55 Secret Street

Estee Lauder Signs Joan Smalls As New Spokesmodel

photo by Mimi Ratzen Crawford via Vogue.com

I have been a big fan of Joan Smalls every since she caught my eye in a Ports 1961 campaign (below) a few years ago.  I have covered her during New York Fashion Week and met her briefly at a discussion Bethann Hardison hosted about diversity in the fashion business with Rachel Roy, Veronica Webb, Tyson Beckford and other black models.

It has been so nice to see her career rise and now, as the newest spokesmodel for Estee Lauder, clearly this native of Puerto Rico is getting reading to soar.  Wepa!

Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan at The Kennedy Center Honors

First Lady Michelle Obama chooses Naeem Khan again.  This time, it's a custom beaded scarlet stunner with matte crushed sequins and abstract windblown roses on scarlet tulle. Intricate and quite lovely.

Divinely Janet: The Janet Jackson Barbie Doll by Mattel

Mattel has created a Janet Jackson Barbie!  It is called Divinely Janet and it was inspired by Janet's performance on American Idol.  I was so excited when I saw it on  Love B. Scott's site and I wish I could afford to put it under my Christmas tree this year.  However proceeds from the doll will benefit Project Angel Food  (you can bid on it at Charity Buzz) so that is nice present in itself. 

More from Charity Buzz:

Inspired by the ultra-glam black gown she wore during her 2010 American Idol performance, I knew we had to recreate that look for her one of a kind doll. Mattel Designer Jackeline Gonzalez duplicated the black gown, including the body-hugging cat-suit underneath that she revealed during her second, upbeat performance. Her gown is kissed with bling created by countless hand-placed Swarovski crystals. Even her mic is crystal-studded.

Divinely Janet includes a certificate of authenticity and a unique display case for your superstar collectible.

Isn't the doll gorgeous?  I love it!