Idia'Dega Eco-Fashion

Givenchy Haute

2012-01-27T01:50:00.000-08:00

images: Givenchy

Be, my. Be, my Balmain

2012-01-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have loved Balmain for quite awhile even more so now that Olivier Rousteing has taken over.

Pre-Fall 2012 Collection image: style.com

US Vogue December 2011 feature

He is bringing the Balmain we loved through the vision of former designer Christophe Decarnin.

image: style.com

Olivier Rousteing's first collection

Mr. Rousteing presents the chic, sexy, urbanity that we love with a hint of more feminine expression, with boyish hints and as always Parisian flair with nod, wink or is it an sexy ash flick to Americana.

Midweek Jam: Let's Stay Together

2012-01-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

I saw this last week (I was viewer #300ish!) and I although I love President Obama, this only made it even more so.

Enjoy

And Rev. Al, of course.

"Please be polite...."

2012-01-25T01:18:00.000-08:00

From taxi is Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. (Would it work in NYC?)

McQueen Men!!!

2012-01-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

Yes it is the Menswear collections and while I could spend hours looking up images I would have to say best you spend a bit of time at style.com http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2012MEN/ and look at what the men in our lives will be dressed like in the upcoming season.

Right?

Right.

To begin here is my recommendation, Alexander McQueen menswear.

Lovely

Hong Jang Hyun: Korea Vogue Photographer

2012-01-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

Hong Jang Hyun for Vogue Korea

I am one of those folks that love magazines, fashion magazines, interior, design, art...anything! Old, cut up, cut out, whatever I will take it. So I recently inherited a small stack of old fash mags, including a Jan 2011 Korea Vogue.

Hong Jang Hyun photo

Some of it I had seen in other Vogues, I know the Conde Nast publications sometimes share content. But then amazing images kept popping up and they we are from Hong Jang Hyun.

I love his use of movement and composition. He also has an amazing and unique way of lighting as well as both a playful and romantic way of shooting.

I love his work.

Hong Jang Hyun photographer

photo Hong Jang Hyun

Hong Jang Hyun photo

Hong Jang Hyun

Midweek Jam: Christiane D Beautiful Disaster

2012-01-17T23:52:00.001-08:00

Amazing from Christiane D

New Climate New Skincare

2012-01-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

I like being Green. Not green of hue (sorry Kermit, though you look fab, always bro). But Green of product what goes in, on, around the skin.

After a 40 hour trip from New York to Beijing to Kuala Lumpur my skin was looking sad, sad. Plus my skin is used to winter now and is like "What the heck is going on?! Why is it still sunny, why are we still so exposed to the sun? What the heck, it is so humid?!"

Yes my skin talks.

Well no it doesn't but it reacts. The reaction was a 2nd adolescence with lots of zits and everything to go with it.

So walking through KLCC mall I discovered tucked away in a corner, too tucked away for my liking, Melvita.

Melvita. The French based line of organic skin and bodycare that saved my skin and if I may say it looks even better than when I came here to begin with.

So what I use and not to say it will work for you but it works like Dickens for me.

Oh wait let me tell you what my skin is like. Oily in t-zone but normal elsewhere though blackheads may pop up on my cheeks, now and again. As I am getting older I am also noticing some drying again on the checks. Okay so this is what I use:

To begin I use this Cleansing Foam:

This is what the website says about it....

"With its soap-free formula, this Cleansing foam evens out and clarifies the complexion, helping the skin to breathe naturally and cleanses the skin’s pores through the anti-pollution action of its complex of olive polyphenols and manganese. An extract of moringa nuts helps to prevent the occlusive effects of urban pollution. A distillate of blackcurrant, rich in flavonoids, with their anti-free radical properties, an extract of aniseed and aloe vera reinforce this cleansing activity"

All I know is that it makes my skin feel lovely and not dried out at all. I really like it.

Okay then twice a week I use this scrub...

Facial Exfoliant - Radiant Skin: Sea buckthorn, melon and moringa

"This foaming Facial exfoliant gently unifies the texture of the skin, unclogs the pores and enhances the complexion. It contains no abrasive particles and combines the gentle exfoliating qualities of rose hip seed powder, cane sugar and silica with the powerful moisturizing properties of melonand aloe vera, the invigorating properties of plum and sea buckthorn oils and the lightening qualities of peach leaves, apple and raspberry."

It feels like it is polishing not scrubbing my face, I love it.

Next Up is Rose Extraordinary Water

Rich in Rose essential water, this delicately scented formula combines the repairing and astringent properties of Rose floral water with the invigorating properties of Marsh clover. It prepares skin perfectly, leaving it ready for your daytime moisturizer.

Yep then comes the daytime moisturizer. Now I am not supposed to but I use the oil for day because it feels so good but I may try at 'proper' moisturizer when the rainy season ends here.

Considered as a universal panacea since the time of the Pharaohs and revered in the courts of Ancient Arabia, the Prophet Mohammed said that “this black cumin cures everything but death” - nigella oil is extracted from the tiny black seeds of a white-flowered plant of the Ranunculus family, which grows in shady oases. Well-known for toning the scalp and relieving muscle tension, it is also traditionally used for its purifying properties for oily skin.

And please note this is not an ad, just me sharing what is working for me.

Enjoy

Martin Luther King Jr Day in America

2012-01-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Thank you for taking that first step and help so many other take theirs.

Rest in Power (as Docta Slick would say.)

Malaysia Fashion Focus: Bernard Chandran

2012-01-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Spring/Summer 2012 Bernard Chandran Collection

Bernard Chandran is a Malaysian designer who recieves local (read: Celebraties, royal family and the like) and International (read: celebrities Lady Gaga, Estelle, and more).

He shows at both Malaysia Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.

I think he is one of the best I enjoy his feminity, chic and timeless yet modern line as well as his use of color. I want many many of the things I see in his Spring Summer 2012 collection and some of his past looks too.

My students at Raffles College told me where his boutique is so I plan on taking a little peak myself.

Bernard Chandran collection

Ostrich feathers, cannot get enough right? I love this.


MIFW S/S 2012 image: Dave Fan

MIFW S/S 2012 image: Dave Fan

MIFW S/S 2012

I don't think the still images for the work justice check out this video from CuteCarryTV

Midweek Jam Django Reinhardt Honeysuckle Rose

2012-01-11T00:43:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to Django every day for the past week. I love this song in particular.

Django Reinhardt sitting at Duke's piano

Enjoy

Thanks Hint, yes it is quote hot, YSL YSL YSL

2012-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

YSL Spring Summer 2012 photo by David Sims more info at Hint

Mrs.O

2012-01-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs is Mrs.O, following the style and substance of First Lady Michelle Obama.

They did a Top 10 looks of 2011 and it got me thinking about what I thought her top looks were for the year.

FLOTUS Michelle Obama in Brazil wearing Rachel Roy

Wearing Alexander McQueen at China State Dinner

Vera Wang at Kennedy Center Honors

And since don't have the where-with-all or the time or (broad)bandwith I thought I would share my Top 3 for Mrs.O's, Top 10 and invite you to take a gander at the longer list at your leisure.

+ One

With Caroline Kennedy wearing what to me is a signature color image: White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

So nice to see

2012-01-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Chanel well to be precise, Karl Lagerfeld, was one of the designers who championed Black and other models of color in the past.

Lately though there seemed to be an absence of these lovely ladies from the Chanel world. Despite Chanel continued popularity as a brand among Black American women, particularly singers, actors and other performers.

So it was nice to see Mr Lagerfeld return to his heritage (I hope) with his new and quite beautiful, stunning really. Spring Summer 2012 campaign images.

Enjoy.

A first! Yep we are still doing firsts

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yep we are still doing firsts.

Chelsa Wagner being sworn in by Judge Ward with (her son/my nephew) Thaddeus Wagner Mosley and (her husband/my brother) Khari Mosley image: Larry Roberts, Post-Gazette

This is my very awesome sister-in-law Chelsa Wagner who was just sworn in as the first woman Allegheny County Controller (Allegheny County is where the City of Pittsburgh is located).

My brother Khari is an awesome speaker. *smile* Just after some words about his wife Chelsa (Oh and I see my friends Dorie and Seth in the background of the picture!)

Anyway I am just really proud of her and encourage everyone, no matter what to go after what you want.

There are still firsts to be had.

Enjoy.

MidWeek Jam: Elevator Music

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Beck, yes.

That elevator music, no.

Beck, Elevator Music.

"1, 2, you know what to do..."

Congrats to Titania Inglis - Sustainable Design Winner

2012-01-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

I love the way the rust stain on the tee mirrors the lovely asymmetrical line of the skirt Image: Titania Inglis

2012 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Sustainable Design.

http://www.titaniainglis.com/

image: Titania Inglis

What I love about her work is the combination of vintage inspired textiles (rust-dyed) with ultra modern geometrica even archtitectural silhouettes.

Wonderful work.

Image: Titania Inglis on Her Journal

Congratulations.

12 Beautiful Men for 2012

2012-01-01T12:00:00.001-08:00

Without really trying, sometime in early to mid-May for the pasttwo years I posted a Beautiful Men list. There is something about spring I guess? Well now that I moved to a tropical climate...I feel like it is always Spring or Summer. So here the much anticipated list: 12 Beautiful Men for 2012. What better way to start 2012?

Dhani Jones

Dhani Jones – because he knows how to rock an Ozwald Boateng suit and a pair of shoulder pads with equal aplomb. He travels the world. Smile, first and tackle, second. Open to anything. Humanitarian. I mean he must be something for a bonafide Steelers fan such as myself, giving big-ups to a former Cincinnati Bungles, I mean Bengals player.

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson – pronounced Do-o-nall, so it seems, perfect for my next line. Ready? “ Do, do that voodoo, that you do, so well, Domhnall.” You kind of have to sing it to make it work. Anyway, so “Never Let Me Go,” I watched it because Mr Gleeson is in the film. In one scene he goes from the cool guy, to childlike vulnerability to incredulous truth-seeking love-induced quiet anger. The words and the way he speaks move and change but even more amazing is his entire face transforms. Brilliant. And his scene in “True Grit”, you just pray that the inevitable doesn’t happen hoping with him that if he just tells the truth he will get out of this mess. He is also funny as sh--, watch Your Bad Self, sketch comedy skits on You Tube. Oh and he writes and directs too. Yep see what I am saying? Beautiful, smart, funny, talented, that’s voodoo.! Love it and I want more, Mr Gleeson, thank you.

Jimmy Chin

Jimmy Chin Outdoor Adventure Photographer. I am sure the man takes lovely pictures, but I would much rather just look at him.

Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente – I wish I had been around to see him play. Just knowing that one of the most beautiful men of all time (to me) lived and worked in my home town of Pittsburgh is just too much. The fact that he left us all too soon, but on a mission of humanity, well, we leave that for the angels.

Giovanni Battista Moroni

Portrait Of An Old Man c. 1575 – okay maybe this is cheating. I wanted to mention the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena California, one of my most favorite museums in the world. It has such breath and depth for a relatively small museum, I went several times when I lived in Los Angeles and I never tired of it. This painting is one of my favorites in their stunning collection. By Giovanni Battista Moroni, it truly is a beautiful painting of a beautiful man.

will.i.am

Will.I.Am – because he uses the power of celebrity for good and he knows how to design his own clothes. I really dig it.

Denis Diderot

Denis Diderot – I don’t know if M. Diderot was beautiful. The portrait of him on the cover of Jacques The Fatalist (one of my favorite books of all time! So funny. So smart!) shows a grey haired gentleman, receding hairline, double chin…but that doesn’t matter. Any man who can write as well as Diderot is beautiful to me.

Richie Havens

Richie Havens - there are some songs that I simply cannot just listen to, simply. I have to get up, shake my head, tap my feet, clap my hands. Mr. Havens’ version of “Run Shaker Life” is one of those songs: a hymn, a gospel, rock, blues, African call and response - it contains all American roots music. It is such a seminal part of my life I cannot imagine living without that song.

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton – to say he was one of the greatest comedy geniuses of all time seems to be somewhere between hyperbole and the overstated. It is however oh so true. “The General” is simply perfect, the fact that the film was based in the Civil War from a Confederate soldiers point of view, challenges our current mindset, but the film is one of the best comedies ever made. I also love “Steamboat Bill.” Additionally the film short “High-Tech Dining” contains several of the funniest sequences ever put on celluloid. It makes one understand that physical comedy, all too often used now as a short cut, is truly brilliant comedy and communication. Too few do it well and no one does it better than Mr. Keaton. Ahh and just how can a man with such pretty sad eyes and that straight “stone” face make us laugh so much, nearly 100 years later.

Rohan Bopanna and Aisam Qureshi

The Indo-Pak Express – Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Quershi play tennis. No big deal except their doubles partners. No big deal except Mr Bopanna is from India and Mr Quershi is from Pakistan. Two counties in conflict since their independence. Their goal is not only to win as many tennis tournaments as possible but also to live and play for their goal, the end of conflict between India and Pakistan, using the tennis court as the peace court. Love-Love, all.

Robert Duvall in The Godfather

Robert Duvall. I love so many of Mr Duvall's performances from To Kill a Mockingbird to Tender Mercies and Get Low to The Road. If he is in the film I am going to watch it. But there is something about his performance in the Godfather, with so many amazing performances, with so many amazing actors, that makes me watch and re-watch, and watch again.

Barack Obama. Here's to making 2012, your reelection year Mr. President.

All in white (happy new year)

2011-12-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

I just think it's lovely. Really.

From Men's File Magazine, just a joy to behold.

All all all images from Men's File Magazine.

Faves of 2011

2011-12-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

These are some of my personal fave posts of the past year, in no particular...well you know.

Jacques Tati: Style Icon The Amazing Filmmaker and his influence on fashion and design

Stylish Men from Pittsburgh (yes Pittsburgh)

Emmanelle Alt Alt.Americana: Musings on the Paris Vogue editor Paris-American Style

Center for Creative Reuse - Inspiration Filled Location, I miss it.

Giraffe Dance - From pictures from my time as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar living in Kenya

image: IdiaDega

Green Jeans - some cool eco-jeans and the like....

Getting my portrait done by the amazing Ruben Toledo

Sonia Delaunay exhibit in NYC

Original Gangsters: Freedom Riders and Civil Rights Fighters

Diwali Memories

image: IdiaDega

Two Husbands, like the concept and the waistcoat (*wink*)

image: IdiaDega

Men's FIle

2011-12-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Sitting in a cushy leather club chair on the 2nd floor of the Intermark hotel in KL (okay, okay 1st floor, why or why do we speak the same language but then not exactly) eating a veggie samosa, I was skimming through Issue #2 of Men's File magazine (seems that they are now on Issue #5, with #6 coming soon...)

image: Men's File Issue 2

I fell in love with the modern images but timeless elegance of making boots, playing cricket, riding a bike and improvising in a jazz trio.

image: Men's File from selectism.com

Men are so very sexy, this magazine proves it. I hope I can pick up Issues #1-6 in Kuala Lumpur. I wanted nab the issue in the hotel but figured it was best to share.

L'Eroica images from Men'sFile magazine

Enjoy.

MidWeek Jam: Happy New Year, Happy Kwanzaa

2011-12-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

t-shirt design by Uchi Inspired by James Brown and Afrika Bambaataa

Peace, Love, Unity, Having Fun...pillars of (real) Hip-Hop and a great way to end 2011 and begin 2012.

Flash back: Steel City Style

2011-12-27T00:41:00.000-08:00

William Powell: yep a Pittsburgh man

So earlier in 2011 GQ named Pittsburgh its #3 in the top 40 Worst Dressed Citiies list.

I mean but they're my peeps, I gotta love em. I just don't have to like how they dress.

But to be fair I think most of the top 50 metro areas of the country including Manhattan, Brooklyn and San Francisco were also listed. I was going to mention Los Angeles here (as in why are they on this list) but they are a tad sloppy in LA. I remember when I lived there no matter the occasion flip-flops and dirty jeans were always in view. Now flip-flops and dirty jeans has it very sexy place to be sure but not every day and every where.

So anyway back to GQ,. Folks in Pittsburgh got all sad about it and mad about it. People were emailing me and posting things on Facebook like "Can you believe what GQ said about us?!" My response: Yep.

I found it funny that folks were upset because my hometown really is not very stylish. To be honest ,fashion is not top of mind among the majority of folks in the Burgh. When I walk around folks ask me where I am from. I say "I was born in South Side Hospital" The response: "Na uh, yinz must be jokin' n'at." Okay okay I am exaggerating. (Seriously people do ask me where I am from though.) But where can you go out on a first date and NO the date is not at Heinz Field, PNC Park or Consol Energy Center - wearing a sports jersey? Pittsburgh! But to be fair both the man or the woman could wear the jersey so that is something.

But no that is not the full extent of the style scene of Pittsburghers.

So here thanks in no small part to my friend and artist Dick Lynn who reminded me about the great "Thin Man" film series I love oh so much, here is a list of some of the most stylish men you are ever likely to see and yes they are all from Pittsburgh.

Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow, Black and Yell.....

Terrance Hayes, National Book Award winner

Billy Strayhorn co-writer of the Great American Songbook

Ahmad Jamal, always amazing and dapper, dapper

Mr Warhol, may I borrow your shades and the shirt too?

August Wilson, the great.

One of the most beautiful men ever created. Ever. Billy Eckstine

Gene Kelly: a great talent and a true gentleman

Jeff Goldblum, just so handsome. Keeps getting better.

Technically Jimmy Stewart is from Indian, PA (a lil ways down the road) but I claim him.

Mr Stewart again: How cute is he with the rumpled pajamas?

Don't even sleep on Mr. Rogers. Seriously.

Okay so he's French Canadian but he plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins: Kris Letang

Six Thoughts on the Holiday Season

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Peace Dove by Pablo Picasso

1. If your birthday is within a week of Chanukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa you get triple presents.

2. Wear your party clothes to work.

3. Drink champagne or a bubbly something for breakfast during the season.

4. Don't complain about spending time with your dysfunctional family cause your lucky for them.

5. Don't wait to give. If you want it, get it. If you want to give to someone, do it today.

6. Celebrate every day, anyway.

Enjoy. Peace. Love. Every day.

Party Clothes: A Reason for the Season

2011-12-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

“Throw away your work clothes and wear party clothes for the rest of your life." - Simon Doonan

I think this is a good time to start, non?

Oui, oui.

Here are a few inspirational suggestions. Where them to office Holiday party and then to work the next day (wink)

Jeans and Bling or Bling and Things

image: Abu Baker via tumblr Balmain jacket

You can see that I am going decidedly urban chic casu-ish (slight casual but also elegant I believe). Given that so many folks work where they can wear jeans why go home to change or carry dry cleaning to work. Just add a jacket, sweater with a decidedly shimmer effect. Or you can do the reverse and take simple (or not so) top and add a pair of bright a$$ pants.

image: JCrew via refinery29

Don't sweat

image: Misty Rabbit

A simple (sexy, deadly) sweater mini dress. So not a ugly Holiday sweater. The shoes, your hair and smile are the accessories.

Black-'tie'

Ashley Olsen in Calvin Klein Tuxedo

Basically its the perfectly fitting black tux pants, killer stilettos or velvet loafers and a white button down or white tea shirt. If you opt for a tee, bling it out a bit with a killer necklace, bracelet, or the like. And/or wear a v-neck tee turned round backwards with a necklace down the back.

An awesome slightly oversize tee would be great with tux pants

Hostess Tunic / Djellaba

Image: Lalla Essaydi

A little more elegant than a snuggie (do people still wear those) actually much more. You can wear something in the djellaba genre regardless if you are the host or a guest. And the amount of layers depends on where in the world you are wearing it.

White dress

Idia'Dega Organic White Cotton Rugby Dress

Yes I know me and my white dresses. But just imagine if you will walking into the New Years Eve party or what have you. Rocking an organic cotton long white dress like the one pictured here and a pair of super high brown suede platform boots? I think it would look just lovely. + If like me you are in a tropical area, a pair of simple flat sandals are just too chic and that way you can easily run to or away from the Mistletoe depending on whose around. I say Happy Happy, whatever baby.

Salwar Kameez

Image from style.com Chanel Pre-Fall 2012

Inspired! So chic. You can use things you may already have in your closet to create the look. Or put it on your list for Kwanzaa gifts.

Enjoy

Shibori with the Amazing Eddie Yap

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Works of Eddie Yap at Galerie Petronas

A few weeks ago I mentioned that batik should be the textile that represents humanity. What I really meant was tid-dye was for the me the best representation of humans textile crafts, including shibori, but not including the rainbow tie-dye socks you bought in Woodstock. Sorry that is not what we are talking about here.

I attended a shibori workshop at the Galerie Petronas taught by the amazing Eddie Yap, who I mentioned in an early post. He is a wonder really, on so many levels. I cannot wait to hang out with him again. In addition to his art, he is also an outdoor guide, he promised some hiking trips, I am holding you to it Eddie!

Eddie's shibori samples he brought to workshop and to inspire

One of the best parts of being with the artist is you can touch the work!

Studying the detail

Eddie's work in the Galerie Petronas exhibition

I loved how he mapped out everything he did so he can remember even the hardest pieces and patterns

Eddie's samples

Eddie's stitching directions

We tied and dyed

Well beyond just rings of rubber bands. Actually shibori is an art from start to finish. Understanding all the techniques, pulling the strings, ribbons, robe or other things you have used to create the resistance tight enough to do its job (something I only managed to do on one of my pieces) as well is the actually dying, knowing how long to dip and where to to dip.

One of the student's amazing scarves

Aga's very cool and new"seed" technique

Another favorite of mine, it looked like snake skin!

And then taking it all apart to revel something beautiful (hopefully) or at least something creative (always) that you learn from and enjoyed.

Very cool yellow camel and brown, I loved this piece

Another great student piece.

Everyone's favorite piece

Midweek Jam Rihanna

2011-12-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

In honor of holding it down and traveling as a Black woman in this world. I know it aint easy.

Power to you

I cannot get enough Iris Apfel

2011-12-20T01:11:00.000-08:00

When it came down to what books I would carry in the two suitcases I took with me to Malaysia, yes I moved here with only two suitcases.

One of the books I brought with me was Rare Bird of Fashion by Eric Boman the book companion to the amazing Iris Apfel exhibition of her clothes and her amazing life spirit as reflected through adornment.

She is one of my all-time inspirations.

She has will launch a cosmetic collection with Mac for Winter 2011/2 available in January.

What else would you do at 90, right?

Love.

Azzedine Alaia Groninger Museum

2011-12-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Image: Groninger Museum

To says someone is the best is always subjective. But I think Azzedine Alaia is arguably the best couturier alive today. More details on the exhibit.

We Are ULTRA

2011-12-18T18:17:00.000-08:00

Everyday or nearly everyday I come across about amazing fashion, creative, art discovery in Malaysia. We are ULTRA is a "sustainable collective" whose projects and other work are thought provoking, creative and fun.

Image: We are ULTRA

Global and local.

Using new media, fashion, art, design and beauty, looking forward to seeing more and maybe even getting involved?

Interview Magazine + The Corner

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is just so wonderful. I always loved Interview Magazine and one of my favorite things about visiting the Andy Warhol Museum (in my hometown of Pittsburgh, thank you very much). Is seeing some of the Warhol era Interview magazines.

Diandra - Photographer Robbie Fimman

Here is an amazing editorial collab with The Corner from Yoox.com. Images featured in November 2011 issue of Interview magazine.

Estrella - Photographer Robbie Fimman

Stylist Sarah Ellison and Photographer Robbie Fimman, images of amazing people from the amazing city of New York (I miss you.)

Barnaby + Camilla - Photographer Robbie Fimman

The Okpos - Photographer Robbie Fimman

Styled? Yes but real people with real style. Always the best.

Jazmin + Shane - Photographer Robbie Fimman

Enjoy

Why I love Paris Vogue

2011-12-15T01:44:00.000-08:00

When I moved to KL I was told that I would not be able to find some of my favorite fashion magazines in the store. Paris Vogue was on the list.

December '11/Jan '12 Paris Vogue by Mert and Marcus.

I thought how could I live without Paris Vogue (of course I can, water, shelter, can't live without. Vogue, yes I can.) But thankfully I don't have to worry. I can buy Paris Vogue.

And the Decemeber/January Issue is always, always on my Christmas list to self. And this cover is a great hint as to why.

Will Santa Find Me?

2011-12-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Does moving 9,000+ miles away mean Santa cause any problems with delivery?

I am buying myself a sewing machine and some fabric.What I really need from Santa is some ThirtyFour Bespoke Dipped.Two jewelry. Any piece would be nice, but I have a couple (few!) suggestions....I have been nice.

Really I have.

MidWeek Jam The Doors Love Me Two Times

2011-12-13T17:51:00.001-08:00

Enjoy

Paul Wonder

2011-12-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Nothing much to say here just happy to see one of my favorite actors and a man on my short list for one of the most beautiful ever, Paul Newman.

p.s. I wouldn't mind pair of shades like these either.

Art Always Inspires

2011-12-12T01:01:00.001-08:00

Mosley detail by abyssalplain.blogspot.com

I am preparing for next terms classes. And I am taking a step back from my Visual Merchandising course preparation, taking a step back from the articles, books, text and the like and I plan to do a lecture (discussion, please students!) on not just VM but what inspires VM in fact what inspires fashion.

Everything does of course.

But I am focusing on a few topics: Architecture, Interior Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Industrial and Furniture Design.

While compiling images, videos and samples today, I of course went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website. In scrolling down their list of over 100 videos, I came across the video presentation of the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibit.

I thought I would share it here if you have seen it it won't hurt to watch it again, if you have not, you are in for a treat.

I may have mentioned this before but there are a few transformative experiences I have had a galleries and museums in my life and in no particular order here they are:

Robin Rombach/Post-Gazette

My own father Thaddeus Mosley's amazing show at the Mattress Factor in 2009, I was living in LA at the time but luckily the show was extended and I had a chance to see it. I can't describe the emotionally overwhelming experience.

FROM LEFT: "Bird in Space" (1924); "The Kiss" (1916); "Bird in Space (Yellow Bird)" (1923-24); "Mademoiselle Pogany III" (1931) via WSJ.com

The Brancusi exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the early 1990s. I literally cried. I cried and called my dad from a payphone (yes kids!) and thanked him for raising me to live with and love art.

Seeing Lucian Freud's portraits at the Art Instiitute of Chicago. Before seeing them in person I would have told you I did not like Freud's work, but as I approached them I felt my body convulse. It was amazing.

Norton Simon Museum

My first trip to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena California, a relatively small museum that packs a huge punch. A must see if you are in Southern California.

The Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met. Not only was it awe-inspiring to see so many of his clothes and accessories in person, it was one of the best thought out and executed museum installations and presentation of art I have ever seen. Of course I cried like a baby.

Honoring a hero: Sammy Davis Jr.

2011-12-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

The amazing Docta Slick aka J. Nicole Brooks http://www.doctaslick.blogspot.com/ is directing a play at the Lookingglass Theater in Chicago "Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting." On her blog and on her Facebook page she posted a video of Sammy Davis Jr paying tribute to Mr Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. My heart melted and then turned into a butterfly and soared.

Why?

I have had a life-long relationship with Sammy Davis Jr but not always a positive one.

When I was younger I would cringe at his gold chains, shiny hair and too big smile.

Sammy Davis Jr at the age of 6

Seeing images when he was just a boy tap dancing did not make it any better. You see it was all about a post-Civil Right era, the generation who did not have to sit in the back of the bus, drink out of other water fountain or be refused service, anywhere.

It reminded me of my first weeks at work in NYC right after I graduated from Drexel University. I was walking to work headed to the offices of Saatchi and Saatchi, feeling rather grown up, maneuvering through the subway trains and stations in high heels and navy business suit, so chic so urbane! Then suddenly being gobsmacked by seeing an elderly Black gentleman shining some white businessman shoes who was inevitably reading the Wall Street Journal and treating the shoeshine man as machine, not acknowledging his presence on this very earth.

That is what seeing Sammy Davis Jr was for me, a cringe at some outdated view of Black America.

Until he died.

And when Bill Cosby started wearing a SDjr pin on his famous sweaters, I started to re-think my opinion on Mr. Davis. I cannot remember any outfit that Bill Cosby wore but I do remember that pin. Which I think was the whole point of Mr Cosby wearing the pin.

What I realized is that Sammy Davis Jr was such an amazing pioneer in the arts in the recognition of the contributions of Black America to American and to American arts (let's face it without Black there would be no America anything!) That he was always a reflector of his time and a projector of what was to come.

For me he is a hero and I am sorry I ever doubt his contributions or ever cringed even a moment. Knowing how hard he worked literally his entire life and how much it all meant and means.

I love Sammy Davis Jr and am so very grateful to him. Thank you Mr Davis and in the words of Ms Brooks, Rest in Power.

Enjoy.

A great place to start your SDjr collection