Why do I love the Boxing Kitten brand? Let's count the reasons. For one, who couldn't adore the line's "ethnic rockabilly" motif? The one-of-a-kind pieces are an eclectic mix of vintage 50's silhouettes and modern, vibrant prints.

Secondly, my idol, Josephine Baker, is the primary muse for Boxing Kitten's latest collection. Each look in the new collection is named after one of Baker's films or lovers! Amazing. 





If that's not cool enough, Boxing Kitten has launched a new shoe collaboration with Osborn which features two styles: the "Haughty" and the "Cheeky." Each shoe is formed from eco-friendly, recycled tires found on the roads and peeled tire depot. And they each look super stylish. 

Given the style, inspiration and dedication to the environment, it's no wonder celebrities like Beyonce, Solange, Rihanna and Estelle share my love for Boxing Kitten. Here's what designer Maya Lake had to say about her fourth collection: 

“I’m so excited for the unveiling of our upcoming collection. The Osborn Company has been amazing to work with and Josephine Baker is one of my most influential muses,” said Maya. “She captures the strength, excitement and haughty attitude of the Boxing Kitten woman and I wanted to dedicate a collection to her amazing legacy.” 

To toast the launch of the new collection, a fashionable crowd of editors, celebs and trendsetters gathered on the Soho Rooftop in NYC for a 50's themed bash. While enjoying Belvedere cocktails, guests danced to eclectic tunes spun by Prince's DJ, DJ Rashida, and DJ Jahi Sundance. Fun times!





Fashion-forward songstress, Estelle, showed up to support the brand wearing the adorable Grace Dress. She posed with the beautiful models, which included Nia Mora (sister of ANTM winner Naima) and Friend of the Glamazons, Liz of the nail lacquer line Ginger + Liz. 





Check out the photos below and make sure to visit the site, www.boxingkitten.com, for info on the gorgeous new collection.

Estelle + Designer Maya Lake

Maya + her Models. LOVE the new collection! Silhouettes got sexier this season.

Nia Mora, Liz of Ginger + Liz and models 

Guests toasted delicious Belvedere Pink Grapefruit cocktails.

Loved the summery decor at the bar!

Here, the gorgeous Liz of Ginger + Liz models a beautiful dress I must own!

Glamazon favorites! Celeb make-up artist, A.J. Crimson, the Ginger + Liz girls wearing neon "Going Back to Cali" shade & Estelle wearing "Can You Keep a Secret?" shade. Pick up both lacquers online at Ginger + Liz.

Kisses,





Coutura





Photos: Jonathan Orenstein. Johnny Nunez.

Glamazons,





My interview with Bevy Smith over Belvedere Pink Grapefruit cocktails was only the beginning. To celebrate the launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, Bevy hosted a themed dinner followed by a glamorous party called "In the Pink."





Held on Friday night, "In the Pink" brought out the top names in Entertainment, Media and Fashion, including Keri Hilson, Sessilee Lopez, Alek Wek and Rosie Perez to name a few. A Dinner with Bevy creation, the party and dinner celebrated bold, vibrant women in media, like Ms. Bevy herself.





We were happy to be invited to the soirée because Bevy knows how to throw a party! She was a kind and gracious host (she gave me a great big hug when I saw her) and looked glorious in a pink, belted v-neck dress, to match Belvedere Pink Grapefruit of course! The decor was also rooted in pink as a nod to the beautiful kaftan Matthew Williamson designed for the launch.





While toasting Belvedere's new sultry, summer flavor, guests danced all night to tunes spun by the one-and-only Questlove. When he played songs like "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing" by Stevie Wonder, he got the crowd of actors, media personalities and makeup artists to work it out on the dance floor.





And who was in the crowd, you ask? Well, in the VIP section alone, I spotted Angela Yee, Necole Bitchie, Tristan Wilds, Fonsworth Bentley, Michaela Angela Davis, AJ Calloway, Mimi Valdes (and her gorg haircut), Sister Toldja of The Beautiful Struggler and Belle of A Belle in Brooklyn, in addition to the celebs I named above.





Ferocia and I even chatted it up with Keri Hilson (she's so sweet!), superstar publicist B.J. Coleman and celebrity makeup artist, A.J. Crimson, who said he's proud of our blog (this clearly made our night! he's totally OUR inspiration).

In the midst of all the dancing, catching up, chatting and mingling, Ferocia got a few minutes to speak with the beautiful Sessilee Lopez in VIP.

Here's a pic of Sessilee with Friend of The Glamazons, A.J. Crimson.

Read below to see what Sessilee had to say about her summer vacation plans (Russia and Jamaica!), Christian Siriano and why she's Team Naomi Campbell.





Ferocia: Tell us what you’re wearing!





Sessilee: Well, I’m in head to toe in one of the most amazing designers. His name is, I don’t know if you know him, Christian Siriano.

Ferocia: Uh, yeah! You walked in his show. Duh.

Sessilee: (laughing) Yeah. He hooked me up today.

Ferocia: Looks hot! So what are the big trends you’re looking forward to this summer?

Sessilee: Woo! Effortless fashion, not having to try and just knowing you’re looking good. Relaxing. I’m not really looking at trends to see what other people are doing. I’m doing my own thing. I’m a model. I’m a trendsetter. People are watching me.

Ferocia: Yeah! Where are you vacationing this summer?

Sessilee: Well, I’m about to go to Jamaica. I’m going to Russia this summer with Naomi. She’s going to show me around.

Ferocia: Are you and Naomi like best friends?

Sessilee: I wouldn’t say like BFF, but she’s definitely someone that I aspire to be.

Ferocia: Is she like your mentor?

Sessilee: Definitely. She’s a beautiful person. The stories that you hear, I mean, all the times that I’ve met with her she’s been nothing but sweet as pie. I don’t really listen to what people say about others. I make my own decisions about them, ya know?

Ferocia: Definitely! I agree.

Scroll down for pics of a Christian Siriano-clad Sessilee, Keri Hilson, A.J. Crimson and more!

Sessilee Lopez in Christian Siriano

Keri Hilson's gorgeous jumpsuit

Alek Wek

Rosie Perez

Lovely Ladies!

Keri Hilson and Tristan Wilds

Michaela Angela Davis

B.J. Coleman

Love this pic of D.J. Kiss getting love from her fiancee D.J. M.O.S. and A.J. Crimson! So cute

The Glamazons with Elaine of Ebony Magazine, Makeup Artist, Melissa and Stylist, Memsor Kamarake 

Me in my Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes (and socks!) + a glass of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: The ICU; Picture Group; YBF.

Working at The Magazine, Ferocia and I come face-to-face with some of the smartest, brightest stars in the Fashion and Beauty industry. Once they inevitably succeed, you have the pleasure of having been a witness to their triumphant journey to the top. A.J. Crimson is one of those people. 





At a young age, he's already accomplished what beauty industry-hopefuls dream of: He's a makeup artist for celebrities like Estelle, Fergie, Amerie and Letoya Luckett. He's worked on Vogue photo shoots like "A Brief Encounter," the fashion spread featuring Diddy. He is the co-founder of lip gloss line, Kissable Couture, with Forest Whitaker's wife, Keisha. And he recently directed his first video, Letoya Luckett's "Good To You." Oh and he can tear up a dance floor better than any man I've ever met!

For our ten-minute interview column, the beauty God opened up to me about working for Pat McGrath, partying at the Armani club in Milan and what it takes to get ahead in this business. 

Coutura: First, thank you so much for speaking with us! You have the dream job every make-up artist wishes they had. Walk us through a typical workday in the life of the fabulous A.J. Crimson.



A.J.: I normally wake up at about 6am, begin sending and checking emails, and organize my thoughts for the day. Especially if it’s a day where I know I’ll be on set. It’s staying in touch with my office all day through my crackberry. Lol!  My laptop is always on standby for use when I’m on breaks. I try to take a meeting about my projects at least once or twice a week.





Coutura: Busy bee. Working in beauty is not easy, but it certainly is rewarding. When did you realize you wanted to work in this industry?  How did you get your start?



A.J.: I think I have always had an eye for beautiful things, so my entry into the industry was effortless.  It wasn't until I landed in Los Angeles that I really began to carve a niche for myself.



Coutura: Eventually you landed a job working with the legendary Pat McGrath! What was it like working for her?



A.J.: It was a surreal moment.  The time spent wasn't long enough. I recall it was my first trip to Paris. I was living in Vienna when I got the call from my American agent asking if I could get there, Pat had a space for me. I didn't think I would make it on time so I almost didn't go.  But I couldn't stand to think "what if"... so I just went with the mindset that on time or late I will get there.  I will do a great job and will not be turned away.  I ended up getting to Paris early, worked the Christian Dior fashion show, and got booked for 6 other shows that week.



Coutura: I commend how you were able to seize the moment! That mindset paid off. What advice would you give to up-and-coming beauty industry hopefuls on breaking in the business?



A.J.: Make your own breaks; never let your expendables get in the way of your dreams. Be careful how you use the word “reality.” Reality is what you make it!

Coutura: You've certainly made your dreams a reality. You are the youngest founder and designer of a luxury cosmetics line EVER with Kissable Couture, your lip gloss line with Keisha Whitaker.  That's a huge accomplishment.  Do you see any other beauty product lines in the future? Makeup?  Lotion? Etc.



A.J.: Thank you. And yes, I'm currently developing [BeautyStatements]by ajcrimson.

Coutura: Keep us posted. I'm sure [BeautyStatements] will be as phenomenal as Kissable Couture. By the way, my fave shade is ELUSIVE, so sexy! What lip gloss colors from Kissable Couture will be hot for Spring?



A.J.: Our new shade GLAMOUR which is an exclusive for QVC.  Available on Friday April 16th at 7pm!

Coutura: What are a few of your favorite beauty trends from the Fall 2010 runway?



A.J.: Color, Color, Color!  The liner and definitely the bold lips.



Coutura: Name three beauty products you can't live without.





A.J.: Nutura Bisse - The Cure, Nivea- body lotion, Embryolisse. I love moisturizers!!



Coutura:  What are three beauty tricks of the trade you can share with us?



A.J.: 1) I love to add moisturizer to foundation for a great light spring summer foundation.



2)   Use a wedge sponge placed behind the eye lash against the lid when applying mascara.     This helps prevent ruining eye makeup.



3)  Give dull eye shadow more pop!  Lightly wet the tip of your brush swirl in eye shadow and apply!

Coutura: Great tips! Besides taking over the beauty industry, you recently directed your first music video, "Good to Me" by Letoya Luckett. Congrats!  What was that experience like? [Ed Note: Scroll down to see the video.]



A.J.: Thank you!  OMG I loved directing Letoya in this video.  I thought I would be nervous but I wasn't.  It’s just like working on one of my photo shoots that I produce. I know what I want when I see it. I have to get the shot in a certain time frame so the pressure is always on. The editing process was longer, but I loved seeing the possibilities. It was awesome! I love Letoya and everyone at MBK for giving me the opportunity. I'm really happy that Letoya’s fans LOVED IT!



Coutura: I am a huge Letoya fan and thought the video was so cool! What is your favorite music video of all time?



A.J.: Well I don’t know that I have a favorite video of ALL time, but I really liked Madonna’s – “Vogue.”This was just a great video in the 90's.  It was just a different video.  The quality was crisp and I loved the black and white concept.  The song was so alluring!



Coutura: Vogue is, and forever will be, a classic. Lol. What do you think of Madonna's heir, Lady Gaga video, Telephone? And by the way, I'm in love with Estelle's video, Freak!



A.J.: I love Gaga and the creativity of the video. I love that she pushes the boundaries, even if sometimes it is way overboard. But that’s why we keep watching and that’s what makes her great. I saw so many great references in this video. She raised the bar for music video quality, anticipation, and delivery. Everyone I know was waiting at 12:30am to see this video and was talking about it the next day.  Whether they liked her or not!



I had the best fun working on “Freak.”  I was able to paint Estelle in full on body paint.  Artists don’t usually have the opportunity to do that.  We did gold glitter lips and painted a mask on the dancers.  It was one of the most visual videos I have worked on with an artist.  We were able to have fun and get dirty!

Coutura: Speaking of having fun and getting dirty, I love that you're a bicoastal social butterfly, hanging out in NYC and LA.  What are your favorite restaurants/clubs in both cities?



A.J.: I love Soho house in New York in the summer. I also LOVE Juliet for dinner, Chef Kyle Williams is amazing!  For breakfast I can’t get enough of Mikes in Brooklyn. My favorite club in New York, I would have to say I spend many nights at GreenHouse. SL is going to be popping this summer! Maybe I’ll make a cameo when the weather is better. I really wish I could just fly to Milan every weekend and go to the Armani club. I have so much fun every time I go!







As for LA, brunch at the four seasons is a must and they have the best waffles.  For dinner, I would have to say Katsuya. I love their version of Chinese chicken salad clubs.  I have to be honest; I really don’t go to clubs in LA.  After you've been to a NY party or one in London, Paris, or Milan, there is no point.  LA is my place to relax, have fun with friends, and enjoy a private party in the hills, which are always invite only so start building those relationships.  Lol!

Coutura: LOL! So celebrity clients.  A music video.  A successful luxury cosmetic line... and it still feels like your career has just begun!  What's next for AJ Crimson?



A.J.: I'll be hosting makeup classes - April 24th in NYC, April 25th  in Philadelphia,  May 1st  in DC,  and May 2nd  in ATL.  I am also working on my book and will continue to work on my blog!





Coutura: Great! We'll be reading! 











Kisses,





Coutura

Hey Glamazons!Give the gift of beauty this season with luscious lip gloss!Whether you're surprising your beauty-addict best friend/girlfriend or treating yourself to something fabulous, Kissable Couture's new Smooches II set is a holiday beauty must-have!Founded by Keisha Whitaker (Forest Whitaker's wife) and beauty god, A.J. Crimson (responsible for Letoya Luckett's fab purple lips in her lastest video, "Regrets," - see above, I'm obsessed!), Kissable Couture delivers the best in beauty trends---and Smooches II is no exception.All the trends of the season, from purple (perfect for holiday parties) to shimmery gold (perfect for, ahem, under the mistletoe), are available in this must-have set.And guess what? DISCOUNT ALERT! Glamazon readers can snag this irrestible set at an exclusive discount - 25% off! Use discount code: Glamazons at www.kissablecouture.com while supplies last.Consider it our gift to you. =)Check out the kissable set below, which includes: Elusive, David, Solstice, Awakening and Tyler.Oh and the purple lip A.J. Crimson did on Letoya Luckett was sooo GLAM I included her latest video, "Regrets." (I love the song too!) Check it out!Kisses,Coutura