Adam is ready for Spring 08

Adam Kimmel's fascination with the style of New York's art-world scenesters in the fifties lighted on a new cast of characters for spring, including Larry Rivers and the rough-'n'-tumbler Neal Cassady. The era seems to represent an ideal of uncompromising—and uncompromised—masculinity for Kimmel and his peers, and he has responded to it by evolving an aesthetic of "real man" dressing. Even its most formal elements have a proletarian unfussiness. What was added this season was elegance. Credit Kimmel's new Italian manufacturer for the finesse of the suits and jackets, including a three-piece tux whose sleekness was radical in the light of the designer's past collections—but that's only because he excels at clothing that's rooted in the salt of the earth. The best pieces in his new collection were still the ones where form followed function: a jean jacket in white twill, an artist's work coat in blue linen, a waterproofed flight jacket, summer shirts in a plain check Kimmel called "napkin." The shades of chambray that dominated the color scheme compounded the utilitarian quotient in, for example, his signature piece, the ultrafunctional jumpsuit, which he showed either hooded or buttoned-down. And Cassady, who once worked on the railroad, provided inspiration for a standout "railroad" shirt, again in the chambray or a Casey Jones stripe. Where once he had the tentativeness of the tyro, Kimmel now has the confidence to stretch himself. Hence a cashmere group (a long-sleeved polo with shirt cuffs seemed like a good idea), and jackets tailored from a waffle-textured fabric Kimmel developed from a fifties scarf. "Fantasy rooted in a masculine context," is how the designer described them.
— Tim Blanks

Ralph Lauren Spring 08

You know the drill by now. Ralph offers three ranges: Polo is the fast-fashion fix with a dozen little refractions of the young metropolitan male; Black Label is a more upscale, edgier version of city dressing; and Purple Label is the apex—Lauren deluxe. The comprehensiveness of the vision is always enthralling and, given the size and success of the operation, it's a pleasure to see there is no laurel-resting. This season, for instance, Purple, always dandified in its extreme English-tailored proposition, galloped into flamboyance with eye-poppingly toned sportswear in orange, yellow, leaf green, and cyclamen. The narrow lapels of the suitings nudged against the smaller collars on shirts, which were wrapped around tightly knotted paisley ties of an extravagant four-and-three-quarter-inch width. It's the design house's 40th anniversary, and this was Lauren's way of bringing it all back home—to the tie on which his empire is based. Black Label also took up the cudgels of color, sparking an all-black group with stabs of pink and turquoise.As ever, Polo offered outfits for a sweep of Central Casting archetypes: sensitive artist, global nomad, eccentric playboy. But even within these previously explored parameters, Lauren found ways to freshen the mix. The artist went a little nautical, for instance, in navies and whites, with an Edwardian edge to stand-up club collars. And a group called Flat Iron played sportswear against tailoring: a sweatpant, for example, with a linen-blend herringbone jacket. But it was perhaps the World Traveler storyline that contained the "Rosebud" moment to the Ralph Lauren saga: It imagined clothes as souvenirs of everywhere you've ever been or anyone you've ever wanted to be. That's Ralph for you—a boy with a dream.-Tim Blanks

Happy Holiday from FBM

Hey Readers... Have a Holly Jolly Holiday Season and work on your Holiday Belly! ITS OK only this time of year is it fashion forward... I am going to work correcting more fashion wrongs... check me out next Sunday for more updates :-)

xoxo

Dwight Allen O'Neal

Say No to the Du Rag

So if you are going to a formal event there are certain things that just need to stay at home! For one the Du Rag... What is the Du Rag?

A do-rag, also spelled doo-rag, du-rag, durag is a piece of cloth used to cover the head. The term do-rag is derived from "hair-do" and "rag." The term first came into use among black people when the men used them (initially pieces of their girlfriends stockings) to hold their chemically straightened hair-dos in place while they slept.

The do-rag was popular throughout many different eras. In the 1930s women wore bandanna-like fabric to fasten their hairstyles in place while they set. In the 1940s the style among women shifted into the workplace where they were taking over factory jobs and needed a safe way to keep their hair out of the machinery. Rosie the Riveter is famously featured wearing the blue-collar woman's do-rag.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, they were used by African-American men to hold chemically processed hair-dos in place while they slept. Originally they were made from pieces of handkerchief, bandannas, or women's stockings; now they are made from polyester. Do-rags resurged as a fashion trend among urban youth in the 1970s and 2000s. Do-rags are worn in a variety of colors, with black being the most common. Do-rags are regularly used to create and maintain waves. They are also used for cornrowed hairstyles. They usually have long ties on either side that are wrapped around the head to secure the do-rag and tied at the back.

Very interesting so as far as fashion go it is stated that urban youth wear the Du Rag for fashion trends in the 1970's and 2000's, however every fashion rule has an exception... Never wear the Du Rag to a formal event... it just is not right! If you are going to sleep... great. Maybe even to the store... but a party for the industry is not cute...

How did you do it?

I love how my readers are so into beauty... I guess thats why I am on the right track.

Take a look at these pics that are up close and personal on how make-up artist Tony Balance created Yetude's look!

We were going for something dark and sexy... We call her the "Black Widow!"

Beyonce Did Clothing

So since Ms. Beyonce' took the route of designing, however their are rumors that she just helped come up with the concept of her line... Anyway back to subject!

Ms. Kelly Rowland was apparently seen in a New York City store getting samples of different foundations and working with a team on analyzing the foundations for different undertones and things of that nature. An employee told FBM that she was in the works of her own women of color cosmetic line "Kelly." It actually has a ring to it!

FBM loves Kelly for her flawless skin and great sense of style! Great look with the new Cosmetic Line!

in those jeans

How much room do you have in your jeans? Good question... Right? Well Manivanh Chanprasith has the answer along with more insider information on her hot new male and female jean line released right before 2008

What is the name of your line? Andrea Chan Denim also known as AD for MEN

What has been your biggest influence behind your line? New York City. The fashion capital of the world has so many muses. Jeans can be worn with anything and everything. I want to incorporate street wear and city chic into a pair of jeans for the casual to the sophisticated individual.

Why did you decide to start with jeans? Jeans are classic. Everywhere you look on every corner of the globe, someone has on a pair of jeans. Jeans are the common denominator. You can never go wrong with jeans.

Will there be other things that we can expect from the line? Definitely. We are a bubble waiting to burst with much more to come. But right now, our main focus is jeans, jeans with a twist!

What has been your largest challenge in designing so far? This whole ride has been a challenge. I've been designing jeans for the past 3 years, but fashion has been my passion since forever. And everything from designing to fashion shows to the business aspects has been a new adventure every time.

Did you attend fashion school? No. You can't get creativity and imagination from a classroom.. not to say that fashion and design schools are not producing the most creative and imaginative designers out there. I just started designing before I realized that I didn't go to a fashion school.

Where do you see your line in 5 years? I want to go global. I want to create a style that reaches people all over.

Interview By: Dwight Allen O'Neal

Photos By: Fernado Natalici

Stylist: Jimmy Grant and Dwight O'Neal

Make-Up/Hair: Tony Balance

Creative Direction: Dwight O'Neal

Models: Yetunde Oke, Jamel Layne

Darkie Fashion

Check out these hot designs for the guys...

Prince Allen's Fashion Secret

Fashion Secret #2

Say No to LOGO's!!!

I think we are all past that junior high school stage of flashing a huge logo on our clothes... I am not wearing anything with someone else logo unless it is my own or I am being paid for it... Their are several reasons why I feel that this is true... But I am going to give you my top 5 reasons!

1. Branding is for Frat Brothers.

2. I would hate for your item to be fake, we all know the Chin Chong shops create wonderful replicas.

3. You can never wear those jeans twice, because that huge logo pops out.

4. Your huge logo makes you look ghetto and that's a no no!

5. Tacky... Tacky... Tacky!!!!

I said keep it simple... Less is always more!!!

Salvation Armani

So the amazing designer Maurice Runea asked me where to get the hot finds!!! It is really exciting to work on Fashion Blog Magazine, because I have the opportunity to spill all the beans on all the hottest fashion inside scoops...

Well who wants to look like a million bucks but for a lot less??? Who wants designer wear that did not come from Canal Street??? Your Answer...

The Salvation Army, AKA Salvation Armani.

Working as fashion stylist and personal shopper I have frequently visited a few Second hand Armani Stores. Even if the store's moth ball smell isn't becoming, spending a few minutes in a resale shop can uncover a hidden treasure. I've paid hundreds of dollars on single fashion threads only to find something better for 3 dollars at the Salvation Armani! Become a gold digger and get fashioned for cheap.

Written By: Dwight Allen O'Neal

Fall and Winter Trends

Without hesitation, here are the top fall fashion trends to freshen up your wardrobe with style:


Blousy over Lean- The basic silhouette for fall has evolved into new proportions. We’ve been seeing it since spring with the amazing impact of skinny leg jeans and that leaner, narrow lower body proportion complimenting billowy, longer tops is a key trend moving forward. Think of this fall’s fashion evolution as less structure, more drape than in previous seasons.


Find something lean as a core wardrobe staple—whether perfect slim black pants, comfy leggings, a pencil skirt, or all three! You’ll then have the must-have, live-in basics to anchor your fall wardrobe in style.Elegant volume- is what you want on top. It’s NEVER clingy and bare, but a beautiful, glamorous, drape of fabric that spotlights your figure without exposing too much. A jersey knit tunic to casually expose a drop shoulder, or a big V-neck boyfriend sweater, or comfy grandpa knit with a tiered cami underneath—these modern tunics are more like shrunken dresses than boho ethnic. Even pea jackets and balmacaan coats have a certain voluminous flair.
When skinny is not your thing, try a new pair of Greta Garbo wide leg trousers with oodles of old Hollywood allure. Instead of looking dumpy in something this wide, continue the glam feel with a pair of towering platform shoes.


For shoe lovers fall is the season where the new shoe silhouette rocks. Peep toe flats are another truly fresh fashion option, but if you buy only one pair of shoes, a platform shoe is the absolute fashion must-have. For all you tired of complaining about teetering on stilettos, just imagine how comfy and statuesque platforms are and how wonderfully chic and practical it is to finally see the demise of the bare leg. Say hallelujah to chilly legs and build a wardrobe of tights and socks that compliment fall’s chunkier footwear and cute flats.


The colors grey, red, mottled gold, and a spot of leopard are fall’s perfect accents, so why not add something knit to your wardrobe in one of these hot fashion colors? Everyday is sweater weather this season, particularly when you creatively layer up your knits in a way that marks your personal style.


There are a few one season wonders that you’ll love now and want to leave later, but don’t ditch the trend, get a cheapy fast fashion version that adds pizzazz to your wardrobe, but doesn’t make you cry to pass on down the road.


Bubble skirts- the big, bell-shaped bubble hemmed skirt or party dress is so hot for fall and it finally looks so right again that you won’t be able to resist it’s certain feminine charm. But how many times do you really want to wear something this obvious? Just like with the Christian LaCroix once revolutionary version years ago, the bubble can burst pretty quickly. Cute for a few wearings only, an entire wardrobe this silhouette will never make. Wanna keep this trend strong a bit longer? Go for a gentle curve and avoid an extreme silhouette.


Oversized layers- everybody loves to have a second helping here and there, but you know that you’ve buried in layers when the day you decide to wear a skinny sweater, you get praised for dropping 10 pounds. Big layers are fun when they’re done right and you’re thin to begin with, but an excess of fabric looks like a fashion faux pas in hindsight. Add longevity to this trend by keeping to one full, drapy layer and balanced with something more figure-flattering rather than being swarthed in yards of fabric.


Capes- like the poncho trend a few seasons back, the big, floaty top layer has a certain amount of counter-culture chicness, and a little capelet looks so cute. But we can bet that once the cape trend capitulates, Mary Poppins’ throwaways will be lingering on sale racks for some time. Wear this fashion fad with an expiration date in mind. But don’t despair-- there are so many brilliant fashion choices for fall and winter, that it will be very hard to go wrong.

Written By: Yomi Luv

NYC Showroom Launch

GARMENT INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LAUNCHES SHOWROOM NY FAMED DESIGNER NICOLE MILLER AND NYS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER HONORED AT “FASHION BEHIND THE SEAMS”, SPONSORED BY BELVEDERE VODKA AND CHANDON WINES. New York, NY--(November 19, 2007) — The Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC) today announces the grand opening of Showroom NY, located at 202 W. 40th St.(between 7th & 8th aves.) in New York City’s fashion district. On Tuesday, December 11th, the ribbon cutting ceremony and press conference will commence promptly at 6:00 p.m. followed by a post reception from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the elegant Prince George Ballroom (15 E. 27th St. between 5th & Madison Aves.). The “Fashion Behind the Seams” reception, which will be attended by top fashion and beauty luminaries, top retailers, and celebrities, will honor veteran fashion designer Nicole Miller and New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for their tremendous contributions and support of GIDC’s mission. Fashion Behind the Seams is proudly sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and Chandon Wines. GIDC has an exciting mission -- to strengthen the local apparel industry and help maintain New York City’s position as a global fashion capital. Over the last two decades, GIDC has become the place where design meets production, linking designers, labels, retailers and the City’s high quality manufacturers. Since its inception, GIDC has evolved into a multi-tiered service organization providing sourcing and marketing functions, young designer support, training and technical assistance, buyer referrals, and job development to New York apparel manufacturers and workers. GIDC has assisted hundreds of emerging designers through their Young Designer Program as well as apparel firms and designers like the Gap, Alice Roi, David Rodriguez, and the Limited, and has trained thousands of New York garment workers. GIDC was founded in a spirit of industry-wide cooperation as a partnership between government, business, and labor. From the beginning, GIDC’s Board of Directors has attracted vital New York City union, academic, government, and business leaders, including now Mayor Michael Bloomberg. GIDC’s Board of Directors include: Bruce Raynor and Edgar Romney– UNITE HERE!, Steven E. Thomas – National Association of Blouse Manufacturers, Elie Tahari, Thomas Murry – Calvin Klein, Bud Konheim – Nicole Miller, Arnold Delin – Atlantic Apparel Contractors Association, Adam Harris – Affiliated Dress Manufacturers, Charles Wang – Greater Blouse, Skirt & Undergarment Association and Paul Lau – Sportswear Apparel Association, Inc. To arrange an interview with GIDC’s Acting Executive Director Fatiah Hosein, please contact Spencer Casseus at (646) 382-9586 / Email: spencer@casseuscommunications.com For more information on GIDC, please log on to www.gidc.org

Gucci Movie!!!

GUCCI'S REEL MOMENT: The Gucci dynasty could be the subject of a biopic directed by Ridley Scott. A Scott representative confirmed the Oscar-nominated director has been lined up to direct and produce the film through his Scott Free Productions shingle. The film will focus on the figures behind the rise and near fall of the Italian fashion empire in the Seventies and Eighties. Much of the story will revolve around the late Maurizio Gucci, grandson of founder and saddle-maker Guccio Gucci, who battled with his cousins in and out of the courtroom to protect his 50 percent stake in the business. Scott and his partner of eight years, Italian beauty Giannina Facio, have a predilection for fashion. For 2001's "Hannibal" they turned to Roberto Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, Cerruti and Gucci to outfit stars Julianne Moore, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman and Ray Liotta.But judging by Scott's talent for illustrating life's murkier aspects, the film will likely also chart Maurizio's stormy relationship with Patrizia Reggiani, whom he married against his father's wishes in 1972. Reggiani was convicted of hiring a hit man to gun down Maurizio outside his Milan office in 1995, 10 years after the couple split, and is currently serving a 26-year prison sentence.A spokeswoman for the Gucci brand, which is now owned by PPR, said Tuesday she knew nothing of the project and that the company was not involved.Scott, whose credits include "Alien," "Blade Runner," "Gladiator" and the current hit "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, will coproduce the film with Facio. No word yet on who might play Maurizio — let alone the likes of Domenico De Sole or Tom Ford. But given there's no script and a Writers Guild strike, audiences shouldn't hold their breath for the project to hit the big screen. It's more likely they'll get Gucci's wait-listed Aviatrix Boston bag before that happens.

Wednesday is all about MEN

New Store Openings

Another day, another set of store openings to mention: Alexander McQueen is planning to open a Vegas boutique by Christmas, while Tom Ford has two Moscow stores scheduled for 2008. (Yes, sable-fur hats will be sold.)

And if you have not heard in Ridley Scott's recently announced Gucci family biopic is going into production! Who will play Tom Ford? Let's just hope the movie's better than Pret-a-Porter.




For their first-ever New York men's store, which opened yesterday, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana chose a design as loudly luxurious (yet somehow elegant) as their clothes. To wit: this chandelier, which was imported in 69 pieces from Italy and shines brightly over the two-floor location. (Perhaps it's a ploy to inspire shoppers to try the sunglasses, which are displayed prominently just inside the door.) The rest of the space is outfitted in brown- and black-lacquered wood, gray carpet, and (only on every available surface) the duo's logo.

The opening itself was typically Dolce, even if it did take place during the daytime. Male models clad in slim-fitting black suits lined the hallways, while a guy identified as the brand's best customer in Manhattan offered a paean to the designers: "While everyone else was trading baseball cards," he said, "I was following you two." Sweet? Creepy? Both? Also there: the dude from Dark City. And mini-burgers. Not surprisingly, they went mostly untouched.
Dolce and Gabbana, 825-827 Madison Ave., (212) 452-6460, dolcegabbana.it


Just for men--- Men's Fashion Week?

Following Monday's report in DNR that trade show operator ENK International and IMG were planning on bringing a menswear-only fashion week back to NYC in January—directly following the collections in Paris— a few top designers in New York were asked what they thought of the idea. The responses,were far from uniformed...

Patrik Ervell: "I think it's a good idea and I would consider participating. [But] to succeed they would need to get the big American brands back from showing in Milan: Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren."

Tim Hamilton: "The thing that gets me is that the Paris shows start in the middle of January. My goal is to show in Paris in January, so changing the schedule seems strange because there's a limited amount of models in menswear. Why make it more of a struggle for independent guys like me? I think the way the calendar is, it'd be a mistake for me."

Narciso Rodriguez: "I think this is very positive for New York and menswear designers. I would definitely consider showing here—the city is a great platform for fashion."

Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone: "The more people showing in New York the better. For Rag & Bone, though, given that we show both women's and men's together, I think we would still prefer to show during [women's] fashion week."

Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown: "I think it's great. Why shouldn't men be given their due and have their own fashion week? And all eyes are on New York right now. Having said that, is the press going to come? ...[I]t becomes difficult without the big guns like Ralph and Calvin."

Michael Bastian: "As a buyer, when you've seen Milan and Paris, it's like, 'I've already bought eight skinny flannel suits, I don't need one more.' The best thing would be if all the designers just came out with a video that went online at the same time, then customers could get an e-mail from the retailers who carry it."

Prince Allen's Fashion Secret

Fashion Secret #1

What's my scent?

If you have not gotten the fragrance that causes people to stop me where ever I go you should this little secret of mine captures my friend base, because they will always love my outfit then wonder what is my scent!

TOM FORD--- Unisex (or should be!) Men and Women Available

"I keep it simple"