Cocoa Connection

Where are the black models?

Is it just me or were there less black models this Fashion Show season?  I understand designers base some of their decision on the market, but did it occur to them that if black women saw other black women wearing those clothes we'd be more inclined to check out the designer?  Having that visual idea of what a color would look like on a skin tone similar to our own goes a long way.

Hip?

I've always had a strange relationship with my hips.  First I thought I had no hips and was pleasantly surprised when told for the first time at age 21 that I had nice hips.  Then I loved my narrow hips.  Then I thought they were not proportional to the rest of my body.  Sound familiar?  Of course, this is not a life-threatening issue, but it does come up when I look for skirts.  I tend to pick my skirts based on visual appeal alone.  If it looks great visually on the rack and it fits, I am usually sold. 

Recently though, a few people I have shopped with have pointed out shapes that I typically would bypass without a second glance.  Not one to miss an opportunity to try something new, I tried a few new styles - and I was not sold.  Why? Because I am so used to buying the same skirt over and over albeit different colors and patterns.  But recently, I have found that material really matters in a skirt. 

In a New York Minute: Fall for Dance Festival

In a New York Minute:

Fall for Dance Festival

http://www.citycenter.org/ffd/index.cfm

September 28-October 8

The last week of September brings dancing to the streets of New York City when New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival comes to town. For 10 days (September 28-October 8) 30 dance companies from around the world will put on 10 performances at the New York City Center on 55th street. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the sheer joy of watching such amazing companies as American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet for only $10 - the cost of an entire day worth of performances.

This festival features companies like The Martha Graham Dance Company and Yi-Jo Lim Sun Dance Company Dance that normally would only come to the city once a year. It also features ballet companies, contemporary dance, swing dancing and tap. Along with the dance performances, each day features an assortment of panel discussion on topics surrounding dance such as "Inside and Out: Sexuality in Dance" and "Where is Ballet going?."  This festival is perfect for dancers, dance lovers, and all those who wants to learn more about dance. Come out next week, September 28-October 8 and spend a night out amongst some of the greatest performers in the world.

What’s New for this Fall: Belts

Fall is here and its time to accessorize your outfits for the new fall season. Belts have become another hot "must have" in fashion magazines. They are no longer seen as something you use to hold up your pants. This season, it’s all about the wide belts and the stud belts.

Wide Belts:

Some thought that wide belts would die out as soon as the summer ended, but now wide belts are hotter than ever. These over sized wide belts are worn across the stomach like a karate belt and are usually 2-3 inches wide. During the summer, they were usually worn over long tunic shirts and long t-shirts. This fall, wide belts are being worn over long cardigan sweaters. I, myself, was not a fan of the wide belts because of its lack of use. Why own a belt that was not going to hold up my pants? But once I added a black wide belt over my long sweater, my outfit instantly jumped from bland to wow. A Wide Belt adds that extra something to any outfit, from your office wear to your weekend jeans and shirt and comes in an array of colors and materials. But beware: you still need to buy a belt for your pants, if the waistband does not fit snugly.

www.bloomingdale.com

Anna Wintour Interview with Blogger, Julie Frederickson

So, Almost Girl blogger, Julie Frederickson snagged a brief interview with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.  For those of you not sure who she is, she is the the subject of the book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada (so-so book, so-so movie).

You can watch the video here or click here to view:

Perspective

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of 9/11.  Fashion is important to many of us, but we need to consider it in perspective with everything else sometimes.

I struggle with my feelings on advertising and fashion and with the idea of promoting consumerism.  Every time I recommend something I feel like I'm encouraging someone to purchase it.  At the same time I do not want to encourage that "gotta have it" attitude with which my generation has grown up.  It seems that we are part of the large consume-make-money-for-the-corporation machine most of the time.  I have no problem with money or making money, but the images set by fashion magazines and ad's basically cause people to consciously or sub-consciously question their self-worth and attractiveness if they are not like the people in the ads.  The message is basically that we need to buy or do more to attain what we do not have.

In the larger scope of things, fashion and beauty are not important.  Having the hottest shoes does not matter.  What really matters at the end of the day is whether we feel we have lived that day to the fullest and contributed to the world and ourselves.

As I revel in the creativity of designers this Fashion Week, I plan to keep these thoughts in mind.  I will enjoy the clothes but will not compare my body to a model's or wish I had money to buy a certain dress or think of all the beautiful clothes that I do not have.

Black Model Watch: Ajuma for Baby Phat

There aren't alot of black models out there. This Fashion Week I'll post photos of black models that I can find. Here, Ajuma is strutting for Baby Phat, whose collection I am not fond of (which is why I've spared you gentle readers the hideous pictures of models with whatever the heck that stuff is on their teeth).

Originally uploaded by coutorture.

Eye Candy

Seriously, would any of us date a man who dressed like this?  He sure looks great, though. This model is wearing an outfit from the Perry Ellis S/S 2007 Collection.

Originally uploaded by coutorture.

BCBG Blue

 
   

Thanks to Coutorture we have access to photos from Fashion Week practically right after the shows.

Check out this dress from the BCBG Spring/Summer 2007 collection.  I can see myself in this...blue is my favorite color, too!

  Originally uploaded by coutorture.

Cathy Horyn of the New York Times

Coutorture founder (and Almost Girl blogger) Julie Fredrickson had the opportunity to speak with Cathy Horyn of the NY Times while covering Fashion Week in NYC.  Julie asked Cathy her thoughts on fashion blogs and their impact.  Check it out!