December 23, 2010
December 09, 2010

When we think of melodies from the Queen of Soul and R&B, we think of melodies such as "Gonna Make It" ft. Jazmine Sullivan or "Fade Away", yet she is giving us a new melody to enjoy!!
Now we cant listen to it as her past previous melodies, but it is sure to give us that edge to exude the same style as the R&B Diva!  I know your probably wondering, "Ryan, What are you talking about"? I'm speaking of Mary J's Melodies by MJB. Mary J has launched Melodies by MJB, her new sunglass line; something the R&B Diva herself is quite known for.
As pictured above wearing her own product, the line exudes style, sophistication and class, which she exudes in her own personal style.....goes to show that her sunglass collection is a direct reflection of her and her style.

Melodies by MJB come in four styles:

Incognito
MJ's

Red Carpet
 
 
Showtime
 
 

Each style comes in various colors, so you are sure to find some that meet your style eye!! Sunglasses are by FAR my favorite Fashion Fetish; therefore, I have deemed Showtime (also comes in Gold) my favorite pair!!
Check out http://www.melodiesbymjb.com/ to see all the colors in each style and of course PURCHASE your pair of Melodies by MJB!!





December 02, 2010
"Robot&Brucling is "Rock-Chic". It is a brand of classic emotion with a touch of rock for young men and women who live a sophisticated, glamorous lifestyle with edge".
-Mission Statement


Of Course I always like to pay homage to the wonderful and many designers who make garments that take our "Fashion" breaths away and leaves us in complete and utter silence. Yet, in this post, I want to pay homage to an AMAZING design duo that designs "Fashion" silencing accessories. I am speaking about none other than Robot&Brucling, names you may or may not be familiar with just yet but definitely a name and brand that you need to familiarize yourself with!!! I recently was afforded the opportunity to "fashion" chat with the very talented duo, that didn't quite start of as a duo. "We were working on two separate projects," Brucling says. "I was doing a graphic t-shirt line, trying to launch that. Robot was actually doing a full fledge line.....with like denim, jackets, and shirts. We went to church one Sunday morning and the message was "Two is better than One" and the power of agreement. After we heard that message we were really really inspired." Brucling continues. This is the moment where two became one and the dynamic duo Robot&Brucling was formed!!

Establishing themselves in the last quarter of 2009, the journey has been filled with hard work, non stop grinding, and rewards!! One major reward came when they were asked to collaborate with Heatherette, where their AMAZING bow ties were featured in the Heatherette's Runway Show during SS '11 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York!! "How was that experience?," I asked "Definitely one that a designer would dream about, especially in the beginning," Brucling explains. "Richie Rich is a wild guy, we kinda share a similar energy. He could really see our vision", Brucling continues. This really helped the two designers merge their collection for what became a huge success. "Kinda caught us off guard", Brucling states. Despite being caught off guard the duo was able to rise to the challenge and let their talent shine, as if I would expect anything less!

Of Course when producing product that is artistic and is being produced by innovative individuals, everyone doesn't always see the vision or even appreciate it for that matter. "When your doing something you haven't necessarily seen done before, everyone is looking upon it as a brand new eye. Some people are gonna say "Oh, I love It!", some will say "Oh, I don't know", and some will say "Oh I hate it", but its really a never ending story. You just gotta take the punches along with the glory," Bruce explains. Their entire line gets nothing but glory for me, for I, myself, are on of the many people described in their mission statement (top of article) so I TOTALLY get it!!

Behind every incredible line, there is an inspiration that has help create the vision. "We are inspired by architecture, by history, by different cultures and countries", Brucling says. "A lot of things inspire us. We look to a lot of things for inspirations, sometimes you don't even have to look.....it just happens." he continues. Also taking inspiration and being inspired by the duo and brand Dolce&Gabbana, they definitely have great designer inspirations and look up to some of the very very well respected and talented in the Industry. "In a lot of ways we are just like them. We are starting off young and collaborating on ideas," Brucling says. "Its not easy to build something as a team of two creative people and staying strong and actually lasting for like decades............that takes a lot," he continues. Karl Lagerfield is another huge inspiration to this dynamic team. "We love Karl Lagerfield, we obviously love the Chanel brand", Robot says. "Its not just their attention to detail, which is something we fall in line with, but they have a timelessness to their style," he continues. The timelessness is something that has kept the Chanel brand around for soooooo long and its the individuality and artisticness that will keep Robot&Brucling around for even longer!!!

"We're not just here, we are here to stay", Robot & Brucling

Along with expanding their brand and working on a few surprises that I wouldn't dare give away, they will be showcasing in the upcoming Fashion Week in New York that's only a few months away!!!!
So as of right now you can snag your one of kind accessories on http://www.robotandbrucling.com/, I know I plan to!!!
Also follow them on Twitter: @RobotnBrucling


PS. I expect to have a good seat at the Robot&Brucling showcase in the upcoming Fashion Week!!!!



November 19, 2010








Just as this dress she is wearing (pictured above),Celebrity Stylist Crystal Streets (The B. Lynn Group) is simply FABULOUS!! I recently was afforded the opportunity to have a interview with Crystal that I found to be very insightful and genuine. Crystal knows style and  the styling industry. She is willing to share her knowledge, which says alot about who she is.
Crystal has an AMAZING portfolio that includes celebrities such as Rihanna, Ciara, Nia Long, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z and a host of others.
Of Course working with big names as these, I had to start off by asking, "Crystal how did you get your start?"
"It was definitely a grind.", Crystal explains.
A grind that was well worth it! She begins to explain to how at first she wanted to be a Video Editor, but begin taking classes in Costume Design while attending Clark University in Atlanta, Ga. It's in these classes were she began to see what she was called to do and that was Fashion. She then took a high interest into Fashion........."I used to get these books from my professor", Crystal says. These were books that gave insight to major stylists in New York. Crystal reached out to some of the stylist...."I began stalking them", Crystal says jokingly. She definitely networked the right way because it landed her an assisting styling gig with multi-platinum recording artist Monica. From that gig on she knew that Styling is what she wanted to do. So upon her graduating from Clark and landing an internship with Essence Magazine, Crystal moved to New York. "I graduated on Wednesday and moved that Friday", she explains.
When it comes to personal style, Crystal certainly owns hers. Her favorite designer is Vivienne Westwood, so I asked, "What do her designs embody for you?"
"I love Vivienne Westwood because it does mix the vintage and modern, but I like her more because of her structure, structure in her garments." Crystal says.
She explains how in her personal style she is structured yet feminine. Crystal likes clean hard lines, but will add a feminine color or have an extenuated waist. Crystal begins telling me about a Vivienne Westwood boot that she loves....."I have like four pair of them, I call them my work boots", she explains. The boot, as described, buckle all the way up the shin and are flat, definitely sounds interesting (in a good way). I'm sure she owns whatever she wears because its her. "My style has definitely evolved over the years, like anybody else", she explains. Crystal has always been very driven when it comes to her personal style and tries to make things her own. "Make it your own or you don't need to be wearing it", she explains. Something she goes by herself and also expresses to her clients.
I asked Crystal to finish the sentence....A stylish man should never go without........ "a well tailored suit", she says. This is something that I totally agree on, so fellas go grab a suit, no matter the brand, and get it tailored; however, when you tailor it and wear you better



Crystal has been doing Fabulous things behind the scenes and now she has been placed in the spotlight, as part of the cast of reality/documentary show "HOUSE OF GLAM" currently on Oxygen!! What can we expect from the show? "Fire", she says. If you have followed the season, "fire" is truly what we got! "You get to see the different medians of work. You get to see a photoshoot, you get to see a video, you get to see a runway Fashion Week show, its just so much!! Its a nice mix of hair, makeup, and wardrobe. You just get to see it all!", Crystal explains.
As it relates to her own experience of being a part of this reality/documentary show, she explains how time consuming it was for her. I'm sure time that was well spent. "Whatever took an hour to do, took three hours to do", she says. "I'm so use to going and moving at my own past that once you have cameras in all that involved it becomes a Movie", Crystal also explains. Despite it all ,including the competition within the other stylist and agent mates ex. "combo girl", which added more spice to the show, it was an experience that she wouldn't take back. This is an experience that we all got to be a part of by watching the show.
"I heard you're affectionately called "The Diva" on the show, why is that", I asked. "I have no idea Ryan, no idea why they would tag me that. I'm so sweet!", she says as we both are in laughter! Crystal explains that people can misunderstand that term and put that term/label on women who are aggressive, know exactly what they want, and have high standards. "I have been aggressive and a go-getter. I just have very high standards on myself, on my clients, on my assistants, on my agency-mates and agent. I have very high standards on people that I love and work with and I usually always rock the boat somehow", she says. (she definitley rocked the boat!) That's very powerful people and is a standard that most people should embody. I jokingly say "Well at least your not a self proclaim Diva, we all know they aren't Divas at all." We both laughed on that very true statement. "I'm Fluffy, I think  Fluffy should be my label for the show", Crystal says. I didn't get a sense of either of those terms, I just got a sense of a strong woman who has worked hard, not settling for less, and headed for the height of her career!!
So whats next for Crystal Streets you may ask. "I have alot of things in the works", she says. I wont give any of those things away but I will say that Crystal has a jewelery line, Lyralovestar, that is launching very soon and I cant wait to personally see it! The line is named after her daughter and is an inspirational line for young women encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Crystal is really focused on branding Lyralovestar which is sure to be a Fashion Must Have. "What advice can you give people who may want to follow in your career footsteps and pursue their dreams", I asked.
"Try to assist. I spent two years assisting, I think people lose sight of that. Younger people today want everything right now and that's not how I got it. That's not how most people who are really successful has gotten to where they are. I think that's because we live in this whole American Idol, where you receive the reward faster but assisting is so essential", Crystal says. Y'all may need to read that again.....that's powerful!!! So to everyone out there, don't be afraid to assist and learn the business. Crystal made an excellent point so take heed, I sure have!!!



Check Crystal Out:










Be sure to catch the 2 hour Season Finale of "HOUSE OF GLAM" Friday, November 19th on Oxygen 6pm/5c.






November 05, 2010

Designer genius Olivier Theyskens has joined forces with the brand Theory as their new Artistic Director. In this new position Theyskens will have full creative ability and will oversee about 25 people. He will also be responsible for everything from accessories to menswear, which he has never done before. This will be no challenge for Theyskens, for he is sure to bring a new light to Theory whether with womenswear or menswear.
Theyskens first made it to the spotlight when he designed Madonna's dress for the Oscars in 1998. He then began designing for the Rochas label in 2002. He continued to design for Rochas until 2006, which is when he began designing for the fashion house Nina Ricci. His last collection for Nina Ricci was Fall '09/10 and I recently took a moment to watch the show (video is shared below) of his very last collection for the fashion house.
Of Course anyone who reads my blog knows I am a stickler for chicness (its just sends me to fashion heaven), yet it wasn't the chicness that I loved about this collection. From the music, to the lights, to the aura that I got from watching the video, the show seemed very dark and gloomy and I really enjoyed it!!! This also gave me a great sense of Theyskens and built a great appreciation for his designing style. "This is a collection for a fashion forward villianess", I said to myself. The line did have a chicness to it, a more goth chicness I would say and although everything wasn't all black, even the pieces with color just seemed very dark and I ABSOLUTELY adored it!! I was also a fan of the extreme platform ankle boots which do not have a heel, which was completely FABULOUS!! The shoes also brought more edginess to some of the simplistic looks. This collection truly shows that Theysken knows how to bring edginess without being over the edge..........I am sure he will bring a edgy/goth chicness to Theory which will definitely be a different vibe for Theory but one that I think may work!!

I leave you with the Nina Ricca FW 09/10 Full Fashion Show (Theyskens last collection for Nina Ricca).






November 01, 2010

Top Ten Fashion Icons......

According to http://www.style.com/ there are ten people, whether you love them or hate them, you cant deny that they affect the way people dress. These ten influential Fashion Icons made it unto Style.com's Top Ten Fashion Icons. To make the list its really not about what you wear. Anyone who truly knows and has style knows that is more than just a Giuseppe, Nicholas Kirkwood, Atwood shoes, or a Helmut Lang frock that defines style. Yes, all these thing are FABULOUS, but its the person who takes these pieces and makes it a style all of their own, giving it even more of a FAB POWER, that defines a style thats influential. Style.com has deemed 10 people that do just that!!
The list is as follows:
                                                                        Carine Roitfeld

                                                                           Jennifer Lopez

Daphne Guinness

Rachel Zoe

Lady Gaga

Chloe Sevigny

Sarah Jessica Parker

The Olsons

Kate Moss

Michelle Obama



Now the only thing I am wondering is, "Where are the men"? I feel there are many men that have a heavy style influence to the many male style mavens that do exist! I will give Style.com credit, I do feel the list is quite adequate, though I don't agree with all the names.
What is your take on Style.com's Top Ten Fashion Icons?  Who are your Top Fashion Icons?
Ummmmmmmm......I think a RyanChristophers Top Ten Fashion Icons list needs to be created!!!!!!

October 22, 2010

It has been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words" and I do believe that this statement is oh so true, yet as I reflect over Celebrity Photographer Derek Blanks photos the pictures seem to be worth so much more. His photos are so stunning words can't even come to mind because you are simply speechless.
I recently caught up Mr. Blanks to get to know a little bit about the man behind the lens and share with my readers. It was interesting that I discovered that Derek actually has a background in illustration. "I used my photography for reference when I would do my illustrations for paintings", explains Derek. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Maryland Institute College of Art implicates that Derek is as intelligent as he is talented and was going to take the world of photography and art completely by storm!
It was his move to Atlanta where his photographer work would take center stage. "I started being creative, doing my shoots with models", Derek says. People started taking notice of his creativeness and Derek immediately began to blossom. Jazza Pha, owner of Sho Nuff Records, took notice........."They really just wanted somebody different and creative that was based in Atlanta", he explains. This landed him the opportunity to work with recording artist such as Cherish and Lloyd. It was meeting a author where even more doors would began to open for him. "I also met a young lady by the name of Rachel Vassel who was at the time starting a book entitled "Daughters of Men", Derek begins to explain. "Its a coffee table book about successful African American women and their fathers", he states. The book started of as local project until a publisher became involved. The publisher felt that the book needed a celebrity influence....."I didn't think anything of it", Derek states. It was only a week later that several celebrities were confirmed....recording artist Brandy Norwood, Selena Williams, Tracy Edmonds, Yolonda Adams, Tisha Campbell, and Lisa Raye just to name a few were among the selected women. This is were Derek learned how to get "the shot" quickly, which is something that he is now known for. "Each interview was set in 30 minute intervals, so it got me shooting fast and getting the shot quickly. Celebrities shoot all the time so they don't really enjoy drawn out shoots", Derek explains. As I stated this is what became his signature and help elevate him up because he is able to secure a great shot in a reasonable amount of time. It was also his involvement with the book, which became a photo essay book, that expanded his clientele. Many of the women reached out to Derek to take there own personal photos. "The relationships kinda grew and grew and I reached back out to these same clients about doing alter egos", Derek says. Alter Egos would also grow into what would become his signature.
Of Course anybody that is a fan of Derek Blanks is very familiar with his alter ego photos. These photos are simply AMAZING and some have very deep meanings behind them. His celebrity clients on every project become works of PHOTOGRAPHIC ART. Clients have included..........Blair Underwood, Cast of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta", Chaka Khan, Eva Pigford, Taraji P. Henson, Hill Harper, and Melanie Fiona just name a few.
My favorite, by far, is the one that features recording artist Michelle Williams.

This shows that Mr. Blanks is truly a genius!!!!

So with Derek being so known for his Alter Ego's it was only fitting that I found out what his Alter Ego would be! "I think my Alter Ego would be Over-the-Top, not easy to work with, a "Divo" or whatever, demanding where everything has to be his way", Derek says. He explains how on set he is easy to work with and easy to get along which is a personality trait that was conveyed through our conversation. "That would be interesting. We need to see that, the world needs to see that really soon", I explain.  Just as interesting as his own Alter Ego is his inspiration behind these photographs. "I thought about the old episodes of Top Model where Eva and Toccara were on there and their competition was an Alter Ego and thinking of a creative way to make it my own. Make it more interactive where its not so cookie cutter, one person on the left and one person on the right, where the interaction is between the subject.....its like how did he do that", Derek explains. "Celebrities are kinda two dimensional in most peoples eyes, where if we made them three dimensional and actually you could see a piece of that celebrity as far as what they consider to be their alter ego. Their fans would love to see something like that. So I kinda ran with that concept", Derek continues. A concept that has created a mass following among leading names in the entertainment industry and the likes.

Currently Derek is working on merging his foundation in arts (illustration and paintings) with his photography to create one-of-kind personal pieces, which I'm sure will yield it's own cult following and be another great success. In the near future we can see Derek collab with artists like T-Pain and Nikki Minaj and continue to build his brand!
Derek Blanks describes his personal style as "Fashionable Casual" and with his incredible talent, mellow attitude, and trendsetting work, like fashion, I'm sure this pace will definitely take him to the highest level in his career.


Check Derek Blanks out at:

PS. Hopefully you will get to see a Alter Ego of RyanChristopher done by Derek Blanks in the near future, now that would be SICK!!

October 21, 2010

Fashion Triumph or Fashion Failure?

Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist Rihanna has always been known to the world as a "trendsetter". She has transformed her looks according to the growth in her music, so now with the release of her new single "Only Girl (In the World)" her look has transformed yet again!
As I was browsing the net I came across the video for her new single release. I do have to admit......I like the song but was taken back a little with the video!!! I am a stickler for understanding concepts behind videos as well as the wardrobe conception........it really goes hand and hand. I quite frankly didn't get it!
I want all my style maven readers to see this, not to bash Rihanna (she is a phenomenal recording artist), but to get my readers Fashion Thoughts on this video.............

So to all my readers, as well as visitors, is this a Fashion Triumph or Fashion Failure? Why or Why Not?




                                                                           
October 12, 2010

Fashion Icon: Carolina Herrera

"I Love the idea of elegance and intricacy, but whether it is in a piece of clothing or a fragrance, the intricacy must appear as simplicity."  

For all of that are fans of Carolina Herrera we know that she truly lives by her quote above; therefore, she truly practices what she preach. I have always admired Herrera's personal style, she is always so clean, chic, and simplistic. Her aura, just from studying her, gives off so much class and sophistication, she can nearly be iconic on that alone but its her hard ,yet breathtaking, work of nearly 17 years in the Fashion Industry that makes her an Icon and a force that will never be reckoned with.
Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela and grew up around women who wore nothing but couture. At the mere age of thirteen she attended her first show (Balenciaga) with her grandma, of course with this type of upbringing fashion was bound to be embedded into her soul and it definitely was. So in 1980 she decided she would create a "test" Fashion Collection which received a response that was very positive. The very next year Herrera formed Carolina Herrera, Ltd and relocated to the United States to make her home in New York. Carolina became an instant success and became much of  a high demand among speciality stores and women who exuded chicness and sophistication, which she implements to a T!
She not only has a much successful brand in clothing but in fragrances as well. Herrera has quite a few fragrances being distributed right now in stores worldwide, including one for men!! Herrera has definitely become one of my favorite luxury brands and the styles of her designs are truly IMMACULATE!!

I leave you with Carolina Herrera's F/W 2010-11 Ad Campaign that features her daughter! The Ad, in my opinion, is very stunning........only Carolina Herrera can make a zebra look sophisticated and chic!
In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I Die."
October 04, 2010


Just as this dress she is wearing (pictured above),Celebrity Stylist Crystal Streets (The B. Lynn Group) is simply FABULOUS!! I recently was afforded the opportunity to have a interview with Crystal that I found to be very insightful and genuine. Crystal knows style and  the styling industry. She is willing to share her knowledge, which says alot about who she is.

Crystal has an AMAZING portfolio that includes celebrities such as Rihanna, Ciara, Nia Long, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z and a host of others.
Of Course working with big names as these, I had to start off by asking, "Crystal how did you get your start?"
"It was definitely a grind.", Crystal explains.

A grind that was well worth it! She begins to explain to how at first she wanted to be a Video Editor, but begin taking classes in Costume Design while attending Clark University in Atlanta, Ga. It's in these classes were she began to see what she was called to do and that was Fashion. She then took a high interest into Fashion........."I used to get these books from my professor", Crystal says. These were books that gave insight to major stylists in New York. Crystal reached out to some of the stylist...."I began stalking them", Crystal says jokingly. She definitely networked the right way because it landed her an assisting styling gig with multi-platinum recording artist Monica. From that gig on she knew that Styling is what she wanted to do. So upon her graduating from Clark and landing an internship with Essence Magazine, Crystal moved to New York. "I graduated on Wednesday and moved that Friday", she explains.

When it comes to personal style, Crystal certainly owns hers. Her favorite designer is Vivienne Westwood, so I asked, "What do her designs embody for you?"
"I love Vivienne Westwood because it does mix the vintage and modern, but I like her more because of her structure, structure in her garments." Crystal says.
She explains how in her personal style she is structured yet feminine. Crystal likes clean hard lines, but will add a feminine color or have an extenuated waist. Crystal begins telling me about a Vivienne Westwood boot that she loves....."I have like four pair of them, I call them my work boots", she explains. The boot, as described, buckle all the way up the shin and are flat, definitely sounds interesting (in a good way). I'm sure she owns whatever she wears because its her. "My style has definitely evolved over the years, like anybody else", she explains. Crystal has always been very driven when it comes to her personal style and tries to make things her own. "Make it your own or you don't need to be wearing it", she explains. Something she goes by herself and also expresses to her clients.
I asked Crystal to finish the sentence....A stylish man should never go without........ "a well tailored suit", she says. This is something that I totally agree on, so fellas go grab a suit, no matter the brand, and get it tailored; however, when you tailor it and wear you better



Crystal has been doing Fabulous things behind the scenes and now she is being placed in the spotlight, as part of the cast of reality/documentary show "HOUSE OF GLAM" premiering on Oxygen!! What can we expect from the show? "Fire", she says. "You get to see the different medians of work. You get to see a photoshoot, you get to see a video, you get to see a runway Fashion Week show, its just so much!! Its a nice mix of hair, makeup, and wardrobe. You just get to see it all!", Crystal explains.
As it relates to her own experience of being a part of this reality/documentary show, she explains how time consuming it was for her. I'm sure time that was well spent. "Whatever took an hour to do, took three hours to do", she says. "I'm so use to going and moving at my own past that once you have cameras in all that involved it becomes a Movie", Crystal also explains. Despite it all ,including the competition within the other stylist, which is sure to add a little drama to the show, it was an experience that she wouldn't take back. This is an experience that we all get to be a part of by watching the show.
"I heard you're affectionately called "The Diva" on the show, why is that", I asked. "I have no idea Ryan, no idea why they would tag me that. I'm so sweet!", she says as we both are in laughter! Crystal explains that people can misunderstand that term and put that term/label on women who are aggressive, know exactly what they want, and have high standards. "I have been aggressive and a go-getter. I just have very high standards on myself, on my clients, on my assistants, on my agency-mates and agent. I have very high standards on people that I love and work with and I usually always rock the boat somehow", she says. That's very powerful people and is a standard that most people should embody. I jokingly say "Well at least your not a self proclaim Diva, we all know they aren't Divas at all." We both laughed on that very true statement. "I'm Fluffy, I think  Fluffy should be my label for the show", Crystal says. I didn't get a sense of either of those terms, I just got a sense of a strong woman who has worked hard, not settling for less, and headed for the height of her career!!

So whats next for Crystal Streets you may ask. "I have alot of things in the works", she says. I wont give any of those things away but I will say that Crystal has a jewelery line, Lyralovestar, that is launching very soon and I cant wait to personally see it! The line is named after her daughter and is an inspirational line for young women encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Crystal is really focused on branding Lyralovestar which is sure to be a Fashion Must Have. "What advice can you give people who may want to follow in your career footsteps and pursue their dreams", I asked.
"Try to assist. I spent two years assisting, I think people lose sight of that. Younger people today want everything right now and that's not how I got it. That's not how most people who are really successful has gotten to where they are. I think that's because we live in this whole American Idol, where you receive the reward faster but assisting is so essential", Crystal says. Y'all may need to read that again.....that's powerful!!! So to everyone out there, don't be afraid to assist and learn the business. Crystal made an excellent point so take heed, I sure have!!!

Check Crystal Out:
http://www.crystalstreets.com/
http://www.lyralovestar.com/
http://www.crystylesblog.tumblr.com/
www.twitter.com/crystyles
www.facebook.com/HouseOfGlam


Be sure to catch Crystal Streets on "HOUSE OF GLAM" premiering Oct. 5th on Oxygen 11pm/10c.
October 01, 2010
RyanChristopher interviews Celebrity Stylist Crystal Streets Star of New Reality Show "HOUSE OF GLAM" premiering on Oxygen Oct. 5th!! Crystal Streets list of clients include Jay-Z, Ciara, Jamie Fox, Keri Hilson, Rihanna, and a host of others.


Interview will virtually air Monday, Oct. 4th

September 27, 2010

Designer on the Rise: RECO CHAPPLE

There are so many talented designers that never get that exposure, respect, and accreditation that they should receive and there is definitely one designer that comes to mind, Reco Chapple. Although the exposure, respect, and accreditation is running down his path, a path it should have taken a long time ago, Reco can begin to reap the fruits of his labor. Designing for 10+ years, he is no newcomer to the industry yet it was his placement on Bravo's "The Fashion Show" , hosted by Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland, where the world begin to see his face, talent, and personality. There are two most re memorable moments from the show, for me. 1. The challenge where they were given a shoe and had to create a look according to the shoe! Reco was given the YSL Caged Bootie (which I LIVE for) and his creation complemented the shoe very nicely! 2. There was a challenge were he finished waaaay before all the other contestants. He simply decided to take a nap without taking a second look at his creation. When asked, "What are you doing", he says something along the lines of "I'm finished, so I'm taking a Nap!"(PS. I think he won that challenge) This can mistakenly make him seem arrogant, but its just his "larger than life" personality, a personality I have grown quite fond of. Reco didn't take home the Golden Ticket (which I still question); however, he finished 4th in the competition and had an opportunity to create a collection and display on the show.
Here are a few looks from that very collection









Now little over 1 year since the show has aired he has made yet another groundbreaking move in his career!
Reco debuted his SS2011 collection in this just recently passed Fashion Week in New York. It was a Collection that received a standing ovation and a feature in an upcoming Essence Magazine, now we can really say BRAVO!!
As I looked through the collection of gowns I was truly AMAZED!!! These are definitely gowns we will see on the likes of Kerry Washington, Paula Patton, Halle Berry, and the list goes on and on. My personal favorite is the Beaded Strapless Fitted Mermaid Style Dress w/ Ruffle Detailing at the bottom (last dress pictured below)....................can you say EXQUISITE!!!!
Here is a preview of Reco's SS2011 collection from Fashion Week

Now you see why this collection received a standing ovation, it certainly had me standing!!!!!
Check out Video Footage and more pics from Reco's Collection for Fashion Week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTVPlkpRV74
http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/fashion_week/new_york_fashion_week_designer_reco_chapple.php
http://www.hopetodaymagazine.com/
September 24, 2010

Gucci Womens SS2011!!!!!

On Wednesday, September 22nd, Gucci presented the Women's SS2011 collection in Milan, which in my opinion is a SPECTACULAR collection. Using colors such as Orange, Gold, Green, Purple and Turquoise certainly added a vibrantness to the collection, which is great for the Spring. The Collection also featured very neutral tone colors as well, such as Khaki and Beige. The collection also has the simplicity that I LOVE but also features more daring pieces that I LOVE just as much. Of Course the detailing in some of the pieces were absolutely PHENOMENAL, which something I always pay close attention to!!!

                                                 




                                              


Very Chic!!!! Leave your Fashion Thoughts!!!!