Be Invincible... 8 day until the biggest debut in the 18 year history of Carol's Daughter

Sahara Davenport - Pump With Me

PUMP WITH ME

featuring Male Model JR Rolley

The Rupaul Drag Race Finale Party will take place at Providence next Monday..check out Manilla (RUPAUL DRAG RACE) and JR in Saharra (ALSO FROM DRAG RACE) 1st music Video "PUMP WITH ME"

Spring Break 2011 PARTY TIME in Las Vegas

Spring Break in Las Vegas

TEMPTED 2 TOUCH
THE OFFICIAL LAS VEGAS BLACK PRIDE
MARCH 17TH - 21ST , 2011

WWW.TEMPTED2TOUCH4U.COM

Byron Lars Beauty Mark 2011 Fall Fashion Presentation at Lincoln Center

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On the evening of Friday, February 11, 2011 Byron Lars Beauty Mark once again reinvent the perception of classic Americana by presenting the fall 2011 fashion collection in a luxe Stanley H. Kaplan penthouse turned lush forest overlooking Lincoln Center. The celebration of “Native Americana”, set in a surreal recreation of the great outdoors (indoors) as featured in a collection's photo-essay. A slide show projection of these images was prominently featured on one wall of the space. One image captured the wilds of the 120th floor of an office building where Buffalo run free on its' expansive square footage against a backdrop of big sky framed in pane glass.

Guests were transported to a forest in the sky brimming with trees and all manner of greenery. While standing on brown leaves, 20 models showcased feminine and chic outerwear like silver glazed cocoon coats, tweed jackets and even belted trenches.

Refined and feminine, the daytime separates ranged from peplum sheaths to mock turtlenecks and brocade mix panel skirts. Lace was used creatively as a print livening up the front of flared dresses and trench coats the entire collection was graceful presented all at once. Dramatic makeup and accessories juxtaposed the wearable ready-to-wear pieces. Headpieces with brightly hued feathers and elaborate beaded necklaces added personality to each look.

The makeup look, created by L’Oreal, resembled traditional tribal paint with a white line across the face and colorful lips. Hair by Mizani USA was soft in loose undos and braided ponytails.

At the southern end of this wood land oasis facing a wall of glass was a flood of natural light, offering sanctuary from the darkness of the tents below as well as a beautiful setting for (show weary) guests to have a relaxed and interactive experience with the clothes and each other while milling about and viewing it at there own pace. Photo: Anika Noni Rose & Byron Lars

The event took place over a span of three hours, so guests could come and go as they please within that window of time and enjoyed the bar that served mineral water and featured Moet & Chandon Champagne. The event was produced by MEGA Management Inc.

Inspired musical hybrids of native ceremonial chants and electronica rhythms charged the room with melodic verve, only to be heightened by the primal beats of a live Native Drummer. To review the entire fall 2011 collection got to www.ByronLarsBeautyMark.com and follow us on Facebook at Byron Lars Beauty Mark.

History, Fashion & The Birth of the BLACK Fashion Model

Black Models Celebrated As Runway Revolutionaries

by Karen Grigsby Bates

Ron Galella/WireImage

Designer Roy Halston Frowick, known best by his middle name only, with model Pat Cleveland at a party following the Coty Awards in 1972. Halston frequently used Cleveland to showcase his fluid, body-hugging designs.

It was the fashion equivalent of a first-class prize fight — the Thrilla in Manila, only with high heels, not boxing gloves. In one corner, the titans of French haute couture: the houses of
Yves St. Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin. Designers known for being elegant, traditional, proper. And in the other corner, some of America's best and brightest: Anne Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Halston and a swiftly rising star, Stephen Burrows.

The audience at the Palace of Versailles that November of 1973 was star-studded, too: plenty of American socialites, one of the richest women in France, and the former Grace Kelly, now Princess Grace of Monaco. But as important as those ladies were, the event was transformed by the presence of several African-American models. According to Harold Koda, curator in charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, at the evening's end, fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, who'd dreamed up the event, described it this way: "It was as if, on this cold night, all the windows of Versailles had been blown open."

Bethann Hardison (left) with Daniela Morera and designer Stephen Burrows. After she stopped modeling, Hardison went on to found her own agency. After two successful decades, she sold it and started the Black Girls' Coalition, an advocacy and support organization for black models, with Iman.

Around 200 people will gather Monday at the Costume Institute to celebrate these black models whose work that night made American fashion a contender on the world stage.

Koda says many people he interviewed who were at Versailles said the event nearly 40 years ago was special. "And what made the presentation of the Americans so riveting, magical and overwhelmed the presentation of the French was the presence of African-American models," he says.

Sandi Bass began her European modeling career the same year as the Versailles event, and remembers how excited she was to hear about black models triumphing in the cradle of the French fashion establishment.

"There was a certain kind of walk that we had at the time, and I'm just going to say it was pretty much the 'black girls' walk,'" she says. "We were free, we were spirited, we would smile. ... It was like a little trot down the runway." Bass, who worked for Givenchy for several years, says that after Versailles, a number of French designers turned to black girls as models and as inspiration. Many of the models served as both muse and sounding boards to the designers with whom they worked closely; the old don't-speak-unless-the-coutourier-addresses-you protocol was swept aside, Bass says. "We had no holds barred, the personalities just flourished and opened, and this created an excitement for the designers as well as the audience," she says.

Fashion historian Barbara Summers enjoyed a 17-year career with Ford, one of America's top modeling agencies. She says the models at Versailles caught the world's attention, in part because of their numbers. There had been black models before, but they were considered exotic rarities. "At Versailles they had never seen so many flagrantly beautiful black women at one time, so that was a revolution," she says. The turning-heads kind of revolution, not the chopping-heads kind. Summers says the Versailles audience was used to the chilly remoteness of the models who showcased European couture. "Black girls changed all that; they plugged fashion into what was happening now and that meant R&B, rock 'n' roll, dancing, music, popular culture," she says. "They brought the electricity of popular culture into fashion."

Koda says Versailles came at the moment the world was changing: It was getting younger, there was lots of social upheaval and people were ready for change.

Summers believes the black models who presented at Versailles were pioneers in overturning an outmoded aesthetic.

"They weren't planning on being revolutionaries, but they happened to be at the right place at the right time," she says. "And for a revolution to take place at Versailles, let me tell you, for these little black girls to be running around, kicking up a fuss, showing off, it had to be absolutely thrilling."

Many of the models served as both muse and sounding boards to the designers with whom they worked closely; the old don't-speak-unless-the-coutourier-addresses-you protocol has been swept aside, Bass says. "We had no holds barred, the personalities just flourished and opened, and this created an excitement for the designers as well as the audience," she says.

Fashion’s Tribute to the Greats: NYC Celebrates the BLACK Models of Versailles 1973

On Monday, January 24, 2011, New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art was brooding with fashion alum for the tribute to the Models of Versailles 1973. Hosted by esteemed designer Oscar de la Renta and fashion great Stephen Burrows, the event brought out the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui, June Ambrose, Estelle, Sam Fine, Veronica Webb, Bethann Hardison, Michaela Angela Davis, Cicely Tyson and a bevy of others. Pat Cleveland, Billie Blair and Norma Jean Darden were just some of the models that were honored. The models of Versailles 1973 altered society's perception of American fashion's presentation almost 40 years ago.

Click here to see more photos of the event:

Jonesmag.com

Isaiah Mustafa is Ready for the Telly Once Again

OLD SPICE GUY IS BACK...

Where did he go?

The one and only Old Spice guy is back, as the new spot from W+K Portland clearly states. It’s one of a few clips that will pop up beginning in February and plugs the brand’s Fresh line of deodorants, body washes, etc. Just stare into his eyes until the big payoff for fans happens several days before the ad premieres on national TV on Feb. 7 and will let them decide how and when the public will see the new campaign. Stay tuned…

I AM BEAUTIFUL DAMMIT!!!

BET Honors Beauty IMAN for It's 4th Annual Event

On Saturday the 4th Annual BET Honors was hosted by Gabrielle Union. Celebration of special contributions of the six honorees in the arts and culture, the award show was a 2 hour event. Before the big show, the celebrities were on the red carpet of the BET Honors 2011 showing off their threads.

This inspirational award show which highlights distinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels in their fields will premiere during Black History Month. The 2011 award ceremony were Cicely Tyson (Theatrical Arts), Jamie Foxx (Entertainer), Iman (Service), Linda Johnson Rice (Media), Herbie Hancock (Musical Arts), and historian Lonnie G. Bunch (Education).

Take a look at the red carpet of the 4th Annual BET Honors. The celebrities appear to be delighted to be part of the evening. The BET Honors will be on BET Channel on Monday, February 21 at 9:00 pm. Red Carpet Photos - Here

Iman's hair courtesy of Celebrity Hairstylist Oscar James at www.OscarJames.com

Byron Lars Charmaine King™ Barbie® Doll 2010

Byron Lars does it again. A true original, his design sense always combines fashion and culture. And his latest creation, Charmaine King™ Barbie® Doll, is no exception. This glamour girl takes inspiration from the Steampunk genre, a stylish blend of futuristic fashion and culture with architecture and art, as envisioned through a Victorian lens. And talk about futuristic fashion! From the fitted and fabulous strapless mermaid hem gown to the exceptional accents including matching lace scarf, chain belt, silvery wrench, fingerless gloves, and racing goggles, Charmaine King™ Barbie® Doll is not only turning heads with her fashion sense. She's revving up the glam quotient AND making hearts race!

Barbie® fashion designed by Byron Lars.

Byron Lars in Sony 3D hits Madison Avenue

This year, Fashion Night Out, celebrated its 2^nd Annual fashion extravaganza. The star studded evening was one of the most highly anticipated of the evening. Not only could you see fashions come to life in plain view but were you ready for 3D? Byron Lars Beauty Mark in 3D presented by Sony was a fresh innovative step into a new direction for the fashion world. On September 10^th 2010, the streets of New York City along Madison Avenue between 55^th and 56^th Street were filled with heart stopping stilettos and over thousands of fashionista’s from all around the world.

Fashion authorities like: Style Director, Constance White; Fashion Editor, Michaela Angela Davis; Lifestyle Writer, Harriette Cole with special invited guest; Nicole Murphy, Stacie J., Jacque Reid and Milky Jean.

Life like dolls dawned breathtaking must have looks from the creative designers Spring /Summer 2011 collection, “Refined Tribalism”.

Diva’s and Divo’s were welcomed to the Sony Style Store experience by the style team sporting their flashy and fashionable new XE camera’. The night mood was set with a smooth delectable classy taste mixed with a very fashionable treat brought to you by the Xante’ and Ty*Ku liquor brand team.

A bright focal point of the evening shouted aloud as the new Byron Lars BLEaCH collection made its debut. The BLEaCH collection, a new Ready To Wear journey, contains intricate constructed lines with detailed hidden surprises given a new transformation to the classic white button down.

Celebrities and Fashion Icons of all times alike transcended in fashion heaven as the 3D experience instantly came to life before their very eyes. “Refined Tribalism” erupted with leopard lace prints, embossed cashmere textures and signature looks, accessorized with classic pearls and Avant Garde’ timeless head dresses.

NY S|S 2011, Byron Lars + Iman Cosmetics from David M Garcia on Vimeo.

Producer | 5D Shooter | Editor - David M Garcia (davidmgarcia.com) - for Iman Cosmetics (imancosmetics.com)

The crowd was pleased as Lars himself thanked everyone for making the night truly a favorite that will forever be cherished. Special thanks to: Sheila Gray, Sony, An’jels Salon, Iman Cosmetics, Tai Chunn & MVC Productions, Nikki Walker PR team, all 15 fashion volunteers and of course event producer Richard E. Pelzer II and MEGA Management Inc for the best fashion experience of the season. If you missed the event, don’t freight because you can explore the collection in a department store near you as the Byron Lars collection debuts in Lord & Taylor department stores across the globe in October 2010.

Visit: www.ByronLarsBeautyMark.com

Fashion's Night Out 2010 goes GLOBAL

THE DAY YOU SHOULD SHOP TIL YOU DROP!!!

For those who haven’t been anxiously counting down the days until New York Fashion Week, you probably aren’t aware of a little event called Fashion’s Night Out. This huge, globe-spanning extravaganza kicks off NY Fashion Week, which showcases the spring/summer collections of the current top designers. The event begins tonight, Sept. 10, 2010; it’s centered in New York City and is promoted by Mayor Bloomberg, “Vogue” and the CFDA, but is celebrated in cities across the country and in many countries around the globe.

Fashion’s Night Out gives the chance for shoppers to get exclusive access to many stores and the opportunity to shop with the stars and see big names in fashion such as Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and tons of supermodels up close in person. The second annual event, whose slogan is “Shop for Something Good,” is the biggest shopping event of the year, with top designers like Alexander Wang, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Byron Lars and Proenza Schouler opening their doors to the public and encouraging customers to shop.

In addition, mass retailing companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Sony Style and American Apparel have participating stores across the states. On top of the designer merchandise sure to fly off the shelves, the collection of Fashion’s Night Out merchandise is equally well-known and is sold with a purpose. A percentage of the proceeds of the tanks, classic tees, tote bags, hoodies and more go directly to the New York City AIDS Fund.

On Tuesday night, Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American “Vogue,” and her team staged “Fashion’s Night Out: The Show,” which displayed models wearing the looks that fashion editors picked for Fall 2010. The event was intended to entice the public to come out on Friday and begin shopping. Over 1,500 patrons forked over $250 per ticket to see the biggest public fashion show in New York City history, which featured models like Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell and Lara Stone working the runway along with 150 other big names.

The location of the show was the new home of New York Fashion Week, the Lincoln Center. Each of the 157 looks showcased on the runway were based on the trends of plaids, twenties glamour, rock chic, romantic minimalism, ladylike ensembles, utilitarian outerwear and bohemian. Though the show only lasted 20 minutes, including the runway show and a performance by Pharrell Williams, the show executed its mission of exciting the crowd for the coming weekend extravaganza.

Fashion’s Night Out marks a new kind of retail marketing, sparking excitement in fashion again and providing patrons with a fun night out instead of the regular old shopping trip. The official website for the event even allows you to plan out the entire evening to include celebrity appearances, free gifts with purchase, refreshments, pop-up shops, contests, DJs, designer appearances, exhibitions and tons more.

Fashion’s Night Out is the first and only event of its kind, thought up by fashion leader Anna Wintour in an effort to revive the fashion community after the effects of the recession. After such a huge turnout last year, this weekend is sure to see a jam-packed New York City.

For those of us who unfortunately can’t make it to NYC for this star-studded event, CBS is airing a special Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 10 p.m., and of course, the official merchandise is available online to shop for and order, so you can celebrate the event wherever you may be.

Does Your Man Smell Like A MAN?

Old Spice man is on a boat. CRACKS ME UP!!! I LOVE IT! LOL!!!!

More on that shortly. A quickie TV spot features Isaiah Mustafa in a boat, shirtless, with a romantic picnic basket filled with fruit, bread and cheese. His mustache is easily interchangeable with a clean-shaven look. A trio of print ads show Mustafa covered in bubbles and riding a motorcycle, atop a sudsy horse and channeling his inner lumberjack. I saved the best for last. Yesterday, Isaiah Mustafa answered fan questions with personalized videos. Oh yeah, my friend Amy got a personalized message. He said "I'm on a motorcycle," the line she was hoping he'd utter in his previous ad, along with other lines that involved wood, hot tubs and pizza. So she had a good-looking, shirtless man, flexing his pecs, talking about food and directing it all to her? BITCH!!!

Check out additional personalized videos via Old Spice's Twitter feed