designers Archives

Aurora James of Brother Veillies Proves Dreams Do Come True

Arianne SuggsUpdated on November 6, 2015November 6, 2015Leave a Comment

Disney has ingrained in our minds from an early age that when we wish upon a star dreams do come true. However, anyone that has ever reached the level of success that they have long thought about knows that it is a little more involved than just peering up at the night sky. We can all wish for something to happen, but in reality if we want said wish to come true there is much work involved.

This week handcrafted shoe designer Aurora James was bestowed with the honor of being the recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This fund was founded in order to give support to emerging American fashion talents. Three prizes are rewarded to three selected designers in order to aid them in going next level. Two runner-ups receive $150,000 while an overall talent winner receives $400,000.

The designers also receive vital mentorship by already established industry executives as well as designers. If you want to be successful it is always good to be in a circle of other successful people. As the saying goes, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” True growth involves being humble to realize you do not know everything and being chill enough to go ask for the help you do need. Aurora no doubt understands the importance of having a great support system and revealed her feelings about her big win by saying,

“Babies we made it! I will never be able to accurately express how much this means to me. Thank you so much to everyone who has stuck by me and supported me with Brother Veillies these past few years! And biggest thank you to Vogue Magazine CFDA and all the judges for taking a walk on the wild side with me!

So incredibly humbled and excited to be a recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This win means so much to us and everyone on the ground in Africa that have dreamed this golden dream with us.”

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2015 file photo, singer Zendaya, left, and designer Aurora James, of Brother Vellies, attends the 12th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards at Spring Studios in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) — (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Zendaya Wears Brother Veillies

The shoewear that Aurora James creates is definitely boisterous in design and style. Nevertheless, fashion is about displaying personality and expressing yourself in a fun, fresh way everyday. Zendaya Coleman was Aurora’s date for the night and was adorned with the designer’s fur trimmed sandal heels. Zendaya shared a few words about James stating,

“So happy for this amazing woman, Aurora James, something she said last night was so real, she said so often the fashion industry is inspired by Africa but never gives back to it. The fact that you are able to refurbish scraps of materials dumped into South Africa, the fact that you give women there a chance to use their skills, giving them jobs and actually allow them to create an income for themselves and their families is so empowering. This is the only fur exception I’ve ever made because it’s refurbished and being made with respect, resourcefulness, and purpose. Thanks for all you do and I wish you continued success.”

Aurora James is definitely shaking up the fashion game one small step at a time. Zendaya was not the only one to give glowing remarks in regards to James’ design aesthetic. Designer and hip hop mogul Kanye West also had a few words about Aurora’s collection. Kanye commented,

“When I saw fur shoes, I knew I was in the right place.”

Yes, Aurora James is setting the bar and solidifying trends with grace and allure. The fashion industry has long had a dark shadow cast on it due to its lack of diversity. Nevertheless, as more women like Aurora James chase down their shooting stars it makes it just a little easier and opens up the door of opportunity for other women of color to follow in her lead. Congratulations once more Aurora and we know you are going to go far.

Thoughts? Talk fashion with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Fashionable Mention: Balmain X H&M Cotton and Leather Shoes With Metal Detailing

Arianne Suggs November 5, 2015November 5, 2015Leave a Comment

Let us not forget boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen that today marks a fashion moment that shall definitely go down in history as being one of the best couture pairings ever. For months on our style calendars we have waited out for time to pass so that November 5th would finally be upon us at long last. Why is today so awesome when it comes to being “en vogue?”

The Balmain X H&M collaboration is finally available to the masses for purchase. One item that we definitely want to cop ASAP before stores run out is the Balmain X H&M Cotton and Leather Shoe With Metal Detailing. These heels which retails for $199 are right on trend for the season and will give your various ensembles the perfect chic boost. Just scroll through this post to see all of the different outfits that were paired with these beauties.

Caged style heels are huge right now so if you want to look like a bag of money you will want to indulge in this look. Balmain has been a brand that has been just out of reach for many ladies due to its price point. However, retailers such as H&M understand that the French label’s appeal is a major sale waiting to happen thanks to its cool factor made evident by supermodels, bloggers, celebrities, social media models and the like.

Besides stunning shoes, you will be able to get your fashion hands on Balmain’s infamous sequined dresses, beaded coats and jackets as well as gold and black tops. Nonetheless, our final thoughts on word on the caged heels is that it is a very versatile design. This means you can wear them with dresses, pants, jumpsuits and skirts which will go a long way in getting your money’s worth.

Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Pay Your Tuition or Even Rent With a Gucci Bag

Arianne Suggs November 4, 2015November 4, 2015Leave a Comment

We are sure by that title instantly you are thinking, come on 1966 that sounds way too good to be true. However, we are here to let you in on a little secret that is allowing women to turn fashion into hard cold cash. How are these fashionistas making an extra buck or two? We will give it to you straight… they have entered the world known as Pawn My Gucci Purse. What in the world does that entail?

Well, handbags made by Gucci have always fetched a nice price namely because the Italian brand is in very high demand. As Instagram models and Tumblr stars grow in popularity so does the desire to have their designer duds. Like editorial models these ladies help influence the trends that all girls want not now, but RIGHT now.

Nicki Minaj Spotted With Gucci Classics “Jockey” Large Hobo Bag

Every picture these dolls take are an easy marketing campaign for the brand or label that gave it to them. Think about how often you have scrolled the comment section seeing various girls asking where they can get a particular fashion item. Product placement is pushing sales which is why social media is becoming a bigger marketing beast.

Therefore, what does all of this mean for gals who have a Gucci purse laying around at home? Well, it is very good news because this means the market is very much in your favor. Pawn shops want what you possess and they want it bad because they know it is an easy sale. They know girls want these designer bags and if they can get their hands on them then it is lights out, cha-ching all the way to the bank.

Throwback: Rihanna Slinging Gucci Soho Leather Disco Bag

Just how much can you receive from pawning off a Gucci handbag? According to statistics, depending on the bag that you have in your possession you can receive anywhere from $50 to upwards of $5,000! Instant money that you can use to pay bills, tuition, rent, airline ticket, go towards your savings (highly recommended by us LOL) or hey a brand new outfit! Whatever is your bag baby (all puns intended) you can make some side money quick by pawning off your purse.

Want more details on how all this works? We thought you might have a few more questions, so be sure to scroll back up and click the link in the opening paragraph.

Thoughts? Drop a comment down below or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Designers

5 Times North West Slayed a Tutu

Arianne Suggs October 30, 2015October 30, 2015Leave a Comment

It is never too early to begin your journey on the road to fashion epicness. As proven by Kanye West’s cutie pie daughter, North West. This week a video of North went viral as she walked along in a parking lot passing by paparazzi uttering, “I said no pictures.”

North may not have wanted the attention but it was hard not to look due to her super stylish ensemble. North is enrolled in dance class that may also lend to her fabulous tutu outfits. However, West has been seen rocking the tutu sometimes accompanied by designer jackets by brands such as Balmain even outside of class. Therefore, it is safe to say that little North enjoys the look and she should because she looks absolutely adorable. For this reason, we present 5 times North West has slayed the tutu.

Fashion

Fashionable Mention: Tom Ford AW15 Accessories

Arianne Suggs October 23, 2015October 23, 2015Leave a Comment

Tom Ford Exclusive Eyewear

Whether Tom Ford is designing for men or women one thing is for sure, his fashions are always a hit. Besides the announcement this week of a new lipstick (check out our next post for details) that is to be named after mister Hotline Bling himself, Drake, we could not get enough of the visuals highlighting a few pf Tom’s accessory pieces. From handbags to jewelry Ford is bringing a luxurious flair to women’s fashion and style.

We love the sophisticated as well as versatile design of these accessories allowing them to go from day to night seamlessly. Moreover, if matching accessories can be a little of a challenge the color palette of these accessories will match nicely with an array of fall/winter ensembles. Here are just a few of the plush designs from the Tom Ford Autumn/Winter collection.

Envelope Tassel Shoulder Bag in Indonesian copper metal python

Black Disc Earrings accented with black feathers

Small Tassel Bucket Bag in anthracite metal python

Fashion

This Week’s Splurge Vs. Steal- Celebrity Accessories

Arianne SuggsUpdated on October 22, 2015October 22, 2015Leave a Comment

Rihanna Wearing Anita Ko

Whether you are going out for a night on the town or running to Sunday brunch, the finishing touch to any perfect outfit is all in the accessories. Do you have superstar style but not the superstar budget?!? Having amazing jewelry does not mean you have to spend a fortune.

Celebrities such as Rihanna, Cassie, Oprah, Liya Kebede and Paula Patton seek out the stylish designs created by Anita Ko, David Yurman, and Jennifer Meyer. Instead of spending thousands you can get the same Celebrity styles and great quality for a fraction of the price with a few of our must-have steals!

This Week's Splurge Vs. Steal- Celebrity Accessories

This Week's Splurge Vs. Steal- Celebrity Accessories2

This Week's Splurge Vs. Steal- Celebrity Accessories3

This Week's Splurge Vs. Steal- Celebrity Accessories4

All the steals are available at www.sears.com

Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Supermodel Sharim Diniz Attends Balmain for H&M Fashion Show

Arianne Suggs October 21, 2015October 21, 2015Leave a Comment

23 Wall St. of New York City was the biggest style party of night thanks to the arrival of Oliver Rousteing’s Balmain army. Some of the biggest names in the modeling world came out to stomp the runway in the Balmain for H&M collection show highlighting designer fashions that are more “affordable” for the average fashionista. What exactly does affordable mean in relation to the BalmainxHM collection?

Keeping it totally 100, the high-end collaboration contains designs well over the $500 mark, however, do not despair if your dream is to own a Balmain creation even if the wallet isn’t as fat right now. Every last piece of collection will be available for sale beginning on November 5th and will include several pieces under $100! So then, even though this dreamy match up between Balmain and H&M is not the cheapest collab we have seen from H&M there are still plenty of styles available that will not completely break the bank.

Sharim Diniz With Oliver Rousteing

Nevertheless, besides world renown beauties strutting their stuff down the catwalk there were plenty of stunners sitting right in the audience partaking of the show. One being the drop dead, I Wanna Hate On You But I Love Your Style SoFreakin’ Much, Sharim Diniz. Sharim looked too beautiful for words in a yellow Balmain dress as she supported her dear friend Oliver. Diniz took to social media during show stating,

“Supporting my favorite designer from all times Oliver Rousteing…”

“THE BEST SHOW EVER <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 CONGRATS OLI!”

Her sentiments rang true right along with several other celebs who felt the show was very successful as well. The only part of the night that broke our hearts is seeing The Backstreet Boys being inducted into the Balmain squad. Nothing against the boys, it’s just that we are NSYNC fans (LOL), but in the spirit of fashion we are willing to let it go.

Sharim Diniz With Alek Wek

Will you buying a piece or pieces from the Balmain for H&M collection? Leave a comment for us or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Beyonce, Jourdan Dunn & Justine Skye Slay H&M Balmain and TidalX1020

Arianne Suggs October 20, 2015October 20, 2015Leave a Comment

If you are a fashion lover then we are confident that your fashion mugs having been running over! Beyonce, Jourdan Dunn as well as Justine Skye all took their turn visiting Slayland tonight. Here are their daring looks that heated up the catwalk and black carpet.

Beyonce wore Philip Plein Pre-Fall 2015 at Tidalx1020

Beyonce looked every bit old Hollywood with this fur and Philip Plein design combo.

Justine Skye was fitted by Public School with accessories by Sneely Jewelry at Tidalx1020

Justine literally went with the flow in this printed flowy dress revealing just hint of skin due to its V cut design.

Jourdan hit the carpet & runway in Balmain for H&M

Exquisite tailoring, gold accents, strong geometrics and sexy low cuts… really did we expect anything less from Oliver? His genius surely delivered because Dunn stunned!

What was your favorite look of the girls? Drop comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or tweet us @1966magazine.

Designers

Lilly Sarti Fall 2016

Alicia Suggs October 20, 2015October 20, 2015Leave a Comment

Collection: Lilly Sarti Fall 2016

Designer: Kari Sigerson

Models Who Walked the Show: Larissa Canela, Samile Bermanelli and Barbara Valente

On The Runway: Such a well executed runway show. From the styling to the luxe materials, fabrics and designs it was such a pleasure to view. Also did you notice the dark nail polish. This is an absolute must color for this season. A true femme fatale.

Fashion

Rose Palhares New African Aesthetic Lookbook

Arianne Suggs October 14, 2015October 14, 2015Leave a Comment

Rose Palhares the genius behind the Angolan fashion brand bearing her name has but together a stunning lookbook that showcases the immense beauty found in African designs. Back in her homeland Rose is revered as “The Fashion Princess” and she has the fashion chops and accolades to back up such a honorary nickname. Palhares won Designer of the Year in 2013 and has been bestowed with the privilege of representing Angolan style at Milan’s Expo 2015.

In regards to the lookbook aptly entitled “New African Aesthetic” that is definitely the vibe we instantly received from it upon first sight. Of course, you will notice west African flavor that is famous for its powerful use of boisterous colors and animal prints including leopard and zebra. Nevertheless, Rose Palhares manages to take iconic styles and morph them into modern, newly envisioned masterpieces!

The overall styling is just as eye-catching as the designs themselves. Models Elsa Baldaia and Silvia Costa both wear bold gold jewelry with hair fashioned into Bantu Knots. Moreover, do not even get us started with the makeup honey! Strong brows, colorful smoked out eyes and some bangin’ dark lip color gave Elsa and Silvia a sultry allure. All hail the fabulous Rose Palhares, The Fashion Princess!