Friday, July 31, 2009

An Unearthed FashionGem: DAN SANTOSO PHOTOGRAPHY

We already know that I am into production...fashion shoots and art direction. I absolutely love well conceptualized concepts for fashion ad campaigns or fashion editorials. Production is HUGE in making it all happen and when the finish product is put together it really shows what type of production went into it.

Films are the ultimate thing that comes to mind when I think of production and having studied it I can appreciate what goes into creating masterpieces for people to see and be moved. It's a special form of ART and I would like to share with you someone that I believes embodies that in their work but through photography.

Allow me to introduce to you DAN SANTOSO....

His work speaks for its self:





Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Is 'Pop' Model Jourdan really Dunn with her career?


So these are the facts....

She is the 2008 British Model of the Year.
She's 19 years old.
She was discovered in a local Primark in London.
She's graced the cover of i-D, Italian VOGUE, POP, and ELLE Magazines.
She has broken barriers in fashion by gracing the PRADA catwalk after ten years of them NOT using black models.
She's done sooooooo many ad campaigns in her two year career including some like GAP, Yves Saint Laurent, TopShop, Calvin Klein, and Maybelline.

AND....it's official she has announced she is pregnant!!!...due in December according to Vogue.com! And after having the babe she will continue her career as a model. I say, if you have the financial stability to support a child and it works with your lifestyle then live life and do what makes you happy!! Congrats, to her and her long time boyfriend.

It's funny because lately that Aaliyah song, "Age Ain't Nuthin' but a Number" has been in my head so, more power to her... this is old news but this is for those of you who didn't know....now you know!!

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Inspiration of the Day: Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 09/10 Ad Campaign







Models: Raquel Zimmermann & Sean Opry
Photography: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

****Was at the airport flipping through the pages of the lastest VOGUE and I discovered this masterpiece of fashion imagery. It's so SHARP, ON POINT, EDGY, and WELL EXECUTED as an campaign. This is one of many this season that I give two thumbs up!! And Raquel is FIERCE!!! She reminds me of myself....;-)

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

BEYOND THE RACK - CHANEL SUNGLASSES


Who doesn't LOVE a pair of CHANEL sunglasses....the summer is almost over but not the sales! - go a head treat yourself.

Known for its collection of classic and timeless designs you can checkout a range from classic thin frames to oversized wrap-arounds.


If you haven't already become an exclusive member I would highly suggest you do so, soon....There is only three ways to become a member:

(1) be invited by a friend who's a member already
(I consider you my friends so use this personal invitation code:
NSW3C099A71 to join)
(2) request membership or
(3) get invited by one of their special marketing partners.

IF you don't then you will only miss out!!

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

Shop the Chanel Sale




Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Soul by Thierry le Gouès, Photographer



Remember the art work in the movie BELLY directed by Hype Williams?? Well, it was by French fashion photographer, Thierry Le Goues. I just rediscoverd his work through my sister and had to share his captures of the ultimate human form in the most STRIKING, BOLD and BEAUTIFUL way...

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

SOUL by Thierry Le Goues

This was shot back


http://www.thierrylegoues.com/iSoul.html

Thierry Le Goues

Posted using ShareThis

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

My Business Cards!!!...What Do you Think?...




...HONESTLY, I WOULD LOVE YOUR COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK ON MY NEW BUSINESS CARDS I DESIGNED. BE EASY ON ME BUT I WILL EXCEPT HONEST OPINIONS!!

THANX LUVS

in LOVE
Lady Yvette

GOLD + WATER = AuH2O

Sometime last summer, I was strolling over on New York's East village near NYU on E 7th street and I came across this tiny boutique that looked like a vintage thrift shop. I think what really caught my eye was the jewelry showcased at the cash wrap. The boutique was so small that only me and a friend could comfortably shop with out saying excuse me every second with the sales clerk safely behind the counter. But don't get me wrong the place is very quaint, cozy with positive vibrations. The sales clerk greeted me warmly with a hello and offered answers to any questions....

Kate Goldwater (middle), designer/owner of AuH2O

Surprisingly though, I have to say it's a small world because as I discovered that the clothes on the racks where all recycled, redesigned, re inventive pieces sewn by the owner, Kate Goldwater which happened to be the sales clerk, I also discovered that Kate Goldwater is from MY HOMETOWN - MILWAUKEE, WI!!!! - "Get outta here...where did you graduate from high school?"... Serendipitously, we continued talking for sometime about what brought us out to New York, our goals and our upcoming trips back to our hometowns that summer. I never even knew of Kate while growing up in Milwaukee and now here I was standing in a boutique she owned at the age of 24. Can we say, "Yes We Can"??!!...

She calls herself an eco-friendly, feminist fashion designer and graduated from New York University for "Art and Clothing for Social Justice", a major she design herself incorporating her passion for feminism, activism and the environment with sewing clothes, an outlet to create art that expressed her political beliefs. And of course, I told her my story of how I was excepted to the Tisch School of the Arts for acting/theatre at NYU but never went....yeah, yeah - it's a long story but, I was proud to be from Mil-town and excited to have stumbled upon this treasure.








Kate's eco-friendly and social conscience store is called AuH2O Recycled Clothing Creations located NOW at 84 East 7th Street. Since we met she has moved from the tiny place I met her to a space next door twice the space!!! CONGRATS, Kate!!! Not only does she carry her own one-of-a-kind pieces but she carries other designers, consignment jewelry, vintage clothes, belts, handbags and shoes. Everything is so affordable with prices ranging between $7 (earrings) - $50 (one-of-a-kind dress)!! Check out the recycled couture piece above made out of MetroCards....I think Gary Harvey would be proud!! ;-)

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

P.S. Tonite Kate is a featured artist in TRASHION, a new exhibit brought to by the Urban Green Initiative @ Gallery 151, 350 Bowery Street btw E3rd and E 4th street. Click here for more information. And check out her blog for updates on what new with AuH2O!! Check...check...check it out!! ;-)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Let's Go BEYOND the RACK!!

My peoples, ladies or gents, don't be mad at me but it's been a couple of crazy days for me and somebody needs to update there phone...because if I really wanna get with this blogging thing, I have to stay on it, even on the GO!!! But all I'm asking is for you to bear with me...I haven't forgot about you...ahhh, the life of a modern day Renaissance Woman - forgive me! ;-)

So, I know it's been awhile but I just found out about this FABULOUS website called Beyond the Rack, where you can shop luxury brands at very, very low prices...EXCLUSIVELY for members ONLY. There is only three ways to become a member:

(1) be invited by a friend who's a member already (I consider you my friends so use this personal invitation code: NSW3C099A71 to join)
(2) request membership or
(3) get invited by one of their special marketing partners.

Once you become a member you can get emails of crazy sales saving you up to 70% off on major brands they work with like for instance, currently PRADA (purses & wallets) and AG Jeans are on sale til Saturday 1pm. We just missed Rich&Skinny Jeans but there are even Men's apparel brands that they feature. When sales start there's a limited time and quantity with the merchandise so, it's important to shop early as soon as you get notification of sales your interested in shopping.

Beyond the Rack is a guaranteed easy-breezy shopping experience. I don't know about you but exclusivity, the idea of avoiding retail lines and just getting great deals on brands I know I can not afford at retail price is the way to go. How about it girls...ahem...I mean Ladies!

Oh, and you get a $10 credit towards your account if you sign up TODAY!!

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette


Sunday, July 12, 2009

FEEDBACK WELCOMED!!! - Fashion on the Hudson Press Party/Event

This weekend I participated in a fashion show off the Hudson river in Harlem as a model and was shell shocked, more like, hit with reality that you can do whatever you set your mind to (knew that before the show, though...) BUT, I question at what cost and level of class? Is it really worth it, if it's not thoroughly thought out, strategically planned and executed with a certain level of taste along with quality of intent?...PLEASE DO TELL!!

Fashion show flyer: One of the "red flags" on the production of the show

Ladies & Gents, I could kick myself in the buttocks for ignoring the red flags, giving this show the benefit of the doubt and participating as a model in something I would NEVER represent!!!!!! But, I will not go into the negative things about this experience because I intially was drawn to this event because I love to see strong women in the industry love what they do and create platforms for others, like myself to collaborate and further pursue our dreams. Plus, my job is to report what is DOPE and cool to me so, I will highlight the positives that stuck out to me and that deserve my attention.

Yours Truly Mz. Lady Yvette(far right)and other participating models at Press Party.

Now, before the actual show this past Saturday there was a "press party" for all that was involved that Friday. In a room where auditions/rehearsals are usually being held models, designers, photographers, producers, editors, publicists, publishers, managers and I mingled in excitement about this "FABULOUS" fashion show we were all going to either partake in or witness. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I was intrigued about the 50 foot double T runway that was talked up by the producer. I had a few fittings scheduled that night for the show and like most was curious to what was going to be seen at the show. Like suspects in a line-up, models stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the designers' favorite pieces from their collection as they posed with their business cards at hand while photographers shot away capturing a little taste of what was yet to come on the big day! Below are a few designer duds that I thought had a glint of potential...(Ya'll this was very hard for me to post but here it is...lol!!!!)

Model above wears Balmain-inspired design by Imanilia. www.imanilia.com

Model and designer, Sena. www.sena-collection.com

Model bearing all in Tatiana Arias's, Arcoiris swimwear. www.arcoiriswimwear.com

Model with designer, Morgan Elizabeth's business card at hand. www.modelmayhem.com/morganelizabethbridal

Readers, I only posted images of what I could bear on my site so the worst of it will NOT be televised on my time but, I would honestly love your feedback on what you like and don't like of what I did post...in the mean time, I will be writing the producer of the show on my feelings and giving her some feedback on my thoughts of the show. I will be sure to keep you updated and hope you stay tuned...

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

Thursday, July 9, 2009

LADY YVETTE'S CATWALK DEBUT: FASHION ON THE HUDSON


Hello Fellow Ladies,

It's been a long day and I am just getting around to letting you in on the latest in Lady Yvette's world of fashion and fun!...So, as many of you already know, not only do I write, art direct and personal shop in the field of fashion, I also am a model/muse. I've been doing it some time now and even though I am not a "supermodel" doing spreads in ELLE or VOGUE, I've had my share of covers, magazine editorials, ads, and fashion shows. While living in Chi-town I did a whole lot of fashion shows and while living in the Mil-town I got my first cover and full fashion spread - thanks to Todd H Taylor, the photographer I give much credit to my pursuits as a model! Personally, I think if I knew what I know now in the game I would be a lot further but , I am still proud of my accomplishments and still am going hard...moving more into the commercial print/tv/film arena - yeah, I know I do it all...why not? You live only once!;-)

Anyways, one thing I've always wanted to do was walk in Fashion Week at the Bryant Park tents or a big show where there's this fierce catwalk and many people watching...well, yours truly is FINALLY going to experience that walking a 50 foot double T outdoor runway this Saturday in Harlem!! It's NOT Bryant Park during Fashion Week but it will definitely suffice - I can check off on my list of things to do in my lifetime: walked long runway in front of thousands...lol

My Signature Poster Shot by Todd H. Taylor Photography

FASHION ON THE HUDSON is a night time, outdoor fashion show produced by Sofia Davis, Executive Producer of BTE-TV (Beauty & Fashion Television, www.btetv.com) and George Blount, owner of Business Institute. The idea of a large catwalk on the Waterfront Plaza in the middle of Riverbank State park with promenade views of the Hudson River and New Jersey sounds like something I wouldn't want to miss. On top of that, there will be 15 emerging designers across the United States showcasing their work in front of at least 3,500 people. I really don't know what to expect but, I am excited to see what I get out of this wonderful opportunity. It should be a lot of fun and if you are interested in fashion just as I am, checking out how other artist interprets fashion will be quite interesting. Don't you think so??...hopefully some of you will tell me you came to check me out! If not, I will report back to you with what was good and what was NOT!!

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

Date: Saturday, July 11th at 6:00PM
Address: Riverbank State Park West 145th & Riverside Drive

Take the 1 train to 145th Street...I highly suggest to arrive early and if you have bring lawn chairs!!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

REPORTING TO ALL SHOE LOVERS...REPORT SIGNATURE is the answer!

Okay, those of us women who LOVE shoes, I am
betting you are thinking, "hmmmmm, what shoes should I get now...." Well, Mz. Lady Yvette is...and I want them ALL!!! Have you seen the Jimmy Choo for H&M(see pic above)? Or those Balmain Studded Crystal sandals? What about those thigh-high Gucci boots out for Fall? Whew...I could go on but I have to be honest here because, there is no way in Gods name I can afford these HOTT to def shoes, boots or sandals...HONESTLY! And if I could, you would see a pick of me rockin' them fo' sure!...LOL (For the record, though...the Jimmy Choo's for H&M will run about $99 to $299 - pretty reasonable!)


Well, to satisfy that urge immediately (since those Choos won't be out for another four months) I would like to suggest Report Signature for the sassy and daring! Which you all have to be if you LOVE shoes!! I happen to discover and fall in LOVE with Report Signatures back in November! I think I was going through either ELLE or LUCKY magazine and came across them(I may be wrong about the month but it was definitely a while back). I have yet to own a pair but I am just about to order a pair very soon(I will be sure to post what I buy). These shoes are very affordable, chic, sexy, glamorous, and right on trend! Plus, you will find all kinds of celebs rocking them...but I could careless about that because I wear what I like and just because a celebrity is rockin' them does NOT dictate what Mz. Lady Yvette wears!!...Can I get an "Amen"!!!

Anywho, mi ladies you should go to either their official website or check out SHOPSTYLE for a great selection of Report Signature shoes, sandals and boots!!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Inspiration of the Day: Hitchcock Classics/Vanityfair.com

Fireworks: Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 "To Catch a Thief"

My love for film and fashion goes hand in hand for me and inspires me constantly. I will see clothes and reference to a classic movie or I will see a classic movie and be inspired from the wardrobe, the lifestyle, and demeanor of the actors...Just two nights ago, I saw for the first time, Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 To Catch A Thief starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Such a classic movie and to think I never seen this movie til NOW!!!....I absolutely adore Grace and the way she caught her 'thief'..lol! Very witty dialogue and and charming characters along with wardrobe to die for...

Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. Photograph by Norman Jean Roy.

Anyway, I love Alfred Hitchcock movies and remember studying his works in college for Film...there is something about the production of how things are put together that intrigue me and Vanity Fair back in Feburary 2008 produced recreated stills of Hitchcock's Classic movies! Although, Mz Lady Yvette ALSO loves to be in the limelight ;-)...I have to say understanding what goes on behind the scene to create a scene is facinating...which reminds me to tell you that I'm working on a project as art director with an emerging designer that I am extremely excited about. For her Spring/Summer 2010 collection I had the honors to conceptualize and produce a fashion shoot she will be using the images for the website store launch! I want to properly introduce this FAB designer's work and I will say to just look out for what's to come...the direction of this project was definitely inspired by a movie and I will be sure to keep you updated...I am off to do first edits of images!

in Love
Lady Yvette

P.S. Check out Vanity Fair's Web Exclusive, The 2008 Hollywood Portfolio of "Hitchcock Classics".
Hitchcock Classics: vanityfair.com

Shared via AddThis

Monday, July 6, 2009

SUMMER SALES...NOW??!!!

Independence's Day is usually the excuse for retailers to have a sale but I've noticed that most retailers have started their summer sales...early. And I mean blow-out sales where mostly EVERYTHING in store is more than 50% off!

This holiday weekend I had the luxury to go shopping in SoHo on Broadway (where new yorkers and tourist alike go to get deals and shop til they drop..lol) and every store I stepped into there was a sale!!! At this point in the game, being that I have been in retail so long, I could tell that it wasn't just the simple July 4th weekend sales but HUGE "we-are-in-desperate-need-of-sales-to-go-up" and "we-are-in-desperate-need-to-get-rid-of" summer sales!!! Steven, Aldo Shoes, Zara's, Forever 21, TopShop, all look as though they have inventory that needs to go before next month's fall shipment arrive.

Steven by Steven Madden is having a buy one, get the other pair 90% off sale....Aldo is having an up to 70% off sale on most flats, platforms, and low-heeled sandals...Zara's entire store is filled with $39.99 fly sandals marked down from $99.99-$129.99 along with trendy items like harem pants, boyfriend blazers, and tissue-paper thin tee tanks going from $9.99-$39.99...The new TopShop has racks setup like a sample sale with Brit-influenced duds on sale for $25, $30, and $40, about 50% off the original price! - I am sure I could go on forever...

If you got the extra cash and need some great bargains in your life...NOW is the time to do it. Summer ain't ova yet!

in LOVE
Lady Yvette

P.S. If you need to utilize me be my guess and contact me for personal shopping services. I am available...mzladyyvette@gmail.com


Friday, July 3, 2009

LOUIS VUITTON'S FALL 09 AD CAMPAIGN


Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about the Fall 09 Louis Vuitton Campaign featuring the Material Girl, MADONNA. It's not Steven Meisel's best I must say, though. And I think it's over done with this overexposed technique they use called solarization. Real talk, WHO came up with this concept??? I'd love to sit down with them and find out why they went this direction with the campaign.

I stare at it and it doesn't speak to me...I love the mood and color tones (purple speaks Fall 09...purple is my favorite color...purple is the color of royalty) but the post is too distorted...and why is Madonna modeling...how old is she, again? Well, I guess I can't talk but this is a bit much. Wouldn't you agree or tell me, are you feeling this??...But, what do I know because when it's all said and done it's ALL about sales...and last season (S/S 09 - the collection was SUPERB!!) they sold out within a few months according to Antoine Arnault, LV's communication director. Madonna does have that affect and I don't knock it, after all...




Marc Jacobs for LV is doing a WONDERFUL job interpreting this season's fall trends but I still do not feel it shows through in this campaign because let me tell you...you ain't seen nothing' yet until you've seen this fall's thigh-hi boots that are in trend this fall!

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

INSIDE THE WORLD OF ANNA - "THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE"


Ladies & Gents (those that are into this stuff...FASHION, yeah!) get ready to mark your calendars for August 28th, 2009...WHY, you ask?...

...Well, I can only speak for myself and how VOGUE magazine has influenced my love and passion for fashion. I collect that magazine for cryin' out loud and for those of you that can admit to referencing to VOGUE as their fashion bible, don't you wonder what ALL goes into publishing a magazine of that stature? And what about the woman who told Oprah to lose 20 lbs, who's behind it all...Anna Wintour - what's it really like to be her? Well, again I can only speak for myself being that my interests lies in fashion editorial and fashion, period but, I think you will be thrilled to know that RJ Cutler's(The War Room) documentary, The September Issue will be released for our viewing fashion fix on that date!!

The Days-In-the-Life of Anna-Wintour and her team of editors are exposed in this documentary showing how American VOGUE's heaviest issue of the year is composed - The September issue. Director and producer, RJ Cutler follows Wintour during the production of the 2007 September issue; their BIGGEST ISSUE EVER including 840 pages, with 727 pages of them being ads.

Already winning the Grand Jury Prize this year at the Sundance Film Festival for Excellence in Cinematography this movie has already started a frenzy amongst those well-connected within fashion with fashion screening parties all over! Bootlegs of course, but I'm gonna wait for the U.S. theatrical release in August. On June 24th, the world premiere of , The September Issue was aired on Access Hollywood and you must check it out! (see below) Just watching I got goosebumps, giddy, and now I am counting the days....

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette