About: gabriellenp
Profile: i am 23. i am an associate buyer by day and a freelance writer by night. never trust a girl in a vintage tee wearing purple wayfarers while donning a chloe handbag that dates her zoo york skateboard.
Posts by gabriellenp:
Ellen Allien Won’t Leave You in the ‘Dust’
June 13, 2010 by gabriellenp
Filed under Music News
Designer, DJ, producer and founder of BPitch Control music label are among the titles Ellen Allien holds. Renowned for her production work in music, she has become a household name in the elecropop, techno and experimental music scene. Allien’s fifth, self-produced album, Dust, is as equally crave-worthy as her trendsetting fashion collection. Listening to Dust is like biting into a tasty, sweet futuristic piece of candy with additives in the form of punchy beats and enthralling hooks. “Flashy Flashy” makes you want to grab a cutie and showcase your moves on the dance floor. “You” is the perfect anthem for a summertime romance with the Allien-sung lyrics: “I close my eyes. I hear the sound of night. I close my eyes. I see you.” “Huibuh” is a sexy wordless instrumental that features bongo drums and has a Moloko vibe. Dust manages to have the perfect balance of funky dance beats and mellow indie pop tunes.
Track List:
- Our Utopie
- Flashy Flashy
- My Tree
- Sun The Rain
- Should We Go Home
- Ever
- You
- Dream
- Huibuh
- Schlumi
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Fashionista Meets Maloof Money Cup
June 4, 2010 by gabriellenp
Filed under Editorial, Entertainment, Featured, Interesting News
“This is gonna be a hot mess,” I reluctantly say to myself out loud as I begin to brainstorm questions I am just dying to ask some of the top skateboarders in the world at the Maloof Money Cup this weekend. My sentimentality has really got the best of me and thus I begin to think back to why I got involved in skateboarding and the lifestyle in the first place.
In my childhood and teenage years, I lived in a coastal area outside of Houston, Texas in which majority of my friends surfed and skateboarded. I gave both hobbies a whirl and decided I was better at and loved skateboarding more than surfing. Cowardly, I just stuck to admiring the skate lifestyle and not participate in any of the action. The aforementioned mentality changed when I turned eighteen and became reacquainted with New York City. What started out as a mere fascination of skateboarding in my Barbie world of fashion took a new twist when I was doing an internship in New York at the Dolce and Gabbana headquarters. While interning, I stayed with a kind family in East Bronx and was surrounded by a brigade of devout skaters. The allure got the best of me and I decided to start skating. My “adopted” family surprised me with a skateboard and I immediately began to teach myself to skate. I’ll never forget the outfit I wore on the plane ride back to Texas from New York because it represented my inner androgyny in the fullest degree: a rainforest green tiered triple layer peasant skirt, a white cinched seam tee, three inch cork wedged sandals, white oversized sunglasses, a huge hobo handbag…and a skateboard! As I made my way through Newark Liberty Airport in my ridiculous get-up, I realized I no longer cared about what people thought in terms of my fashion background and love of skateboarding. Now that I live just outside of New York and still absolutely love skating, I am behooved to attend and cover my first skate competition, The Maloof Money Cup.
I love the Zoo York Skate Team!
Some may view me as a poser simply based on the fact that I do work in the fashion industry and I’m a black girl. I just scoff and laugh in a very obnoxious tone at the small-minded critique and the ignorance. I love that Chanel Iman is one of my favorite high fashion models and Brandon Biebel is one of my favorite skateboarders. Some may view me as a groupie. Does it make a guy a groupie if he follows the updates and happenings of the Lakers? Absolutely not, it makes him a fan. Hence, I am a fan that follows the latest on my favorite skate teams. I am a stereotypical girl when it comes to skater boys. Most of them are supremely attractive. I also choose skate decks based on if they are cute and not necessarily high quality. I mean, why not? Guys choose a girl based on whether she’s cute, not necessarily by her character. Is that just a stereotype for guys? Nevertheless, I love knowing that the word “truck” does not just apply to a Ford F150, but indeed makes a skateboard, a skateboard.
Chanel Iman is a doll!
Joe Maloof, owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and Palms Casino Resort, created the Maloof Money Cup, the world’s best skateboard competition. A sweet $100,000 reward will go to one of the 48 hottest pro skaters from across the United States. If you can’t make it to the live event in Queens this weekend, check it out on Fuel TV and FOX as they will show live broadcasts. The street courses for the competition were designed by experts at California Skateparks, owner of 5Boro, Steve Rodriguez and Pro Skater, Geoff Rowley. The course features replicas of popular skate spots from the five boroughs of New York. After the MMC is completed, the course will be donated to the City as a permanent skatepark.
As I eagerly anticipate the thrills and amazing people that I am sure to meet this weekend, the fashion industry side of me proceeds to wonder: What will I wear this weekend?
Brandon Biebel is one of the SICKEST skaters...and my favorite.
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CALLING ALL ASPIRING SHOE DESIGNERS!
February 27, 2010 by gabriellenp
Filed under Contest, Fashion
Diamonds and shoes are a girl’s best friend! What can be sweeter than finding your ideal shoe? Answer: DESIGNING your perfect shoe.
Vince Camuto, one of the co-founders of Nine West, is holding a design contest that allows aspiring designers to submit a sketch of their dream shoe for a chance to get it produced and sold in the Vince Camuto Fall 2010 Collection. The sketches will be posted on the Vince Camuto website where visitors will vote on which design they fancy the most. The top 10 voted designs will then be judged by designer Vince Camuto, president, Louise Camuto and an editor from Lucky Magazine. The best shoe design will be created and offered on VinceCamuto.com. If that’s not enough exposure for you, the winning design will also be featured in the September issue of Lucky Magazine and the designer will win a trip to New York City to meet Vince Camuto in the flesh. Contests like these make me really wish I could be the most excellent sketch artist ever.
Get your creative juices flowing and search for your Muse because all entries must be submitted to shoedesigncontest@vincecamuto.com by April 15, 2010.
Put your best foot forward and may the best shoe win!
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Delise Ana – The Next Chic Thing!
January 21, 2010 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Featured
This article serves as a warning for all the designers out there! Fresh in her twenties, Delise Ana, is showing the fashion world that she is one not to be ignored. “Each piece is carefully designed, created, and constructed by hand,” says Ana. Designing by hand has become a lost art in this age of technologically advanced sewing equipment. Just this fact alone shows the keen technique Ana uses and reflects in her one-of-a-kind pieces. “My line is that of a risk-taking woman who knows what she wants. (She’s) A free-spirit with attitude meant to be taken seriously,” says Ana. I had the grand privilege of sitting in on her first shoot in the Big Apple, specifically Brooklyn.
11:30 a.m. – The drive from Jersey to Brooklyn was not as perilous as I thought it would be. However, it’s when I and my photographer friend, Sam, arrived that the feeling of nervousness set in. This feeling was wholly due to our attempts to figure out which exact location the shoot would take place.
11:45 a.m. – I meet the petite fashionista-designer in front of the entrance of the building for the shoot. We were lead to the basement of the building.
12:00 p.m. – I soak in my surroundings and immediately fall in love with the rustic grey and white brick walls. I meet the talented celebrity makeup artist, Kathy, who does the makeup for rapper-actress-model, Eve. I also meet the photographer, Zowi Stapleton, who will be shooting the Fall/Winter 2009 collection. Last but not least, I meet the model. The shoot was so relaxed that Ana and her sister were searching for models from the streets of Brooklyn that would fit the “look” for the shoot.
12:25 p.m. – Kathy begins makeup on the beautiful model, Zowi and Sam set up their equipment, and I begin to pick apart the fashion-forward brain of the laid back and talented Ana.
G: When did you start designing?
A: Well, I started designing, about five years ago. I launched my first line in…South Carolina. Things have been insane!
G: Are you from South Carolina?
A: I’m from South Carolina, but now I’m based out of L.A.
G: That’s so funny. I’m actually from Houston and I moved up here last year!
A: Me and my family are all from the south.
G: I’m a “southern belle.” Very much so!
A: Yes, we are!
G: What influences your designs? What inspires you?
A: I love music. I get in touch with my alter ego. I want to create an image for someone else. What I can’t wear, I want someone else to wear.
G: What is the inspiration of your collection?
A: My inspiration is basically nature. I used a lot of furs, things like, animal print details.
1:20 p.m. – The shoot begins with a black leather bondage avant-garde gown. I was in love with the pleating and rouching details. The model’s hair is in a chignon with pieces of feathers and gold twists strategically woven to achieve Mother Nature’s femme fatale.
1:45 p.m. – Sam and I leave the shoot, but of course not without taking a picture of the entire Delise Ana clan!
Ana’s designs hit select LA boutiques in January 2010. Keep up with her updates at http://www.modelmayhem.com/deliseana.
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Edgy Meets Girly Flirt in the Nicole Miller Spring/Summer 2010 Collection
September 30, 2009 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Fashion Tips, Featured
Look 1: Wear to the office with a pointed toe kitten heel for a more professional appeal.
Look 2: Be the “scene” at a black and white themed party.
Look 3: Perfect for dancing the night away at a roof-top party.
Look 4: Be 2nd to the bride in this show-stealer at an evening wedding.
HOT for the SECOND date. Notice, I say second, because you have to remind the fortunate bloke as to why he chose you in the first place.
Next season will sure to please. I am already in expectation of what quirky, chic, and unpredictable elements Miller will use in next season’s collection.
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ARISE Promise of Africa Collection: I’m Single, I Can Adore Four Guys
September 30, 2009 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Featured
The last show to wrap up my Friday of bliss was the ARISE Promise of Africa Collection. Based off my itinerary sheet, I did not know what to expect and was slightly confused. While sipping on a martini in the lounge, I flipped through ARISE Magazine. I asked myself: “Why have I not seen this amazing publication?” Fast forward into the show; at the seats were the collection lineup sheets that stated that ARISE is “the first global style and culture magazine to celebrate African achievement in the realms of fashion, music, culture, business, and polity.” Now, back to the point where I was confused and waiting in line for entry into the show, I could not help but to overhear how Grace Jones graced the catwalk in last season’s show. Hearing that news only fed into my excitement!
As I enter the Promenade for the show, I began to get that school girl crush grin on my face as usually happens when I first enter a show. There was not an empty seat in the tent, which made me feel even more like a rare gem. The tent was dimly lit with forest green lights with shadows in the shapes of tropical tree leaves. Thunder, birds, drums, and rainstorm sound effects accompanied sporadic flashes of merlot red spotlights. My confusion quickly turned into enlightenment when I realized that the show was comprised of four leading designers out of Africa. As a matter of fact, the four designers were winners of the ARISE Fashion Awards. I suddenly had another relationship epiphany while anxiously waiting in my seat. This collection is like being single and able to like whoever you want and whenever you want. Rather, you like four different guys and they all have distinct differences that you love. Therefore, to keep your mind at ease, you keep it at a friendship so that you can choose one that fits your feeling and mood for the day. Yea, it’s just that simple and terrific. Lights twinkle off. a split screen reveals the catwalk entrance and the momentous show begins.
Jewel by Lisa:
Lisa Folawiyo is the mastermind behind Jewel by Lisa. The inspiration for her spring/summer 2010 collection is “afro-chic in the city,” as described in the inspiration line up sheet. The excellent blend of tough girl leather and girly-girl patterned dresses kicked off the show just right.
- Photo Credits: Samuel C. Perry
Key Notes:
- Batik-inspired silk prints
- Sequins and tassle details
- HOT cut-out dress
- Surprising poppy lipstick
- Maxi dress with peasant hem
- Classic shift dresses
- A touch of red skinny belts
- Skinny pants <Definitely a staple to have year round!>
Tiffany Amber:
Thrill! Why? The inspiration of the Tiffany Amber Spring/Summer 2010 collection is based off Diana Ross in the 1974 Motown hit, Mahogany. How unique! Folake Folarin-Coker is the standout designer of Tiffany Amber. The collection was the “S.” Sophisticated. Metallic detail, abstract prints, pops of bold colors, flirty chiffon makes Folake’s designes a breeze to fall for.
- Photo Credits: Samuel C. Perry
Key Notes:
- Foxy batwing sleeves
- Oh-so-fun chantilly lace
- Tousled hair
- Tangy orange glossy lips
- Rompers and jumpsuits
- Tassles, jewels, and silk, oh my!
- Playful metallic details
- Fond of chiffon
Eric Raisina Haute Textures:
Eric Raisina’s inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2010 collection is his place of birth, the beautiful country of Madagascar. It is no wonder that the talented designer used an intoxicating blend of colors that reflect everything from deep ocean blue to sunrise gradient shades in which he was surrounded by. I was especially awestruck when Chanel Iman strutted down the runway in a crimson fringed halter top with silk shorts and a grommet studded leather belt.
Key Notes:
- Chanel Iman
- Neon heels paired with a periwinkle dress
- Party-ready fringe details
- Yummy tie-dye
- Layered shorts (Do I see I new trend?)
- Layered pants
- Randomly welcomed crochet
David Tlale:
According to the lineup sheet, David Tlale’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection was inspired by “Africa’s rich artistic wealth.” This fabulous and glam ready-to-wear collection was full of surprises such as organza, a mixture of fringes and pleats, and Tyson Beckford. Tlale’s fun use of textures and colors made this a mesmerizing show to watch.
- Photo Credits: Samuel C. Perry
Key Notes:
- Sequins (Get ready to shine this summer)
- More tassles
- High ponytails
- Black and white color motif
- Brilliant beads
- Structured shoulders
- Pleats
In addition to now having another favorite magazine to add to my list, I now have a list of four hot designers I will wait in eager anticipation to see next season.
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Christian Siriano Spring/Summer 2010 Collection: Unrequited Love
September 29, 2009 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Featured
I have adored the brilliance of Siriano since his appearance on Project Runway. The love just intensified as I watched Siriano’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection…on the flat screen in the tents. Burn! I compare this show to unrequited love because I, the enamored fan of Siriano, was at the entrance to get my seat at the show and the doors were shut in my face. Really. “Show’s full!” the attendant yells. Suddenly, a stampede of invited guests swarms toward the door with invitations in hand while telling heart-wrenching stories to the attendants as to why they must be allowed entry into the show. Again, the attendant says in a thunderous voice, “Show IS full!” I felt a connection with my fellow Siriano show rejects. There we all were in front of the flat screen sharing a moment of jealousy of the attendees, yet exuding a contagious anticipation of the collection as if we were a groom awaiting a bride to walk down the aisle.
The watercolor pattern on the invitation certainly served as a presage of the motif that would be featured on the styles within the collection. Colors ranged from soft tan, to various hues of blue to a punch of delicate amber and passionate red reminiscent to a sunset. Models teetered down the runway in booties, pumps, and sandals that had heels so high that they made the Empire State Building look like a joke. Not to mention, some of the models had to also contend with white, oversized hats. I was highly impressed! Also notable, were Siriano’s choice in fabrics and cuts. Dresses had plenty of movement in silk and chiffon. Things got kicked up a notch when a breathtaking silky butterscotch and dazzling sequin bustline gown glided down the runway. I and my fellow Siriano followers were awestruck.
Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry
Key Notes:
- Bubble hemlines
- Playful metallic details on trench coats, sandals, and dresses
- Flirty chiffon
- The classic pencil skirt with an extra feminine twist by use of silk
- Asymmetrical details
- Cinched waists
- Khaki kissed by a pop of color
- Wide-leg pants
- Mixed patterns
I look forward to being wowed next season!
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Monarchy Collection by Eric Kim: We Have Been Married for Ten Years
September 27, 2009 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Featured
It was love at first sight. I liken this show to a long lasting marriage because usually you marry the person you would have never expected to be with. As a matter of fact you could have hated or flat out not known this person existed until…BAM! He enters your world and things have never been better. This indeed was the case for me in regards to my introduction to the Spring-Summer 2010 Monarchy Collection. Eric Kim is the hip, L.A.-bred designer behind the Monarchy Collection.
Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry
After being one of the rejects that didn’t make the cut to view the Charlotte Ronson show, I made my lonely way over to the open bar. I type this with a jealous electronic sigh because I was abandoned. If you didn’t know, approved photographers have access to every show. Hence, Sam, my buddy-photographer-protégé, was able to get into Charlotte Ronson. As I picked my pride and tote bag off the ground, a writer I had befriended while waiting in line for the Ronson show invited me to come with her to see the presentation of Monarchy. I had no invite or RSVP. I politely gave my name and publication to the PR rep and she allowed me standing room. While waiting in line I was able to people watch fashionistas and grown men prance around in six inch heels (I still can’t get my head around this one). Janice Dickinson and a parade of photographers followed her to her seat inside the tent. She looked great!
I was able to snag a seat in the fourth row next to my new writer-friend. I noticed the runway was a faux cobble stone road. The backdrop was a delicate yellow with French style buildings that had a painted Monarchy banner hanging from one side to the other. The lights blinked and my romance began.
Models walked to a hip remix of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody.” With a school girl grin on my face, I marveled at Kim’s use of metallic gold accents, upgraded takes on classics, and a season transitional color palette consisting of toffee khaki, deep ocean blue, and cotton white.
Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry
Key Notes:
• Wayfarer sunglasses
• Skinny belts
• Lightweight trench coats and blazers
• Classic button-down shirts with a touch of flair
• Hot guys in light weight blazers partnered with slim cut Bermuda shorts
• Fall-Winter 2009 trending of distressed and ripped jeans continue into the spring in white wash and indigo wash
• Linen scarves
• Pin-stripes
Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry
I was left feeling charmed. I was able to meet Kim outside of the Bryant Park Hotel. I proceeded to tell him how wonderful his collection was. As Sam and I walked away, a gentleman in Kim’s entourage yelled: “Wait until you see next season!” I will be anxiously waiting to see just what he will impress me with for the fall 2010 collection.
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Twinkle by Wenlan: The First Boyfriend
September 27, 2009 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Featured
I equate the Twinkle Spring-Summer 2010 Collection to a first boyfriend that had an exciting beginning, but for one reason or another just didn’t work out. You had your good times, but he just didn’t hold your attention. This was my first show in the tents and my first impression of Twinkle. The best part of this relationship, ahem, collection, was the flirty use of geometric patterns on billowy silhouettes that highlighted the feminine physique. Wenlan played with patterns and fabrics that would make even the most tomboy girl feel like a femme fatale.
There was not an empty seat in the pastel blue-hued tent. We all keenly awaited the show to the sweet sounds of electronica and house music. Suddenly the lights dimmed and spotlight touched the runway and out came the first model sashaying to “Heads Will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Peer into what I saw:
• Whimsical use of patterns on patterns
• Chunky jewelry by way of a necklace or bracelet
• Batwing dresses, tunics, and blouses
• Black and white motifs
• Tropicana orange lips on a muted face
• High-waist shorts
• Jumpsuit trend continuation from fall-winter 2009 translate into light-weight fabrics for spring-summer 2010
• Patterns on solar white dresses
• Sheer printed hosiery
• Deep “V-backs” on dresses – I call it the “reverse v-neck.” Use it and make it a term!
• Tiered dresses
• Angled pockets on trousers
• Peep-toe booties
• Shift dresses
• HAUTE use of lingerie fabrics such as lace and silk
Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry
Certainly these styles are fit from runway to real way. Perhaps next season will make my eyes “twinkle” with complete excitement.
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: The Spring-Summer 2010 Experience
September 27, 2009 by gabriellenp
Filed under Fashion, Featured
By way of introduction to my coverage of Fashion Week, I must inform you that this was the FIRST time I have ever covered the shows in the tents. Last year I attended the off-site shows. There is nothing like being in the tents. It’s the Superbowl of fashion! I felt like such a groupie as I eagerly waited in anticipation for each viewing. It was also very thrilling to be surrounded by fellow fashion enthusiasts that eat Anna Sui designs for breakfast, snack on burnished leather throughout the day, and have a food baby as a result of overindulgence on Christian Siriano gowns for dinner. We all battled the elements for the sake of fashion. It truly was a beautiful thing! The show was also a first for my buddy-photographer-buyer-protégé, Sam. We both walked booth to booth in the tent soaking in every bit we could enjoy from this experience. Just say “YES!” to free drinks, beauty products, McCafe, and ambience. We both met very unique individuals in all fields ranging from writers to boutique owners. I look forward to next season!
