Is Fashion Racist?

VOGUE.. Our Fashion BIBLE !!

Yes, We Love VOGUE! Us, Fashionistas, Look Forward to EVERY Issue to hit Newsstands just so we can Analyze, Cut, Paste, Duplicate & Recreate! Especially, the SEPTEMBER Issue. As a Model, Designer & Fashion Blogger, I couldn't WAIT to get my hands on the September 2012 Issue of VOGUE. As I sat in the Hair & Nail Salon going through 900+ Pages, I couldn't help but notice something.

Where are the Models that look like ME? Are we NOT Beautiful? Do we Not Pose Well? Have Smooth Skin? Nice Teeth? Pretty Eyes? Long Legs?
Are we ONLY Good Enough to Grace about 15 of these 900+ Pages?
Is There Only Room for ONE Black Model at a Time?

I've Been Modeling since 2007. I have "Typical Fashion Model" features, FABULOUS Runway Walk and can POSE My butt off. Unfortunately, I've been turned down at EVERY Modeling Agency I've walked into in New York. Why? My guess is My Skin Color, My Hair Texture & My Face Features because they were the ONLY difference between Myself & the OTHER Models that stayed after I left. Fortunately, I have walked down many runways & participated in many photo-shoots. I've also had my share of "racist" moments where I was completely ignored by designers or hair stylists who made the comment "I don't know what to do with YOUR TYPE of hair".

It's Unfair! It's Unjust! It's Disgusting!
EVERYONE That Wears Louis Vuitton, Gucci & Prada does NOT look like Blonde Hair & Blue Eyed Individuals. I Personally LOVE Michael Kors and Shop at His 5th Avenue Store FREQUENTLY. Unfortunately, I have YET to See An ETHNIC Model in ANY of his ADS! Why? Do we NOT Wear His Items & Support His Brand?

I Must Say When I DO See an Ethnic Model in a High fashion Editorial, I RESPECT The Designer. So Much that I Start To SUPPORT The Designer! I Actually Think Ethnic Models STAND Out because the "Average" look is SO BORING! The Pale, Washed Out Look isn't even Attractive half the time BUT because it's SAFE, It's There!


DESIGNERS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS, HAIR STYLISTS, STYLISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, EDITORS..
WE CAN CHANGE THIS!
ETHNIC Models are JUST AS BEAUTIFUL as the Models that are in Vogue, Elle & Vanity Fair. How Come THEY Don't Convey This?



Something Has To Change!




Heaven.
(This Is How I Look, By The Way)

Noo Too Shabby, Huh?

Plitzs Fashion Event at The Warwick NYFW Review

I Had The Opportunity to attend the Plitzs Event at The Warwick Hotel, Saturday for the 7pm Showcase. When I arrived at 6:50pm, I walked out of the elevator on the 2nd floor (where the event was taking place) and had to SEARCH for a volunteer that would help so I knew where to go. It was chaotic, it seemed disorganized and I immediately felt out of place. After a while, I was told what room to go to and check in. I checked in with no problem, was given my VIP wristband and told that the 7pm showcase will begin at approximately 7:15pm. I sat in the waiting area until 8:30PM. Yes, 8:30PM without any updates, announcements, anything. By this time, there were another 20 guests that joined the waiting area as well.


Around 8:45pm, a line started to form, I assumed to get on it & I was right because that was to enter for the "7pm" showcase. It took 30 minutes for all the guests to sit, we were then greeted by Wayne (Co-owner of Plitzs) with a microphone. He spoke for about 20 minutes thanking the participants and sponsors, but ironically, failed to apologize for starting a 7pm showcase at approximately 9pm. The event continued with 25 minute breaks between each designer's showcase equipped with sound system errors.

NOW ABOUT THE DESIGNERS:

For the MOST Part, The Designers were very talented and the models were gorgeous and very diverse. The designers that STOOD OUT to ME were: Caruth Couture (a 15 year old boy), ColeFacts, Angel Brinks and Simply Beautiful Designs! These are Designers I am DEFINITELY Purchasing Pieces from.

It was also a pleasure to see Ramona Rizzo from Vh1's Mob Wives. There were a few more familiar faces who all came to support the amazing designer, Angel Brinks. I personally never heard of her but definitely FELL IN LOVE with her ENTIRE collection and also found out it was HER piece that Nicki Minaj wore at the VMAs. Kudos to Angel!


Overall :

I was DISAPPOINTED of the PRODUCTION, the lack of PUNCTUALITY, the Poor Quality of GIFT BAGS and PRESENTATION. Now, I am a Model and Jewelry Designer so I am VERY aware that Fashion Week events have MANY obstacles but the challenge is to NEVER let the GUEST notice anything & as a GUEST, I noticed the obvious!


Hopefully, The NEXT Plitzs event would be better!





Until Next Fashion Post
Heaven
CEO, HB Designs
www.HBDesigns.bigcartel.com

Small Boutique Fashion Week NYFW Review

I Had The Opportunity to attend SBFW September 8th at The Metropolitan Pavillion for the FIRST Showcase that took place at Noon. The procedure from the line outside to my seat inside the venue was very smooth and organized. The production's staff was all dressed in black and very well put together. It was great to see my friend, PT Walker, whose the owner of SBFW, in great spirits and making sure everything goes as smooth as it should.

I was impressed from the staff and vendors to the venue, set-up and gift bags. There was a beautiful hostess introducing designers and a great DJ playing tunes between breaks. For the most part, the show started on time and the runway showcases was steady paced. There were THREE Designers that stood out to me: Sophia O. Rubinstein, Monique JoVonnie and Aikan by Nakia Cheeks. All of their designs were IMMACULATE, Very well detailed and EXTREMELY Beautiful!

I must say the ONLY negative thing about the showcases were the very few but OBVIOUS models who were poor runway walkers. I watched as a few guests in the audience chuckled and looked in AWE, as did I. Besides that minor detail, the overall production of showcase #1 at The Small Boutique Fashion Week was GREAT, I was Impressed and very satisfied!

I am looking forward to Next Season's Event!

Until Next Fashion Post!
Heaven
CEO, HB Designs
www.HBDesigns.bigcartel.com

Ivana Helsinki S/S 2013 Runway Show NYFW Review

Fashionistas, NEW YORK FASHION WEEK is UNDERWAY!!


I had the opportunity to attend the Ivana Helsinki 2013 S/S 2013 Runway Show, September 6th 2012 at RUNWAY located at Pier 57. I arrived with my Fiancee and it was quite a line along the pier in The Meatpacking District. At first, I thought the production just invited everyone on their email list but after scouting the line, there seem to be some very fashionable and notable individuals in attendance.

Fortunately, the line quickly moved and entering the venue was very organized although there were many guests which was a pleasure. After the guests were situated, there was a moment of darkness immediately followed by a skit projected on a movie screen. The presentation was approximately 8 minutes. Although it was a bit quirky and fashionably weird, I enjoyed it.

Concluding the video was the FIRST Model. It was an amazing collection, great models (all nearly identical in look) wearing beautifully- designed dresses. There was one dress that stood out to me, 3 layers of ruffled shoulders on a flower printed knee-length dress. The model who wore the dress happen to be the most striking as well.


CONGRATULATIONS to Ivana Helsinki & an amazing collection!

Until Next Fashion Post
Heaven
CEO, HB Designs
www.HBDesigns.bigcartel.com

It's Here !!

Yesssssssss

The Day Us Fashionistas Have Been Waiting For, NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!

It Is Officially The FIRST Day of FASHION WEEK in New York & I am SO Excited! Fashion's Night Out ALWAYS Kick Off The Eventful Festivities & Perfect for the Shopaholic, Blogger and Everything In Between. Celebrity Appearances, Workshops, Make-up Sessions & Tons and Tons of DESIGNER SALES!!

FNO Helpful Tips:

- Dress FASHIONABLE... Stand Out! Bloggers and Magazines scour throught the busy new york streets to feature "Street Styles".

- It's always a PLUS to have a Few Dollars in your pocket. That bag that you've been wanting is PROBABLY on sale now!

- CARRY Your Business Cards !!!! You are going to meet soo many people in the industry, slipping them your card can make a WORLD of a difference.

- Don't have business cards? COLLECT THEM !! Never be afraid to ask.. "Hey, Have a card?"

- Don't have money to shop? Then you might feel a litle left out walking uo and the stips of stores just LOOKING at SALES so wha you CAN do is attend the MANY events that takes place TONIGHT with free admission. Research.. They're there!


HOPE I HELPED!

Whatever you CHOOSE, Make Sure You Keep An Eye for ME Wearing High Heel Closed Toe Pumps, Skinny Jeans & a BRIGHT Red Lip! Hand me a Business Card while you're added.. Teeheehee



Until Next Fashion Post
Heaven
CEO, HB Designs
www.HBDesigns.bigcartel.com