Hidden- Shingai Shoniwa

A month ago I fell in love. So sultry, so blended, so perfect. You may already know them and I apologize if I'm late, but I'm head over heels for the Noisettes. They currently lead the Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Lykke Li genre... and finally I think its a group with staying power. Their leading lady, Shingai Shoniwa, also makes her style look super unique and effortless. The style is a perfect mix of afro-chic and 1940's glam. Their video for single "I'll Never Forget You" is seamless and has Shingai reminiscent of a flapper while being nothing short of current. She's the new 'it' girl to follow and I'm right on her heels...

xo

MosaMuse

Fresh Face- Ai Tominaga

She's not a new model, but she is certainly a refreshing beauty. Known for her long hair and defined cheekbones, Ai was one of Japan's first beauties to be granted international accolades. She used her modeling career as a launching pad to produce lingerie and her own boutique in Japan. She has walked numerous catwalks and has been the face of many brands but nothing is more admirable than her work for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. As fall approaches, Breast Cancer Awareness month is on its way. Its time to begin planning to support women and families affected by breast cancer. Fashion lovers can buy t-shirts, pins and other accessories to support the cause.

xo

MosaMuse

Contrast- Kara Walker And The Big 'O'

At the age of 28 Kara Walker received the MacArthur Fellowship (the Genius Award) which salutes her promise for continued and enhanced creative work (and also awarded her with $500,000). Walker is known for her art which reflects African-American women's racial and gender identity. Oprah recently created her first 'Power List' which highlighted 20 women who made a positive contribution to the American society and included Walker as one of its few artists. Kara notes to Oprah Magazine online, "I was fed up with the expectations of what a black girl ought to be, but instead of rejecting them outright, I thought I would embrace every concept out there, sort of flouting the notions and taunting those who held them at the same time." Kara Walker's art is not ignorable and at times shocking, but it is nothing short of real. As people continue to progress it is important to use their respective purpose's to challenge the standard racial and gender identities of the females of color. And that is why MosaMuse was created. I want to show girls of color that they can be beautiful, fabulous, and not have to be undressed nor sexually submissive. Differences are now celebrated and its time that there is an avenue of expression for creative women of color who enjoy art, fashion, beauty and themselves.

xo

MosaMuse

photo courtesy of chelseaartmuseum.org