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Leading Ladies of Fashion

Posted: Tuesday, October 4, 2011

One such leading lady is Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), named President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006, and well-known fashion designer. Wielding the command to make or break designers is an awesome responsibility in the fashion industry, and there are those who are of the opinion that the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, has just such powers.

Despite Vogue's status as the top publication in prestige and circulation among fashion magazines, Wintour has chosen to use her powers for the positive and has brought the magazine to a broader audience by giving runway tips and mentoring struggling designers. While most fashion magazines highlight trend setting runway designs and beauty tips, this powerhouse editor, from Greenwich deals with the hard hitting issues that women face in this day and time. With an impressive career legacy which include (just to name a few) editorial assistant at Vogue, beauty editor for The New York Times Magazine, guest appearances on Oprah and "Entertainment Tonight" - her leading lady status is not at all surprising.

Our next leading lady of fashion has a reputation for being unique and groundbreaking in her knowledge of fashion, and her approach as editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar. The notable Glenda Bailey, who also served as the editor of Marie Claire's U.S. edition in 1996, after serving as the founding editor for eight years for the British Marie Claire in 1988, brought the magazine to such heights as to be awarded the status of Adweek's Top 10 Hottest Magazines four years in a row. Along with three Magazine Editor of the Year Awards, five time winner of Magazine of the Year, and Amnesty International Awards winner twice, Bailey earned a fashion design degree from Kingston University in England. Awards of this magnitude are indicative of the formidable influence that this leading lady of fashion exhibits.

The last, but certainly in no way least of our leading ladies of fashion is Fern Mallis, Senior VP of New York's IMG Fashion, one of the leading fashion event planners. Fashion Week in New York is a defining event in the fashion world, making this multi-million dollar extravaganza a feather in the cap of our phenomenal leading lady Fern Mallis.

A. Timeless Women's Fashion Trends - Avoiding the Hype
Year after year, women are bombarded with new colors, styles, designs, and women's clothing accessories. Fortunately, there are ways women can avoid falling into the "new trendy fashion" trap. Here are some hints about women's clothing that fashion designers don't want you to know.

Timeless Colors for Women's Clothing
There are some basic colors in women's clothing that will never go out of style. They're "in fashion" year after year, season after season. These are black, khaki tan, green, and blue. Though designs and styles may change, these colors are always around. The good news is women can mix and match these colors to create all sorts of stylish outfits.

Women can always wear black for a slimming effect - Hollywood stars do it all the time! In winter, they can wear black slacks or a black skirt, full-length black dresses, black jackets, and black blouses or sweaters. With any of these, women can add a splash of color with colorful jewelry, scarves, belts, shoes, or even hats.

In summer, black garments can be worn with other colorful items. For example, women can wear a hot pink or bright green shirt with a black skirt. Shoes with a little color can match the shirt. Or, a bright-colored blouse under a black jacket can be worn with matching slacks. How to Design Clothes

Fashion designers and women's fashion magazines aren't the only ones that can design women's apparel. Whether it's American apparel or express fashion design straight from Paris, France, most women could probably design their own clothes even better if they had the skills. Why? Each woman is unique in her makeup and physique. She knows better than anyone what type of women‚s clothes will complement her figure.

Layer Clothes for Dramatic Effect
Women can layer their clothes to create a more dramatic effect as they walk and move.

Fill the Wardrobe Armoire with Versatile Clothing
Women can stretch their clothing budget by filling their wardrobe armoire or closet with more versatile clothing. For instance, a woman might buy a sweater or blouse that can be worn with several skirts, pants, or shorts. Also, women can accessorize certain outfits to make them look like two totally different outfits. Update your wardrobe today with these timeless, trendy women's clothes!

B. No Black Models Allowed - The Intimidating Beauty of African-American Women
After reading the latest headlines of fashion designers choosing not to utilize Women of Color in their fashion shows and on their runways, it is a bit paradoxical for me. The designers and all whom are representatives of these designers, receive funds from these African-American actresses without even thinking about it. Okay....is it me or are these designers attempting to create an illusion of a Black Woman on their runways? The bronzed skin, nice full lips, and hair extensions are beautiful character traits and features of Women of Color.

When it's time to walk the runway, all sorts of thought is put into the justification of why Black Models aren't being utilized. So the question is: "Can The Fashion Industry Really Continue To Thrive and Survive If African-American Spending Power Came To A Complete Halt? Note to designers: Why not place a tag in your clothing so that African-Americans can steer clear of your particular designs that states the following: "This Collection Is Not Designed For African-Americans. I Do Not Utilize Black Models In My Fashion Shows Because They Are Just Too Darn Beautiful To Look Ridiculous!"

So...whose really keeping these fashion designers in business? "When a Black Model walks the runway she undoubtedly commands attention, she dominates the runway, and she compliments the designs which then brings them to life." Black Women are blessed with natural curvaceousness which is a bit intimidating in some environments. And yes...negative remarks are made about an African-American Woman's attractive figure, but the last time I checked...butt and hip implants from non-black women was at an all time high! No one in this world -including fashion designers- is qualified to cast judgment.

Black Women purchase the high-fashion magazines whose editors have been reported as saying "Black Faces On The Cover of Magazines Just Doesn't Sell!" Black Women attend the fashion shows and also wear the designer's clothing where Black Models are non-existent on the runway. Black Women all over the world easily carries the latest Louis Vuitton Bags, the latest Prada Bags, the latest Gucci Bags; and can buy whatever they desire.

After reading a particular internet news report, Prada did not employ at least one Black Model in its show this year. Black Women spends thousands of dollars on the same designers clothing whom never utilize Black Models. Action must be taken to exclude the Black Dollars from ending up in the fashion designers pockets who do not utilize Black Models on their runways. Action must also be taken to put a halt to the spending power of Black Women who purchase the fashion magazines where editors claim Black Faces doesn't sell.

I buy all of the high fashion magazines each month depending on whose on the cover - didn't matter whether it was a black model or a white model. I refuse to spend money on magazines without any Black Models on the covers, photographers who don't shoot Black Models, and to see the advertisements of the fashion designer's clothing whom did not employ Black Models on their runways. If the magazines exclude Women of Color (of which I am) on their covers, as well as informative write-ups and articles relating to Women of Color; who would I identify with?

The truth is this: "Black Women are very exotic, sensual, beautiful and sexy; which results in feelings of intimidation from those who are responsible for a Black Model's success in the industry. The fashion industry thrives on purposely smashing Black Models self-esteem and confidence as a way of feeling powerful, which is really a feeling of ignorant false self-confidence. Note to Fashion Designers: "Stop and think for a second. While you are so busy keeping your runways white, be clear about your objectives and preferences; and stop spray tanning your non-black models brown, adding texture to their hair with hair extensions, and plumping up their lips.


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