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3.30.2009

Unconventional- Yohji Yamamoto

Lupe Fiasco first introduced me to Yohij Yamamoto through his song lyrics, and now I'm able to put an image with the words. Yamamoto's Fall '09 line shows us many different variations of the peacoat. Cropped, floor-length, red and black- the peacoat is Yamamoto's fall trend, and with a tough economy your staples may have to have a little more flash than usual. He seamlessly ties the spring/summer 'boyfriend blazer' into a fall coat. Its not only impressive, but its refreshing for your style not to take such drastic changes between the seasons. Instead, you can subtly evolve and reinvent. 
xo
MosaMuse

3.28.2009

Hidden- Painter Beatriz Milhazes

Brazilian painter Beatriz Milhazes' paintings are full of allure, depth and creativity. Her colorful works transform the viewer into a needed trance as they pull apart the layers combined into one fulfilling work of art. She had her first UK exhibit in 2001, but the majority of her work remains in Brazil where shes finds the inspiration for her paintings. With the beautiful Brazilian backdrop and culture as her muse, Milhazes produces interesting and meaningful works. Enjoy. (image courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery, London)
xo
MosaMuse

3.26.2009

Circus- Conde Goes Pop

Conde Nast launched its new magazine Love, in the UK. I have to say I was very skeptical, but to my surprise it matches its hype. Love, a fashion and fame magazine, has a more edgy vibe than anything Conde Nast has previously offered. The cover shows a naked Beth Ditto...a huge (but needed) leap for Conde. Katie Grand, from Pop magazine, is crowned as its editor-in-chief. This magazine is biannual and has already sold out in many places, but I'm sure it will at least run quarterly post recession. My one criticism is that Love is kind of all over the place. You get a complete 6 months of fashion in a single issue...but that might not be all that bad?? And like any over seas mag, know u will have to pay a bill, but it does get MosaMuse's stamp of approval. Check it out.
xo
MosaMuse

3.25.2009

Destined- Kurt Geiger

Did you scream as soon as the page loaded and these shoes popped up?? They're like candy, and I have a sweetest tooth! I just love Kurt Geiger's new collection. He has an interesting vision- mixing patterns, textures, colors and styles. The shoes won't only make the outfit...they can stand alone. And what I like most about his shoes is that he uses bold designs without losing the feminine quality. I'm growing up now (almost 23) and I'm desperate to step it up without losing the individuality and fun and I finally found the perfect in between 'not a girl not yet a woman' shoe. So sweet.
xo
MosaMuse

3.24.2009

Polaroids- Madonna for Vuitton

How many 20 year olds can put their leg above there head? Now, how many 20 year olds want to see Madonnas leg above her head? Exactly. Not many. OK heres why I'm bitter... As much as I think Madonna is an artist/marketing genius, I'm kind of over it. Its been downhill since she kissed Britney and then wanted to play the fairy godmother in Brits scripted career. I mean move aside so Lourdes can get some play. Give. It. Up. Yes, shes Madonna and all and she has to fill the void because Britney's still a little crazy but not crazy enough for us to crown someone else the pop princes but its sooo played. I would have loved to see a retro throwback celebrity like Janet snap back into shape and put her leg above her head in a pair of LVs reminiscent of the 'Control' video. I mean, that would have been an attention getting ad. But the 'im an flashback icon targeting the new crowd' doesn't work if you never leave the tabloids! I could pick up a Life&Style (which i can admit that I haven't in months...personal rehab) and see her hiding (but not) with these diff men. And I know I'm making a ton of people mad. Listen, I'm not saying I dont like or respect her, but this just didnt do it for me. Personal problem? I dont know. How about we move to a time when models model, singers sing, and actors act.  Just a thought.
xo
MosaMuse

3.23.2009

Tinted Glow- China's Shu Pei

Fall 2008 marked Shu Pei's breakthrough season. She has walked for Lacoste, Dior, Reyes, Maladrino, Galliano and Westwood, and can be found in British Elle and Chinese Vogue. Signed to Next, Pei is showing signs of a rising star, and we are still waiting for our Asain "it" girl. Will it be Shu? 
xo
MosaMuse

Contrast- Matthew Williamson for H&M

This is a great for Matthew Williamson's attempt at becoming a household name. But I feel this will be an H&M sour note. Big time. Not to say that Matthew isnt talented, or great, or everything else good, but come on! I'm so not excited for my cheap thrill this season. Cavalli was great, Lagerfeld was legendary, Commes des Garcons as well, but this has me completely underwhelmed. And to think, TopShop is opening soon right? In a sense, I'm more excited to see what Kate Moss has to offer. And I'm not saying any of this to diss Williamson, hes a good designer who recently had an amazing store opening (and obviously a great PR team), its just more a question mark for H&M. I mean....??? 
xo
MosaMuse

3.22.2009

Collision- Paint + Silent Movies

Its hard not to be overwhelmed by movie posters and advertisements while walking down the streets of NYC. Only a small percentage of ads you see actually register and even fewer are memorable. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NYC pays homage to a great advertiser, and painter, Batiste Madalena. During the end of silent cinema, Batiste hand-painted movie posters for the Eastman Theatre. The paintings/advertisements bring a sense of originality, which is rare for movie posters that are now seen plastered to the sides of buildings and buses. This refreshing exhibit will run until April 6th. Go see.
xo
MosaMuse

3.20.2009

Update- MosaMuse.com

MosaMuse.com is coming soon! The site is currently in the works. Stay logged in for updates on the site, events, and video interviews. We're excited! 
xo
MosaMuse

3.19.2009

Pink- Unleashed



If you do it right, you wont look like a hooker. :) So many girls are afraid of animal print because it can walk a very fine line. But the print has been big for a few seasons now. You can ease into the trend by starting with a nice bright cardigan with the prints as an accessory (i.e. a chunky bangle). Another option is to mix and match your prints in your outfit by using staple pieces and having you trend as your pop. An even more fun option is to go all out, mixing prints with patterns (if your bold enough) with bright, chunky bangles. The key is to see the print as a mix and not as the staple. I wouldn't suggest the look with red stilettos, smudged red lipstick and a leopard print dress....unless you're going for that type of 'interview'. But try the look out and tell me how it went.
xo
MosaMuse

3.18.2009

Worldview- Above The Brow With Mr. Jones

The Marc Jacob's 'Eliza Doolittle' spring 09 look would be incomplete without Milliner Stephen Jones. Stephen Jones hats for Marc Jacobs is only another feather in his cap, Jones has been one of the most sought after milliners in the business. London's V&A Museum is showcasing his masterpieces in an exhibit entitled 'Hats an Anthology by Stephen Jones' until the end of May. Adding a hat can pull a look together or create a look of its own. Are you into wearing hats this season?
xo
MosaMuse

3.16.2009

Fresh Face- Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn is a rising star in the fashion industry. British born Dunn debuted on Marc Jacob's runway in 2007. She was the first black model to walk for Prada in over 10 years (red flag) in 2008. The same year she won Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. She hasn't established a specific perspective as a model but something suggests shes in this game for a while. 
xo
MosaMuse

Collision- Downtown + Uptown = High Street Style

Downtown swag meets uptown fashion creating an individualized style. Downtown the streets are filled with swagger but I'm so over the carbon copy images of style. Does everything has to look like such a struggle? Uptown has all the brands but is the most stale vibe you could image. Lets merge. Lets bring some of those dresses, heels, and feminine accessories downtown so girls can feel/look like girls again. I know we are struggling but think about it, I know you don't dream of wearing sneakers everyday? (they aren't hot) A little heel is the small lift we need. 
xo
MosaMuse

3.15.2009

Hidden- Director Anky Cyriaque


MosaMuse
puts the lense on short film director Anky Cyriaque. At the age of 12, Anky used television and movies to learn English when his family moved to the U.S from Haiti. Having worked on 30 second spots for Jive Records and broadcasts for the TRACE TV network and trace.tv, Anky seeks to establish himself as a heavy hitter in the film industry. His short film A Cat in Heat has already gained a lot of media attention and is due for release in May. He is working directly with MosaMuse to use modern fashions and trends for his more traditional characters. Want in on the fun? Casting for the short film A Cat in Heat is on March 26th and 27th at the NY Casting (243 west 30th st). Be sure to look for Anky on the cover of Heavy Metal Magazine in May. We know he's definately one to follow.
xo
MosaMuse

Polaroids- Terri Richardson Casting

This nation has been on a Terri Richardson craze for the past few years. His raw images offers a unique sense of authenticity that keeps him afloat in the (over crowded) sea of photographers. Therefore, hes become one of my favorite Googles. As I stalked his homepage I stumbled across a casting call for female models (check) over the age of 18 (check) who are willing to pose nude (....) . Why do this to me? Being photographed by Richardson is like almost everything and is definitely a launch for almost any body but you see how he does the girls in American Apparel ads...and they have clothes on! Just image the angles he'll get you at!.. or don't. As tempting as it is to submit my pix to the casting I have to take a second an think of the bigger picture and not just this one, huge step. Whats your take? Let me know...
xo
MosaMuse


Circus- Purple People Eaters


It sashayed down Balenciaga's runway back in f/w '07 and you've seen it sprout here and there, but the purple blaze has yet to strike gold. Not only am I backing purple blazers, but I'm personally dying for an electric blue one and bold red one would be nice as well. I'm over the spring trench... we do it every year. Spring jackets don't even make sense because it only gets a month and a half of use. With a statement making power blazer you can have fun with a staple piece as it rollercoasters in and out of style. Why not?

xo
MosaMuse

3.14.2009

Red Sole- Syreeta Lockett

MosaMuse's first 'red sole' article features its main muse, Syreeta Lockett. Model, entrepreneur, and creator of MosaMuse, Syreeta aims to change the standard of beauty and fashion, while highlighting undiscovered and unrecognized talents in the fashion industry by positioning herself as the next era of fashion's main muse. In front of and behind the camera, Syreeta Lockett's unique blend of beauty, talent and amibition makes her a MosaMuse top favorite.
xo
MosaMuse

3.13.2009

Unconventional- Wunderkind



Wundkind's F/W '09 was inspired by 20th century Russian abstract artist Kazimir Malevich (below, artwork from Malevich). Most critics found designs distracting and distasteful, but MosaMuse appreciates a designer's attempt to think outside the box. Although the designs may need to be edited to fit the taste of modern consumers, the mix of patterns, textures and colors in a single design is innovative and artistic. Fashion has needed more people to go against in grain in order for the artform to progress. We've marked Betsy Johnson and Vivienne Westwood's originality as the end of the innovative spectrum, but isn't fashion limitless? The idea of fashion is formed from extremities, so why have we become so confined? If a big fashion house sent this look down a Paris runway paired with Louboutins it would have been hailed as wonderful and the seasons new trend shown beautifully by Joe Zee in the pages of Elle. But because its orginal, ahead of its time, and previously unhailed, its here.
xo
MosaMuse

3.10.2009

Flashback Iconic- Iris Apfel

MosaMuse salutes fashion icon Iris Apfel. Apfel began as a copygirl for WWD and later began an interior design business called Old World Weaver. One of her first clients was the owner of Post cereal, and she later had customers by the name of Bill Blass, Oscare de la Renta and Geoffrey Beane. Known for her luxurious textiles and fabrics (as well as her oversized frames), Iris Apfel has inspired numerous collections including Ralph Lauren in 2006. A style icon herself, Apfel is known for mixing textures, patterns, colors and even pricepoints. She is the prime example of how to mix highend staples with lower priced trend items. 
xo
MosaMuse

3.09.2009

Tinted Glow- India's Lakshmi Menon


Lakshmi (above, photographed by Prabuddha Dasgupta for Indian Vogue) began her modeling career at 25 in Bangalore, India. Now 27 and signed with Ford, Menon is on her way to becoming a household name. She was the face of Hermes and the current muse for Ricardo Tisci. Vogue featured Lakshmi Menon as "This year's model" in 2008. She has walked runways for American designers Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren. The Indian wave is huge this year, and Menon appears to already be coasting. 
xo
MosaMuse

3.08.2009

Fresh Face- Geometric Dimensions



Now that we all cropped, chopped and 'Rihannaed' our locks, whats next? We could try to slick back a ponytail, but it would look borderline cowlick. We could try extensions, but it is a recession. How about we find other follicles to shape? Eyebrows anyone?? We've plucked, waxed and threaded and now its time to shape. Arches are so 90s, and thin and clean have been the new millennium tread. Now that we're 9 years into it lets get a fresh start to the new decade. Just like our new edgy dos, sharp, angled and full brows are the way to go. If the eyes are the windows to our souls lets keep the drapes down and keep them guessing.
xo
MosaMuse

Worldview- Liya Kebede's Lem Lem




Liya
Kebede is one of MosaMuse's all time favorite supermodels, and now one of our favorite supermodels-turn-entrepreneurs. The supermodel launched Lem Lem,  a line of handmade cotton Ethiopian scarves. She uses local artisans as designers and as a way for her to give back to her country. The designs are adorable, sleek and chic- just what you would expect from Liya.
xo 
MosaMuse

Pixels- Juergen Teller for Marc Jacobs



If you're like me, then your completely into the Marc Jacobs (and YSL) ads. Posh's run as the face of Jacobs' campaign was its sour note, but ever other shot has been completely out of the ordinary. Who is behind the lense? German-born photographer Juergen Teller. (above with son, courtesy of Lehmam Maupin of Lehmann Maupin Gallery, NY)
 And while creating one of the most visually interesting fashion spreads, Teller is not particularly into them. He told New York Magazine, "I'm for the individual human being, not some plastic figure some gay guy thought out... its not my cup of tea". Well, whether or not Marc thought of the ads, they're definately my cup of tea.
xo
MosaMuse

3.07.2009

Collision- Pastel + Model + Lacrroix = David Downtown



David Downtown's pastel of model Erin O'Connor in Lacroix (2000) illustrates the multiple facets of art and fashion. We rarely see the construction of the idea before it jumps off the page, and this is a real treat. More of his work (and others) can be seen at fashionillustrationgallery.com. 
xo
MosaMuse

Pink- The World In Black and White?




Obama proves that adding a little color is necessary! So why are gray lips being sent down catwalks like Doo. Ri's? (I refuse to show the pics, just think zombie) Ladies, seriously, just because we can no longer shop does not mean we should walk around looking soulless in antiquated lips. Bring the Gwen Stefani red lip back!
xo
MosaMuse

Unconventional- Balmain F/W '09



Christophe Decamin's attention grabbing (without begging) Swarski dresses and exaggerated shoulders kick off the new era of 'me' fashion for his Balmain 09 show. And who isn't excited to flash a little leg in his peek-a-boo draped pants? I'll personally be waiting for my TopShop knock off. 

xo
MosaMuse

3.05.2009

CIRCUS- Accessories as Outfits



To broke to shop? Join the club. Its time we get creative! Try pulling out some old accessories to create a new look. A simply T-shirt dress gets a face-lift with multi colored bangles, platform heels, and a statement satchel. With this new MosaMuse inspired look, you have endless possibilities without running to transfer funds. Using accessories with different textures will boast this look from cheap to chic. Ladies, channel your inner Sarina Suriano. Google her.  

xo
MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- Beverly Johnson


No, this is not Naomi Campbell. MosaMuse is saluting our first Flashback Icon: Beverly Johnson. The first Black woman to appear on U.S. Vogue, Johnson is one of the first supermodels...ever! Giving way to Naomi, Liya, and Tyra, Johnson was a pioneer for black models who seamlessly transistion into successful entrepreneurs. Johnson now has a successful self-titled hair extension line.

Wigs off!
xo
MosaMuse

3.04.2009

Welcome- MosaMuse

Mosaic + Muse= MosaMuse

MosaMuse is a combination (mosaic) of different fashion inspirations (muse) that are often overlooked by the fashion industry. Why continuously focus on the same fashion houses? Can someone please talk about Rodarte's F/W '09 show! Likewise, we get that Kate Moss and Gisele can work it independently or tandem (Versace ads), so can we move the spotlight to Lakshmi Menon, Jourdan Dunn, or pretty much anyone else? 

The business world, in its 1996 navy blue skirt suit, has somehow sucked the individuality, creativity, and personal perspective out of fashion. New Yorkers are now walking around in all black... because it somehow became a trend? MosaMuse is an escape from the blah...and its about time!

Welcome and enjoy.

xo