WATCH: An Exclusive Interview with Androgynous Model Andrej Pejic

 

I tweeted earlier that I was totally fascinated by androgynous model Andrej Pejic. Shortly after, I found this Youtube vid on Styleite.com. You can hardly tell that this model is only 19 ... but boy is he riding this wave and turning this trend into his brand.

He says, "Sometimes I feel more like a male and sometimes more like a female. Certainly many now find me more feminine, but I’m both. And right now I feel very comfortable with it. I know what expectations are placed on me. As a woman, I am sensual and sexy. As a man, I’m more simple. I wear women’s and men’s clothing. But as a woman, the look is much better. Good men’s clothing is very expensive."

Repeat After Me .. "I am Not Your JiggaBoo"

**UPDATED**

I originally posted this in July 2010. Since then, Beyonce has been added to the now popular fashion trend of "black face" so I thought perhaps we should revisit this topic.

Fashion is always pushing the envelope for new and innovative imagery, but when is it too much? Just when you think that we've gotten over that racial hump we're sometimes reminded that perhaps some "ish" will never change?

I am somewhat torn by Beyonce's decision to pose in "black face" for the popular publication L’Officiel Paris. Mainly because ... well.. it's Beyonce. Apparently she saw the play and was inspired by the Nigerian dancer Fela.

There's a huge part of me that shrugs my shoulders to say it's merely fashion, what's the fuss about. And then there is the other huge half of me that would be quick to snap my neck and call you crazy if you would ever think to justify this foolery.

Do you think some things should be left in the past? Or can we recreate them, find the beauty of it, perhaps laugh a bit, and move on? Or is it like the "N" word and only we can do it?

I wanna know whatcha thinking? Check out a few more images of models in blackface who joined Beyonce in this trend. Study them hard and let me know if you really don't care or if it's offensive to you.

 

MBFW: Milly by Michelle Smith

I love when words like cognac, emerald, and graphite are used to describe things. Even though my mind still sees orange-brown, green, and gray those words scream luxury. Which is exactly what Milly by Michelle Smith delivered - young luxury.

This collection left me stunned with questions like "does that come in my size" and "I wonder if I can afford that". Michelle managed to infuse her rich jewel toned color palette in every look including accessories like envelope clutches and cross-body mini's.

Take a look at some of my favorite looks for this collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designer Michelle Smith and her uber cute daughter.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Whatcha thinking? Like, no like, leave a comment and let me know.

MBFW: Toni Francesc Fall 2011

I have so many great things to say about this collection. But first let me tell you why I will always remember this show.

I got my seating assignment for this show earlier in the evening. So I was already stoked about my 3rd row status! No sooner than I had sat down, Kelly Cutrone from People's Revolution comes over to me and my seat mate (an older lady with no style but really cool) and says "Do you wanna be upgraded to front row!"

I didn't even pause or think before I said, "Hellz yeah!". As she escorted us to our front row seats I thought OMGeezy did I really just say "Hellz yeah" to Kelly Cutrone. Oh lord! But I had to move on from my embarassing moment and get situated in my front row seat. You know, get on twitter and brag, take a few twitpics, the whole nine. This was one of the best show I could have ever seen front row. I'm not just saying that because I got upgraded either!

His fall collection "GARUDA" was inspired by one of my favorite creatures, the Phoenix. Story has it that this eagle sized bird burns in its own flames only to rises from its ashes. Colors like orange, red, and gold were used in the silks to represent the flames. While grays and blacks represented the ashes. Every piece was wearable which I can appreciate. Whether you're off to a meeting, brunch with the girls, or a night our with your hunny, this collection has the answer for you.

Can you believe all these images were taken with my camera phone?! See what front row gets you.

View the entire collection here.

MBFW: Callula Lillibelle Fall 2011

What a breathe of fresh fashion Callula Lillibelle brought to fashion week. After covering more than 40 shows I was definitely excited about this collection.

Described as "desk to dinner" wardrobe for the modern woman this collection fits size 0-14. With camel tweed coats, houndstooth capes, and lace turtlenecks this is a thirfting queen's dream come true.

Hair was done by David Cruz for Cutler Salons and makeup by my good friend James Vincent for Make Up Forever. Although I was so engaged with the collection I hardly noticed it.

The accessories offered a clean cutsey girl look. Exactly my style. The eyewear from Selma Optique and Jee Vice Optique will be getting a few sales from me.

I definitely encourage you to check out their site they've got a real, affordable, and stylish collection.

 

This last image is a lot blurry but I love this skirt. Soon after my #Operation12 is complete I will be purchasing a few items from Callula Lillibelle. Congrats to them on their success!

(all images taken by me with my new Song Bloggie!)

Fashion Alchemist Styling Contest

By now you should know I love competitions and contests so I get uber excited when someone gives me a heads up about one. I received an email from Amanda over at FashionIndie.com introducing the Fashion Alchemist Styling Contest.

Create your look on Dots.com for the chance to win a day as Mia Morgan’s styling apprentice and a two day, one night trip for two to New York City that covers a round trip flight and hotel accommodations. If your dream is to become a stylist or you just have a flair for putting together fabulous outfits, this is a great way to test your skills and be entered to win a great prize in the process.

MBFW: Zang Toi Fall 2011

Have you ever heard someone sing and gotten goose bumps? Well that's what happens to me when I witness amazing fashion come down the runway. Oh the goose bumps I got from Zang Toi were so huge.

I've been invited to Zang Toi for the past 2 seasons and I never make it out of the tents to attend. Off site shows often times get looked over. Once you are at the tents you don't wanna leave.

This season he showed under the tents. Zang Toi totally captured the essence of an awesome production. It was a full house and some folks weren't able to get in.

 

 

 

The models slowly walked down the runway to an opera-like soundtrack with massively huge messy buns, and dark makeup. The collection totally deserved the standing ovay at the end of the show.

Get a peek at some of my fav looks. Be aware it's quite a few.

(Above: Designer Zang Toi with Real Housewife Jill Zarin in his $30k finale dress)

I can bet that there will be a few of his dresses on the red carpet soon!

(photo credit: Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America)