More Arlenis Ads for Lancome

From the Dominican Fashion Models blog. These look like in-store promotional ads, I'm still waiting to see the magazine ads. I think the photos are quite beautiful, I just love her thick eyebrows.

Vintage Covers: Beverly Peel and Claudia Mason on British Vogue

s: Angel Lover/TFS

January, 1992

I still remember the first time I saw Beverly Peele. I was in my high school library and saw her on the cover of Seventeen magazine. I must have run to the store after school to buy that issue! I probably followed her career more than Naomi back then. She was a stunner.

Claudia Mason is definitely a face I remember from that supermodel era but I didn't pay as much attention to her. She revealed late in her career that her agency pressured her to identify as Latina or Italian instead of biracial (her father was black and her mother white.) I always thought the revelation was somewhat interesting since other fair skinned biracial models of her day (like Kara Young) seemed to work high profile gigs regularly but honestly, nothing surprises me about this industry.

Who were your favorite models by bygone eras?

Beyonce (and Mama) Set to Launch 'Sasha Fierce' Junior Clothing Line Inspired by Thierry Mugler

Left: Thierry Mugler's inspiration for Beyonce's tour costumes

Right: Beyonce and Mama Knowles' re-interpretation for the back-to-school set

Because there ain't no money like more money, Beyonce and Co. are expanding their House of Dereon label to include a juniors named after Bey's alter ego called 'Sasha Fierce.' The oddly timed line is a re-interpretation of the edgy garments that designer Thierry Mugler designed for Beyonce's latest tour and will include a full range of products from sportswear to handbags and accessories. The clothing itself will be pared down, serving as a backdrop to highlight the more over-the-top jewelry, sunglasses and shoes.

Source: WWD

Cassie in Mark Fast at the BET Awards

s:fashiongirl_22/TFS

Cassie's talent is debatable but she is a knock out beauty and surprisingly her new hairstyle seems to be catching on among C-listers like MTV's Lala and Carmen Elecktra. She wore this shredded little black dress by Mark Fast to last night's BET Awards.What do you think of her new deconstructed style?

(Yawn!) Ebony's Summer Issue Features IT FACTOR ladies

Ebony Magazine has put together a special multi-cover summer issue celebrating women with the "It" factor. Not surprisingly, the nearly 70 year old publication's list holds no new names or surprises. 

Of the 25 women listed, 21 are entertainers, 1 is an athlete, 2 are from the world of politics, and 1 is an academic. Only a small handful are under 30. 

When I think of the "it factor" my mind usually goes to up and coming artists, writers, educators, designers, trendsetters, filmmakers, or unsung actors. Ebony's pool of  nominees only extends to those women already represented in their stock images library.

The list includes :

Naomi Campbell
Jennifer Hudson
Michelle Obama
Tina Turner
Aretha Franklin
Halle Berry
Serena Williams
Condoleezza Rice
Oprah Winfrey
Tyra Banks
Angela Davis
Erykah Badu
Jill Scott
Lil’ Kim
Whoopi Goldberg
Diahann Carroll
Pam Grier
Patti LaBelle
Alicia Keys
Mo’ Nique
Diana Ross
Rihanna
Grace Jones
Mary J. Blige
Beyoncé

Model Turned Writer Jessica White

Like Veronica Webb and Naomi Campbell before her, Sports Illustrated favorite Jessica White has written a book. She spoke candidly about it this week while celebrating her birthday this Monday at The Gates. White confirmed that the yet untitled work is a coming of age story about a girl who has been sexually abused and that the story is semi-autobiographical.  No word on if White has found a publisher or if she plans to self-publish but the model has plans to turn the work into a screenplay. 

S: The NY Daily News

Designer Spotlight: Carlie Cushnie

Cushnie (L) photographed with partner Michelle Ochs

Recent Parsons grads Carlie Cushnie and her designing partner Michelle Ochs' minimalist designs made a great impression at Fashion Week with their S/S and Fall '09 RTW collection. Thanks to publications like W, which featured the duo in a recent story on aspiring fashion designers, their cred keeps growing. Cushnie (who is British by way of Jamaica) and Ochs (who is German/Filipino) had the bad luck of starting their company just as the recession was hitting but are determined not to fail by growing slowly and consciously. The pair's designs (which were inspired by the severe refinement of the Patrick Bateman character in "American Psycho" -- but for women) can be found online at Browns and in stores ar Bergdorf Goodman.

Cushnie et Ochs
Style.com (Fall '09 Collection)

Jourdan Dunn for Calvin Klein

s: á la Balenciaga/TFS

On the surface, this ad reminds me of a slightly less violent version of the DSquared2 ads that Naomi Campbell did with Linda Evangelista earlier this year. Instead of actively fighting, the girls kinds of look like zombies trying to waltz. That said, this is a really big step for Jourdan's career and I applaud it. I think her particular look fits CK's aesthetic perfectly. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the ads.

MC Italia July 2009 - "Chic Tribale" - Yasmin Warsame

Photographed by Thierry Le Goues for Marie Claire Italia.

s:diciassette (17)  

Also, gossip from The Cut suggests that something mysterious and "major" will hit the newsstands with fat September issues. Sessilee Lopez and Chanel Iman twittered about an editorial for a major magazine (Vogue?) involving them Arlenis and Jourdan Dunn that will have fans rushing out to buy their own copy. I'll keep my eyes peeled but covers get me more excited than editorials, but it would be nice to see Sessilee in American Vogue.

The Row Creative Director Finds "Strong Black Woman" for Lookbook

From COACD

The Row's new Creative Director Alex Hawgood asked COACD to be involved in their latest look book. They wanted a strong black women....naturally Ataui Deng at Trump was given. Photos by Daniel King.

Not to detract from Ataui Deng's obvious beauty but I find myself bristling at terms like "strong black woman" being thrown around by creative directors. For one, what does that even mean? In my view it certainly isn't a particular look. This quote really makes me wonder who the other models up for consideration for this gig were. 

s: kahlilg/tfs