Former first lady of New York State, Michelle Paterson and other local Community Leaders to be honored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

The first annual scholarship brunch presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc - Sigma Nu Zeta Chapter and The Five Pearls Foundation will take place next month in Harlem, NY. Both organizations will be presenting scholarships to stellar college bound female students. In addition, former first lady of New York State, Michelle Paterson will be honored for her advocacy work in promoting a healthy holistic lifestyle. Other awardees include Landon Dais, President of the Uptown Democrats Club will receive the Community Leader H.O.P.E. Award. Dr. Lissa Francois will be recognized for her dedicated work to the Storks Nest program as well as Luz Pemberton and Ralph I. Davis.

Chantal Bonitto from the Sigma Nu Zeta chapter explained “we are recognizing Mrs. Michelle Paterson for her steadfast professional and personal work as an advocate for healthy lifestyles for youth and their families. We believe that health, and therefore healthy lifestyles, is one of the key cornerstones of poverty eradication in communities of color.”
Michelle Paterson has worked in the health care industry for a number of years. Currently, Mrs. Paterson is the Director of Integrative Wellness at Emblem Health where she helps promote healthy living, with a specialty in childhood obesity and stress-related ailments. When told she would be accorded for her advocacy efforts, Michelle Paterson explained: "It is an honor to be recognized by an organization whose mission I so deeply appreciate. I am privileged to accept the Finer Woman of the Year for Public Service Award."

Established at Howard University in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority promotes “education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promoting charitable projects on college campuses and within the community.”

The Five Pearls Foundation is a community organization that helps educate and support the underserved public both locally and globally through different programs like the Stork’s Nest program for at-risk expecting mothers in Harlem and Books Across Africa, an educational resource in West Africa. Since 2002, the Foundation and the Sigma Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority have contributed over $250,000 in scholarships and resources to service organizations like the American Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, and Women in Need.

New Bridal Magazine: African Weddings USA

Every country and culture has its own traditional wedding ceremonies. America being the melting pot that it is, is a true amalgamation of multiple cultures. Within the same week you can go to India, head to Greece and make it back in time for a colorfully ceremonial Nigerian wedding.  African Weddings USA is a new magazine tailored to the traditional African wedding. Currently, there are a number of bridal magazines but none that actually cater to the bride of African descent.

Africa is one of the largest continents with the oldest civilizations on earth. It is home to a wide range of religions and cultures. Depending on which African country or culture you are in, wedding ceremonies can be very elaborate, some evening lasting days.

The “ Real Wedding” sections of African Bride USA will provide an outlet for brides of African descent to share their wedding stories and unique cultural traditions.  The magazine carters to people of African descent across the globe including South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya, to the Caribbean Islands, South America and the USA. The magazine features real weddings, articles and tips to help brides-to-be plan their perfect wedding; it will be the “one stop shop” for every African descent bride. "We see this magazine really taking off in the future, as African brides reach out to their cultural traditions,” says Tola Lufadeju, Chief Editor, African Bride USA.

The president for Nima Marketing Inc., Summer Amin, says, "There was a gap in the wedding industry and African Bride USA has just filled it. With this magazine, brides of African descent finally have the resources to execute the perfect wedding with the fusion of African and American cultures. We look forward to the future of this magazine."

The magazine will be sold in major retailers like Barnes & Nobles, Borders and Walden bookstores later this year. For now, the magazine is available for purchase on their website. For more information, check out www.africanweddingsus.com

Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz

Recently celebrating a decade with fashion house Lanvin, Moroccan-born Israeli fashion designer Alber Elbaz has helped reestablish the label’s relevance while sticking to key elements of Jeanne Lanvin’s trademark: intricate trimmings, embroideries and beaded embellishments. As the artistic director for Lanvin, the self-promcliamed control freak uses a hands on approach. In 2006, he introduced new packaging for the fashion house, a “forget-me-not” blue, Jeanne Lanvin’s favorite color, which included new shopping bags and shoes boxes with a tied black ribbon.  Some describe Elbaz as a “sweet-natured neurotic” with the necessary shrewdness to get the job done.

In November of 2010, Lanvin partnered with H&M to present an affordable women and menswear collection for the fast-fashion chain; a whimsical dream fantasy for the masses. Elle magazine’s Joe Zee said regarding the collection: “this is how I want to see every girl and every guy dress all the time.”

Considered one of the most talented designers, the congenial Elbaz decided at the last minute while preparing to show his spring 2011 collection in Paris to switch from the onerous stilettos to more comfortable but stylist flats. “I’m backstage watching the models rehearse…and they’re all stumbling around like alcoholics….a man who never wears heels and look at the agony I’ve created!” The reviews for his last minute change: “powerful,” “unimpeachably modern.”

Again not willing to conform to fashion norms, Alber closed his summer presentation with a flock of beautiful black models dressed in flora prints to an audience of applauding excitement. In an industry that can be stubbornly homogeneous, Alber likes to shake up the norm and approach fashion in an unconventional way.

While in the process of designing Lanvin’s 2011 summer collection, Elbaz went through a number of concepts. With the growing obsession of having the perfect body through plastic surgery, Alber Elbaz began pondering “If the body really is the new dress…with women buying boobs, butts, faces then who needs a dressmaker? So I started designing spring like a plastic surgeon, everything stretchy and nude. But after three weeks, I was so bored with myself and the world, I began adding diamond butterflies and chiffon and colors. I realized that fashion is not about second skin. Its not the perfect white shirt or camel jacket. What women need is a dream.” And a dream he did create with his Lanvin 2011 summer collection, full of fantastical accessories, bold colors, textual fabrics and flowing dresses. Elbaz has fulfilled his goal of making clothes “that enables the lady wearing it to fall in love.”

Spring/Summer 2011 Trends: Accessories Edition:

With fashion week around the globe getting ready to wrap for this season and with our trusty groundhogs predicting a short winter, I think we can safely start to fantasize about tranquil spring and those warm dog days of summer. The masters have spoken, new trends have been announced: get ready for Spring 2011 with bright variegated hues, nautical stripes, and 70s inspired fashion styles. Here’s my list of the best high-end, eye-popping, outfit-making accessories sure to update and tantalize your wardrobe:Bright Hued Sandals for Summer 2011:

-Gucci”s 'kelis' high heel platform sandal with ankle strap azure suede with gold color laminated python strap and piping $795 has both trends: bright hue and 70s inspired senses. My mother actually used to own a pair of sandals identical to these stylist Gucci heels.

-Dior’s Painted Suede Tahiti Heels: funky platforms shoes are all you need to make an entrance. It’s a classic statement piece.

-Mulberry Suede ankle boot with buckle and stud details.  Yes you can wear boots in the spring especially when they are a vibrant baby blue.

Nautical Inspired Accessories:

Strips, strips and more strips. I am a complete fanatic for nautical strips on shirts, skirts and jackets.  And this spring season top designers titillate my fetish with classic accessories that are sure to stay relevant beyond the trend.

-Carven striped pumps $595

-Fendi striped canvas and leather tote $765 & Fendi lamb leather clutch $1700

-Nicholas Kirkwood $1185

-Gucci Women's Round GG Logo Sunglasses $265 Stylish acetate frames with contrasting stripe across the brow.

70s Inspired:

Think Studio 54, large brim hats and oversized sunglasses. Designers across the board like Marc Jacob and Salvatore Ferragamo debuted heavily influenced 70s styles in their 2011 collections.  The fabrics, silhouettes, colors, hairstyles, strapless jumpsuits, high-waist trousers, platform sandals, and hair flower pieces are all reminiscent of classic 70s styles. Must have retro accessories include:

-Emporio Armani wood wedge sandal $475: these wedges will look amazing with a pair of high-waisted pants

-Marc Jacob floppy hat: I’m channeling a hot day on the beach with the sun scorching the surface and my chic Jacob floppy hate protecting me from the rays.

-Alexander McQueen oversized black-framed sunglasses

-Yves Saint Laurent “Baobab” dyed python wedges 

Fashion designer John Galliano suspended from Christian Dior

Fashion designer John Galliano has been suspended from Christian Dior fashion house for allegedly harassing a couple at a restaurant in Paris, using anti-Semitic and racist slurs.  

The incident took place at a restaurant in Paris' Marais district last week Thursday between a drunken John Galliano and an interracial couple. Galliano allegedly called the woman a “dirty Jewish face, and the man an “F**king Asian bastard.”

Galliano was briefly detained but quickly released (no charges where filed against the designer at that time) for verbally accosting the couple.

His lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, told the AFP that the designer "formally denies the accusations of anti-Semitism made against him ... [he] is not at all in this state of mind [and] will explain later." Zerbib added, "legal action will be taken against those making such accusations."

Sidney Toldedano, Chairman and Executive Officer of Christian Dior released this statement today:

"Christian Dior has an unequivocal zero-tolerance policy regarding anti-Semitism and racism. Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his position, pending the conclusion of the investigation being conducted by authorities."

To make matters even worst for the designer, a video was released today showing another altercation with Galliano yelling at a different couple at the same cafe, saying, "I love Hitler." He also tells the couple "People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f**king gassed."

No word on how this will affect this week’s Paris Fashion Week where Galliano is expected to show fall-winter collections for Dior as well as his own label.

Emerging Talent: Deivie

Across the globe, fashion week is about designers showcasing their new collection. World-renowned artists like Narciso Rodriguez and Vera Wang receive assiduous coverage from multiple sources for their shows. There’s nonstop buzz about what that “it designer” says the new color, shapes and fabric will be for next season. Emerging unknown artists also take advantage of fashion’s eminent season to showcase their work. Some of the luck few designers will become the next big thing like Alexander Wang.

This week at Lower East Side’s Delancey, Christina Mannino debuted her playful collection Deivie. Ms Mannino describes the collection as comprising of  “bold stand-out items that add spark to the basics every girl has in her closet.” The line incorporated the use of different fabrics, such as lace and leather, creating a unique texture while still being light bodied. Highlight pieces of the night included a gown worn by the designer: a backless lavender silk bottom with black and white cotton blend top. The same black & white patterned fabric was used on another two floor length gowns. Also notable, was the lace skirt dress where Christina creatively layered colorful lace flowers to form the skirt portion of the dress. I suspect we'll be seeing more from Ms Christina Mannino. 

For more information on Dievie, refer to their website.

Barneys Warehouse Sale

Barneys Warehouse sale started today at their Chelsea Coop location on West 17th and 8th avenue. It’s one of the most anticipated sales for any New York shopaholic and fashionista. They offer 50-75% off retail prices on all of their selections of designer clothing, shoes & accessories for men, women and children. In addition, they also have clearance home items.

I’ve personally been to both the New York and Los Angeles Barney’s Warehouse sale. In my opinion, New York City’s warehouse sale far outshines its Los Angeles counterpart, which takes place at the Los Angeles Convention center. Please don’t mistake the grandiose location to mean that the warehouse bargain is massive in size. It actually occupies a small section of the convention center. 

Anyway, on to our spectacular NYC sale: I headed over to the warehouse afterwork where there was a long line down the stairs to the entrance. Patrons with bags must check their carry-ons, including purses at the door. Once you enter the room, there are racks, shelves and boxes of merchandises everywhere. The women's clothing sections has been moved down to the basement where the men's department is located as well. I’m sure there is a technically reason for this change; unfortunately, I didn’t see why. Even more awkward is the fact that female shoppers have to try-on clothes on the sales floor. 

Ineptness aside, there are many wonderfully priced designer finds including 3.1 Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Derek Lam and Helmut Lang. I have an incurable case of shoe fetish so I headed straight to the shoe selection (at its normal home on the 1st floor) where I found an amazing pair of patent leather Miu Miu heels and a funky pair of two-toned lace-up oxford flats by Jil Sanders.

Because I know the secret of Barneys warehouse sale (and now I’m sharing it with you), I won’t be purchasing anything until the last week of the sale when everything is reduced again another 20-50%.

Be sure to check out Barneys New York Warehouse Sale going on from Thursday, February 17, 2011 until Sunday, March 6th at 255 W17th Street.