My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – ROSHUMBA

A timeless Chicago beauty who has transcended from muse to mentor, Roshumba Williams is another product of fashion visionary Yves Saint Laurent. As aforementioned in my article on Martinique-born supermodel Mounia, Saint Laurent was known to many as one of the designers who pushed the use of black models in the fashion industry. Roshumba was one of those lucky models he worked with closely. The 6-foot-tall model was discovered in 1987, as a teenager in Paris. She had moved to Paris with nothing but $150 in her purse, but after attending many go-sees she was quickly signed. She became a hit on the runways of the world & one of the most sought after models of the 90s. After booking her first haute couture show with YSL, the exposure led her to be remarked by other designers & fashion editors. That quickly led to being booked by the likes of Chanel, Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior, Versace, Chantal Thomass, Victoria’s Secret, Giorgio Armani & Michael Kors.

Her fame grew through her many features in magazines such as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan & Vogue. As well as her many ad campaigns with Covergirl Cosmetics, Maybelline, Clairol & Hanes Hoisery. She has even appeared in feature films such as Woody Allen’s ‘Celebrity’, Robert Altman’s ‘Pret-a-Porter’ & the popular comedy film ‘Beauty Shop’. Roshumba is also the author of the popular first & second editions of ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Being A Model’, a deal she made with Penguin Publishing USA. In 2004 Roshumba became quite the TV personality by hosting several lifestyle & make-over shows, including Beautiful Homes, Amazing Homes & Fabulous Bathrooms for HGTV; Fox’s make-over show, Live Like a Star; WE’s Swimsuit Secrets Revealed & Travel Channel’s Beach Week; and was a correspondent for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in 2008. She is currently a judge on Oxygen Network’s biweekly hair-styling competition reality series, ‘Tease’, since 2007 & in 2010 she famously became judge & mentor on the reality tv competition series ‘She’s Got The Look’, where women 35 years & older compete to be the next supermodel.

Roshumba has been an inspiration to black women everywhere, including in the fashion industry. Pushing the envelope on racial issues. Most black models have admitted to being under the pressure of having to alter their appearance with long flowing hair that emulates that of the white models. Roshumba has had a seemingly fairytale-like career. But in an interview for The Ugly Side Of The Modeling Business by Essence Magazine, Roshumba says, “I think it’s really sad that time and time again I’m asked to adhere to a certain look or value that is justifiable only to certain people.” She added, “I’m constantly arriving at a photographer’s studio and being told that I have to wear a wig.” Roshumba is one of the few black models who still got a lot of work while sporting her short natural hair, refusing to alter her ethnic appearance too much. This was unheard of in the fashion & beauty industry at that time because black models were expected to wear wigs & hair pieces in order to emulate caucasian models. Designers respected her for her work ethic & individualism.

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – MOUNIA

My readers, who are largely from the Caribbean, must have been wondering when I would mention a black or Caribbean supermodel on my list. Well, the moment is here! The first black muse of Yves Saint Laurent, fashion pioneer, the incomparable 1970s supermodel, Mounia!

Born Monique-Antoine, Mounia is a native to the beautiful French Caribbean island of Martinique where she worked at the airport in Fort-de-France as an announcer & she was also an on-ground hostess at Orly airport in Paris. After being hired by Givenchy as a model, in 1976 an important American client walked out of Givenchy because Mounia modeled a suit in front of her. One of the many racist moments she will experience. After that incident, Mounia began to work with other designers such as Emanuel Ungaro & Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld hired her to do Chloe & his own line. When he took over Chanel, he hired Mounia for that house as well. She became the first black model to present the Chanel collection.

She was then chosen by YSL for her exotic features, flawless complexion & poise. She was also the first black model Yves Saint Laurent used in his haute couture shows, & was considered his favorite model. In fact, Laurent had an extreme liking for black models. He was one of the first designers to employ them, giving opportunities to other black models such as Iman & Naomi Campbell who both would also become icons in their own right.

In a 2008 article in W Magazine, Mounia recalls, “I was his first black muse…He helped open the door for black models. Sometimes I was his confidante, and I would sometimes inspire his creativity. He called me Moumounn. The collection that made me a celebrity was the one inspired by Porgy and Bess. I wore a pink pantsuit and a boater hat. I walked to ‘Summertime’ and really took on the character of Bess. Catherine Deneuve stood up and started clapping. The everyone stood up and called out ‘Bravo!’ Yves Saint Laurent peered around the curtain – a thing that he had never done before – to see what all of the commotion was about. The people were shouting ‘Bravo, Yves Saint Laurent!’ and ‘Brava, Mounia!’ He took me in his arms, and we kissed. This for me was history.”

After that, Mounia booked her first cover with WWD (Women’s Wear Daily). She would continue to book 14 other magazine covers & 27 pages in French Vogue. This was unheard of for a black model at that time! She was even a favorite with Versace, but Mounia would be YSL‘s muse for almost a decade & working almost exclusively with him. She retired from modeling in the 80s & became an acclaimed artist, having had her works displayed in galleries across France, the Ivory Coast, Monaco, Japan, Guyana & her homeland of Martinique. Mounia also became the first black model to write a book about modeling, entitled ‘Princesse Mounia’.

Mounia getting ready backstage with Yves Saint Laurent

An ad campaign Mounia did in 1979 for YSL

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – NADJA AUERMANN

A platinum blonde, blue-eyed beauty with legs for miles! This German stunner is one of the most successful models of all time. And you won’t believe her secret!

Born to two successful bankers in West Berlin, Nadja Auermann never actually thought of becoming a model. In fact, her original desire was to be an architect or to pursue a career in politics. However, after leaving school with the equivalent of a high school diploma, she had decided to be a waitress until she made up her mind on what path she should take. A woman suggested she try modeling, & as fate would have it, she was discovered by a scout while sitting in a coffee shop in 1989. Her first gig? Posing for a travel catalogue. Not very glamorous, but unknowingly to her, she would go on to work for the most elite of fashion & become one of the highest paid model ever.

In 1990, she signed with Karin’s Models in Paris. Unfortunately, that agreement did not work out to her expectations so she left Karin’s Models & signed with Elite Model Management (Paris). She immediately started working for French Vogue & got her first ad campaign with Benneton. But Auermann wasn’t really being noticed nor causing any kind of buzz in the industry. So when it was time for the upcoming ready-to-wear shows, guess what she did?? Her secret? She went PLATINUM BLONDE! That’s right! This supermodel known for her gorgeous platinum blonde tresses is NOT a natural blonde. (However, she has gone to brunette in most recent times.)

It worked! Since her new do, everyone from Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani & Hermès came knocking! Fashion designer Valentino once commented on her physical resemblance to Marlene Dietrich. She would also go on to appear iconic Versace campaigns shot by Richard Avedon which shows her with Kristen McMenamy, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell & Stephanie Seymour in different shots modeling mini skirts. She has also appeared on countless covers & editorials of different fashion magazines, such as American, British, French, Italian & German editions of Vogue, W, V, Harper’s Bazaar & i-D. Just to name a few.

Kristen McMenamy & Nadja (right)by Richard Avedon for Versace’s campaign Spring 1995

Nadja on Harper’s Bazaar September 1994

One of the many Versace campaigns Nadja (first from left) was featured in

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – MARISA BERENSON!

Dubbed ‘the girl of the 70s’ by Yves Saint Laurent himself & being the granddaughter of one of the most iconic fashion designers to ever live, Elsa Schiaparelli, Marisa Berenson was destined to become one of fashion’s favorite darlings. Also, her maternal grandfather was Count Wilhelm de Wendt de Kerlor, a Theosophist & psychic medium.

The New York native was known for leading an extremely extravagant lifestyle, which came to no surprise as her parents’ extraordinary friends included iconic stars such as Dirk Bogarde, Greta Garbo & Audrey Hepburn, who were guests at the family’s lavish Christmas parties. Diana Vreeland, the legendary editor-in-chief of American Vogue was also another regular at her parents’ soirees. And being the granddaughter of a Count probably also gave her severe social leverage.

Berenson’s signature wide eyes & spiky eyelashes rose to popularity in the 60s but she later landed the July 1970 issue of Vogue. Since then, she appeared in numerous fashion layouts in Vogue in the early 1970s & her sister Berry was a photographer for the magazine as well! She was often called ‘The Queen of the Scene’ due to her frequent appearances at nightclubs & many social events in the 70s, & was another close friend of the famous artist Andy Warhol. (Warhol liked to surround himself with the most beautiful & influential of characters, usually models & actresses. He too was a very prominent socialite.)

The spectacular beauty of Lithuanian, Italian, Swiss, French & Egyptian ancestry, later became an acclaimed actress with many prominent film roles in movies such as Death In Venice, Barry Lyndon, Praying For Time & Cabaret (for which she received two Golden Globe nominations, a BAFTA nomination & an award from the National Board of Review).

Met Gala Fashion 2013: Best & Worst Dressed

This year’s Met Gala was all about opulence, as this year’s theme took the punk route. If only Rihanna was able to make an appearance, we all know she would have stolen the spotlight & the top spot on every best dressed list. Nonetheless, The stars stepped out & some embraced this theme like never before. Some soaring & some crashing & burning. Let’s take a look at some of the best & worst looks out that night. Please keep in mind that these are MY opinions & may not be the desired results of others.

BEST DRESSED: Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney. Not punk, but still rocking it.

BEST DRESSED: Nicole Richie in Topshop

BEST DRESSED: Supermodel Anja Rubik

BEST DRESSED: Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs

BEST DRESSED: Anne Hathaway in Valentino Couture

WORST DRESSED: Beyonce

WORST DRESSED: Kim Kardashian

WORST DRESSED: Madonna

WORST DRESSED: Sarah Jessica Parker

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of ALL TIME- Bianca Jagger!

I was sitting at home one day, going through various fashion magazines as I usually do & I came up with the idea for this list. To list great supermodels that I feel have passed through the industry & left something unforgettable.

Inspiring, legendary, revolutionary, muses, glamazons & game-changers. All of these are words used to describe the following models who have graced the most prestigious runways & magazine covers, inspired top photographers or have made monumental changes within the industry over the years. Please keep in mind that this list has been listed at random & not numerically judged. Each model will have her own individual post.

Let’s start with BIANCA JAGGER!

Bianca was mostly known as a style icon & for her marriage to legendary rock star & frontman of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger. Bianca was also a prominent jet-set celebrity of the 1970s, known particularly as a close friend of famous artist Andy Warhol & one of the most frequent patrons of the famed Manhattan nightclub Studio 54 which has been a hub for fashion’s elite social scene.

The Nicaragua native who stands only at 5ft 6in, also starred in films/tv shows such as Flesh Colour, All You Need Is Cash
(also known as The Rutles), Miami Vice, Street Hawk, Hotel, The Colbys & Success.

Bianca is now a Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador, Founder & Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, Member of the Executive Director’s Leadership Council of Amnesty International USA & a Trustee of the Amazon Charitable Trust. She has touched on controversial topics such as genocide, the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the war on terror, war crimes against humanity, crimes against future generations, the former Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Central America, Iran, Iraq, India, children and women’s rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, climate change, the rainforest, renewable energy, corporate social responsibility, the ensuing erosion of civil liberties and human rights & the death penalty.

Bianca on the cover of Vogue, March 1974

Bianca at nightclub Studio 54

Bianca on the cover of Vanity Fair, November 1986

Bianca in British Vogue, December 1974

Bajan Model/Singer Nikita ‘Akasha’ Kunar Makes Song Debut!!

Bajan model & singer Nikita ‘Akasha’ Kunar has made her music debut with her track ‘So Right’. You may remember this pretty face from posts of BB Fashion Week last year & my posts of Bajan designer Kesia Estwick’s collection campaigns. The Honey Jam Barbados alum is one of the faces of Kesia’s KISS+Girl collection, and has become quite the ‘it girl’ for Kesia Estwick (see photo above).

Dominica Fashion Week

Going by her middle name ‘Akasha’ to start off her music career, this Bajan talent will prove that she is NOT just another pretty face. In fact, music was her main objective before even venturing onto the fashion scene.

LISTEN TO HER DEBUT TRACK  ’So Right’ HERE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQS0RKVyGx0

Bajan Model Christopher Murrell – Models.com’s Model Of The Week & Daily Duo – New Faces

 

Bajan model Christopher Murrell has been featured on the revered Models.com as a new face!!!! Christopher is signed with local agency GADAL MODEL MANAGEMENT INC. , South African agency Base Models & in Milan with Fashion Model Management, where he is expected to make his big runway debut this June.

 

 
Flying that Barbados flag high. 246!

 

CHECK OUT THE FEATURE HERE - http://models.com/newfaces/dailyduo/26264

The Ready-To-Wear Fall Fashions I Love! – Victoria Beckham

VICTORIA BECKHAM

Never failing to deliver, Victoria Beckham served a very appetizing platter of fabulous at London Fashion Week. She went with feminine looks with a boyish charm. The best kind. I’m a sucker for a fabulous turtle neck & mandarin collar on a woman’s dress or top. The mandarin collar just gives that preppy/boyish look that’s so chic!

Everything from the knit hats to the leather boots is to die for!

What do YOU think?? Check out the rest of the collection here

Bajan Model Sedia Jackman Competes In Caribbean’s Next Top Model

Sedia is no stranger to modeling & the public eye. She has made a significant impact on the local Barbados fashion scene, making many appearances on runways & ad campaigns. She even followed in her mother’s footsteps in becoming a Banks Calender Girl! One of the most publicized & renowned beauty titles in Barbados. She also competed in 2011′s Miss Barbados World where she placed second!

Now, Sedia has successfully entered the first official Caribbean installment of the famed America’s Next Top Model franchise. She will be competing against many other beauties from around the region to be the first winner of Caribbean’s Next Top Model. The program is hosted by the fabulous former Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam (from Trinidad & Tobago), who I think is the ideal choice for such a job.

Host of Caribbean’s Next Top Model & Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam

Sedia is the only contestant from Barbados. So, I trust that all my fellow Bajans/Barbadians will be full throttle behind her!

Sedia has also recently become one of the new faces of popular Barbadian clothing line Kiss+Girl by Kesia Estwick.

Here’s a look at Sedia’s body of work:

Shows:
• Absolute Caribbean Fashion Weekend 2008 (Barbados)
• Fashion Meets Polo 2008 (Barbados)
• Simon Peter Show 2009 (Barbados)
• ACF Fashion Weekend 2009 (Barbados)
• Youth Foundation’s Charity Event 2009 (Barbados)
• Islands of The World Fashion Week 2009 (Nassau, Bahamas)
• Barbados Under the Water Festival 2010 (Toronto, Canada)
• Baje Free To Fly Media Launch 2010 (Barbados)
• BB Fashion Week 2010 (Barbados)
• Emilio Pucci Eyewear Launch 2011 (Barbados)

Magazines:
• Island Life Magazine Issue No. 38
• Nu Woman Magazine 2009

Campaigns:
• Face of Waterhall Polo Barbados January 2008
• South Central Album 2010 – Swimmin’ In Soca
• Digicel Barbados –Digicel Christmas Campaign 2010
• Banks Breweries – Banks Calendar 2011

SUPPORT SEDIA & WATCH THE SHOW ON CCN TV, ONE CARIBBEAN TELEVISION &CARIBVISION!!! IF YOU ARE IN BARBADOS THAT MEANS YOU CAN CATCH IT ON CBC TV8, ON CARIBVISION ON LIME TV(channel 3), MULTICHOICE TV (channel 109) & KARIB CABLE (channel 44)

Kesia Estwick: KISS+Girl 2013

 

Barbadian fashion designer Kesia Estwick does it again!! She’s whipped up another fab collection of KISS+Girl!

I don’t need to tell you who Kesia is if you frequent my blog & keep track of the local fashion scene. If you don’t know who she is, you better get with it. Kesia is the biggest thing when it comes to fashion of the youth in Barbados, with her edgy sexy looks & that Caribbean bad gyal attitude. Her ‘KISS Girls’ bring it right!! ALL are models from Barbados.

 

For all posts on Kesia, click http://dredecarlo.wordpress.com/tag/kesia-estwick/

Check out the new stuff. Here’s the link so you may view more of Kesia’s work - http://www.facebook.com/wearKISSGIRL

 

See anything you like? DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK PAGE TO SHOP! http://www.facebook.com/wearKISSGIRL

Supermodel Joan Smalls Impresses In Prabal Gurung Campaign!

The Puerto Rican native supermodel, whose full name is Joan Smalls Rodriguez, continues to prove that she is not just a flash in the pan. Joan copped the campaign for Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2013, which comes as no surprise as the pair seem to be quite close friends.

Joan was also the model who opened the Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2013 collection runway show, so it was definitely no surprise that she was chosen to be the face of this campaign. Joan has become somewhat of a muse for the Nepalese American fashion designer.

Joan is ranked the #1 model in the world, since September 2012, on the revered Models.com.

Joan with fashion designer Prabal Gurung

My Newest Fashion Obsession & Women’s Fashion Must-Have: Jason Wu Resort 2013 Bags!

The Jason Wu Resort 2013 Karlie Clutch

Some say that Jason Wu’s Resort 2013 collection is altogether softer and more fluid than fall’s militia chic, and they are so right! This collection is richly filled with bold color choices, sophistication & flawless femininity, and though this collection is breathtaking in it’s entirety, the handbags are the standouts for me. Hence why I’ve chosen them as my women’s fashion accessory must-haves!

It is reported that Wu’s resort look was sparked by coming across some taxidermy bugs with bodies made of watch parts! Yeah, believe it or not! Artist Mike Libby’s machine-like beetles, wasps, butterflies & scorpions have most certainly left Wu with such a lasting impression that it inspired him to create these beautiful bags. Wu’s three bag shapes include the Daphne, the Karlie clutch & the Jourdan! Each are designed in a variety of bold, eye-catching color combinations. There’s no way you can miss these bags!

I’m ridiculously obsessed with these bags. So much so that I’m jealous that I’m not a woman so I can rock these fabulous fashion statements. But the best part about these bags is that any kind of woman can rock them! You don’t even have to dress up. Going to lunch with a friend, going shopping, going on a date or to a cocktail party, these bags can be your statement piece for any occasion. The Karlie clutch is a bit more elegant & fancier than the Daphne & the Jourdan which are more casual, but as I said, all these bags can be worn no matter the occasion because they are all bold but not overbearing & can alternate with different outfits.

Enough from me, I’ve proven how much I love these bags. What do YOU ladies think??

Jason Wu Resort 2013 Jourdan Bag

Jason Wu Resort 2013 Jourdan Bag

Jason Wu Resort 2013 Jourdan

Jason Wu Resort 2013 Daphne

Jason Wu Resort 2013 Daphne

Jamaican Top Model Jeneil Williams Lands Jean Paul Gaultier Campaign

International top model Jeneil Williams is no stranger to receiving coveted jobs in the fashion industry, but the Jamaican stunner has possibly landed her most memorable gig yet! Fashion giant Jean Paul Gaultier chose Williams to star in his latest campaign alongside Ginta Lapina, Hannelore Knuts & Maria Kashleva.

The Spring/Summer 2013 campaign, shot by Sebastian Kim, showcases the models portraying some of Gaultier’s most groundbreaking pop culture muses, Madonna, Boy George, David Bowie & Grace Jones. Jeneil was chosen to portray the edgy, androgynous Grace Jones. Lapina wears a rendition of the iconic conical bra designed by Gaultier that Madonna made famous during her 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour, Williams sports an androgynous black suit which is reminiscent that of one Jones had worn, Kashleva goes for the New Romantics look Boy George made famous, while Knuts evokes Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust years.

Gwen Stefani Covers January 2013 Vogue

Looking dapper in Yves Saint Laurent, Gwen brings that feminine flair of rocker edge in a gold matador-esque jacket, a menswear-inspired ruffled shirt & black skinny jeans with her trademark platinum hair & red lips.

Leading the pack of celeb covers for 2013, Gwen’s fashion forward cover displays trends to come in the new year. One can look forward to wide-brimmed hats & adorning one’s shirts with floppy bows. This could also be a great New Year’s Eve look! Ring in the New Year with some rocker chic edge.

The ‘No Doubt’ frontwoman is also featured on the cover wearing Alexander Wang Mackenzie booties. These shoes are from the Spring 2013 collection featuring a square toe, patent leather & suede panels! The shoes aren’t even available online as yet, but be on the lookout for them if you happen to be in Nordstrom or Alexander Wang anywhere across the world.

Fashion Statement: Rihanna Rocks X Factor UK Finale In Alexander Wang!

As a confessed fashion addict, I must say that I usually take the side of saying that the runway versions of designer looks are much better than off the rack.

However, I always seem to have to bite my tongue about that whenever it comes to Rihanna! She somehow always finds a way to top the fashion model who donned the look before her. Well, Riri did it again. Doing more than justice to one of Alexander Wang’s Spring/Summer 2013 looks for her X Factor UK finale performance. An all white croc embossed cut-out dress & shoes from the future.

Rih just knows how to bring that fashion!!

Jimmy Choo Chooses Jamaican Top Model Jeneil Williams: Resort Campaign 2013

Jimmy Choo, who has become quite the staple for women’s fashion around the world, has chosen international top model Jeneil Williams as the face of the Resort 2013 ad campaign, as shot by Solve Sundsbo.

Williams was made known when she won the now popular Caribbean Supermodel Search by Pulse Models Jamaica, headed by Mr. Kingsley Cooper. Mr. Cooper has also made a name for himself for spotting talent. Williams is not the only model to receive international acclaim through his model search.

Models such as Carla Campbell (first Caribbean model on the cover of Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue), Nadine Willis (known mostly as former face of Gucci) & Jaunel McKenzie (former #1 black model worldwide) have all benefited from Cooper’s competition & are all signed to some of the world’s top model representation companies.

Jeneil has worked with many other fashion giants such as United Colors of Benetton, Diesel & Lanvin, and has appeared in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Russian Vogue & even the historic all black issue of Italian Vogue which featured the industry’s most revered black models of the past & present.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: America’s Next Top Model All Stars Winner Lisa D’Amato Talks Fashion & Beauty

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing ANTM’s All Star winner, Lisa, on a previous occasion. We touched on her personal past, her experiences on ANTM & life after the being on television.

This time around I wanted to touch base on beauty & fashion tips for my readers & her fans to enjoy. Lisa is such a down to earth, cool chick. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed interviewing her.

1. What trend(s) are you feeling right now?
-I really love florals right now, 60′s….think flower child. Bright colors [always]  but also bright colors with a twist of dark lip color.

2. How would you describe your personal style?
-My personal style is always pushing the envelop. I love bright and a bit outrageousness. I love themed and edgy with a sense of humor as well.

3. What are five things you think a woman should always have in her closet?
-Little black dress, amazing comfortable stilettos [any color], comfy stylish boots, and a favorite pair of jeans. The kind you know your ass looks great in, and a leather jacket [any color].

4. What are three thing YOU must have in your closet?
-Same! :]

5. When you’re not modeling, would you say you’re a heels, flats or boots girl?
-Heels and boots girl. I’m not a flats kinda girl. I feel hot when I know I’ve put a little effort into how I dress in the morning.

6. What was your favorite personal style moment?
-When I won best dressed in high school for the Hall of Fame. I was poor! I was always at thrift shops and did a lot of creative mix and matches. I had a lot of fun with it.

7. For you, what’s the difference between style & fashion?
-Style is more unique to who you are. Your personality and flair goes into it. Fashion is a staple of what is “accepted”. I think no one should follow trends but be a trendsetter if they want to be.

8. Now, as a model you have to constantly look your best. What are three beauty secrets that are in your daily beauty regiment that you can share?
-I always have a little concealer under my eyes since I don’t sleep much, lipgloss and a little pressed powder, and I’m ready for my day!

8b. How do you get your skin so flawless?
-Skin is sooo important. I’m lucky I never had acne or pimples growing up, plus I learned about skin care very early on. Drink lots of water daily, wash your face every night & morning and use lots of moisturizer. I like using all natural products.

9. What’s your favorite skin care product & why?
-I use/buy all my skin care products from vitacost.com. Nothing on that site has cancer causing ingredients [almost all American products do]. Your skin’s pores soak everything in, nothing should be harmful to your health.

10. You’ve been recently married. Congratulations!! I must ask about the dress. Who made it & can you describe it to us?
-Most brides to be spend tens of thousands of dollars on wedding dresses. That is a shame. They should use that money towards a honeymoon! Lol.. I got my A line mermaid cut dress off of Ebay for $156.00! Brand new! They even made it to my measurements! I loved my dress, felt beautiful in it, and I don’t waste money. Period. Everyone thought it was so expensive!!!! Nope.

11. Question submitted by a fan: “What was your transition like from tomboy Lisa to glamorous Lisa?”
-I think I’ve always been both. I definitely can get pretty gritty, not scared to get dirty, but I’ve always been one to be creative too. Sewing, painting, fashion, makeup, hair etc. I’ve always had an eagerness to express myself…stand apart from the pack and not scared to work for it.

12. Question submitted by a fan: “What is your workout regime like? You have virtually no fat on your body!”
-Hahahaha! Yeah I do! Thank you though. I’ve always been a cross country runner, a gymnast and a dancer. I go to the gym regularly too. I usually go 4 days a week w/ an hour of cardio and another hour of light weights for arms, stomach, ass, and hips. Then about 15 minutes of stretching. I have a lot of energy.

13. Question submitted by a fan: “When you’re on a shoot set, what inspires your poses?”
-Music. I think that the look and vibe of what you want to convey needs the right music. EVERY photoshoot has music except for ANTM which makes it a little weird.

on set of her music video ‘Soldier’

Lisa posing with the official Dre DeCarlo blog logo, after answering my Qs

BREAKING FASHION NEWS: Christopher Kane To Take Over Balenciaga!

Well that was fast! For those who thought they would have a year-long wait to find out who would be Nicolas Ghesquière‘s successor, the wait is already over.

Just over a week after announcing Ghesquière’s departure, the Scottish designer Christopher Kane has been named as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, according to both Grazia France & French newspaper Le Nouvel Observateur.

Christopher has been known not only for his own label but for working with Versace & producing a capsule collection of accessories for Versus (which was the first diffusion line of Versace). Donatella Versace herself, compared him to her late brother Gianni Versace.

According to Women’s Wear Daily’s original report on Ghesquière’s departure, he was on the short list of designers up for the job alongside fellow London designers Mary Katrantzou, J.W. Anderson & Thomas Tait. As well as New York designers such as Joseph Altuzarra & Alexander Wang.

Well deserved, I say! Congratulations Christopher! We look forward to your work.

Christopher Kane by Christopher Kane

Accessories from Versus by Christopher Kane

Keri Hilson Cops Modeling Contract!

Say what?? That’s right! The R&B songstress has signed with WILHELMINA MODELS, one of the most prestigious model & celebrity representation companies in the fashion & beauty industry! Wilhilmina has guided the careers of many supermodels, including Linda Evangelista, Naomi Sims & the infamously controversial Gia Carangi.

Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t Hilson’s first modeling gig. Keri first modeled for Avon’s Imari fragrance in 2011.

She may not have been making much waves in the music industry lately but she’s sure to be making some moves soon as she’s currently working on her third studio album. Wilhelmina stated that they will be exploring & developing fashion & beauty endorsements, editorial and licensing opportunities that may have not been obtained solely by the leggy 5’9″ singer.

She joins the ranks of Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Iggy Azalea & The Veronicas who are all represented by Wilhelmina. Artists have secured some revered endorsement deals such as Cover Girl, Levi’s, MAC, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan & Avon under the crafted management of the agency.