Get to Know the 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees

This year's ten CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists have just been announced — they range from the eco-conscious (Monique Pean, Alabama Chanin) to cobblers (Esquivel Shoes) to straight-up womenswear designers (Sophie Theallet, Wayne, Ohne Titel, Gary Graham). Anna Wintour noted, “We had very strong applicant pool this year, particularly among the jewelers". The winner and runners-up, who are bestowed with cash prizes and industry mentorship, will be announced Nov. 16 at the annual gala. Take a closer look at four of the finalists…….


Sophie Theallet
Azzedine Alaia's right-hand woman for ten years, Sophie Theallet's two season-old line is free-flowing, free-spirited, and has earned a fan in Michelle Obama, who has worn the label multiple times. Sophietheallet.com

Monique Pean
2009 Ecco Domini winner Monique Pean started out as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, but now focuses on her stone-based high-end jewelry line, exclusively using recycled gold, conflict-free diamonds, fair trade natural stones, and sustainable ivory. Moniquepean.com

Gary Graham

Gary Graham opened his first boutique, inspired by a Victorian lab, late last year in New York; it houses mannequins with bear heads and claw hands sporting his romantic, historically silhouetted pieces. Garygrahamnyc.com

Wayne

Designer Wayne Lee is a former buyer at Barneys New York and a 2008 Ecco Domini Fashion Foundation winner — her contemporary line is "inspired by punk music and science fiction" and experiments with technology like coated feathers, industrial metals, and synthetic leathers. Waynenyc.com

Jessica Stam for Fendi's Fall 2009 Campaign

Model, Jessica Stam is moving away from fashion and more into those well-paying beauty campaigns this season: Already, she's got a Nina Ricci fragrance ad and a Dior Beauty campaign under her belt. But don't count her out just yet — now she adds Karl Lagerfeld's Fendi campaign, photographed by the man himself…….FIERCE!!!!!!!

Supermodels In Vogue Italy July 2009

Christy Turlington, Eva Herzigova, Helena Christensen, and Naomi Campbell for Vogue Italy July 2009. So many years have gone by and I still find myself amazed by the Supers power! Photographed by Mario Sorrenti and styled as true timeless icons, Christy, Eva, Helena and Naomi set new boundaries to perfection, new heights to modeling. With the magic aura of long, wavy hair (Eva makes a Monroe-esque exception), honestly, are there any flaws to these Super Portraits?

Issue on stands now...........

Rihanna for Septembers Italian Vogue

Rihanna will reportedly have an editorial in Italian Vogue's September issue, shot by Steven Klein.

Project Runway "All Star" Challenge

I never thought this day would come. Project Runway fans hold on to your seats, Lifetime is planing to gather past contestants together for an "all star" edition to air a week or two before the sixth season begins. The cast will reportedly include Chris March, Jeffrey Sebelia, Michael Knight, Daniel Vosovic, Santino Rice, Kenley Collins, Sweet P, Korto Momolu, and possibly more. (Christian Siriano, Rami Kashou, Jack Mackenroth, Kit Pistol, and Laura Bennett reportedly turned down the opportunity) :0(.

Forever 21 to Launch Home and Beauty Lines

Soon, Forever 21 will take over the world. The affordable, knock-off retailer is planing to launch a new home and beauty line. The merchandise will arrive in their largest stores later this year. So if you plan on buying any of these items, please make sure the premiums on your home and health insurance are up to date, as I can imagine the furniture will he highly flammable and the beauty product will cause your skin to breakout.

So, You Think You Know Them?

With all the reports on domestic violence and senseless killings, I came across a very interesting website. Many of us have come to a point in our relationships where you wanted to know a little more about the person your dating or laying next to every night. Is he or she a thief or con artist? Have they murdered someone? Do they have children I don't know about? Are they a child abuser? Especially those of us with small kids, check this person out. Click on the link below and find out if that person has a criminal record, this site will give you everything from traffic tickets to 1st degree murder charges. Remember ladies and gentlemen me be SAFE not SORRY.



Nothing is fail proof and somethings slip the records, but this is just one more piece of information to help you know the people you let into your life.



http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/

Balmain Fall 2009

Christian Louboutin Very Prive studded Peep-Toe Pump

This Fall Christian Louboutin have created a Very Prive studded peep-toe pump, which could be as popular as the Mad Mary Janes. These heels are currently available on pre-order from Saks.com for $995. My guess is Rihanna will be spotted wearing these heels first. What do say you? Will The Christian Louboutin Very Prive Studded Peep-Toe Pumps become the new It shoe?

Are You Ready For Balmain Bags?

French label Balmain is getting on the bag bandwagon with a line of new bags! Retailers in Paris for the pre-collections are being shown about a half dozen styles, including black leather messenger bags pavéd with crystals or studs, and a fringed, rock 'n' roll number with silver hardware. If a pair of Balmain crystal sandals cost $2,800 you can bet a crystal encrusted bag will be at least 5 grand…..Balmain has already become a red-hot celebrity favorite, worn by stars like Rihanna (shown wearing a Balmain Denim Military Jacket from the Spring 2009 collection), Michael Jackson, Victoria Beckham, and Beyonce….I have a feeling these bags are gonna blow up!!!

Whitney Houston Arriving in London

We all know Ms. Whitney is due to make her big comeback soon, and looking pretty Fab!!! might I say...... I Love Her.

A Sneak Peek At The Vogue Movie

Finally! A taste of the Vogue movie "The September Issue" has hit the Internet. A film crew follows Anna Wintour and her Vogue staff around while they create the highly anticipated September issue -- the largest and perhaps the most essential issue of the year. Cameras trail the editor who has been notoriously private in her more than 20 years as editor of the fashion magazine. But, now the sunglasses come off! While "The Devil Wears Prada" offered an icy take on Wintour, the upcoming documentary should reveal the warmer, slightly more empathetic, and even humorous side to the woman who dictates fashion. New York fashion tribes have been hosting screening parties of the film with bootleg copies. Guess they can't wait for the September 11 release date. And neither can we. Check it out HERE!

"Coco Before Chanel" Movie Trailer

The editors at ELLE magazine are sharing an exclusive preview of "Coco Before Chanel". While French trailers have surfaced on the Internet, this is the first English-language teaser for the film, which is set to premiere in the U.S. in limited release on September 25, 2009. First "The September Issue," now "Coco Before Chanel"...September's gonna be one stylish movie month!!!!

Check out the Coco sneak peek now!

Topshop's Fall Collection

British Cosmetics Brand Illamasqua Launching In The U.S.

Illamasqua is taking its nighttime makeup concept, or makeup that’s meant to be worn after dark, to New York City’s Times Square. The London-based cosmetics brand, which just opened its doors at Selfridges & Co. on exclusive Oxford Street in London only 9 months ago, is known as the make-up brand for your alter ego. Illamasqua will make its debut in the U.S. on July 31st with the opening of Sephora’s 5 Times Square location.

Looks like M.A.C. may have some competition…….

For more on Illamasqua click HERE.