I love Madonna! Anybody that knows me really well can tell you that. These new ads for Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall/Winter Campaign 2010/2011 are gorgeous.  Shot by famed photograhper and her old trusty visual guru Steven Klein, the theme is centered around a family of Italians going about their everyday lives.  The shots are amazing and Madonna looks fabulous.  Check out Swide.com for an exclusive look backstge at the shoot.

NAME: Adam Kimmel

Reppen: New York

Occupation: Fashion Designer

Crew: his wife actress LeeLee Sobieski and baby daughter Louisanna Ray Kimmel

Web: www.adamkimmel.com

Quote:  —“I guess I was better at constructing garments than buildings,”

I could not find all what I wanted to on Adam Kimmel, so I’m assuming he is intensely private, but whatever the case may be he is what I have been searching for in a menswear designer.    You will not find skinny tailored suits where the men’s pants are showcasing more than just stitching and fabric (similar to a girl’s camel toe).  Adam Kimmel’s collections boast masculinity and movement all while being sophisticated.     I recently came across his new Spring/Summer 2011 collection that draws inspiration from Snoop Dogg and I just had to put him in the designer to watch spotlight.

 Adam Kimmel was born and raised in New York and found his way into fashion through his love of architecture (he has a degree in it from NYU) and contemporary art.  He founded his brand in 2002 and has become well known for his ability to create incredibly well cut classic menswear.  But it’s  his  lookbooks that have garnered so much attention.  He uses his circle of friends which include Dan Colen (artist based in NYC known for painted sculptures), Aaron Bondaroff (NYC based entrepreneur), and the late great Dennis Hopper as models to present his vision all while being shot by famed Andy Warhol lensman Gerard Malanga.  With all this inspiration surrounding Adam Kimmel, who wouldn’t want to invade his private thoughts.

Spring/Summer 2011

Spring/Summer 2011

Spring/Summer 2011

Adam Kimmel New Era Cap Spring/Summer 2011

Fall 2010

Fall 2010

Fall 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Fall 2009

Fall 2009

Fall 2009

Pharrell’s Billionare Boys Club has launched their Fall/Winter 2010 Lookbook.  Expect the signature BBC Hoodies, Varisty Jackets, and Quilted Vests, but the new sneaker called the “Nothing” boutique sneaker ties this collection together.  These sneakers are canvas on top and gummed out at the bottom with the astronaut logo on the side.  Very Classic! Very Dope!

Check out: http://www.bbcicecream.com/lookbook/ to see the entire Lookbook.

Smoking Jo

Wondering who that androgynous individual is in the photo spread? It’s none other than Lady Gaga.  For the September issue of Vogue Hommes in Japan, Gagalita decided to become Jo Calderone for the shoot.   It shouldn’t surprise anyone, I definitely wasn’t, but I think she looks good in a weird sort of way!  Wonder if this will be her “new” look for her sophomore album! I mean she has done all she can do with the Fashion Theatrics right?

La Perla Stretch satin Bra with Microfiber Panty

Pre-fire engine red head Rihanna graces the cover of Elle for July’s women in music issue. All I can say, she looks absolutely stunning.  Rihanna is becoming a fashion icon in her own right thanks to her stylist Mariel Haenn (the mastermind behind dozens of Ri’s appearances). It seems like with each passing year her look and daring fashion choices are solidifying her amongst the most fashionable celebrities.  Of course in the interview she mentions Matt Kemp and Chris Brown, but we are so goo goo eyed over the shoot itself we don’t care about her new man or her ex.

Roberto Cavalli Georgette Dress with Noel Stewart Cocktail Hat and Falke thigh-high stockings

Lanvin Animal Print Belted Trench Coat

Elle’s July issue is on newstands now! http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Cover-Shoots/Rihanna

NAME: Alexander Wang
Sign: Gemini
Reppen: San Francisco
Occupation: Fashion Designer
Crew: Erin Wasson (Victoria Secret Model turned Stylist/Designer)
Web: www.alexanderwang.com

Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off, that are most intriguing.

If I had to bet on who is going to become a legend (he might just be already one) in the fashion industry it would be Alexander Wang.   What grabbed my attention to him as silly as it may seem was seeing a picture of him, M.I.A and Zoe Kravitz at this year’s Met Costume Institute Gala 2010 that takes place every year at NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.   So many celebs have been put on the “who rocked it better” list with Wang’s creations.  It seems everybody wants a piece of him and I definitely see why.  His designs are the shit and he has amassed a huge cult following among the hipsters in the industry in such a short amount of time.  Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Blake Lively, Trina, Kristian Cavallari, Khole Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan the list goes on.

So who is this guy gaining popularity among so many different types of women in the entertainment industry?  Alexander Wang was born and raised in San Francisco and started designing dresses at 15 for his sister-in-law, which eventually led him to put on his first fashion show at her wedding.  From there he attended a pre-college summer program at OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.  His short jaunt in the summer program fueled his ambitions even more, so at the tender age of 18 in 2002 he left the comfort and weather of the west coast and landed in the gritty city that never sleeps to attend Parsons School of Design.  From there his career has taken a sort of snow ball effect.  He landed internships with Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, and Teen Vogue.   During his internship with Teen Vogue, not only had he been quietly working on his collection and got a stamp of approval from the Fashion Editor at the time, he also had his own fashion enterprise in the works.

The Alexander Wang enterprise consists of his mother, sister-in-law, and brother who in the beginning had no real experience.  The close knit group has managed to keep it in the “family”, with no outside investors pushing him along.  Which I think is amazing because he can be totally immersed in his own vision without the corporate monkey hanging on to his back trying to push him in a mainstream direction.

Alex has managed to master the balance between the catwalk and the street.  His designs have a cocky adronious air about them and would give any woman confidence.  From his off the shoulder asymmetrical skin tight dresses down to his handbags named after characters on 90210 (Brenda and Kelly of course).    He has managed to master the balance between the catwalk and the street, which many fashion labels claim to do, but Alex has it down packed.   He launched is first full collection in 2007 which garnered the attention of the BIG names in fashion such as Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg who are now his mentors.  He has won the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award receiving $200,000 and the 2009 CFDA Swarovski women’s wear Designer of the year.  So what could be possibly next for this child prodigy of fashion (he is only 26, so that’s a child prodigy to me) that has already had partnerships with GAP, Keds, and Uniqlo? He’s planning to open a flagship store in New York soon and is working on  several projects on the west coast.

In my opinion it’s not just the talent, it’s the ambition and drive combined that makes you truly successful and Alexander Wang is the perfect example. Living in an apartment in NYC on his own, Wang’s favorite outfit is a skinny pant, T-shirt, and backpack.  How inspiring!!!!

Rihanna in Alexander Wang Spring 2010

Nicki Minaj in Alexander Wang Spring 2010

Cassie in Alexander's Cage Dress

Alexander's Fall 2009 Corset Dress

Ponte Dress with Sweatshirt Tie Overlay

Oxford Pique Asymmetrical Top and Freja Open Toe Laced High Hell Booties

Poplin Top with Cross Back-Asymmetrical Khaki and Leather Skirt

Alex backstage at his 2010 Spring-Summer show

The "Bianca" Vest/Bag

Lilo and SJP both in one of Wang's creations

Alexander's "Real" Dress

Wraparound Oxford Top and Trish Loafer Wedge Mules

The "Lara" Combat Boot named after Model Lara Stone Blake, Khloe, and Tiny all in Alexander Wang

The designer himself

Adidas has teamed up with a variety of famous names, including Missy Elliott, Stella McCartney, and David Beckham, but Jeremy Scott’s take on the classic El Dorado basketball boot mixed with the animated icon Mickey Mouse is just genius. I have to have these like right now and can’t find them anywhere on the net!  So if any of you loyal CS readers happen to catch where these babies are for retail, tweet me the site.  I’m sure once everybody (if they haven’t already) starts to peep them, they will be sold out!

Big Boi in AKOO

Okay, this is just great. Another rapper who thinks just because he can make words rhyme he can make clothes and tell people how to dress?  I had to say it, the urban fashion market is getting so watered down with rappers slapping their name/image onto clothing lines I can’t even keep up anymore.  But I’m actually feeling  Clifford Harris’s (TI’s real name) venture into the market, so he gets a pass.

A King Of One’s Self, AKOO for short, is sort of like Abercrombie and Fitch with a dash of street thrown in (or the “Trap” as TI would say).  You have your basic striped polos, jeans, and of course the logo T-shirt.  The logo I’m assuming is a fox, which I take it to represent being sly and cunning. Anywho, the new spring/summer collection is available in stores nationwide.  Check out some of the pieces below!

AKOO is available at:

WWW.AKOOCLOTHINGBRAND.COM

WWW.DRJAYS.COM

WWW.URBAN-CORNER.COM

]]> http://www.thecouchsessions.com/2010/04/t-is-akoo-2010-springsummer-collection/feed/ 0 http://www.thecouchsessions.com/2010/03/lady-gaga-in-3-d/ http://www.thecouchsessions.com/2010/03/lady-gaga-in-3-d/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:41:58 +0000 FinchyKing http://www.thecouchsessions.com/?p=13480

Since GAGA is pop’s new HBIC (Sorry, Madge!) I saw this over on the NOWNESS.COM and had to share it with you guys! It’s a piece done by animator David O’Reilly from Berlin and I think it is dope!

I’m not going to front, I’m a hardcore nail biter.  I’ve been one since Jesus was a baby (slang for a real long time). But I’m going to try my damnest to not bite so I can hop on some ill ass nail art courtesy of Japan because it is now all about Japanese nail art.

Japanese nail art goes way beyond rhinestones and your BF’s initials, it’s a huge part of Japanese culture and fashion that spans back to ancient times.  Once a year the Nail Expo in Tokyo attracts nearly 50,000 visitors and the  Japan industry grosses about 200 million yen annually and includes  tons of Japanese publications, websites and online videos dedicated solely to the craft of nail art.  The creative possibilities with Japanese nail art are endless:  The designs are very intricate and come in 3-D, real lace, jewels, fruit, and miniature figurines.

If you haven’t  noticed, the trend has gotten hold of a lot of celebs.  Lady Gaga, Jordan Sparks, Amanda Lepore, Keri Hilson, Kid Sister have been rocking nail designs that aren’t your ordinary French manicures.

Solange with Minx nails

A set already designed and ready to be glued on will be around $60 and a custom pair done in a salon will put you back $100+.  That’s rather expensive, so if you’re a BBB (Bitch on a Baller Budget) like me, I would try out Minx Nails (minxnails.com).  Minx nails are extreme nail art on a thin film that adheres to nails with heat.  They come in a variety of patterns and metallic designs and would work perfect for a base if you wanted to go all the way and get your 3-D design.  I personally don’t know of  any nails shops that are doing Japanese nail art or even minx nails, but  two artists that I want to shout out are Melinda Mann Rivera in LA and Naomi Yasuda in NY.

Melinda Mann and Erykah Badu

Melinda Mann has her own nail shop in LA called HER nails and this nail extraordinaire even cut up a Louie bag to bring her vision to life.  Now I don’t know if I would have gone to that extreme, but she’s my hero for even doing it!  Her client list includes Cassie, Erykah Badu, and J Davey.  Her up and coming projects for 2010 are re-launching the HER nails website and designing pre-made event nails to be sold in boutiques.

Pre-made event nails by Melinda Mann

See the Louie Bag!-by Melinda Mann

Naomi Yasuda

Naomi Yasuda is actually from Japan and moved to New York City in 2007.   In such a short time, she has grabbed the attention of Lady Gaga, Amber Rose, and Kim Cattrall.  Naomi works out of the Hello Beautiful Salon in Brooklyn and can create any look you want! Her  up and coming projects include working on the new Sex and City movie.  Can’t wait to see  which S&C girls will be donning some dope nail art.

I know everyone has seen Pharrell rocking these studded Christian Louboutin sneakers that are extremely expensive. Personally, I’m not too much into my man rocking bedazzled sneakers or him coughing up $1200 on a pair (that $1200 bucks could go towards a new Gucci bag for me!).  So I went out on a hunt to find alternatives that are just as fly and less expensive.   Check out these new styles from Creative Recreation and PF Flyer:

Creative Recreation Limited Edition Pilotto Hi-Top: $225

PF-FLYERS Glide Hi-Top: $65-$85

Cop From:

KARMALOOP.COM

NEIMAINMARCUS.COM

TOBI.COM

NAME: Lanie Alabanza-Barcena (Lanie B.)

 Sign: Libra

 Reppen: Los Angeles

 Occupation: Creative Director and Founder of Hellz Bellz

 Crew: Husband Bam and dog Marley

 Quote: “There is nothing more empowering for a woman than to be able to hold her own without the help of a man.”

Web: http://hellz-bellz.com/; http://www.whatthehellz.com

“Hells Bells and cockle shells!” What does that really mean anyway? Well from a little research I’ve done it has something to do with wicked people when they die, Pilgrims and a symbol of St. James. And it’s actually the name of Lanie B’s  streetwear clothing line for women called Hellz Bellz (she took out the cockle shells part)- which exemplifies the BWA (Bitch With Attitude) we all have deep inside of us.

 Born and raised in San Diego, Lanie B. had no idea she would end up being the creative director and founder of a streatwear clothing line for women.  Instead she had aspirations of being just a designer and attended the Art Institute of California which exposed her to all different aspects of design.  From there she landed internships at Alphanumeric (streatwear apparel company) and DiZinno Thompson (advertising company) and it was from these experiences she decided to gear towards fashion design.  By landing jobs at Triple 5 Soul (ladies graphic designer) and Rocawear (ladies art director), Lanie B. realized that she wanted to design whatever she wanted and keep her creative juices flowing. She knew that working for corporations that huge she would rarely or even at all get to design what she wanted. 

It’s kind of refreshing to see a female moving along side all the males in the streetwear market.  Hellz Bellz is not for the faint of heart either. Lanie’s designs boast some of the things that men get to do but society sometimes over looks – because it’s like “oh he’s man”! From a topless Kate Moss to a masked Minnie Mouse toting a machine gun – to a cut and sew collection that could easily be put on any runway, Lanie’s eye for mixing bad and good is so empowering.

Coming up on its 6^th year since inception, Hellz Bellz has some new projects coming up in 2010.  First being collaborating with Vans to release 2 limited edition styles called the Hadley and The Sofie (see pics below) which were inspired by Lanie’s love of vintage motorcycle boots and saddle shoes. Mark your calendars  for Feb. 8th (this coming Monday)because these special editions Vans will definitely sell out fast.    Second being GPPR, which stands for Gentleman, the Philosopher, the Pervert, and the Rebel.  This will be Lanie’s first dip into menswear (so all you guy’s out there can stop wearing your girl’s clothes) and it’s looking to be a pretty dope collection.  I love to see what creative minds are going to do next. With the motto of “A Crime for All Seasons”, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Hellz Bellz!