Source: WENN

From StyleBlazer

BuzzFeed delved into the issue of certain designers having runways filled with only white models, by talking to five known casting directors in the industry. Raf Simon’s who heads Christian Dior was the main culprit having virtually colorless shows, since taking over in April 2012.

To his defense, the designer is not the actual person to cast the shows, but he does have sway on the women chosen. Allegedly Maida Gregori Boina and Rami Fernandes – who also do Calvin Klein and Jil Sander’s stark white shows—are the ones who work with Dior.

“I feel we’ve made strides in the past three to four years, thanks to people like [former model] Bethann Hardison, but this season in particular was one of the worst seasons in terms of diversity,” said James Scully, the casting director for Tom Ford, Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Carolina Herrera.

Read more on StyleBlazer.com.

Are you ready for NBC’s Fashion Star? We are. Even with Rachel Zoe and Brad Goreski providing us with an inside look into celebrity style on Bravo, we can’t get enough of television that highlights fashion. Alas, the wait is over and NBC will be sure to have us glued to our screens come Tuesday. In the spirit of the talent competition The Voice, Fashion Star is a contest that will pit unknown designers against one another in hopes of winning a $6 million contract to sell capsule collections in Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue stores. In addition, each week, one winner will be selected and his/her design will be sold to the public the very next day.

What’s even more interesting is that the host Elle Macpherson and mentors John Varvatos, Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie. Let’s take a look at the evolution and sensibilities of three of the stylish ladies who will help determine the next Fashion Star.

*Sponsored by Fashion Star, premiering Tuesday at 9:30/8:30c on NBC 

source: Fabsugar.com

Nicole Richie emerged on the scene as Paris Hilton’s BFF. Richie has definitely emerged as a star because of her fashion evolution. You can see here that in 2003, it was obvious that Richie was more of the girl next door. But over the years, she refined her style and image.

Franca Sozzani, editor of Vogue Italia recently told the Huffington Post that her proudest professional moment was publishing the magazine’s “Black Issue.” Not only did the issue receive international acclaim, it also opened the doors to designers of various backgrounds.

After the issue was published, Sozzani made a trip to Ghana where she worked with some up and coming designers from the WEB- Young Designers Hub.

She encouraged the group by saying:

You have lots of potential in this country. During my stay in Africa, I visited Togo and Nigeria but it was only here in Ghana I noted an authentic sense of fashion.

Although I’m sure there’s an authentic sense of fashion in these other countries, this is encouraging for the Ghanians.

See what pieces of advice she had for the budding designers and look at pictures and video of her visit at Black Voices.com.

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Whether you are a fan of celebrities who transform into clothing designers or not, you have to give them some credit for their time management and large amount of commitment to take on another endeavor.  Sure it’s all for money, but some of these singers, actors, songwriters, socialites, mothers, fathers and models have created beautiful and successful lines. Now the fourth largest industry in the world, the fashion industry brings in $400 billion a year.  Take a look at these 10 celebrities turned fashionistas (and fashionist-ers), and see what you think!

If you’re a fan of Project Runway (PR), like I am, then you know there have been some very talented designers to grace the stage. Now that Season 9 is over, I wanted to take a catwalk down runways past to re-visit some former contestants who made it work even if they had to use pet store supplies, grocery store garments, flowers and foliage or the very clothes off of their backs.  You may not remember their names in some cases, but more than likely you’ve favorited some of their fierce fashions:

By: Shawny Metcalf

Every woman loves her Louie, Fendi, and Prada; some of us even purchase insurance for our bags. Ladies, do you remember your first designer label? That high you felt when you took it out of the box and gently peeled back the tissue paper from the inside. That glow in your eye was similar to the radiance you had when you met your first love or had your first kiss, it is indescribable yet so simplistic in the grand scheme of events in life.

Read the rest of this entry »

British singer Estelle recently caught up with our sister site Styleblazer. In their exclusive interview, Estelle talked about inheriting her killer style from her mom, how she can’t stand weaves and dating an American boy.

Check out the interview here. You’ll be sure to enjoy her realness.

(AOL Black Voices) — When the word “luxury” is mentioned, brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurentoften come to mind. These European labels have been the precedent for years. But African designer Alexander Amosu is setting a new standard with his collection of luxury goods that range from gold iPhones to his bespoke suits and shirts.  BV on Style sat with the designer minutes after his runway show during ARISE Magazine Fashion Week to talk fashion, working with Alicia Keys and African style.

BLACK VOICES: Your long list of accomplishments is inspiring and intimidating all at the same time, especially for someone your age – congratulations!
ALEXANDER AMOSU: (Laughs)Thank you very much!

BV: As far as your array into fashion, what inspired that? Why did you decide to make it your next project after everything you’ve already done?

AA: Well, really, it was about trying to create something different, something that was going to challenge me a little bit more, something that will have longevity in the fashion industry – but not just the fashion industry. It was about creating a luxury brand that can compete on the same level as Louis Vuitton and Versace. That’s what my goal is, and I’m looking forward to taking on that challenge.

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Black men and women are behind some of the most finely crafted footwear on the market.  A few have always known that they wanted to design shoes, some stumbled upon the industry while tending to other business, still others were recruited by loved ones eager to establish an entrepreneurial outlet for their artistry.  Whatever brought them to this corner of the fashion world, these sole providers are here to stay.

Vanessa and Angela Simmons

If it was money or status they were after, Vanessa and Angela Simmons pretty much had that bagged at birth.  But when your father is Rev. Run and your uncle is Russell Simmons, a desire to make your own mark on the world might be more acute.  With cameras trailing them for the reality series Daddy’s Girl, the sisters traded New York for LA and set about the business of building Pastry Footwear.  What started out as a four-item collection has morphed into a $50 million empire outfitting women and children around the world with sneakers, shoes, clothing and accessories.  As for what’s next, there’s a Barbie doll in the works, as well as negotiations to team up with the WNBA.

(The Root) — Duro Olowu grabbed attention in Europe a few years ago as the London-based designer of the “it” dress featured in American Vogue. In 2005 he was named Best New Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council — and he had never had a runway show.  Since then, both his collection and his business have grown. This year, during New York Fashion Week, he showed the line in the U.S. for the first time. Since 2008, when he married Thelma Golden, the fashionable and sociable director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, he has divided his time between New York and London.

Read More…