Last of MET Ball Pics

I am a couple days late with the remainder of the MET Ball pictures but here they are! Enjoy!

Tyra's Tips on Smiling

I wonder which smile this is;)

Tyra spoke with New York Times Magazine writer Lynn Hirschberg last week and discussed of course the fashion industry and its double standards and how she likes to use her influence to bring balance. More importantly Tyra shared some of her infamous smiling tips. Here are my two favorites:

• The Flirting-With-a-Man Smile: “Turn your shoulder to your man, move your face down, and use a sound effect, a little hmmmmmmmmm,” Banks said. (That “hmmmmmmm” is more of a cat purring than a “What should I have for lunch today? Hmmmmm,” obviously.)

• The Smile With the Eyes ©: “This is crucial,” she said. “It’s on magazine covers, it sells perfume, it sells shoes.” Hirschberg admitted this smile "has changed everything” for her. Tyra recommends pulling your shoulders down, facing forward, pretending there’s a string pulling your head up and that a dentist shot you in the mouth with Novocain. She said it’s “almost like you’re in Star Trek.” I must admit I have tried this method to NO avail!

View the full story at New York Times Magazine.

MET Ball Red Carpet!!!

MET Ball Red Carpet - Black Women in Fashion Style

First I must say I was slightly disappointed in a few style options chosen for this evening. Few people took risks and when they did - oh it was bad...really bad! I applaud Rihanna for taking a risk but the rest was shall I say.....boring....too safe...... ! Well here goes......

Alek Wek: My personal favorite of the night! The fuchsia/plum color looks fantastic!
Chanel Iman: Zac Posen. I loved the dress - very old Hollywood - hated the makeup!
Ciara: Emilio Pucci. Pucci is known for his prints so this two-tone look is disappointing.
Eva Mendes: Calvin Klein. I know Calvin is simple BUT this is the MET Ball people!!
Iman: Donna Karan. The draped front helped give some character to this gown.
Rihanna: Dolce & Gabanna. She took a risk - yeah!
Honorable mention: Stella McCartney. She absolutely stepped outside of the mold and looked fabulous!
Tyra: Badgley Mischka. I like this vamped look for the occasion.

More pictures to come! Who was your personal favorite?
source:fashionologie.com

Estelle's Belvie Bag

Designer Jonathan Kelsey and Estelle

Belvedere Vodka brought style to its new Black Raspberry vodka, commissioning British luxury designer Jonathan Kelsey to design an overnight bag called, The Belvie Bag. The inspiration behind the Belvie? None other than fellow British pop star Estelle!

The Belvie bag is "for the woman who works hard and plays even harder." Isn't that about every fashionista you know?! So is the Belvie hot enough for you to make the splurge of $1400? If so, act soon The Belvie is only available at Jeffrey's New York for a limited time!

source: essence.com

The MET "Model As Muse" Exhibition

In keeping with gala's theme, The MET will open the exhibition "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," beginning May 6th.

According to style.com "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," opening this month at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, explores 50 years of iconic fashions—from Christian Dior's blossoming New Look of 1947 to the reductive simplicity current in the late nineties—through the women whose faces, figures, and attitudes shaped and personified them.

Catch this slide show with a sneak peak of the exhibition thanks to nymag the Cut. BTW: Naomi's as flawless now as she was decades ago!

Who's Going To the MET Ball...and With Whom?

The MET Ball is only a few days away - 4 days to be exact! Next to the Oscars, The Costume Institute Gala is a fashion lovers HEAVEN! The theme this year: "The Model as Muse"

Fashionologie did all the work for us and neatly lined up designer to model and or actress. Thanks guys!

We will of course list our black women in fashion but you can catch the full list at Fashionologie.

A list of attendees thus far:

* Badgley Mischka: Tyra Banks
* Calvin Klein: Eva Mendes, Halle Berry
* Derek Lam: Liya Kebede
* Diane von Furstenberg: Rosario Dawson
* Emilio Pucci: Ciara
* Jason Wu: Jessica Alba
* Lancome: Arlenis Sosa Pena - I wonder who she will wear? Oscar maybe?
* Louis Vuitton: Kerry Washington
* Rachel Roy: Lakshmi Menon, Joy Bryant - Yeah for Rachel!

It is rumored that Rihanna will join Marc Jacobs - what a surprise that will be! Iman, Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn will be in attendance. No word yet and who they will wear and/or if they will walk with a designer.......

Iman and Naomi Campbell for Vogue Model Roundtable

Iman, Naomi Campbell and other veteran models discuss what it is was to succeed in the industry. A few young models also had the opportunity to join the round table - none of our young favorites were in attendance - maybe next time..... And I'm not sure if Naomi was touching up in the ladies room but she was mysteriously missing from a few clips, hmm.....