Black Is Beautiful!

Okay...I know, I know...I was trying to avoid the topic of the Italian vogue featuring 100 pages of black models in their current July issue that is slated to hit the European newstands today and in the US soon after...However, this topic is to important to just brush under the rug! Everyone from major news paper publications to popular blogs have initiated crucial dialogue about the absence of black models or any other person of color/ethnicity. I am currently riding the fence on this issue in terms of weather I should be excited about the bold statement that the Italian Vogue editor, Franca Sozzani is making or does this mean that the topic of the lack of black models is just trendy at the moment. According to Mrs. Sozzani, the current American presidential race was what inspired her to do a black issue for the month of July...She also stated that she noticed a lack of diversity on the runway shows in recent years...One of the main reasons as to why black models are not featured on the front covers of major fashion magazines is due to the false notion that black women are not marketable!??! This translate to me as to say that Black Women are not attractive or beautiful enough to promote my product...I mean I can't believe that in 2008 we as a society still have these myopic and one-dimensional views of different cultures...I will say that if this is just another attempt to carve out a specific day, week or month to recognize a beautiful and multifaceted group, thank you for allowing me to dialogue critically about the dirty laundry of the fashion Industry. Nonetheless, I still plan to purchase the magazine once it hits the states even if I can't speak a lick of Italian...I think I'll just enjoy and relish the moment of looking at someone who reflects beauty that I can identify with even if it is just for a month! What are your thoughts? Check out....http://style.it/cony/vogue/home-vogue.asp
Where To Buy: Joseph-Beth Booksellers
South Side Works
412.381.3600
Photo Credit: NYTimes

To Sew or Not to Sew...

I stumbled across this designer a few years ago while shopping at one of my fave boutiques in NYC. At the time, Wrangler jeans were everywhere you turned and I always thought of this brand as last on the list. However, some new indie designer had given this brand a fresh, contemporary look and feel. Apparently, Wendy Mullin who at the time was the creative director of Wrangler Jeans, has since left and made a name for herself. She has recently written her own series of sewing books called Sew U, designed a line of home sewing patterns for simplicity pattern company and opened 4 retail stores within a span of 10 years. Wendy Mullin is known for putting a unique twist on classic styles and modern fit. Hopefully this book will help you perfect your craft and give motivation to aspiring designers.
Where to Buy: builtbywendy.com/stores.htm

Michele Obama....EN Vogue?

I Just love how the Obama's are a progressive and nonconservative machine! I am so excited about the current political campaign, I just don't know what to do...Granted politicians will be politicians but it is just refreshing to experience a potential presidential candidate and first lady who is able to connect to the people (and stylish what a bonus)...Ok, enough ranting...Anyway, Vogue Magazine and Calvin Klein hosted a fund raising dinner for the prospective first lady. Apparently, Mrs. Obama made a huge fashion statement at the dinner wednesday night by wearing a black jersey tunic and palazzo pants designed by Isabel Toledo which she paired with a beautiful statement necklace. FashionWeekdaily reported that the designers Isabel and Ruben Toledo attended the affair and were totally shocked about the appearance of Michelle in their designs. Isabel Toledo is a very small design house located in Chicago. This event was attended by a diverse mix of people: Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Cynthia Nixon, L.L. Cool J and Wife, Iman and LaBron James...Everyone that night gave Michelle the thumbs up...Tell me if this ensemble suits her?

GOT G.U.A.P?

Normally when you hear the term GUAP, it is typically
reference as to having a considerable amount of money,
cash or dough...However, in this case, GUAP is a
local emerging and contemporary clothing company
that makes custom designed T-shirts.
G.U.A.P stands for Getting Us Away From Poverty...
The creative minds behind the collection are Jerel Webster,
Dorian Mckinley, Khayree Cheatham, Sevren, Justin and Mistine.
GUAP has been in existence for 3 years and currently have
a black history themed t-shirt line honoring the likes of
Harriet Tubman, MLK and others. Their T-shirts are
made out of premium cotton with a vintage appearance.
The design team are in the process of
designing their fall 08 line and look out for a women's and denim
collection in the near future.
Where to buy: Moda (Shadyside 412.681.8640),
Charles Speigel (Squirrell Hill charlesspiegel.com)
Time Bomb (Shadyside timebombcrew.com)
PS: GUAP was one of the featured designers at Catalyst spring 08

Cut & Sew Studio

If you are like me and can barely sew a button on a jacket, I have the solution for you...Cut & Sew studio is a sewing and design studio located in East Liberty on S. Highland Avenue. The owner, Catherine Batcho has been sewing since the first grade and has a strong passion for it. She majored in fashion design at Philadelphia University and after college she worked in the fashion industry for Liz Claiborne and New York & Company as a Technical Designer. Catherine states one of the reasons she created Cut & Sew Studio was due to the growing interest that people had been showing and the lack of spaces from which to learn in Pittsburgh. Cut & Sew is a cool place where you can come and socialize and have fun while working on independent projects. The studio offers a wide range of classes for all skill levels (i.e. Newbie to Advanced), private instruction, Family instruction or private parties. Another cool feature of C&S studio is that there is an option called open studio for individuals to come back and finish a project if they do not complete it with in the class time frame. To find out current class schedule or register for a class go to cutandsewstudio.klanica.com
PS: Don't wait too long to register for a class because spaces fill up really quick! Happy Sewing!
Cut & Sew Studio
124 S. Highland Ave.
Suite 210
Pgh, PA 15206
412.865.6565

Rachel Roy and Jones Apparel Group

Great news for fashionista's on a budget...Rachel Roy is one of my favorite designers, however being that her price point is set for those with deep wallets, a person like myself who is on a budget may only dream of one day owning something from her collection...Well, ladies your dream may come true sooner than you think. Jones Apparel Group just acquired a 50% stake in Rachel Roy's company, giving this small design house an opportunity to expand in to other markets and design a more affordable line. Apparently, Rachel Roy will still have creative control over her company. Rachel Roy uses some of the most fabulous materials to produce great dresses, jackets and shirts. She launched her design company in spring 2005 and prior to having her own company, she worked for Rocawear as the creative director for the women's and children's divisions. Check out her fall 08 collection rachelroy.com
Where to buy: Dress Circle (Shadyside 412.681.7799 or Nordstrom)
photo credit: style.com

What's Your Bread and Butter...?

It is time to brush the dust off of your passport and get ready for the Bread and Butter trade show in Barcelona, Spain. Bread and Butter is a trade show for select brands that provides the concept of an innovative trade fair event for the progressive, contemporary clothing culture. This trade show happens twice a year and has a huge following! B&B was launched in July 2001 with 50 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors. It has grown to 954 exhibitors and over 99,500 attendees in January 2008. Unfortunately, the deadline for exhibitors was 3/28/08. But, it is not to late to book a ticket and attend as a visitor. The on-line registration deadline is 6/20/08 and any time after this date, you will have to register on site! Stay tuned for more up coming trade show information... For more info about this fantastic trade show and great travel opportunity...Please click the link breadandbutter.com

Open Call For Emerging Designers

Great news for aspiring designers...You may have to do a little traveling...Anyway, Supima has created a runway event to showcase the best upcoming talent , with fabrics made from Supima. If you are wondering what in the world is Supima...Well, Supima is the worlds most luxurious cotton! Designers participating in the open call must: (1) provide a sketch of proposed women's evening wear design, (2) A copy of your design portfolio (3) Current CV/Resume.
Date: June 17, 2008, 4pm-9pm
Location: Thompson Hotel, Soho, NY
For more information check out their website! http://www.supima.com/

Steel City Style Report

I am not surprised when the movers and shakers of the fashion industry sit and discuss the top cities style report or trends, Pittsburgh is typically far from the list. Why? Well, the burgh was once known for being one of the top producers of Steel during the industrial period. We have carried this burden for years until recently. The Burgh is definitely experiencing a renaissance! Change is happening throughout the city, our neighborhoods, parks and shopping experience are being revitalized. As a result of this renaissance, local fashion enthusiasts are also seeking ways to creatively express themselves. Hence, Catalyst was born to help connect local designers with the fashion forward individuals of the city and surrounding communities. Hopefully, this blog will serve as a window in to our city and show the rest of the world that we too have style and finesse! To take it a step further, I thought to myself after the first event, how could I keep the energy from the Spring 08 Catalyst event flowing...Well, CatalystPgh was born and the rest is history. So, In the up and coming months I hope you fall in love with my blog and our beautiful city! Look out for Catalyst Fall 08...In the meantime stay tuned for more Steel City Style Report!