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.

H&M Taps Sessilee Lopez for Spring 2011 Campaign; Collaborates with Swedish Hasbeens on Clog Collection

I think we can all agree: winter is harsher than ever this year, and there's nothing like a little premature Spring fashion to cheer us all up.

Enter H&M. If it's up to the beloved retailer, your Spring/Summer look will consist of florals, hearts and clogs. The Spring 2011 campaign features a chiffon ruffle dress and a sweetheart neckline strapless frock printed with hearts on the stunningly beautiful Sessilee Lopez. Word has it she's gracing a billboard in downtown Manhattan; I must see! Goo Sessilee!

The printed dresses are playful, flirty and ultra-feminine, the perfect look for warm weather adventures. I need the heart-printed one to survive (love the exaggerated hips) and at $15, it won't hurt my pockets to pick it up. Amaze!

What should a girl pair these adorable dresses with? H&M offers next season's shoe of choice: clogs. The retailer has collaborated with footwear brand, Swedish Hasbeens, to offer three clog styles available starting April 20th.

Popular among celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Swedish Hasbeens drew inspiration from the traditional Swedish styles of the '70s for their collection with H&M, which they created from all environmentally-friendly materials.

I have to admit, though they're a huge trend for Spring, clogs aren't entirely my style. But I'm still anticipating what those fab tan ankle-strap clogs will do for my legs; they might just be my exception.

What do you think of the clogs? And flirty summer dresses on Sessilee? Will you wear them this coming Spring?

And am I the only one over this freezing (NYC) weather and winter dressing? :)

Kisses,

Coutura

Source: H&M/Beauty is Diverse

Coutura's Five Personal Highlights of 2010

As I'm creating my vision board for 2011, I started to think about all the great moments I've experienced in the past year. (Btw, you already heard about one of my BIG New Year's Resolutions to go natural...excited!)

Confession: I'm always moving so fast that sometimes I forget to slow down, breathe and marvel in all the amazing blessings that have come my way in the last twelve months.

So...with that said, here are five highlights and the lessons they taught me in 2010. Take a look and tell me yours in the comment section.


1 - Becoming a director of a website

When I started this blog, it was soo a way to express myself and my obsessive love for all things Fashion. Little did I know, it would pave a career path. Since leaving The Magazine, I have been blessed with so many opportunities in the digital space, primarily due to this blog, which makes me overwhelmingly proud we took the risk to get it started.


2 - MET Gala

After attending the MET Gala this year, one of the writers I look up to (who has an amaze blog, Black Bridal Bliss) said it was on her bucket list. It was that comment that made me slow down from all the impending deadlines and assignments to say, wow something amazing just happened.

I partied with people that I have always admired from Karl Lagerfeld to Oprah Winfrey to Sarah Jessica Parker to Anna Wintour. The night was so magical I still can't even believe it happened. The lesson here: live in the moment!

3 - The Glamazons Blog

Omg, I love this blog! This year, we saw record numbers in traffic (woot!) and next year is opening up so many opportunities including a site makeover we're so excited about it!

From waxing poetic on our career dramas, to dishing about parties we attend (Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Why Did I Get Married Too? Premiere above) to interviewing our favorite stars (Kandi, Chrisette Michele, Ameriie, Fergie, Letoya Luckett, June Ambrose, Sessilee Lopez!) to going on trips (ESSENCE Music Festival, Ford in Atlanta) Glamazons is truly a labor of love.

This year also saw us recognized by other media outlets and fashion brands like Rachel Roy, iVillage and WEEN. I'm excited to see where 2011 will take us!

 

4 - Penn Station Outreach

The beginning of this recap should, in no way, make you think life in New York City is easy. For every moment of excitement where Ferocia and I are literally living our dreams, there's some struggle to bring us back to reality: almost being evicted, lead/bed bugs/mice taking over our apartment (true story!), getting laid off, writing for sites and not getting paid, those moments where you strongly consider going to Jersey/Texas to a warm home with food and a regular day job.

But none of those rough times compare to that experienced by homeless people here in the city, especially in the Winter. The Penn Station Outreach helped drive that point home for me. Just a few trips offering warm food and beverages, and coats/gloves to people in Penn Station, and to see how touched they were by kindness from a random stranger, made me grateful for the apartment and life I do have. I definitely want to do more, and give more, in 2011.

5 -  The Word 'No'

Another reality check that quells all talk of life in NYC being easy? The word 'No.'

It was at the Black Girls Rock! Awards when Raven-Symone matter-of-factly said, "If someone tells me No, I just say: you're not the person I should be talking to." A light bulb went off on my head then. To accomplish something great, you often have to stand on a ledge and do things people have never done, or never thought possible.  

Ferocia and I have already been blessed with opportunities that most people don't expect this early in the game. And every time we've had doubts or second thoughts about pursuing a goal, the thought comes in our heads: "Well, the worst they could say is 'No' ... and even then, we can find another way."

And the funny thing is, most times, they DO say Yes. One of the most important qualities to have when trying to succeed is resilience. That was one of the lessons I learned in 2010 and now, in 2011, 'No' is no longer a dream crusher, or a roadblock, for me.


What are your highlights, and lessons from 2010? And what's on your vision board? Tell me in the comments.


Kisses,


Coutura

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