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 – 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).

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – CHINA MACHADO!

This next supermodel is a living legend. Inspiring. Revolutionary. Game-changer. She embodies those very words.

China Machado was born Noelie Dasouza Machado in Shanghai, where she grew up until moving to South America, then finally to Paris where she met Hubert de Givenchy. Machado was a singer at a nightclub in Paris when she met Givenchy & immediately became a model for his atelier. She then quickly became one of the most requested runway models in the 50′s & the highest paid model in Europe at that time. She would work with a designer for three months, as they would create dresses specifically for her. That’s how the industry worked at the time, and China got the most work.

In September 1958, she arrived in New York. She instantly met with the then-editor of Harper’s Bazaar, the influential Diana Vreeland, who put her in a fashion show right away. Machado opened the show & was spotted by legendary photographer/artist Richard Avedon, who she would go on to work with exclusively for three years as one of his models for Harper’s Bazaar. She gave up modeling & became one of Harper’s Bazaar senior fashion editors & styled many of Avedon’s ads including the Revlon ‘Unforgettable Women’ campaigns. Machado made an appearance in the revolutionary fashion show of Palace de Versailles in 1973. This show revolutionized the outlook of runway fashion. But it wasn’t until 2011, when she was offered the opportunity to return to the spotlight by signing with IMG Models at 81 years old! Making her the oldest signed AND working model in history. Since then she has been photographed many times over for magazines such as New York Magazine, Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar.

Now, this isn’t the first time Machado has broken the mold. She was also the first non caucasian model to grace the cover of a fashion magazine, gracing the front of Harper’s Bazaar in an image shot by Avedon in 1959. Machado is also internationally recognized as the world’s first Asian supermodel! THUS, making her more than worthy of making my list of great supermodels of ALL TIME!!

Bow to the legend that is China Machado.

How she looks nowadays. NO PLASTIC SURGERY

from a spread she did for FASHION Magazine in 2012

One of Avedon’s shots of Machado

The game-changing cover of Harper’s Bazaar(1959)featuring Machado as first non caucasian cover model

Harper’s Bazaar June 1961

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

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

Interview: Model & Former Miss Barbados World Contestant, Paige Warren

On the runway at BB Fashion Week 2012

I’ve had my eye on this new Bajan it-girl for quite a while now. She first caught my attention when she was a contestant in 2011′s Miss Barbados World Pageant. She may not have placed in the final placements but this bombshell did make a huge impression on not just me but the rest of the fashion industry in Barbados.

Since then, Paige has been a regular on the fashion scene, but made her big debut at BB Fashion Week 2012 & was a definite favorite among designers as well as the press. She even managed to continuously wow the crowd with her stunning looks, composed demeanor & subtle sex appeal. I just had to interview this rising star!

So, here we go!!

1. How would you say being in Miss Barbados World has changed you?
Being in Miss Barbados World has made me more poised, confident and focused, it was a great experience for me and the training helped me a lot.

2. Were you as mentally prepared for it (Miss Barbados World) as you thought you were?
I was definitely not mentally prepared for Miss Barbados World as it was my first pageant experience ever and it was more challenging than I had envisioned.
 

3. What is your fondest memory of the pageant?
My fondest memory of the pageant was the group dinner we had a couple weeks away from the crowning night. We generally spent a lot of time together but at dinner we finally got to relax and bond as a family.

4. You’ve become quite a regular face in the fashion industry since the pageant. Would you say the pageant has helped propel you into that spotlight?
Miss Barbados World gave me visibility which I’m grateful for but after the show I got my portfolio in place to further my modeling career.

5. You were a definite favorite at this year’s BB Fashion Week. What was that experience like for you?
As it was my first time at BB Fashion Week, I really enjoyed it because I love the runway and it was a chance for me to model for international designers so I can’t wait for future opportunities.
 

6. Who was your favorite designer at BB Fashion Week, and why?
I loved all the designers but one of my favorite designers at BB Fashion Week was Charles Dieujuste from the USA, his line of clothes were so modern and the colors were so feminine and fluid. I loved it.

7. Do you plan on taking modeling to the next level & aim for an international career?
Yes I do plan on taking modeling to the next level; in 2013 I aim to be an international model and to be signed by an international agency.
 

8. Anything coming up that we should be expecting to see you in?
Let’s just say you should be seeing lots more of me in 2013!
 

9. Let’s talk fashion. How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is very funky fresh chic.
 

10. Do you have a favorite trend/look right now?
My favorite look now is studded clothing, high waist pants, skirts and boots, anything hardcore but still very chic.

11. What’s the one thing you can’t do without when it comes to your wardrobe?
The one thing I can’t do without when it comes to my wardrobe is high waist short jeans! I’m so in love with these!
 

12. Any guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure is I snack way too much!

Swimsuit competition, Miss Barbados World 2011

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

Rihanna – Style Alert!

Rihanna was photographed leaving the Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel and heading to a nightclub in New York City, June 11.

I am loving her edgy cut and boy charm matched with that pretty girlish-type tank dress and classic Chuck Taylor converse! RiRi always gets it right when it comes to finding the middle ground between tomboy and girly.

What do you guys think?

RIHANNA!!

okay, there was no particular reason that i posted this other than the obvious fact of how HOT this is!!!! lol

Trendy? Yes.. Fashion? Yes…

Her style?…. DEFINITELY!!

i SOOOOOO approve!

Watch out Hollywood belles, y’all better work!!