Sign Here: _________.

Rihanna's Cover Girl campaign will begin in Summer, 2007.

Queen Latifah is the face of her own new makeup range, "Queen."

Kerry Washington, Oluchi and Beyonce join forces to head the H.I.P (High Intensity Pigment) campaign for Loreal... Are you worth it?

Earlier this month Cover Girl cosmetics announced Rihanna as their newest spokesperson. This got me thinking about how far the beauty industry has come in regards to recruiting African-Americans to promote their products. Veronica Webb was the first black model to sign a major cosmetic contract with Revlon in 1992 and Liya Kebede followed in 2003 when she won a highly coveted contract with Estee Lauder and became their first black spokes model. In between that time Brandy has worked with Cover Girl and Halle Berry signed a major deal with Revlon. I once wrote a paper that talked briefly about corporations and their efforts to reach the African-American community. I found that while it’s beneficial public relations-wise for them to feature black women in their campaigns, it’s hard to convert that exposure into actual dollars. What do you guys think? Are you swayed by seeing images similar to yourself on the pages of magazines or on the TV screen? For me it’s simple. I go by brand and products. Revlon will always have a hard time getting me to use their foundations no matter how many black women they employ to ‘speak’ on their behalf (I don’t think they even make my skin color?!)

I do believe that hiring African-Americans is a necessity for giant cosmetic companies however, their products need to be developed further. Why only have four dark shades in their line when we come in at least 30 different shades? I am impressed by the range of products Cover Girl and Loreal have produced in their “Queen Collection” and “H.I.P.” lines respectively, but I’m sticking with M.A.C and Nars for the foreseeable future.

In any case, congratulations to Rihanna (Cover Girl), Gabrielle Union (Neutrogena), Queen Latifah and Joy Bryant (Cover Girl), Angela Bassett (Olay), Selena Breed (Lancome), fellow Ugandan Kiara Kabukuru (Cover Girl), Kelly Rowland (Dark & Lovely) and of course Beyonce, Kerry Washington and Oluchi (Loreal), for all scoring contracts. Let us not forget all the ANTM winners like Danielle, Eva the Diva for Cover Girl and Yaya who is currently in an ad campaign for Garnier.

Note: BAP’s: Reality or Myth? Find out here.

V’Day

Tamia poses at the Kiss FM 98.7 Presents The 2006 Phenomenal Women Celebration at Bridgewater on the South Street Seaport October 30, 2006 in New York City.
Left to right: Carrie V Knit, $59.99, www.frecnhconnection.com; V Neck Sweater, $14.80, www.forever21.com; Extra Long Sleeved Top by C&C California, $107.80, www.my-wardrobe.com; Skulls Cardigan, $24.80, www.forever21.com
Left to right: Lace front sweater, $29.99, www.newport-news.com; The Waist Tunic, $32.50, www.alloy.com; Mix Top, $19.99, www.gojane.com; Ribbed V-Neck, $39.50, www.expressfashion.com
Left to right: Nouveau Scoop Knit, $88, www.frenchconnection.com; Basic V Neck Jumper, $36, www.topshop.com; Stripe-Trim Sweaters, $24.50, www.oldnavy.com; Chloe Cinch V-neck, $29.50, www.delias.com

Whether you’re still rocking skinny jeans this winter or sticking to skirts paired with tights, finish your outfit with the perfect V-neck knit. I love wearing bright colors in the winter, so much so that I’ve ordered the yellow cardigan from Forever 21. I'll wear it with my new jeans from Fornarina and my red beenie hat. Don’t forget the obligatory chunky belt worn around your waist not hips. ;)

Topshop ships to the U.S.!

Fashionistas rejoice! Topshop U.K. is now shipping online orders to the USA (as well as Australia). You can probably guess how excited I am about this but I’m sure many of you are doing the ‘Happy Dance’ as you read this! Visit www.topshop.com to start window shopping. Be sure to put your game face on, many items sell-out quickly, especially in ‘The Boutique’ section which showcases many up-and-coming designers.

Have a Great Christmas!

I will post next week, maybe Tuesday. Until then have a wonderful Christmas and thank you all so much for your support this year, looking forward to taking it to the next level in 2007! :)

Sylvia

Do As I Say and As I Do...

I have been meaning to spotlight Malcolm Harris’ clothing line ‘Mal Sirrah’ for the longest time, but then a reader sent me video footage of his latest runway show and I had to give him props. This is a designer with a point-of-view. Harris doesn’t believe in showering celebrities with freebies and easy access to his clothes, which is quite a statement in itself considering he rubs shoulders with the likes of Madonna and Kanye West. These celebrities have the potential to launch his career and send it into orbit, but he chooses instead to use his status to positively influence. You’ll learn more in the video clip below taken from Mal Sirrah’s Spring 2007 collection but suffice to say, Harris recognizes his duty to give back to the global community. While you’re watching, also pay close attention to the detailing of his clothes, frills have never looked so sophisticated. To learn more about Malcolm Harris and his amazing career thus far (from modeling in Paris for YSL and Jean Paul Gaultier to touring with Madonna) visit his personal MySpace page or the official Mal Sirrah site.



Note: Visit Fashion Televison.com for all the latest fashion news and video footage. It’s a great resource!

Donnella’s Closet…

Forget Victoria’s Secret and head to Donnella’s Closet instead. This online boutique has everything a fashionista needs, from designer handbags to contemporary jewelry. And if you’re having trouble deciding what to buy your man this Christmas, check out their “gifts for him” section. Readers who use the code: “StealDC” for purchases over $75 will receive a 20% discount. Start shopping ASAP!

BagTrends.com

Bag-a-licious (bag-ă-lee-shus) adjective a handbag so hot it could only be called bag-a-licious; the combination of bag and delicious, because some bags are so good, they look delicious.

This is the word according to bag gospel and you can read more testaments like this at BagTrends.com. It is the place to be if you adore bags and own more than the number of years you’ve been on this earth. The site keeps readers up-to-date on all the latest news and trends, sells handbags via its online boutique and even has a ‘Bagtionary,’ where all the popular terms they use are explained in detail. See the selection of cute bags I picked above, all available at the site. The prices are up there, but if you like to carry something unique, this is where you need to be!

**UPDATE** Readers who purchase anything from www.bagtrends.com from now through January 31, 2007, can use the promo code “Style” to receive a 10% discount! Also be sure to check out their Gift Certificates – the perfect Christmas present ‘idea’ for him ;)

Party Dresses: Plus Size

Left to Right: Charmeuse Faux Wrap Dress, $156, www.kiyonna.com; V-neck Drape Front Bridal Gown, $149.50, www.lanebryant.com; Ruched Surplice Dress, $116, www.kiyonna.com; Asymmetric Geometric Print Halter Dress, $74, www.babyphat.com
Left to Right: Inlisted Ankle Wrap Pump, $17.99, www.payless.com; Exaura, $39.95, www.aldoshoes.com; Glamour Sandal, $34, www.fredericks.com; Mossimo Heidi Satin Bow Heels, $17.99, www.target.com

Geesh, I had a hard time finding cute dresses for less than $100. I don’t like putting items on this site that I’m not 100% happy with so here’s the final selection, even though it’s not all that kind on the purse strings. To balance it out, I picked some cute shoes for less than $40 (except one pair!) Payless, Target and Fredericks have great offers right now. Now the white gown is technically a bridal dress, but I would definitely rock it at a formal Christmas dinner. I’m also lovin’ the purple satin dress from Kiyonna.com… An absolute must-have!