Finding the Common Ground in Harlem

Zwelethu Mthethwa's "Common Ground" is on exhibit at Studio Museum Harlem. It is a must see. Check out Studio Museum Harlem for details and location

xo

MosaMuse

Designer To Watch- Bouchra Jarrar

Luxe ready to wear designer Bouchra Jarrar has zero investors, zero employees and massive talent. I am absolutely in love with her designs!

xo

MosaMuse

Liya Kebede

I just wanted to keep you guys up to date on how great Liya is, always has been and always will be. There's not much else to say!

Triangles, Squares, and Prints- Oh My!

The 'King of Prints' has been getting a ton of attention for his attention-getting prints this season. The Nigerian-born designer, Duro Olowu, incorporates African prints in vibrant colors into all of his designs. His designs are beautifully tailored and extremely fun. Check it out

xo

MosaMuse

Must Have- Charlotte Olympia Shoes

London 'it' girl Charlotte Olympia Dellal designs shoes inspired by '40s and '50s glamour. I love this pair. You can check out more of her stuff here.

xo

MosaMuse

Word Tracker- Chioma Nnadi

Check out the October Issue of Vogue and flip to page 207 to read 'Beyond Famous' by Chioma Nnadi. Chioma is the Style Editor at Fader and was formerly the Associate Editor at Trace Magazine. As you know I've always been a fan of Trace since it was my first magazine internship, but I've never really got into Fader. But after reading her piece in Vogue I love her writing so I will follow her words.... you should too.

xo

MosaMuse

Giorgio Armani's Scent

Girogio Armani's new fragrance Acqua di Gioia has been getting rave reviews. I personally love it for the ad. What's up with all these evil/beautiful advertisements for perfumes? Anyways, this new perfume has been on the market for a few months and has been flying off the shelves. It is inspired by the seas of Antigua. And yea, it smells like the sea. With notes of mint, aquatic jasmine, pink pepper and cedar this perfume captures Antigua in a bottle. You can turn the pages of the latest Vogue for a sniff or check out your local Sephora. Ladies... its coming up on Fall and it is a must to switch your perfumes with the seasons. The scents will change based on your body temperature. Try light scents with cedar base notes this season.

xo

MosaMuse

CoverGirl Dania Ramirez

In March 2010 Dania Ramirez teamed up with Queen Latifah to launch "Clean Makeup for Clean Water" for CoverGirl. The beautiful Domican starlet is known for her roles on Entourage, Heroes and The Sopranos. She was discovered at the age 15 and landed a very small soda commercial. She has since been a rising star and an idol for Latinas, recently being nominated for an ALMA award and delivering clean water to small villages in the Dominican Republic with the help of CoverGirl.

xo

MosaMuse

"House of Glam" on Oxygen

Here is my cousin's image agency's new show on Oxygen. Check out the trailor... I know your gonna watch. Be sure to tune in to "House of Glam" October 5th at 11pm.

xo

MosaMuse

New Find- United Nude

These are so cute! I found these on Highsnobette and they are United Nude's 'Ultra Loop' boot. They are so beautifully constructed!

xo

MosaMuse

Newcomer: Lizzy Burden

Lizzy Burden just stepped foot into the industry. The Filipino model signed with Elite in London and Supreme in NY. I think she has a good look and I wonder where they will place her. So far she did presentations for Bill Blass and Vena Cava.

xo

MosaMuse

Fresh Face: Anais Mali

Anais Mali is a Toulon, France. She signed with Wilhemina and her first gigs were with LAMB and Betsey Johnson. She has since walked for designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Catherine Malandrino, and Rachel Roy. You may have recognized her from her Levis ad campaign. I look forward to seeing more of her. She is known for her skin, legs and hair, I personally like her for her moldable and fresh look. I will keep you updated...

xo

MosaMuse

Check out MarcJacobs.com

The world of Marc Jacobs is ever expanding. You gotta love the new fashion mogul who pretty much owns Bleecker Street and now is taking over the internet. Marc Jacobs just launched his online store, and its pretty cute. Check it out at MarcJacobs.com.

xo

MosaMuse

New Kate Moss Video in 3D

Courtesy of Highsnobiety

Check it out!

xo

MosaMuse

HOT- Alexis Bittar

Check out this Alexis Bittar Jewelry Catsuit. Must Have! Check out her store at 353 Bleecker Street, NYC.

YOU MUST MARCHESA

Wow. Absolutely 'WOW'. The best of the season (so far) goes hands down to Marchesa. Absolutely beautiful. Origami seemed to be one of the inspirations for the collection for Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig's latest collection. I can honestly say, I feel this collection was created for every woman's imagination of "The Best Dress". Style.com asked that the design duo hit 'refresh' next season, stating that the designs were 'expected'. But if my little blog can rival Vogue's Style.com and Georgina or Keren happen to read this I would say... 'Please, pretty please, please don't change a thing. It is not broken. It is still evolving. It is 'it' and I love it. It screams elegance and it remains fun and interesting.' And then I would say.. 'p.s. Georgina I love all your party pictures you look amazing.' And then I would end it something like this...

xo

MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- Gwen Stefani

You know who I can't stop missing lately? Gwen Stefani! I want her on the cover of every magazine again! My coffee table still has her last Elle Mag shot with the Rodarte skirt that I loved so much. She was one of the girls I couldn't wait to see on a red carpet or a cover of a magazine. The puckered red lips with unparalleled style...amazing! As you are all very familiar with, she started with No Doubt in 1986, became a solo star in 2004, started her clothing line in 2005, and became a mom in 2006. Now she has a new perfume line called "Wicked Style" you can pick it up at Sephora. Try it out.

xo

MosaMuse

Off Lincoln Center Performances

Just out of the gate are two up and coming designers Imani Alexander and Dominque Sade, who design Ceola and BLYKN respectfully. I had a chance to stop by their Lexington Ave. fashion show this afternoon and was see emerging talents. Both designers' collections were well put together. And the show received a lot of attention on Lexington Ave, with about 30 people attempting to catch a glimpse through the glass. The show was produced by RS Pop Shop, which helps emerging talents (check them out). My favorite pieces was a purple (slightly revealing) one-piece swimsuit and a cream dress with gold embellishments. Their new collections are not available online just yet, but you can click the links above to check them out in a few.

xo

MosaMuse

Other Than Fashion- Home Decor

I recently took a stroll through Canvas in Soho. There were some really cute pieces, and it was very reasonably priced. I would recommend you stopping by if you wanted to find a few accent pieces that would look make for great conversation. You can also check them out online at canvashomestore.com.

xo

MosaMuse

The Mad Hatter

I love it when one picture gives you 1,000 words. But, I'll spare you 900 of them. One thing that Carolina Herrera does impeccably is give you a complete head to toe look. You know who she is, where she is going, and what she wants. Arlenis Sosa is modeling this look and she looks AMAZING. Just imagine how you would feel walking around like this... oh so powerful (in the most sultry way possible). Completely disguised with the open neck and open-toe sandals. So crisp and flowy. Can you tell I'm in love? And the hats, you gotta love that hat! This is my favorite look of the day!

xo

MosaMuse

Foxy Cleopatras

Tracey Reese

Marc Jacobs

A lot of 70's inspired looks are sashaying down the catwalk. Two of my usual suspects, Marc Jacobs and Tracey Reese both really embraced the vibe. I know Miss Sixty finally closed their West Broadway doors, so guys, why did we reopen them? I know, you guys are going to want to shoot me for saying that I was not in love with Marc Jacob's show this season. But you can meet me at Bookmarc and we can discuss it all day, ok? I can say that I did love the colors. Possibly I'm stuck on my favorite collection (possibly ever) which was the Pygmalion one with the cute little hats. Anyway, I was let down. But who should care, hes effin Marc Jacobs and he could sell you ANYTHING at this point. Did you buy the MARC condoms... bet you did. I'm a girl and I have the boxers! So you get it... I love him (but not this time around). And Ms. Tracey will always have my respect. I can say that I loved the glasses. They made me smile. I guess I just wanted something different. Ugh... my favs are striking out. Is it just me??

Update- Trace Magazine's Latest

Trace Magazine's latest issue features....KELIS! for it's 'Styles Ahead' issue. Check it out at Trace212.com

xo

MosaMuse

Other Than Fashion

Tired of all this fashion talk? How could you be... we only get this twice a year! But if you want to escape the stampede of stilettos, head down to to BK to see artist Adbi work at the Brooklyn Museum. Did you guys watch Bravo's "Work of Art"... well Adbi was the winner. He is a former University of Pennsylvania student whose talents landed granted him the Presidential Scholar of Arts award. His exhibit is will be showing until Oct 17th... check it out.

xo

MosaMuse

Deconstructed Expectations

I look forward to Alexander Wang's shows. But um, well.. you know. See. Ugh, I don't know where to start. All I have to say is that I'm not feeling this direction, which he referred to as being more 'optimistic' and 'pure'. You know what viewing the collection feels like....it feels like being on a rollercoaster and you're going up and up and up and then there is a only a tiny little drop. You're still going to hold onto the seat in front of you because you know this had to have just been a trick. The big drop you wanted has to be coming in just 2 seconds... right? Well I hope so. I was soo into him and his last direction, and ad with Zoe, and his trendsetting vibe. I mean, I know he was looking for something a little different. And yes, everything was beautifully made. But will a Wang-lover buy this collection? I'm calling for a 'do over'! I'm not asking for a motorcycle jacket at all, I get that that phase has wrapped. I'm asking for that classic Wang-appeal. Yes, this collection will still sell. Yes, he will remain a huge rising label. Yes, I will always be a fan. This is just a hiccup... give me a sip of water.

xo

MosaMuse

Diane Von Furstenburg's Best Looks

Malendrino's Top Looks

I swung by Malendrino's store in Soho a couple days ago and found a few great pieces. These are my new favorites for the Spring. Sessilee Lopez is modeling a nice day appropriate look. I'm loving the wider leg pants and the top is beautiful with the mix of fabrics and the cute zippers! Next up is a must buy!... the shorts with the long skirt back is so me for the spring. I love it in this light color so its funky but not too dark and heavy. And for a night, this dress flows as smooth as champagne. The best part of her collection is that every piece has a unique feature that you just fall in love with. Hope you like these looks.

xo

MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- Suede Magazine

Oh How I Miss Thee. Ok, well its been gone for for a while now, but Suede Magazine was hands down the BEST fashion magazine targeted to girls of color EVER. With only four issues before it ran out of cash (due to the lack of recognition of this target market's buying power), Suede still has my heart. The styling, layout, content and concept were all... perfect. The best part of Suede was the creative led by Creative Director Richard Christiansen. Richard Christiansen has been the creative director of Milk Magazine, Suede, and Radar. He is currently the Founder and Creative Director of Chandelier Creative. And check this out...pix of his offices. Yes, you better click that link! Did you see how he designed the offices?!? And NY Mag also wrote an article about his Bowery Hotel Apartment which is just as nicely designed. I have to say, hats off to this guy. I think his creativity is spot-on. Its fun, accessible, with tasteful touches of 'over the top' that just make you smile. He has great vision that needs to be noted.

xo

MosaMuse

Rising- Little Miss Willow

I don't care what you guys think about this post. This is just one of those posts I'm going to pull out in a few years and say, 'Told ya so." As you guys all know by now, I can spot talent from a mile away, and I know when someone is going to be a huge star. And yea, it might be easy because of her parents, but WHO CARES? This little girl is going to be huge. Willow Smith was just signed to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation at the age of 9 years old. All the ingredients are clear- Its obvious that she has been a huge fan of Rihanna, and her parents recently worked directly with Jay-Z on the production of Fela. So this fit w/ Roc Nation just seems very natural for the young up and comer. Hova recently leaked her new single "Whip My Hair" on YouTube, and it is perfect for tweens (who have tremendous buying power). She's extremely marketable. A lot of my 'adult' friends have been unconvinced on Miss Willow, but I bet they had no problem seeing past Miley Cyrus' parents. Anyway, that aside, she makes age appropriate music, shes comfortable rocking any style, and she has such a cute look (with the Jada attitude). So what should be next for Willow? Sign her as the face of tween fashion brand, get her onto Nickelodean (doesn't have to be her own show but a recurring role), and release a full CD to the uberloyal tweens. But its important that she is marketed properly to not fall into the hole like a Tierra Marie or JoJo, who both just came across as little girls w/ too much attitude and too adult. Keep it tween-friendly w/ a slight edge, and she should be a huge star with a tremendously lucrative brand. Yes, I said it.

MosaMuse

New Find- ROMASTEEL

I was walking in Union Square a few weeks ago and I came across a table full of illustrations. The set up was simple, the illustrations were all black and white, but it really caught my eye. The artist's name is Robert and he is a part of ROMASTEEL. His illustrations comment on fashion, war, capitalism, religion and poverty among other topics. I'm actually debating having him drawing me into one of his 'Zombie Model" pieces that reflect on the luxurious depictions of poverty stricken countries and the mentally checked-out women who flaunt the fashions. Check out some of his work and you can contact him to order some of the prints. Click the link above or try romasteel.com. The photo above is one of my favorites called "Juvenille Rediretcion"

xo

MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- WilliWear

I recently read an article from Iman and Bethann Hardison and they mentioned designer Willi Smith. I had never heard the name before and I'm well aware that ignorance is not bliss and goggle is a tap away, so I ran over to do a search and I was so surprised that I've been in the dark. My first knowledge of 'streetwear' had to have been FUBU and the Tommy Hilfiger craze of my youth. I was allowed to wear FUBU (only ever owning one piece) but never ever allowed to wear Hilfiger. I remember taking my 6th grade picture wearing a lime green (hideous) FUBU sweatervest paired with a too-big hat similar to the one she wore in the "All I Need" video with Method Man. Needless to say I thought I was the hottest girl on the planet....although my mom unforgettably thought otherwise. Anyway, before there was FUBU or RocaWear or BabyPhat there was WilliWear created by Willi Smith. And before his untimely death at 39, the company was at 25 million dollars a year in revenue. Willi Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia (seemingly where all things great come from) and later attended Parsons. You can see some of his work in Spike Lee's 1987 School Daze. WilliWear was popular because it was inexpensive but very 'now' (then). Salute to WilliWear for leading the way.

xo

MosaMuse

Accesories Designer!

Last night I swung by an exhibit by designer Christophe Coppens. He was showing his new collection inspired by birds at Droog NY. I have to say that I really liked his collection. I thought it was very fun and very nicely constructed. The crowd was more artsy than fashion, which in some ways is far more interesting. Christope Coppens is a trained theatre director, and the exhibit definitely illustrated his passion. One of his career highlights has been his hat designs for Yohji Yamamoto. I can see GaGa, Ke$sha, Katy Perry (And Rihanna above) all wearing his designs. His style is very congruent with the pop times right now (but not in a ultra-cheesy way at all) because his designs are fun. His site is still under construction but you can check him out at ChristopheCoppens.com

xo

MosaMuse

Subway Alert

According to Michael Bloomberg, the 1 Train in NYC will now officially be referred to as the "Fashion Line". As if you didn't already now... Fashion Week is this week! I've already started to attend shows. [NYMAG]

xo

MosaMuse

The Hemma Collection

This design duo have a new take on the traditional Kente cloth. Each garment is handmade and imported from Ghana. The designers, Edna Bissoon and Cindy Gaston, are creating a contemporary life style brand based around Africa's classic designs. My favorite part about their designs are the hot, bold colors with very traditional and beautifully constructed pieces. Check them out at thehemmacollection.com

xo

MosaMuse

Runway Looks for Less

RentTheRunway.com is a cute new site that allows girls to rent designer looks and return them for about 90% less than the retail price. And honestly, there is absolutely no hassle. If you accidentally tear a zipper or have a little spill, your insured. And the best part... the return shipping is free! They have all the top designers and they promise not to send any item that appears the least bit damaged. So why not give it a shot? Its the perfect solution when you are going to a big function with nothing hot enough to wear (that you haven't already worn). Check it out at RentTheRunway.com.

xo

MosaMuse

Cuff Love

These are Pamela Love's cuffs. They were inspired by paper napkin cut outs...remember making snowflakes out of paper? I have fallen in love with her designs. She has been popping up in almost every single publication. What do you think? You can search through her products here.

xo

MosaMuse

Jones Magazine Is Taking It's Swing

Ebony, Essence, Suede (my person fav), Honey and now... Jones! There is an obvious need for the black girl to have a magazine all her own. I have been hearing a lot about Jones mag and I always like to support magazine for women of color. So yes, I picked it up. And no, I can't say I was disappointed at all. Jones takes the standard fashion/beauty magazine for 'all girls' and narrows the focus for black women. It has a more sophisticate approach to the publication. And I applaud their effort in keeping it sophisticate and clean. I love that they reference LaQuan Smith (all the time) which is my personal highlight (as one of his biggest cheerleaders). But I notice that there is always a conflict to keep something sophisticated and allow it to be fun and flirty at the same time. What Joe Zee did to revamp Elle as 'sophistifunk' should be a reference for Jones Magazine. I would definitely recommend you guys to go get Jones and take a peak for yourselves... I'm sure you already have. And keep the support of this publication going so that it can steadily evolve. This month's issue has covergirl (another top fav of mine) Sessilee Lopez.

xo

MosaMuse

Flashback Iconic- Mr. Issey Misake

Issey Misake is a Japanese designer who created pleating. He is known and respected for his integration of technology and fashion. He would use ceramics as buttons and was eventually awarded with a Praemium Imperiale for Sculptor. His website is hot.. check it out at isseymikake.com.

xo

MosaMuse

Fashion's Night Out- Splurge

This Friday night you will have plenty of reason to justify your splurges on great bags, shoes, jackets and accessories. Vogue's Fashion Night Out brings together every major designer for a charitable cause. Most designer proceeds will benefit the New York AIDS Fund. This is one of my highlights that I'm considering.... its a Marni goat fur pillow. Isn't it adorable? This pillow is an instant upgrade to any room/apartment. But... there's only ten available. So show up to Fashion's Night Out early for some great finds. And most importantly, spend to support NY AIDS Fund.

xo

MosaMuse

Worldview- Monique Pean Fine Jewelry

I recently stumbled upon this new jewelry designer Monique Pean. I had a friend who is in the jewelry business refer to her, but I never knew her name or saw her designs until now. Her designs reflect her world travels and I really like the natural elements. I particularly like the way she includes the natural imperfections. I am interested in seeing where she stems off too. Eventually it would be wise to create a green line with a lower price point to make her a household name. Currently she is a Michelle Obama favorite. Lets see what she does next.

xo

MosaMuse

New Opening- BookMarc

Marc Jacob's recently opened a bookstore. I'm actually just about to head down there to check out the store. Most industry posts have failed to comment on the actual books in stock but has chosen to place emphasis on the monogrammed pencils and notebooks. So I will let you know which book I purchase. And I hope they're selling magazines... it would only be right.

xo

MosaMuse

Fresh Face: Tati Cotliar

She has been floating under the radar but Argentinian model Tati Cotliar has gotten the attention of MosaMuse. She is the face of Vivienne Westwood. Anything Vivienne Westwood is just... GREAT! She is also the face of Valentino. I can't wait to see who puts her on their runway this fall. I will keep you posted!

xo

MosaMuse

Support Design Duo on Their Journey

AIRA is a new fashion line that WWD said was one of the top "new arrivals"! I was fortunate enough to cross paths with one half of the design duo while busting our (butts) to make it in this big city! AIRA is designed by sisters Annie and Karen Lin and it launched in 2008. But now, these ladies would like your help. And quite honestly, I would like it if you all helped them out. They are currently featured on the website FashionStake in hopes to fully fund their new line. Its a great project to get behind and support. We all have dreams of our own and we are all working hard to 'make it' and there is nothing better than to support someone else's journey. You get back what you put out there! Click the link above to contribute to their dream.

xo

MosaMuse

Male Model- Dominique Hollington

This chess playing, Lil' Wayne fan is an established face in the fashion industry. His name is Dominique Hollington and he is a Bronx native. He is known for his full lips and gaped grin. He debuted on the Givenchy runway in Paris and has since been on a great run in the industry. His highlights are his struts on the Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Y-3, YSL and Versace runways. You probably would recognize him most from his Benetton and Puma ads. The photo above is from Man About Town editorial, photographed by the talented Karim Sadli. Don't you wished men still dressed like that?

xo

MosaMuse