Magazine Glam or Sham: Kanye West Shot by Karl Lagerfeld for VMan Magazine, Mouth Stuffed with Real $1 Bill on Cover

Just when you think Kanye West ran out of creative ideas, he does something extraordinarily weird and fascinating to remind you why he's the King of kookiness.

Take his XXL cover, where he was among the first stars to write his own cover story (as Ferocia remarked, "Is that even allowed?"). Now, months later, he's topped his own odd behavior with a cover, shot by Karl Lagerfeld, with a real $1 bill stuffed in his mouth. Don't believe me? Check the video below of some poor magazine worker literally placing $1 bills in each issue via HighSnobiety.com. How's that for different?


Kanye West shot by Karl Lagerfeld for Vman from KWest on Vimeo.

I could totes see someone taking the $1 bills out of all the magazines at a newstand in New York City. What do you think of the novel put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is idea? Which Kanye cover is the weirdest best: XXL or VMan?

Kisses,

Coutura

Kim Kardashian's Music Video Looks Channel Bo Derek and Lil' Kim: Call the Glambulance

Don't say we didn't warn you! Kim Kardashian who created quite the buzz appearing naked in 2010 has a new publicity stunt for 2011: singing.


Much like Kim Zolciak, she's enlisted superproducers (The-Dream) and autotune to force a singing career (listen to the song below).


Kim's voice is pretty dreadful. But one iTunes session listening to Cassie and Rihanna's body of work, and you can ascertain that you don't need a voice these days to sell records.

Just a great beat, a party track and autotune (optional). Oh and a beautiful face and body to distract us from your singing in music videos.

Her latest twitpics prove that Kim is aiming to do just that. The, err, singer tweeted stills that show her rocking "Bo Derek"-inspired braids (her words, not mine) and a Lil Kim or Nicki Minaj moment with red lips and red-tipped bangs.

 

Yikes. She is gorgeous, but these looks don't do it for me. Also, Kanye West is reportedly her leading man.


She debuted her song during the New Year's Eve party she hosted at Tao in Vegas.

Watch a raw video of her song below.






What do you think, Glamazons? Are the looks, and song, Glam or Sham? Or a total Glambulance moment?

Kisses,

Coutura

#Bestof2010: 10 Most Memorable Fashion Moments

Oh, what a year. We blogged, we obsessed over Michelle Obama's style, we stood in the cold to shop Lanvin for H&M, we lost Alexander McQueen, we saw Kim Kardashian naked, we bought Photoshopped magazine covers, we demanded the industry recognize our curves and we whipped our hair back and forth. Look at the 10, eerrr, 11 fashion moments that defined 2010.

1. Photoshop

Photoshop had the best year in fashion due to editorials where celebrities were almost unrecognizable. No one, not even Rihanna, was safe from airbrushing (her curves went missing on the cover of Elle).

The most disturbing photoshop moment? One of Kimora Lee Simmons' final Baby Phat ads which clearly showed her face pasted on top of a 14 year-old's body. Britney Spears' bobblehead moment on the cover of Cosmopolitan and a lighter-skinned Kim Kardashian in Complex are close seconds.


2. Fashion & Beauty Bloggers

From Tavi Gevinson to Afrobella, this has been a fabulous year for fashion/beauty bloggers whose democratic approach to style has transformed the industry. This year alone, bloggers were recognized in Vogue, the New York Times and (shameless plug) POSHGLAM and they peppered the front row at some of the most exclusive fashion shows. Now that Tavi has a magazine in the works, and Afrobella is blogging for Vogue Black, their 2011 looks even brighter.

3. Fashion's Night Out

Anna Wintour's special night got even bigger this year with a fashion show and a myriad of parties (including a Naomi Campbell dance performance) at stores all over NYC, Atlanta and even other countries. The problem? The crowd got bigger too as Kanye West discovered when he was chased by a mob in Soho.

Dubbed "Halloween for hipsters," the frenzy of well-dressed crazies running after celebs is more than Ferocia and I could handle in 2010. Next year, participate at your own risk.


4. Willow Smith

The breakout star of 2010? Obvsi Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's youngest child, Willow Smith. The progeny of rap, rock & roll and acting greatness spent the better part of the year dominating the red carpet (styled by surprise, surprise, Rihanna's go-to girl, Mariel Haenn).

Naysayers said she looked crazy, or "too grown" until the release of her infectious hit, "Whip My Hair." Willow parading around with a heart-shaped braid and dancing in zebra-print/pink leggings was enough to win over the toughest critic. I was so inspired I dressed up as her for Halloween! 

But she didn't stop there - she ended the year with a photo shoot for the London Sunday Times and rumors of a "Parents Just Don't Understand" remake. Werk!

5. Kim Kardashian Naked

To be sure, Kim Kardashian had a jam-packed year, promoting sneakers, clothes for Bebe and QVC, perfume, jewelry, watches, skincare, books, boutiques and swimwear, and building a gargantuan Twitter following along the way.

But all we can recall is hearing that she was somewhere naked...again. The reality star showed up naked on the cover of W Magazine, naked and "unretouched" in Harper's Bazaar, naked in Playboy and naked in that unfortunate sex tape with Ray-J. And we have a feeling she's only getting started. She should totally pull a Rihanna and leak some naked pictures in a hotel room she sent to...Reggie? Miles? Gabriel Aubry? Who is she with, now?

Nakedness aside, it seems her plans for 2011 involve Kanye West, The Dream and a studio. Yes, all you critics who said she was talent-less can now kiss her [naked] behind---she's recording an album. Are you as scared as we are?

6. Gossip Girl

The show continued its cult following in 2010 in part due to the risque plot line (and ads that made fun of parents protesting the show). But the real star? The fash-un! Main wardrobe stylist, Eric Daman made budding fashion icons out of Leighton Meester, who notably dazzled in a lace Marchesa jumpsuit and Blake Lively, who was named the new Chanel spokesperson, got a Christian Louboutin shoe named after her (and bought 40 at the sample sale!), joined the Vogue covergirl rotation and did it all without a stylist. I'm impressed. Now, can someone help Taylor Momsen?

7. Losing Alexander Mcqueen

Who can forget the second day of Fashion Week when news hit that one of our most beloved creative geniuses had taken his own life? It was a day I'll never forget. It made Fashion Week more solemn than ever, and was followed by a year of tributes and teary speeches for Lee McQueen.  

 

Sarah Jessica Parker paid homage on the red carpet of Sex and the City II's London premiere. Lady Gaga paid tribute at the MTV VMA's in a head-to-toe look from his final collection. Naomi Campbell dedicated a segment of her Fashion Relief for Haiti fashion show to him, and Anna Wintour and co. paid their respects at his memorial service in London.

Will there ever be another McQueen? Of course not. But the industry applauded Creative Director Sarah Burton's first collection for the line, which conveyed the message that McQueen's vision and brand will live on.


8. The Rise and Fall of Amber Rose

Speaking of creative geniuses, when one of my favorite designers Christian Siriano invited Amber Rose to his show, sat her front row and dressed her head-to-toe in his gorgeous watercolor dress and claw-heeled pumps, the message was clear: the fashion industry was excited about Amber Rose.

Who is she, exactly? Well, for the better part of the year, the beautiful, curvy girl with the blonde buzzcut didn't even speak (I know this from experience as I accosted her with my camera and tape recorder during Fashion Week...and she remained mute).

Perhaps, her outfits made a louder statement: a shredded black dress with a nude leotard underneath, head-to-toe fur, a black sheer dress and YSL feather sandals, a snakeskin jumpsuit, a black open back jumpsuit, pink cut-out leggings and blue leggings and matching hair. She kept us entertained sartorially to say the least.

And just like that, the stripper-turned-girlfriend of Kanye West was embraced by the industry, showing up in Elle Magazine and walking in fashion shows.

And then, the couple unceremoniously broke up (that breakup may or may not be chronicled in Runaway). A gorgeous blue dress moment at the Louis Vuitton show notwithstanding, Rose's appearances in the Indashio show (above) and at Marithe + Francois Girbaud are a far cry from her glory days as a Paris Fashion Week front row fixture. Oh and she recently kissed Fabolous in a video. Meh.


9. Michelle Obama

If when getting dressed in the morning, you ask yourself "What Would Michelle Obama wear?" you are not alone. The year's most celebrated fashion icon was arguably the wife of President Barack Obama.  Every element of her look from her awesome shiny hair to her pearls was dissected by fashion journalists and imitated by all of us.  

Mrs. O, whose sartorial choices are chronicled by a blog of the same name, sent us all in a frenzy when she simply curled her hair, wore a vintage dress or stepped out in sparkly Marc Jacobs.

What I love most? When she made smart fashion statements like wearing an Indian-American designer to welcome Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur to the White House for the First State dinner.

Now that's looks, smarts and class. Bravo!


10. Plus-Size Fashion


When it comes to including plus-size fashion on a regular basis, the industry has a looong way to go but this year was a step in the right direction. Plus-size fashion blogs like Young, Fat & Fabulous, Curvy Girl Chronicles and The Curvy Fashionista gained an almost cult-like following at the top of the year.

V Magazine released a size issue that featured Precious star, Gabourey Sidibe (as one of two covergirls) and finally gave Crystal Renn the recognition she deserves (she's walked in a ton of shows since including Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel).

Industry darling Beth Ditto opened and closed the Jean Paul Gaultier show and continued to penn her popular fashion line for Evans.  

Full-Figured Fashion Week gained popularity with 35 sponsors (compared to 7 the year before) and over 300 spectators at events. And finally, Vogue Italia launched the Vogue Curvy site that gave plus-size fashion editorial attention on an international scale. Hopefully, these industry power players will lead the way toward embracing full-figured fashion in 2011.


11. Mastige Lines

How can we talk about 2010 without talking about the mastige collection craze that rocked the fashion industry? Just the idea that such icons as Karl Lagerfeld, Zac Posen, Alber Elbaz or Jean Paul Gaultier were creating fashions that the mere middle-class mortal could get their hands on was just too much for some of us to handle.

Bloggers, like myself, drove themselves crazy chronicling every moment of the sale and posting every picture that hit the web. And consumers came out in droves (even sleeping outside the store overnight sometimes) and reportedly behaved like animals to get their hands on the goods.

While there were several mastige lines this year (Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, Jimmy Choo for Ugg Australia, William Rast for Target, Zac Posen for Target, Mulberry for Target to name a few), the mother of all collaborations was Lanvin for H&M. Strategically leaked pictures, a blogger contest, a video, a fashion show and an anxiety-filled Saturday morning all built up to the release of some clothes. And what glorious clothes they were!

Next year may bring us Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's and Chanel for somebody (ok, the latter is just me dreaming...).


Share your 2010 memories in the comment section, and let me know what crazy fashion happenings I missed! Here's to a fashionable 2011.

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Kanye West at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade PLUS Performance Video

Kanye West's fashion sense has certainly evolved beyond backpacks and Polo bears (as evidenced by his design stint at Louis Vuitton and recent ACE award). The question is...to what?

Well, judging from his most recent appearances, Tom Ford, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Burberry are his go-to designers and fur, chains, velvet, cleavage baring tops and slim pants are his new and improved wardrobe basics. Kiss the Polo shirt Goodbye.

Though I'm not surprised that the same creative genius behind his incredible album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and film, Runaway, translates into his fashion sense, I wonder if his more high-fashion, European-inspired looks appear too feminine. I mean, Beanie Sigel criticized him when he was only wearing tight jeans. Now, his shirts resemble blouses complete with glamorous chains. Hmm...


His latest outfit certainly had tongues wagging. At the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Kanye West wore a fur vest, leather jacket and pants, a metallic low-cut tank, layered gold necklaces, fingerless gloves and a head-tie while performing one of my fave songs "Lost in the World." That's so something I would wear (fur and sequins are, like, my thing). Someone remarked that he looked like Mr. T dressed in drag. Ouch.

What do you think of his look? Is he dressing too feminine these days? And check out his performance below:





Kisses,

Coutura

Kanye West "Runaway" Full-Length Version

Kanye West finally debuted his 35-minute film, "Runaway" on television today simultaneously on MTV, MTV2 and BET.

In my opinion, the film, directed by Kanye and written by Hype Williams, is completely brilliant! It's a dark, poignant, otherworldly, passionate love story between Kanye (Griffon) and Selita Ebanks (The Phoenix).

It's pleasing both sonically and visually. Artistically, it pushes the envelope. Kanye fuses different types of music and art, including my favorite scene which incorporates classic ballet and modern African dance. And the music featured is primarily from Kanye's upcoming album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" which I'm so excited about!

It's wrought with symbolism from the Michael Jackson tribute scene (which Kanye says represents our "cult"-like obsession with pop culture) to the "Last Supper" scene where black guests are catered to by white servants and Selita is attacked for being "different" (a guest asks "Do you know your girlfriend's a bird?).

Kanye interpreted the love story between him and Selita for New York Magazine: "It's the story of a phoenix fallen to Earth and I make her my girlfriend, and people discriminate against her and eventually she has to burn herself alive and go back to her world."

Some speculate that the love story between Selita and Kanye is a reference to his relationship with Amber Rose, who as a former stripper was certainly considered different within the Hollywood crowd Kanye operates in. Despite my (and everyone else's) Amber Rose comparisons, Kanye says every woman in his life is represented in the film, including his late mother, Donda West.

His relationship with Amber is an interesting parallel since after Kanye brings Selita into his world (the dinner scene) and she doesn't conform to fit in, she abandons him in a fiery blaze to go back to where she feels comfortable and free.

The scene in the beginning and near the end of the film is him desperately running after her. Pretty haunting and sad if you think of the Phoenix as his Mom, who died trying to conform. In his XXL cover story, Kanye hints at that by associating Los Angeles (and the Hollywood lifestyle) with his Mom's death maintaining that she wouldn't have died anywhere else. And Los Angeles is the world he brought her to, like how he brought the Phoenix to the dinner party...but I digress...

Kanye revealed that the phoenix represents him as well, particularly when he retreated from the public eye after famously embarrassing Taylor Swift at the VMA's and re-emerged a wiser, more tactful Kanye. In that way, if the Phoenix is indeed Amber Rose, it's less about Kanye bringing Amber Rose into his world but more about them existing in a parallel universe where they can both be free and different. That's fascinating to me because it means that Kanye doesn't "fit in" to his world either. He hinted at this on MTV.com yesterday saying he is "an artist that was made a celebrity." Hmm...

Anyway, I could go all day trying to read Kanye's mind! If you missed it, take a moment to watch it, admire the visuals and fashions (by Phillip Lim) and delve into the meaning behind Kanye's symbolism. Tell me what you think about the film.





Kisses,

Coutura

Photo Source

Kanye West Compares Lindsay Lohan for Emanuel Ungaro to 9/11 PLUS Runaway Paris Screening

Kanye West promised to be more tactful in a Twitter rant following the Taylor Swift incident at last year's MTV VMA's...but you didn't believe him, right? Me either.

And truthfully, I don't want him to change. His tweets deliver daily entertainment ("I jog in Lanvin." "Being nice is my whole sh*t now") to my blackberry.

And only Kanye can write a whole amazing song about modelizing (Christian Dior Denim Flow) dropping names from "friend" Selita Ebanks to Lara Stone to Jessica Stam to Glamazon favorite Sessilee Lopez and make it funny and endearing. (P.S. every Good Friday song he's dropped is pretty amazing. All I listen to these days...).

So the fact that he compared Lindsay Lohan's design stint at Emanuel Ungaro to 9/11 is not at all surprising. Sure, he's exaggerating a bit but in Kanye West world, I'm sure it all makes sense.

To be fair, Lindsay's line last season was a disaster of epic proportions. And the fact that British designer Giles Deacon got rave reviews for designing Ungaro this season makes her look even worse. But 9/11? That's harsh, even for Lindsay (we just called the glambulance on her, we had sympathy).

Kanye's modelizer anthem, appearance at Kim Kardashian's Dash NYC, Fashion's Night Out cameo, red Peter Hildalgo suit at the VMAs and remarks on Lindsay for Ungaro are just the latest moves in his plan to penetrate the fashion world. He's studied under Marc Jacobs, gave a Yale dropout the opportunity to style him and facilitated Amber Rose's climb from exotic dancer to exotic fashion icon in a little over a year.

Also, lest I forget, he screened his film, Runaway, in the fashion capital, Paris, though not enough fashion people came out for his liking: "Last night at my Paris premiere of 'Runaway,' what hurt most was the people who weren't there. People look down on celebs doing fashion," Kanye said of the fashion folks who skipped out on the show.  (Uhhh...where was my invite? I would've came Ye...).

Not to worry, I'm sure it will be only a matter of time before Anna Wintour dances it up with him at the MET gala. And in the meantime, with his hilarious critiques of fashion lines like Lindsay's, he can always moonlight as a fashion blogger.

What do you think of Kanye's comment? And that Christian Dior Denim Flow song? Will he ever be embraced by the fashion industry?

Check out a sneak peek of his Runaway video and Paris screening below.


Kanye West - Runaway - Video FROM PARIS
Uploaded by FROMPARISCOLLECTIF. - Explore more music videos.

Kisses,

Coutura

Magazine GLAM or SHAM?: Kanye West Writes Own Cover Story In XXL

So, we've covered the man cleavage that singer Kanye West debuted at the MTV VMA awards, but the latest news we've read about him has me shocked and thinking "Is this even legal?!"

West will not only be on the cover of XXL magazine's October 2010 issue, but he also wrote the cover story about himself. Huh?!

Now, from a journalistic standpoint this is a rather strange concept because who's asking the questions here? (That's the whole point of an interview, ya know. The journalist asks the questions and the celebrity provides the answer.) However, it is kind of cool to see a celebrity actually picking up a pen and some paper and writing. (Alright, more like sitting down and typing on your MAC book, but you get my point.)

I do think that all of his publicity stunts are super annoying (insert rolling of the eyes here). And if I have to hear (or see) him apologizing one more time about the whole VMA/Taylor Swift incident, I'm going to scream. (Well, not literally, but just wanted to emphasize how over it I am in regards to hearing about the whole thing.)

I do admire him for taking the time to sit down and tell "the people" what they want to hear in regards to his career, etc. I mean, I'm sure that the mag editors there edited the feature story to high heavens, but I'm interested in seeing what West has to say about himself.

Now, I have witnessed celebrities being guest editors at magazines (although I've never really seen them do any actual magazine work other than showing up for staged photo shoots to make it look like they're working..smh..) so it does make sense that he would be the creative director for the special collector's 40-page section. I also like the cover (it's like a mirror image...very artsy for XXL, don't you think?!)

Does this seem like an issue you'll be purchasing once it hits the news stands on Sept. 28? Or are you over Kanye West talking about himself? Do you think this is GLAM or is just a big 'ole SHAM?!

xo

Ferocia

Kanye West Hits 3.1 Phillip Lim and Gets Mobbed at Fashion's Night Out in Soho

I try to be honest with you guys on this blog, so here it goes:

Fashion's Night Out is a circus. A maniacal display of pandemonium and chaos.

The hipsters come out like zombies dressed in full-clad costumes so elaborate one might think it's Halloween. And at the mere sight of a Kanye West or Anna Wintour, they start running to touch the hem of their Lanvin, Phillip Lim or Chanel garments.

Last night was no different. After making an appearance in the front row at 3.1 Phillip Lim (above), Kanye West tweeted how excited he was about Fashion's Night Out:


Kanye West: "Just shut Soho down... shit is crazy 2nt!!! This is the best night of my life uuuum so far ...I know the city getting ready!!!"

Kanye West:  "IMA JUST STAND OUTSIDE AND SHIT!!! #FASHIONNIGHT JUST BROUGHT BACK THE CAPS LOCKS"

Kanye West: "I've just seen some life changers walking down the street... I'm going to be a better person because of what you and those heels are doing"

Kanye West:  "I gotta thank Anna Wintour for having Fashion's NIght Out... The city is alive... I feel the energy... I need a Power nap for 2nt!!!"



Yes, he was over-the-moon excited. And then, the unthinkable (or according to Ferocia and I, the expected) happened. He was mobbed by a crowd of fashion-hungry hipsters. See below:






Yes, hide your kids, hide your wife and hide your husband because the Soho mob is coming for you on Fashion's Night Out.

Glamazons, enter Soho and the West Village at your own risk on Fashion's Halloween. You've been warned.

Kisses,

Coutura

Source
 

How To Wear: Denim on Denim

Spring has sprung and with it, several new fashion trends have emerged from fabulous fads (military chic, floral) to rule-bending styles (socks with pumps). One of the more controversial trends is head-to-toe denim.


Most people cringe at the thought of a jean suit (think Justin Timberlake's unfortunate denim tuxedo) and rightfully so. 

But the latest denim look is thankfully, far from that. Here's how to get the NEW look:




Rule No. 1: Don't match colors or washes.


The new jean trend mixes distinct styles of denim. Think a chambray shirt with dark dirty denim jeans. Or a faded light denim skirt paired with a crisp white jean blazer.


The colors and washes should be so distinct that it appears as if you're wearing two different fabrics. Here are the celebs who got it right.

Ciara mixes light and dark.

Kanye breaks up the colors and the washes.

David Beckham goes dark with two separate washes. (P.S. he's so sexy!)

Rule No. 2: Break it Up with Accessories.


Grab a brown belt, a studded bag or a pair of wedges or clogs to break up the monotony and bring some energy to the look.

D&G Denim Loving on the Runway

Rule No. 3: If Rule No. 1 and 2 still aren't enough, go for a denim dress. Chic, conservative and still on trend.

The look done right is chic and so right-now. Now that you have the tips, would you rock the Spring denim-on-denim trend? Discuss.


Kisses,


Coutura

Men's Fly Fashion: Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys' His and Her Louboutins

When I first spotted Swizz Beatz' Christian Louboutin sneakers in a picture with Reggie Bush, I was in love. The black sneakers have high-end designer written all over them. They are adorned with gold studs for a polished, luxurious look. They're flashy, bold and attention-grabbing, but stylish at the same time.

Here's Reggie showing black and gold pride after winning the Superbowl with Louboutin sneakers of the same color scheme! Kim Kardashian twit pic'd this shot after the game.

In his red carpet shot with Alicia Keys, I realized they look even better on. The gold studs are an edgy and cool addition to Swizzy's laidback ensemble. Love!

And P.S. I live for the His and Her Louboutin shoe moment! My suede fringed Louboutin sandals next to my man's Louboutin sneakers? A match made in shoe heaven.

Since the internet has been buzzing with rumors that Swizzy was collaborating with Christian Louboutin on a sneaker line, I went to the source, the amazing PR lady that reps the designer, and she denied everything. She said the black studded sneaks are from Christian Louboutin's Spring 2010 collection, but didn't reveal how involved Swizz was in the design of the sneakers, if at all.

Too bad, because a collaboration might yield more fabulous designs like the shoes below. Swizzy's creative vision (he also paints as a hobby, per his tweets) and Christian Louboutin's design expertise could make for some amazing sneakers.

Here are some pics of Swizzy's son holding Louboutin sneakers. Swizz Beatz twitpic'd them with the caption, "Dad, can you and Christian make them for kids too please?" That sounds like a collaboration to me.

I'd go as far to say the Louboutin sneakers Swizzy revealed may be the best high-end designer collaboration. Swizz/Louboutin designs are stylish, but still masculine as opposed to Kanye West's sneakers for Louis Vuitton which never really took off. (I'm not a fan. Think the tassel details and color scheme are too preppy and feminine...).

And Marc Ronson's Gucci sneakers are more masculine than Kanye's, but I like the Louboutin sneakers better. Probably because the Gucci kicks look like a walking advertisement (dogtag, signature stripe AND logo?).

What do you think of the Christian Louboutin sneakers Swizz Beatz revealed? Would you buy sneakers from Swizz and Christian Louboutin's collaboration, if there really is one? 


Do you think the sneakers we've seen so far are better than Kanye and Marc Ronson's collaborations with Louis Vuitton and Gucci, respectively? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura