Fashion Rations Honors Black History Month Pt. 2

Influenced by his godmother, who had designed and made clothes for jazz singers Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan, African American fashion designer Scott Barrie began designing in 1966.

Barrie graduated from the Philadelphia College of Art and the Mayer School in New York, and although his mother was not initially encouraging about his future in fashion designing for Seventh Avenue, Barrie continued to follow is dream in fashion.

Known for his draped jersey and chiffon styles, Barrie established himself as a designer of sexy, often outrageous clothes. His eveningwear was particularly noteworthy: skinny gowns sprinkled with high splits, or jersey slips that sexily slid over the figure.

In 1993 Barrie died of brain cancer in Alessandria, Italy at the age of 52.

Fashion Rations Honors Black History Month!

In Lieu of Black History Month, I thought it would nice to give a special tribute to one of the most successful African American fashion designers, Willi Smith. Although his clientele included wealthy and prominent people, his principal aim was to design clothing that was stylish and affordable for the average person. In fact he even once said: "I don't design clothes for the Queen, but for the people who wave at her as she goes by."

Sadly, Willi is no longer with us—he died unexpectedly in 1987 after contracting AIDS—but his wonderful memory still lives on.

A few of his awards include:

• Two scholarships to attend Parsons School of Design in 1965.
• The Coty American Fashion Critics' Award for women's fashion (1983).
• The Cutty Sark Award for Men's Fashion in 1985.
• Honored with a bronze plaque for Fashion Walk of Fame along Seventh Avenue in 2000-2002.

Getting Clean and Being Seen

When most people think of high-fashion, fabric softner doesn’t usually come to mind; in fact, whenever I need to wash my nice pieces, I either A.) head straight for the dry cleaners or B.) haphazardly hand wash my goodies in Soak. But, after attending Downy and GenArt’s event that showcased Downy’s new Radiance Collection, I am now a bonifide believer of softener!

But more importantly, last night’s event at Earth (116A 10^th Ave.) was super sexy as it highlighted thee designers (Laura Miller, Jerry Tam and Khary Septh) that will create looks inspired by the Radiance Collection’s scents of amethyst mist, turquoise frost, or pink opal. And as a special introduction, attendees got to view a runway show filled with the designers pre-existing designs.

And of course I was there with my camera in tow trying to get the hottest pictures for you guys, but naturally my camera died as soon as the show started. But, here’s an idea of all the hype…

The Definition of Style

Sugarplums, today officially kicks off Day One of Coterie! And for those of you who have no idea, for me ENK tradeshows can be more exciting that NY Fashion Week because it’s more intimate and its comprised of both established names and the young avant garde’s of fashion.

This year, Coterie is held at The Show Piers and the Javits Center, so you know what that means: jumping from one building to the next in the bitter, bitter cold. But anything for my loves. Here’s a tidbit from today…

Remember that lovely shoe company I ran into at the Gen Art event in December (refer to Dec. 5 posting) Well, Dru New York was in the house again and this year there fall styles are supper sophisticated. Sadly, I wasn’t able to snag a pair—or two—but she was gracious enough to let me linger in her booth and ogle over her shoes. My favorite: the flat boot in black, that’s complete with a front lace-up and zippered back.

Don’t you agree that a woman can never have enough Rag and Bone shirts and sweaters to complete her classic work wear look? I mean, there’s nothing better than a black wool tailcoat coupled with a white chamberlain shirt and a black twill RBW8 pant. Rag and Bone simply screams classic chic, so when I caught a glimpse of their booth, you know I ran over quick fast and in a hurry. According to the spokesperson, inspirations for the coming seasons include: pretty, military and futuristic.

Other favorites from the show included:

1. Foot Petals, the original designer shoe cushions that are designed for every woman who has a love/hate relationship with her shoes. So now women everywhere can step in style with flower-shaped ball-of-foot cushions that hide perfectly under your foot. Brilliant!

2. Cyrus. This knitwear company has tons of sweaters for every types of woman, but I love their new silk wool blend styles that are super soft and even come with removable sleeves. It’s not listed on their website yet, because the style is for the upcoming season, but look out for style # 53881, it surpassed all my expectations.

Michael Kors Fall 08 Collection

Always classy. Always chic. Always Michael Kors.

Favorite Backstage Quotes:

“I can’t look at a person in a babydoll dress one more time, I think I’ll scream!”

“I think the most eco-fashion thing you can do in fashion, is to not by cheap clothes that you wear once. No insults to the H&M’s of the world but if you by a dress and you wear it once and toss it, that’s not exactly eco-fashion.”

“I’m craving sophisticated glamour.”

Tracy Reese Works Her Magic

Ranking as one of the fashion industry's most successful African-American women, Tracy Reese flaunted her latest fall collections at Fashion Week with figure-flattering strapless dresses with nipped waists, pleats with built-in crinoline and 1950’s dresses modernized with metallics and black and white floral printed fabrics.

According to the UK edition of Vogue, Tracy stated: "We're moved by the elements, our emotions, the weather. You know, if the sun's out I'm happy; if it's rainy I feel stormy inside. So it just seemed appropriate and was a nice emotional connection to the collection."

Colors included kelly greens, pastels and an assortment of beautiful lilacs.

Yay Tracy!

Photos: InStyle.com

Old Navy Gets New

Rumor has it, Old Navy is making serious moves to launch a new line this summer that not only appeals to the 20 something crowd, but will be priced a bit cheaper than its competitors.

As it stands, the safari-inspired clothing (entitled Urban Explorer line) will include pull-over safari mini-dresses, and a black and white, African-inspired striped wrap.

And, in a push to move away from performance fleeces/preppy plaid tops, Old Navy is coming up with a brand new logo that will hopefully freshen up their new look.

So look out H&M, Todd Oldham is giving ya a run for your money!

AND, if you didn't know, Fashion Week starts today and here are a few events in the line up:


BCBG: 3pm-Bryant Park
Yigal Azrouel: Noon-540 W. 21st St., nr. Tenth Ave.
Yeohlee: 4pm-The New Museum