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

Prada Says Butts, Boobs and Hips are In for Fall

Forget Prada's sexy librarian trend. What's really hot this season are breasts, hips and butts...on the runway.


While high fashion has all but ignored a woman's natural curves, opting for the real-life mannequin look, Miuccia Prada has fully embraced our humps in her latest show---and it's about time.


Don't get excited. We're not talking about curves of the Brick House, 36-24-38 kind (sorry, Melissa Ford). But models like Lara Stone, Doutzen Kroes, Catherine McNeil, Miranda Kerr and Alessandra Ambrosio, and their relative hip, breast and derriere fat, are still a breath of fresh air on the catwalk. Rose Cordero, who covers the new issue of French Vogue, brought some much-needed color to the runway.


The collection, it seems, was structured for a voluptuous woman as well. The A-line skirts and dresses are perfect for women with hips and butt. The raised waists only further highlighted womanly, hourglass silhouettes. 


And the breasts. Ruffles and pointy bras enhance the chest area. While models everywhere are cringing, real women are ecstatic about what this means for the future of fashion. Miuccia Prada is a trendsetter and if all goes well, it's only a matter of time before more fashion brands follow suit. Check out the collection below:

Either Miuccia Prada has been hanging out with Beyonce, or the curves phenomenon (seen previously in the V Magazine Size Issue and Vogue Curvy) is really in full swing.


Regardless, I'm happy to see that a little bit of fat is in fashion. (I'm looking proudly at my shape in the mirror as I type this.)


What do you think of Prada putting curves on the runway? Do you think the "trend" will endure?


Kisses,


Coutura

Magazine Glam: June Ambrose Styles Alicia Keys for Gotham; French Vogue Features Solo Black Model

Hey Glamazons!

We loved Alicia Keys in Boxing Kitten on the set of "Put it in a Love Song," but never has she looked more elegant and refined than on the March cover of Gotham Magazine. Our beloved celebrity stylist, June Ambrose, dressed Ms. Keys in a green Catherine Malandrino dress with plunging neckline and gold jewelry. Stunning! With subtle makeup and her hair pulled back off of her face, Ms. Keys is the picture of radiant beauty. What do you think of Alicia's new look? 

We're also proud to hear that French Vogue, the magazine that shot Lara Stone in Blackface, has turned over a new leaf. The cover of their March issue features a solo black model, 18-year-old Rose Cordero. Shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Cordero is the first black model to appear on French Vogue alone since Liya Kebede in 2002. Sadly, since Cordero is from the Dominican Republic, many are claiming her features aren't "black enough," which I personally feel is ludicrous. Do you agree?

Sidenote: rumor also has it that American Vogue will feature a model on the cover of its April issue. Are we seeing a (much-needed) shift in magazine covers from celebrities back to models (Please, Fashion Gods)? Is that a change you'd like to see? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Via ybf.com; models.com.