VIDEO: Vogue Italia's The Black Allure Featuring Joan Smalls, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez and More

If you loved Vogue Italia's stunning February 2011 "Black Allure" spread, you will die for this video featuring Ajak Deng, Aminata Niaria, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Georgie Badiel, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn, Kinee Diouf, Lais Ribeiro, Melodie Monrose, Rose Cordero and Sessilee Lopez in all their sultry, elegant glory.

Illuminated by dim, smoky lighting with Nina Simone's hypnotic rendition of "I Put a Spell On You," blaring in the background, the stunning models give the camera their most seductive and alluring poses.

Showcasing brilliant jewels by Fendi and luxurious gowns by Jil Sander and Lanvin, each model is breathlessly beautiful and enticing with Joan Smalls, Ajak Deng and Chanel Iman commanding the spotlight. Take a look: don't you love it?




Kisses,

Coutura

Source: Beauty Is Diverse

Magazine Glam: Vogue Italia February 2011 "The Black Allure" Featuring Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls, Sessilee Lopez, Arlenis Sosa Pena, Jourdan Dunn and More

If you follow my tumblr, you know I was awe-inspired by the American Vogue February 2011 spread "The Gangs of New York" shot by Mario Testino. Particularly, the photo featuring up-and-coming ethnic supermodels, Joan Smalls, Ajak Deng, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Anais Mali, Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez in Rodarte. The beautiful editorial took my breath away so much so I declared it my favorite spread of the year.

It has since been replaced. Vogue Italia has dedicated an entire spread to models of color entitled "The Black Allure" in the February 2011 issue. It features models Ajak Deng, Aminata Niaria, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Georgie Badiel, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn, Kinee Diouf, Lais Ribeiro, Melodie Monrose, Rose Cordero and of course, my fave Sessilee Lopez via Beauty is Diverse.

Shot by Emma Summerton and styled by ubertalent Edward Enninful, the shoot channels the Harlem Renaissance with all its elegance, decadence and sultry sophistication. In moody, dim lighting, the models showcase the best of the Spring 2011 collections including Marc Jacobs and Versace. Hair is in sensual finger waves and accessories include brilliant, glamorous jewels, elaborate turbans, wine glasses and of course, dangling cigarettes.

Take a look at photos below via Z Fashion Blog:

 

 

Perfect, right?

This shoot showcases the abundance of fresh, ethnic models with talent and beauty that are poised for great success in today's industry. Coupled with Emma Summerton's beautiful photography and Edward Enninful's exquisite styling, it's pure fashion magic. 

Kisses,

Coutura

Source: Sessilee Lopez/Beauty Is Diverse/Z Fashion Blog.

Paris Fashion Week: Plus-Size Phenom Beth Ditto Walks in Jean Paul Gaultier Show

We already talked about how celebrities took over the catwalk during New York Fashion Week, and you know Paris Fashion Week would not be upstaged! (Paris is the better Fashion Week anyway, but I digress...).

Where NYFW showed thin celebs (Jaslene Gonzalez at Laquan Smith, Cassie at Laquan Smith) and sometimes curvy stars (Amber Rose at Indashio, Beyonce at Tom Ford, Serena Williams at Laquan Smith, model Crystal Renn at Z Spoke by Zac Posen), Paris brought out plus-size phenom, Beth Ditto, at the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 show. Wow - now that's a statement!

The beloved lead singer of Gossip and designer who pens an amazing line for Evans (that I recommend for any full-figured Glamazon with style!) stormed the catwalk in a laser-cut silver dress adorned with strips.

The rest of the collection was just as bold. Gaultier showed biker jackets, palm-print dresses, nautical patterns, lingerie and accordion pleats that were bursting with personality! A metal breastplate even made its way down the runway. If that's not funky and futuristic enough for you, how about attendees were given 3-D glasses for viewing the runway show?

While several publications cite that "it was all over the place," one constant was rockstar wigs inspired by icon, Joan Jett (below).

 Here's Joan Smalls working the look. HOT!

Another motif that tied it all together was the resounding, all-encompassing message: live out loud. The collection is for daring, outrageous fashionistas who bask in the spotlight...kind of like Beth Ditto, who walked the runway at the finale performing a capella. Yes, Jean Paul Gaultier put on a show!

Check out the line below, also modeled by Crystal Renn, Anja Rubik, Coco Rocha, Karlie Kloss, Sessilee Lopez, Joan Smalls and more. What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kisses,

Coutura 

 

New York Fashion Week: Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

If I could choose a decade to fashionably transport myself to, it'd be the magical era of the '70s. The Summer of Love was full of flamboyant, free-spirited bliss with wild, voluminous hair, sweeping maxidresses and energetic prints. Marc Jacobs gave this glorious decade a new-age flair with an aesthetic as sophisticated as it was enticing.

His makeover of seventies fashion started with the materials: Style.com cites gauzes, voiles and etamines as his fabrics of choice. The look of the collection follows suit.

Colors are explosive, energetic and vivid with oranges, pinks, purples and browns taking centerstage. While he shows platforms, these just aren't any sandals---Marc Jacobs' platforms are glittery and gold. His accessories run the gamut from exquisite floral hairpieces and elaborate necklaces to streamlined handbags and bright wide-brimmed hats.

The sophistication emerges in tailored khaki or satin jumpsuits, wideleg pants and trench coats that blend the structured silhouettes and cinched waists of the '40s with the free-spirited air of the '70s.

Prints varied from '70's dots to Missoni-esque zig-zag patterns to stripes (with circle-pattern pasties around the bust!). Talk about fun with fashion. Flutter sleeves, wide floral belts and glorious sheer maxidresses also work to give this collection pizazz and personality.

Bringing the '70s into the 21st century, metallic shorts and stripes add a dose of decadent glamour. This is the Summer of Love dressed up and transported to a new level of refinement and class.

Take a look at the collection modeled by Jourdan Dunn, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Shena Moulton, Joan Smalls, Anais Mali, Rose Cordero, Jeneil Williams and more.

 

Kisses,

Coutura