Designer Spotlight x Miuccia Prada

PRADA 
The house that Prada built, was not by her own design...

  (Prada logo)

The Italian company was formed in 1913, by Mario Prada (Miuccia's grandfather), and although he did not encourage women being a part of the workforce (after his death in the 1950's), ownership of Prada was given to Miuccia's father (who passed on the opportunity), ultimately going to her mother... who in-turn passed the reigns down to Miuccia in the 1970's.

 

(Miuccia Prada)

By 1978, Miuccia was in full control of the family business (which started as a leather goods company), but saw a slow rise to success in trying to brand an identity; and to much surprise, the now FAMOUS nylon-backpack emblazoned with the Prada triangle-logo, was not launched in the 1990's, but was unveiled in 1979!!!

 (Prada x nylon backpack, 1979)

Prada's first, women's ready-to-wear collection was shown in 1989, and men's was introduced in 1995. In 1997, Prada's bridge label, Miu Miu, along with the infamous 'red-stripe' Prada Sport label was launched.

(Prada x Miu Miu logo)

 (Prada x Prada Sport logo)

Between 1998-2000, Prada bought stake in Helmut Lang, Jil Sander and Gucci, in order to internationally compete in the luxury goods market against LVMH, PPR, et al. And in 2006, the film (as well as the book), The Devil Wears Prada, helped to further propel the brand to the masses.

(The Devil Wears Prada, by Lauren Weisberger, 2003)

Moreover, at the age of 62, Miuccia Prada is a fashion design veteran, a CFDA award-winner, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, and along with her husband Patrizio Bertelli (CEO of Prada Holding, B.V.), is a well-paid billionaire; Prada S.p.A. 1913 (HKG) is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (shares are currently selling at $35.15 per share).

 (Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

(Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

  (Miuccia Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*
 
References:
www.google.com, www.forbes.com, www.fundinguniverse.com, www.quotes.wsj.com/HK/1913, www.nowfashion.com, www.prada.com  

Daily Dude x Victor McKnight

VICTOR McKNIGHT   

From being known as Mr. FAM, on Morgan State University's campus... to becoming Salif Barz, an originator within the No Chaser Gang rap crew... Victor McKnight is not your ordinary boy-next-door!

(Victor McKnight x Salif Barz)

Hailing from Prince George's County (Maryland), McKnight is a graduate of Suitland high-school and is a former basketball pro. 

(Victor McKnight x MSU Basketball All-Star)

Yet, making a transition from the hooping court to the fashion runway, seems to have been an easy and flawless move for McKnight.

(Victor McKnight x FAM Models, October 2010)

In two, short years after graduating from high school, McKnight has become the male spokesmodel for MSU's Fashion At Morgan club, and he's starred in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art's annual Community Day fashion show and advertising campaign!!! He is definitely one of the best male models to come along in a while... But, don't just take our word for it, see for yourself...

(Victor McKnight x FAM Executive Board 2011-2012)

(Victor McKnight x FAM, April 2011)

(Victor McKnight x FAM, October 2011)

(Victor McKnight x Smithsonian Museum, September 2011)

Moreover, he's appeared on our magazine cover, not once, but TWICE!!!

(Victor McKnight x STYLE 101, June 2011)

(Victor McKnight x STYLE 101, December 2011)

Next up for McKnight, is yet again another transition... this time going from in front of the camera (as a model), to behind the camera (as a photographer), for NCG Productions... and we can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeves ;-D

(Victor McKnight x No Chaser Gang)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1vjuS9Iz_U



xoxo,
STYLE 101

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

Shop This x Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus' LAST CALL
Cash-in on those after-Christmas-deals, and claim your coupons now!!!! 50-60% Off is a considerable markdown... and when it's designer, it's even better, LOL... Enjoy!!!

:-D

Happy Shopping,
xoxo

STYLE 101

References:
www.yahoo.com, www.neimanmarcus.com

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

Happy Kwanzaa

HAPPY KWANZAA 
'Tis the season to light the Unity Candle!!!

Kwanzaa (a holiday founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga), takes place annually, from December 26th - January 1st, and is based on seven principles (Nguzo Saba):  
 

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

 

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves stand up.

 

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.

 

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

 

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

 

Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

 

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Further elaborating on the meaning of Kwanzaa, this year, Karenga shares the following message:

"The celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Kwanzaa is a significant marker and milestone in itself, not only because of what it says about the expansive message and en-during meaning that Kwanzaa has for mil-lions throughout the world African commu-nity, but also because of what it says about us as a people. For it speaks to our profound commitment to self-determination; to cul-tural reaffirmation and the celebration of ourselves; to our right and responsibility to speak our own special cultural truth in a multicultural world; and to the practice and promotion of Kwanzaa’s core principles, the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the hub and hinge on which the holiday turns."

Moreover, as the holiday continues to grow, national and international attention has been shown to the observation; e.g. the United States Postal Service has issued two, commemorative stamps (1997 & 2004), and an award-winning, documentary film by M.K. Asante, Jr., narrated by Dr. Maya Angelou (The Black Candle, 2009), helps to define what it means to celebrate the season and a people.

 (USPS Kwanzaa stamp, 1997, artwork by Synthia Saint James)

(USPS Kwanzaa stamp, 2004, artwork by Daniel Minter)

(The Black Candle, 2009, film by M.K. Asante, Jr.)

 
Happy Kwanzaa and Be Blessed Everyone!!!
:-D

xoxo,
STYLE 101

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

Style Spotlight x Alexander Allen

ALEXANDER ALLEN THE IMAGE DIRECTOR

Over 10 years ago, Brooklyn native (and fashion veteran), Alexander B. Allen raised the stakes in the fashion industry.

 (Monsieur Alexander Allen)

His client roster included Beyoncé, Amerie, Brandy, et al. Perhaps, he may not be known by many, BUT Allen is definitely known by 'the right ones.' He is the go-to person for fashion advice and direction, from celebrities to corporations alike, and he was responsible for the game-changing 'image' that helped salvage the career of rap star, Eve...



(Alexander Allen's World x Eve)

Allen also helped to make iconic, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami HOTTER than what he already was (FYI, we're talking about thee Takashi Murakami who was responsible for Kanye West's critically-acclaimed, album-art for Graduation + the legendary, Louis Vuitton 'Murakami' bags)...

 (Alexander Allen's World x Takashi Murakami)

Now, if I wrote any more information on Allen and his laundry-list of accomplishments in the fashion industry, I would have to charge you all $100.00 per word... LOL... But, I will finish things off by saying, Allen is much more than a 'fashion stylist,' he is an "Image Director" who makes things totally AAWESOME!!!!!
Check out our exclusive interview, below:

1) Who are you, and what do you plan to accomplish with your talent?
 I'm Alexander Allen, international image director. With my talent, I plan to accomplish all of my dreams, wishes and desires, and in the process, help countless others to do the same.

2)  When did people start to notice your potential?
 People started to notice my potential for greatness since Kindergarten. Gratefully, my family instilled in me a strong work ethic during my formative years.

3)  Where is your career headed next?
 With GOD's blessings, my career is headed to stars. More diversification, setting and playing by my own rules and fun-filled/stress free projects only.
---

Last week, Allen celebrated another year of fashion, at THE BOWERY ELECTRIC (327 Bowery @ 2nd street), in NYC... check out some of the high-wattage-hotness below:

 (Alexander Allen's World x Bowery Electric,

party guests Meah Pace & Sunshine Outing)

 (Alexander Allen's World x party guests)

 (Alexander Allen's World x party guests)

(Alexander Allen's World x party DJ)

 

(Alexander Allen's World x fashion show) 

(Alexander Allen's World x fashion show)

(Alexander Allen's World x fashion show) 

...Cheers to him and all of his accomplishments! Please join us in saying, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!

Love,
STYLE 101

:-D

* For more information on Alexander Allen, please visit his website, at: www.AlexanderAllensWorld.com 

Style du Jour x Martha & The Vandellas

MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS 
 

Comprised of Rosalind Ashford, Betty Kelly and Martha Reeves, Martha & The Vandellas (MTV), was a PHENOMENAL music group out of the Motown-era of R&B, doo-wop, pop and soul.

There's no need to explain who they are, because either consciously or subconsciously YOU KNOW WHO THEY ARE!!!

"Heat Wave" (1963)

"Dancing In The Street" (1964)

Enjoy!
:-D 

References:
www.google.com

Designer Spotlight x Olivier Rousteing (Balmain)

OLIVIER ROUSTEING
Wunderkind of the fashion world, Olivier Rousteing, is definitely having his moment!!!

(Olivier Rousteing)



Lawrence Steele, Patrick Robinson, Zac Posen, et al., have all experienced that rush of notoriety as the media REALLY starts to take note of who you are and what you're doing... although we're not sure how or exactly why it only happens to a select few, in the case of Rousteing, we -at least- know when it did happen.

 (Balmain, logo)

Working for the House of (Pierre) Balmain in Paris, France (since 2009), Rousteing helped design ready-to-wear collections under former boss, Christophe Decarnin; the height of the brand's rejuvenation came à la jewel-encrusted, 'drum major' style jackets (a style once popularized by the late Michael Jackson)...

(Balmain inspiration x MICHAEL JACKSON)

(Balmain-ia, 2009)

(Balmain-ia x Beyoncé, 2009)



Yet, for reasons (still unclear), Decarnin left Balmain in early 2011, leaving the handlers of the house to appoint an heir (apparently), Rousteing. Commenting on the sudden changes at Balmain, in an interview with style.com, Rousteing says, "...what I learned from this house is that there is a real DNA, something from the past that I want to bring back... I want to go to something more timeless... That’s my goal for Balmain."



(Monsieur Pierre Balmain, 1914-1982)

Rousteing's first full-collection for Balmain, was the Spring/Summer '12 presentation; his next assemblage will be for the Fall/Winter '12 season (premiering March 2012)... and we'll be keeping a close eye on him, now that the world knows his name ;-D

(Rousteing x Balmain, Spring/Summer '12)

(Olivier Rousteing x Balmain, Spring/Summer '12)

xoxo,
STYLE 101:
 
*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.google.com, www.style.com, www.balmain.com 

Happy Chanukah

Tis the season, for lighting the Menorah...

As our Jewish family and friends hearken back to the lessons of consecration, re-dedication and miracles... let's all focus on those things that we should re-consider as good and worth the cause, going forward into 2012.

Happy Chanukah!!!!

:-D

xoxo,
STYLE 101:

Shop This x Converse

CONVERSE

Just in time for the holidays, Converse is giving away FREE, signature backpacks, for a limited-time only... HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

All-Star Waxed Canvas Outsider, $85.00 (USD)
-black bottoms-

All-Star Waxed Canvas Outsider, $85.00 (USD)
-gum bottoms-

*ALL IMAGE(S) AND VIDEO(S) ARE COPYRIGHT OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S), AND ARE USED -HERE- FOR CREATIVE, NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY... THANK YOU, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!*

References:
www.converse.com