny, without all the pink fuzzy exterior and the drum on the front. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I just been going, going and going. I just recently attended NOVA Fashion Week, so I will be posting my review of the collections that I seen here shortly (it's not easy orchestrating a one-man show). 

The black and white group photograph above was taken at the end of a successful shoot I took part as an assistant stylist to my brotha from a different motha Walter Reed. I had the amazing opportunity to work along photographer Nicholas LaClair (who I recently learned is a marine biologist), make-up artist and hair stylist Victoria Stiles (taught me that green on the lips works best on a white and black photograph...always learning something new), and model Karah Linn (though we were advised she was new in the biz, there were no apparent signs of a novice). There I also met model Pawel Domalik (who just walked for McQueen last year) and photog Scott Bryant (who was documenting behind the scenes...thanks for the Starbucks Scott, it definitely helped). The shoot lasted approx. 6 hours, by the time the shoot was done, we barely had any energy to head to the car, so we headed to Taco Bell to refuel our systems. I had a sexy chalupa and a cheese quezadilla, yummy...now on the next one. 

Photo by Nick LaClair

Project Fundway

Not too long ago I posted a picture taken after the pre-judging for Project Fundway, a contest open for aspiring high school and college kids in the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland region who aspire to become fashion designers. I received an email containing the flyer from the producer with the names of the four finalists: Angela Robinson (West Potomac Academy), Kim Truong (VCU), Daniel Herbick (Bethesda Chevy Chase High School), and Agata Miczek (VCU). 

The show would be held at The Warner Theatre (13th and E Street NW, Washington D.C.) on November 4th, host by Kate Michael and Harry Thomas Jr. And red carpet coverage by Kenny Flanagan and Ryan Charchian (I hope I'll get interview *wink wink*). 

I have no idea what the kids are going to show next Thursday (though I been familiar with Kim Truong's work I can't augur what she's going to show for this occasion, but I'm sure it's going to be hot), but I hope to see a promising sparkle of light of a future industry leader. I sure would be there, and I hope to see you all there supporting the fashion youth (if you see me say hi, I don't bite). 

You can purchase your tickets here (http://projectfundway.eventbrite.com). All tickets purchase are tax-deductible and proceeds will benefit DC Fashion Foundation. 

Fashion, Beauty And Lifestyle

On Saturday 16th I headed down to the Convention Center in Washington D.C. for the annual Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle expo sponsored by CW DC50 and GWFCC. I woke up early, excited, and anxious to see what D.C. fashion business/boutiques and local designers have to offer once again. Since I'm part of GWFCC I had a commitment to be present and inform folks on this amazing organization. The expo was scheduled to start at noon, but I arrived a few hours earlier to get the downlow of things. The first scenes of the expo were a bevy of hispanic men in the process of installing a stage for a display of hair-styling by Beauty Spa Center and Alexandre de Paris. Around the premises, there were empty aisles of booths covered in red wine/burgundy colored curtains, displaying a rather small white sign with the name of each respective business, designer or boutique. After greeting fellow GWFFC member Brittany Wilson, I spotted my surrogate mother/The Boss Lady/producer of the show Maggy Francois clutching a clipboard, with a stare that suggested her mind was incessantly running everywhere. And that's understandable, orchestrating one of DC's most prominent events, including approximately 60 local business, one of the top photographers in the industry Nigel Barker and an array of ladies from America's Next Top Model such as Isis King, Bianca Golden and Jaslene Gonzales is not a paltry endeavor, but the expo was a success nonetheless. 

A few minutes from my arrival, I see Shannon and Clarita (See pictures above. I had to post both pictures because we look so good that it would be a waste not to, I mean I can't get enough of myself here). We were directed towards the GWFCC booth. We garnished the booth with a GWFF tripod, flyers, business cards, and there were even a few give-aways laying on the table. Throughout the event, all types of folks, with a very distinctive sense of style came to the table inquiring info, and I hope we successfully answered those questions. I'm glad most of them, or at least those inspiring designers and boutique owners, walked away with a sense of hope that D.C. one day will become a major fashion capital. 

Behind us there was a booth (see right above), which I can't remember their name, but I'm sure it was something kinky. Needless to say their table was covered in all type of erotic products, such as lotions, creams, feathered handcuffs and other things of that nature. I thought this was a family-oriented event, but I guess not (I received two other pictures that I would not post since I'm trying to remain PG for my younger readers). At one point I was envisioning a little boy walking pass this booth and he would start asking his parents all these questions. Daddy what is this for? Answer...priceless. 

One of the few designers (and a great supporter of De La Style) showcasing their collections at the expo was Kenny "KAS" Flannagan. I saw him earlier setting up his booth with the help of his assistants. There seemed to be a bit of a dilemma with the t-shirts brought to be sold at the expo but I was glad to hear the issue was resolved. He bestowed me a white tee (see above) that read "I'm a KAS Man" on the chest and a description of what a KAS man is on the back. I personally love the deconstructed pair of jeans on the front, festooned with actual pieces of denim covering most of the legs and miniature Swarovski Crystals on the edges. You can get your W.E.T tees here. 

If you read my blog before, then I'm sure you're familiar with Kenny's clothes. His offerings have a sense of sex-appeal, and create a desire to put them on. I have had the privilege to witness his creations walk down the runway    multiple times, but every time, it's a unique experience. At the expo he showed his classic, sharp-taliored suits, and come-hither short dresses, but he managed to introduce a new piece without straying away from his aesthetic. The last look was a spagehtti-string nude vivacious evening dress with the most beautiful beading I seen in recent memory. They sort of looked like fish scales, but the model only looked like a goddess out of the sea. It was Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Beyonce all in one. Unfortunately, I don't have the shot that I wanted of the dress, but hopefully I would see it graced the runway on Friday at NOVA Fashion Week. 

Out of nowhere, something shined in my vicinity. I spotted a familiar looking sneaker, but calling this a pair of "sneakers" is a complete understatement. Though these are the second time I spotted them on a feet of an stylish man, I certantly knew the name of the designer behind it. The Christian Louboutin's spiked high top sneakers were seen on new acquaintance Jarrick Jerrel (since you love me so much, you already know what I want for Christmas, just saying). 

One of the missions I set for myself when I go to these type of events is to meet as many people as I can. One of the ladies I met was the owner of "The C.A.T. Walk" Boutique, which specializes in new and consignment brands for women. Shuffling trough her racks I found some great pieces, such a fur cheetah-print bolero and a Just Cavalli LBD. I'm so glad I met Carolyn, she's fun, uplifting, convivial (you don't see that very often in the industry) and most of all, she cares about her business. I'm so looking forward to working with her in the near future.  

As I was walking around the premises of the expo, I spotted a booth with a rack of clothes that caught my attention. There was a hip factor to the whole display of clothes, they certainly were assembled to lure a specific market of customers. The sign placed at the backdrop read "Hush Boutique" then I get approached by a young lady, the owner of Hush, Tamara Lee. Not even the minute we started talking about her boutique I immediately sensed her love for it. I inquired about the selection of her garments, she responded amicably that most of the apparel she carries in the store are from L.A. designers. I think by the looks shown on the runway, the clothes are not limited to L.A. girls only, but I could easily envision any cool, hip, young girl in D.C. rocking clothes from Hush. Below two looks from the boutique, tres chic!

Indian/British Photographer and ANTM's judge Nigel Barker served as one of the host. Once Nigel popped on stage along with a lengthy camarel-skinned lady, the crowd conglomerated around the runway. It sort of looked like a scene from a Jonas Brother concert, only this time, it was a single child, much older, and his fans did not look like they just reached puberty. Nigel came out sporting a classic suit and brown silk tie, keeping the same image from the infamous show that arguably catapulted his fame. I could hear women, from all ages, yelling and cheering frantically as if they just seen Marcus Patrick stripping. This is the first time I seen Mr. Barker live, he certainly looked charming, but I would have never heralded he would have such welcoming reception in the nation's capital. 

The schedule was packed with a list of designers that I seen and a few other that I haven't. I was anxious awaiting to get my fashion fix. The first designer we saw was Natalia Sanz, a young American designer with Spanish roots. Whenever I'm about to see a new designer, I get these giggles in my stomach, I get anxious, and impatient. My standards are neither place high or low, I go in without any expectations. After watching her fall/winter abbreviated collection, I got a glimpse into what she's all about. At the end of her show she mentioned she was imbued by origami, and that translated into demure evening dresses in simple silhouette and smart detailing. The color palette was rich, without looking gaudy. There were deep purples, indigos, and neutrals in different shades of grey. The folds, pleats and sharpness of her collection echoed the feeling of an origami piece. After her show, I walked to her booth to talk to her in a more intimate setting. She expounded on the source of inspiration, "furniture and art", she said. The standout piece was a cropped tuxedo jacket in midnight blue, that alone speaks volumes about her aesthetic and her vision for the modern woman. I can't wait to see her S/S 2011 collection on Saturday at NOVA Fashion week. 

Natalia and I at her booth festooned with her beautiful creations

After Natalia's collection we saw an equally talented maestro. Tristan Blake was not a name that resonated with me, but after that day, I was enamored with his clothes. He opened up with a crisp terra cotta-colored trousers paired with a simple navy blue top with a keyhole on the back, this look heralded what was to come from Blake. The source of inspiration, which Blake told me later were, "different places in the Caribbean, especially St. Trope". He presented a hooded jumper, a tube skirt, a skimpy swimsuit, and a long-sleeve evening dress in a wavy, irregular print that was reminiscent of ocean waves, or even traces of wet sand at shore. There was a soft pink hooded jacket dress with gold chains delicately dropping from the pockets, and a beautiful deep v-neck navy blue summer dress. At the end of the show, the models came out with their hands up, swaying as the music played, there the festive, tropical and joyous attitude of the models reflected those of the clothes. I hope this would not be the last time I'll see from Tristan, there is definitely precious, raw talent to polish. 

Me, Nailah Seabron, and Tristan Blake backstage

After his show, I rushed backstage along with my photographer Matt to get a few words from the man himself. What I saw was something I was not expecting. This petite lady in a denim jacket was sobbing over Blake's shoulders, repeatedly saying, "it was just beautiful" (I would later found out it was Nailah Seabron, Tristan's marketing director). It was a riveting scene of a deep-felt human expression after seeing something profoundly touching. When a designer manages to touch people in an emotional or phycological level, that is suggestive of the talent this man possess. I hope to see more bonafide reactions like this after a collection is shown, only a few can pull that off. 

Sadly, I had a prior commitment so I had to abandon the scene. There were, of course, more fashion to be shown, but I wasn't able to see it live. Luckily, I've seen work from the remaining designers. One of them was Tashia Senn, trained at F.I.T and based in Washington D.C. presented her Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I adore Tashia's vision for the woman of today. Her designs seem to evoke a damsel with refine taste, but is not shy to walk on the edge. To me she's dangerous, seductive, and coquettish. This collection was the added touch of glamour needed for the day. I mean, the bow-neck pumpkin orange silk blouse worn with a black and grey striped lame (or sequin) skirt was the perfect option for a night-out, anywhere in the world. Another standout look, was a pale orange one-shoulder ruche frock with feathered hem, can you say fashion orgasm!?!

To close out the event, former Project Runway finalist, Korto Momolu made her presence felt at the expo. Unlike previous occasions, she showed a few looks that looked less afro-centric, and more mainstream without straying away from her aesthetic. The motif lame leaves-life prints evoked nature, as well as the draped sleeves on the summer dresses. For night she proposed a sexy black lame draped top and skinny black pants with two zippers on hip. My favorite look was an angelic white draped cocktail dress with an asymmetrical hem. 

This is one of those events where the burgeoning fashion community in the nation's capital gets a chance to connect and celebrate as one. It was a chaotic, yet rewarding event where at least if you didn't buy anything, you got to see the talent, passion and level of professionalism that exists here in D.C. 

See you next year!

Model, Jasmine Agnew walks backstage wearing a creation by Hush Boutique

Photos by Matt Statler, Vithaya Phongsavan and Vadim Zee