55 Secret Street

DEGEN Fall 2012

Lindsay Degen's first ready-to-wear collection, entitled "Ask Tell," was a repeal of the term "Don't Ask Don't Tell," Degen set out to create a collection that referenced "military themes." As a salute to the importance of the individual, Degen collaborated with a collection of other creative minds, a photographer, a stylist, a shoemaker, and a crochet milliner. Degen wanted each person involved in the collection to bring their own individuality.

The inspiration: a naval ship or the "dazzle ship." Degen mimicked the patterns on the ships using complex knit structures.

I loved the capes and sweaters

These cropped tweed pants were my favorite in the collection.

Degen displayed many items that were not neccessarliy wearable (unless you're Prince) but interesting knit and detail none this less.

 
More of the crochet that was used throuout the collection.

A taste of Vintage Black Glamour at b. michael AMERICA Fall 2012

b. michael during his finale with model Maya Samuelsson, wife of famed chef Marcus Samuelsson.

b. michael's Fall 2012 show was presented in Harlem at the Museum of the City of New York as a salute to Figure Skating in Harlem.  The show also turned into a tribute of sorts to the late icon Whitney Houston, who wore gowns designed by b. michael in the forthcoming "Sparkle" remake. . 

The show was a complete Vintage Black Glamour bonanza for me. I  was seated next to legendary model Alva Chinn and I had the honor of finally meeting legendary actress Cicely Tyson!  She was seated between Phylicia Rashad and Valerie Simpson during the show, taking a break from runway duties this season.  Brow King Damone Roberts introduced me to the legend by reminding her that he had showed her a clip from one of her early film appearances (Harry Belafonte's "Odds Against Tomorrow") on Vintage Black Glamour! Totally made my night. 

 

A Viola Davis We Rarely Ever Get To See

Viola!!! #YES

via blogs.indiewire.com

Functional (Torture-Tested!) Chic: The knomo tote bag

knomo's hair-calf tote, like every bag from the London-based brand, was "torture-tested"  with 33 pounds of weight - dropped 2500 times - to give bag ladies like myself the assurance we need that our laptop wouldn't break if we dropped our bag say, down a flight of steps in the subway. 

I carry books for school, my Vintage Black Glamour manuscript, a mini umbrella and a 10-mini laptop in my knomo everday and, for the first time in a long time, I don't feel like I'm schleping everywhere.  Three padded interior pouches,  a large size zip-pocket, tracker ID and a detachable shoulder strap make this tote very chic and functional.  And, at $169, it's a cost-effective option that is on the same level as many other high quality brands we all know and love.   

knomo Ravello Tote in Black hair calf, $169.