Daisy Lowe and her adorable curves are giving me everything I need on the cover of Asos Magazine! I need those jeans to survive!!



Inside, she offers some poignant commentary about the fashion industry's love/hate relationship with curves. On Karl Lagerfeld and Crystal Renn, she says: "My friend was working with Crystal Renn and said she thinks she’s only got a 38-inch hip. Karl Lagerfeld said he was going to embrace her womanly shape and then he just put her face on the ad campaign."

 



I applaud her for speaking out because I was totes thinking the same thing. Since Crystal Renn was chosen as the curvy model muse du jour, it seems said curves have disappeared. 

Check out her book cover and her walking in Chanel: where'd her body go? I'm all for dieting and slimming down as one sees fit, but I hate to think she did it to get more work in the modeling industry, especially since designers claimed to love her for her womanly shape.



Do you think Lowe has a point in regard to her face only appearing in Karl's ads? Do you think the designer, who infamously shunned curves, is really embracing womanly figures like he claims?



Discuss, and check out the rest of Lowe's shoot for Asos below:

Kisses,



Coutura

Just when you think Kanye West ran out of creative ideas, he does something extraordinarily weird and fascinating to remind you why he's the King of kookiness.



Take his XXL cover, where he was among the first stars to write his own cover story (as Ferocia remarked, "Is that even allowed?"). Now, months later, he's topped his own odd behavior with a cover, shot by Karl Lagerfeld, with a real $1 bill stuffed in his mouth. Don't believe me? Check the video below of some poor magazine worker literally placing $1 bills in each issue via HighSnobiety.com. How's that for different?





Kanye West shot by Karl Lagerfeld for Vman from KWest on Vimeo.



I could totes see someone taking the $1 bills out of all the magazines at a newstand in New York City. What do you think of the novel put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is idea? Which Kanye cover is the weirdest best: XXL or VMan?



Kisses,



Coutura

As I'm creating my vision board for 2011, I started to think about all the great moments I've experienced in the past year. (Btw, you already heard about one of my BIG New Year's Resolutions to go natural...excited!)



Confession: I'm always moving so fast that sometimes I forget to slow down, breathe and marvel in all the amazing blessings that have come my way in the last twelve months.



So...with that said, here are five highlights and the lessons they taught me in 2010. Take a look and tell me yours in the comment section.





1 - Becoming a director of a website



When I started this blog, it was soo a way to express myself and my obsessive love for all things Fashion. Little did I know, it would pave a career path. Since leaving The Magazine, I have been blessed with so many opportunities in the digital space, primarily due to this blog, which makes me overwhelmingly proud we took the risk to get it started.





2 - MET Gala

After attending the MET Gala this year, one of the writers I look up to (who has an amaze blog, Black Bridal Bliss) said it was on her bucket list. It was that comment that made me slow down from all the impending deadlines and assignments to say, wow something amazing just happened.



I partied with people that I have always admired from Karl Lagerfeld to Oprah Winfrey to Sarah Jessica Parker to Anna Wintour. The night was so magical I still can't even believe it happened. The lesson here: live in the moment!

3 - The Glamazons Blog



Omg, I love this blog! This year, we saw record numbers in traffic (woot!) and next year is opening up so many opportunities including a site makeover we're so excited about it!

From waxing poetic on our career dramas, to dishing about parties we attend (Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Why Did I Get Married Too? Premiere above) to interviewing our favorite stars (Kandi, Chrisette Michele, Ameriie, Fergie, Letoya Luckett, June Ambrose, Sessilee Lopez!) to going on trips (ESSENCE Music Festival, Ford in Atlanta) Glamazons is truly a labor of love.

This year also saw us recognized by other media outlets and fashion brands like Rachel Roy, iVillage and WEEN. I'm excited to see where 2011 will take us!

 

4 - Penn Station Outreach



The beginning of this recap should, in no way, make you think life in New York City is easy. For every moment of excitement where Ferocia and I are literally living our dreams, there's some struggle to bring us back to reality: almost being evicted, lead/bed bugs/mice taking over our apartment (true story!), getting laid off, writing for sites and not getting paid, those moments where you strongly consider going to Jersey/Texas to a warm home with food and a regular day job.



But none of those rough times compare to that experienced by homeless people here in the city, especially in the Winter. The Penn Station Outreach helped drive that point home for me. Just a few trips offering warm food and beverages, and coats/gloves to people in Penn Station, and to see how touched they were by kindness from a random stranger, made me grateful for the apartment and life I do have. I definitely want to do more, and give more, in 2011.



5 -  The Word 'No'



Another reality check that quells all talk of life in NYC being easy? The word 'No.'



It was at the Black Girls Rock! Awards when Raven-Symone matter-of-factly said, "If someone tells me No, I just say: you're not the person I should be talking to." A light bulb went off on my head then. To accomplish something great, you often have to stand on a ledge and do things people have never done, or never thought possible.  



Ferocia and I have already been blessed with opportunities that most people don't expect this early in the game. And every time we've had doubts or second thoughts about pursuing a goal, the thought comes in our heads: "Well, the worst they could say is 'No' ... and even then, we can find another way."



And the funny thing is, most times, they DO say Yes. One of the most important qualities to have when trying to succeed is resilience. That was one of the lessons I learned in 2010 and now, in 2011, 'No' is no longer a dream crusher, or a roadblock, for me.





What are your highlights, and lessons from 2010? And what's on your vision board? Tell me in the comments.





Kisses,





Coutura

In addition to walking away with 40 Christian Louboutin shoes, Blake Lively is now living my second fashion dream: she's officially a Chanel darling. Which means, she is my (and Anna Wintour's) official new girl crush. (Yes I'm living vicariously and am unashamed.)

The Vogue covergirl and Gossip Girl star has been tapped to be the face of Chanel Mademoiselle handbags, as we predicted here on Glamazons. Appearing in April, the ads were shot by Karl Lagerfeld who lauded Lively for being "an American dream girl" with a "natural star quality." Totally.



Can't wait to see the ads! Tell us Glamazons, was Blake a good choice? 



Here is a gallery of her "American dreamy" fashion moments.













Kisses,



Coutura

Another glamazing collaboration to add to the recent wave of masstige collections (Lanvin for H&M and Valentino for Gap)? Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's.



WWD reports that the only man to make me stop breathing in his presence, Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld is penning an affordable ready-to-wear line for Macy's of jeans and party dresses that will be sold online and in 250 Macy's stores starting September 2011. Squeals!



Karl Lagerfeld's collection is part of a new designer initiative that Macy's is launching in 2011 where designers will create masstige collections for their Impulse department rotating every two months. Kinder Aggugini and Matthew Williamson's diffusion lines will precede Karl's.



Though they're late to the high-end/mass retailer party, Macy's will certainly increase sales and cause pandemonium with Karl Lagerfeld on board.



Do tell: are you excited for Karl Lagerfeld's diffusion line? Will you shop the collection? I can only pray these furry boots make an appearance.



Kisses,



Coutura

Does a beautiful white model in black face and an Afro turn men on? According to Karl Lagerfeld and the German quarterly magazine, Stern Fotographie, that answer is yes.



For the 60th issue of the magazine, Karl Lagerfeld compiled 20 years of photos of legendary supermodel, Claudia Schiffer. Schiffer graces the issue's six covers, dressed up as everything from a secretary to Marie Antoniette. On two of those covers, she dresses up to resemble Asian and African-American women. And that's where the controversy begins.

 We've exhausted the conversation about white models made up to look like black women, following the V Magazine, America's Next Top Model and French Vogue shoots, but this cover is more than just blackface.



The garb (Asian-inspired dress), hair (afro) and makeup (heavy eyeliner to make eyes appear slanted) are meant to emulate the look and style of black and Asian cultures. Schiffer is in full Asian/Afro-American costume in these images.



Many feel it is a mockery, and at the very least, an insensitive image, given the widely-documented struggle for models of color to permeate the Fashion World.



And as for Karl Lagerfeld, though he's still my husband in my head, he just can't stay out of controversy (ahem...who could forget those regrettable comments he made about plus-size women?).





What do you think? Are the covers offensive? Is the backlash warranted? Why or why not?



Discuss.



Kisses,



Coutura

Photo: Karl Lagerfeld for Dom Perignon

Source: The Daily Mail

Adrianna Papell dress. Colette Malouf hairpiece.

Last night was the most fun I've had all year. And not because I walked the red carpet beside some of the hottest celebs in the biz. And not because I saw some of my favorite designers and their exquisite work up close and personal.





Solely because I, Coutura, danced with Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour.





Yup, last night was one for the history books.





It started with me walking into the white tent and onto the red carpet. By the way, the red carpet was actually a set of stairs celebrities walked up while journalists fired questions on the side and photogs snapped shots. 





On my way upstairs, I saw Chanel Iman posing in a gold Michael Kors one piece and Iman in Prada with hair by Oscar James and makeup by the amazing Sam Fine. Those are some beautiful girls!





Oh and here's a quick shot I took of Justin Timberlake in William Rast and Jessica Biel in Ralph Lauren later on the red carpet.

As soon as I walked through the entrance, I spotted Gwen Stefani and Desiree Rogers, former White House Social Secretary with her daughter. Gwen Stefani told me she was wearing L.A.M.B. while Desiree and daughter chose Oscar de la Renta.

Here's Desiree Rogers chatting with Diane von Furstenberg.

Once inside, I chatted, more like gushed, over the stunning Kerry Washington in Thakoon for Gap. She is super sweet and silly! She graciously posed for a pic below.

While we spoke, I hear a squeaky voice and turn around to see Sarah Jessica Parker. She is truly as adorable in person as she is onscreen. Her energy is total Carrie from Sex and The City; she's smiling and catching up with everyone from Kerry Washington to Kristin Davis (Charlotte) who runs up to give her a hug. 

SJP in Halston Heritage chatting with Kerry Washington.

Mini-Sex and The City Reunion

Carrie and Charlotte!

And when Chris Noth playfully tapped SJP on the butt, I felt like I was trapped in an episode of Sex and the City...willfully, of course.

The Mr. Big stare always gets me. I love him, but umm, rooting for Aidan this sequel. (I totally told him this at the bar at the afterparty LOL)

While they mingled, I spotted Karl Lagerfeld walking in and Glamazons, let me tell you, I stopped breathing. Here's the thing. Celebs, especially fashionable celebs, are fun to meet (most of  the time). But designers? Legendary designers? Like for Chanel, my very favorite brand? I die. I snapped this Paparazzi pic and talked to him for like two seconds before he was whisked away. (I have no idea what I said but something along the lines of...OMG I LOVE your work!) 

Fun times! After cocktails, I left for more drinks with friends at a random dive bar (yes, we hung out at a bar in black tie, hilarious) and came back to the Marc Hotel for the afterparty.

As soon as I walked in, I met Donatella Versace. She's an icon but umm...I'll let you guys address this pic.

I spotted Naomi Campbell mingling and dancing up a storm when the party got underway.

Usher Raymond looking dapper as ever.

Chanel Iman + boyfriend breaking it down on the dancefloor.

N.E.R.D. hosted (they played the BEST songs!) while Diddy briefly took over the mic. Love to see Naomi Campbell and Kerry Washington partying it up!

Justin Timberlake even came through and performed a few hits!

And that's when my hair got sweated out! Justin had everyone on the dancefloor...literally, everyone. See the next pic.

No, your eyes are NOT deceiving you. That's Anna Wintour dancing on the floor and yes, she's got moves. Not a hair out of place though. Love it!

Oh and I almost forgot! Oprah Winfrey briefly walked onto the dance floor and who else was jamming by the entrance but moi? We grabbed hands and danced for like two seconds - I totally felt like Oprah was my homegirl. She's so cool!

I LOVE this pic! As I give my feet a rest (gold pumps = killer), Katy Perry plops down next to me. She finally met someone who parties as much as her, teehee. Here's us holding up the wall for a second.

Who knew fashion's most celebrated event would be so much fun? I had a blast! It was like prom with celebs, designers and (much better) fashions. Definitely a night to remember.

Kisses,

Coutura

Karl Lagerfeld has named himself the latest spokesperson on Global Warming. His first demonstration for the cause? Chanel's Fall 2010 collection, which was fit for an Ice Queen and her Abominable Snowman, and displayed around a melting iceberg from Sweden.





The freezing weather and sea of melting ice was apropos for a line where almost every piece was shrouded, draped or lined with faux fur. But this isn't just any faux fur collection---this is Coco Chanel on holiday in Aspen.



Tailored tweed suits with fur cuffs, fur-trimmed leather jackets, furry pants, denim jackets with fur collars and shaggy boots are only a few examples of Karl's innovative use of the material. He even ingeniously paired luxurious white fur with an embroidered sheer top for a glorious mix of inner and outerwear. Brilliant!



The collection was peppered with stunning knitwear dresses with patchwork prints and traces of menswear in classic white shirts and ties. Sheer even made an appearance on a turtleneck sweater.

The accessories were fit for the Ice Age as well with ice jewelry and white fur chained purses that provide the perfect compliment to wintry tweeds.

What do you think of the collection? I loved it!



Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to educate the world about Global Warming...while outfitting us for the current cold. Genius!



Kisses,



Coutura