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.

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

Fashion's Night Out PSA Featuring Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Lara Stone, Liya Kebede and More!

Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.


It's that time of year again!

To promote Fashion's biggest party, Anna Wintour gathered the top models in the business to run rampant through New York City streets and sidewalks for the event's PSA. Lovelovelove the shot of them in brilliant billowy skirts and Fashion's Night Out official tees.

Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Joan Smalls, Liya Kebede, Miranda Kerr, Lara Stone, Doutzen Kroes, Lily Donaldson and more were filmed at NY's hot spots like the Bronx Zoo and Lincoln Center by Peter Lindberg for the PSA---AND they played David Bowie's "Fashion" in the background, pretty cool right?

The gorgeous PSA will play in Times Square from September 3rd to the 10th, and the rest of the world (aka non-New Yorkers) can catch it on Network TV.

Check it out below: what do you think? I do wish my darling Sessilee Lopez and Arlenis Sosa were tapped for the festivities, but overall, it's a great video.

Kisses,

Coutura

Trend Alert: Nautical Chic

Red, white and blue styles ruled the runway for Spring and now, celebrities and fashionistas are starting to take notice.

Fashion houses like Chanel and D&G sent navy, white and red looks down the catwalk, and stars like Beyonce and Katie Holmes are going nautical for outings on the town.

The color combinations are endless from a navy and white striped dress with fierce red lips to a red and navy tunic with denim accessories. Mix and match for a look that is right on trend. 

Shop my favorite nautical picks below:

More Forever 21...

Is Jourdan Dunn? Model Tries to Bounce Back After Pregnancy and Boyfriend in Prison

Of all the up-and-coming brown models, Jourdan Dunn was arguably the most promising. She's gorgeous with a striking facial structure and soft, beautiful features. She poses and walks like a pro. And at 19, she has her whole career ahead of her.


Yet she was almost nowhere to be found on the Fall 2010 runway. While her modeling peers, Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez, continued to strut in show after show, Jourdan was noticeably absent from fashion's most important week save one appearance in the Aguascutum show (below).

In December, she shocked the Fashion industry by giving birth to her first child at 19. But that was only the beginning. The child's father, Jordan Cummings, was arrested a month ago for possession of two ounces of cocaine with intent to supply and sentenced to three and a half years in jail via The Cut Blog. Hello, Scandal. 


Sure she's not the first model to be rocked by controversy (two words: Naomi Campbell), but it's hard enough for a young, black model in today's industry without the drama. So one can't help but wonder what impact this scandal, and her new status as a single teen Mom, will have on her budding career.


What do you think? Will Jourdan be able to bounce back? 


I think (hope, pray) she'll be fine. With a good team, she can be right back on track though juggling Mommyhood and modeling isn't easy. Plus, she looked incredible at her second runway show since giving birth. The runway show took place at the Westfield Shopping Center in London last night.

And although the situation with her child's Father is unfortunate, if Kate Moss can survive her drug scandal, Jourdan can certainly rise above her man's arrest. Do you agree?


Discuss.


Kisses,


Coutura


Source: Fashionologie.com.

NEW! i-D Magazine Spread: Chanel Iman, Arlenis Sosa, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez

Hey Glamazons,

The magazine glamour continues! As a fashion assistant, I know how hard it is to nail an amazing shot with more than one model. When one model looks stunning, the other has a hair out of place or needs her eye make-up touched up or is too stiff to deliver a great pose. Furthermore, the energy and the model/photographer chemistry has to be perfect in order to arrive at that rare moment where everyone looks striking and flawless.

i-D Magazine accomplishes this with their September 2009 Cover spread and their success is a testament to the photographer, Emma Summerton, the fashion editor, Edward Enninful, and the phenomenal models, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez. These women prove why they are the best black models in the business. They are each a beauty in their own right and together, they are simply breathtaking.

By the way, after seeing the September issue yesterday, I have to say I lament the fact that supermodels no longer cover magazines. While celebrities aren't always the best posers (this clearly excludes Rihanna) and have outrageous demands like 400 white candles and separated M&Ms (true story), models come to do a job and just deliver incredible shots. Proof? Take a look at the spread below (courtesy of our friends at The Fashion Bomb).











Kisses,

Coutura