Flashback Iconic- John Galliano

Its all about who you know and John Galliano knew the right people. The famous John Galliano would not be the renowned designer he is today if it wasn't for the positioning of Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. In 1993 Anna Wintour persuaded a Porteguese Socialite to allow Galliano to use his mansion for a fashion show. He was subsequently appointed chief designer of Givenchy. Three years later, Alexander McQeen took over the line and Galliano was moved to Dior where he positioned himself to be the person he is today. Here is his most recent work for his Spring'10 RTW line. Thoughts?

Contrast- Laura Stone Black and White

Maybe its just me... (?) I'm less furious about the fact that you painted a white girl black, more furious that a black girl wasn't hired to do the shoot. Italian Vogue's spread is of Laura Stone, supermodel known for her gaped teeth, curvy body, and W's "it girl" cover status. In the spread, Laura is painted to depict a black woman. (she was also painted in whiteface) I get that pushing the line is sooo necessary to sell any print magazine now a days, but its beyond contradictory that the magazine that gained so much press (and sales) for its "All Back Issue" couldn't hire a black model for the shoot? I am pretty sure Sessilee Lopez, Chanel Iman, R'El Dade or the COUNTLESS amounts of beautiful black models could have fit it into their schedules. Lets be real. I'm just furious that black models can't get jobs yet someone decided to paint Laura Stone black. Oh wait.... maybe this is why the evolution of MosaMuse from small blog to a black fashion empire is so important? Get the hint.... We're Coming Soon!

xo

MosaMuse

Pixels- Roger Deckker

This stunning shot of Sheila Marquez was taken by Roger Deckker for Harper's Bazaar in 2008. He is known for shooting Anna Wintour, Spike Lee and Donatella Versace as well as dipping into Hollywood with portraits of Rosario Dawson and Own Wilson. I love how he can capture life through the motion of his still images. Check out some of his work. What do you think about this image?

xo

MosaMuse

Pink- Candy Laces

WWRZS... what would rachel zoe say? Exactly. I love Stella McCartney's thigh high faux nappa boots. I personally think that many of this season's thigh highs run that fine line of street walker appeal, but Stella McCartney really added a very feminine approach the raunchy style of a thigh high. I think it was tastefully crafted and in true Stella fashion no animals were harmed, but your pockets will be.

xo

MosaMuse

Fresh Face- Lyndsey Scott

From Baby Phat to DKNY, this up and coming model can not be confind. She recently signed with Click Management and has already graced the pages of Italian Vogue. The long-legged, bright eyed beauty is one of new faces to look out for. Are you feeling her look?

xo

MosaMuse

Tinted- New Mediums

The MoMa has recently produced a new photography exhibition entitled, New Photography 2009. The exhibit expands the current dimensions of the medium of photography. A suffering magazine industry forces photographers to find new avenues to display their work. New Photography 2009 exhibit show different methods of manipulating an image. This is a must see exhibit for anyone interested in photography, art and film. The picture above is by Sara VanDerBeek, and her chromogenic color prints are by far my favorite in the collection. Courtesy of MoMa.org. Check it out.

xo

MosaMuse

Pink- Androgynous Designs

I only loved one look from Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 show. Yea, I said it! Ok before you kill me, I loved it in pieces. I liked the ruffles they were beautiful. I loved the satin undies over the outfit. I loved his choice of geisha makeup to play up the femininity of the look. But, all of it together reminded me of myself at 6 playing dress up in my mothers clothes and makeup. Sorry. But the one look I enjoyed in its entirety was the one with the ruffled boyfriend blazer. Most people on the streets of NY have been struggling to pull of the boyfriend blazer an still be feminine. They are trying powder blue blazers, ones with satin linings, a flashy belt to pull the oversized look together, but its falling flat. But the ruffle details on Marc Jacob's blazer was beyond perfect! What do you think?

xo

MosaMuse

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