By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

Known to his fans as dapperlou.com, 24-year-old Haitian-American style blogger Ludget Delcy relishes the idea of throwing people off with his personal style. It started back when he was a high school sophomore in Brooklyn, New York. Amidst a sea of velour sweat suits and Air force Ones, there was Delcy (pictured here), wearing crisp white pants, a blue shirt, white tie, and a black blazer. Donning the kind of ensembles that were more Details than XXL, he was often greeted with puzzling stares and laughter as he walked down the halls of Sheepshead Bay High School. “Everyone would ask me where am I going so dressed up,” he recalls with a chuckle, “I’ve always liked looking neat and well-dressed because it speaks volume about who I am.”

For Delcy and a small defined group of black men in New York, specifically in Brooklyn, dressing like a gentlemen or a dandy is a way of life. They are defiantly veering from the saturated images of urban black man in the globally recognizable uniform of oversized silhouettes and casual attire. Delcy would never be caught dead swimming in his clothes; “I think the most unattractive thing is a man in ill-fitting clothes,” he says. These polished black gentlemen, which also include not only Americans, but also Africans and Caribbean immigrants, approach wearing bow ties, tailored suits, cuff links, and pockets squares, with an equal amount of zest, meticulousness and self-pride. They possess an enthusiasm and commitment to style that rivals Congo’s dandies, Les Sapeurs.

“I’ve been to Paris and Milan and they are not doing anything that’s so special. There are guys in Brooklyn that are killing it. A lot of them have a real affinity for it and strive to perfect it,” points out Brookynite Jamiyl Young, who previously spent years working as a rep for Paul Smith, and credits his time at FIT for penchant for classic Americana pieces. “Fashion is wearing Gucci and Prada and it’s rubbish. It means you paid a lot of money to look good, but you really don’t. Great style is what you see in Fort Greene.”

Indeed, Brooklyn’s Fort Greene, a former haven for black artists which has been greatly gentrified in recent years, has become the nexus for this fresh new aesthetic in black men’s style. In this bohemian neighborhood, people are expected to express their individuality. Take a walk in the area and it’s clear that something exciting is taking place in the relationship between black men and their clothes. Whether it’s dandified seersucker suits teamed with vibrant hued socks and brogues, or a tailored vintage Americana look of leather varsity jackets and chambray shirts with neck ties, not only are they showcasing their incomparably cool personal style, but, by extension, these men are redressing the monolithic concept of blackness and black masculinity today. They reflect a breath of identity, gender, and politics, but they all share a common obsessive interest in fine tailoring, fabrics, textures, the men of the Jazz Age, vibrant hues, and eye-catching details.

“I’ve been surrounded by examples of incredible black men and well dressed black men growing up,” says Shantrelle P. Lewis, a curator at The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts. “The only image in the media you see is of them looking thuggish. I think the hip-hop style of saggy jeans and baggy T-shirts should be celebrated, but when that look comes to define us as a whole, that’s when I have a problem.” She tackled the topic of black identity and style in a captivating photography exhibit that examined this current crop of gentlemen. (Dandy Lion: An Articulation of a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Aesthetic closed on August 27.) “These Dandy Lions are saying, ‘I’m going to articulate my own black identity and swagger.’ ”

Dandyism for Africans in the diaspora has long been a means to carve out a dignified and distinguished identity at different moments in history. Akin to the afrocentric hip-hop movement of the ‘90s, this polished gentleman is becoming a rebellious marker of black pride. Both looks may be night and day, but the interest in representation and being individualistic is still present.

Author and Barnard English professor Monica Miller’s poignant and historically rich book, Slaves To Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, traces the rise of the black dandy and the complex social meaning of clothing for blacks, from slavery to today. Miller describes how in 18th century England, some wealthy slave owners would flaunt their high social status by displaying their luxury slaves as mere objects, dressing them up like dandies and teaching them to sing, play instruments, and sometimes even read and write.

“At the same time this is happening in London, there are tons of other Africans used as labor,” Miller says. “There are few black people in England at that time, so a limited number of blacks dressed fancily in an aristocratic manner was somehow seen as a limited phenomenon or maybe a joke. In the US, because there is so many more black people, one in fancy dress is so much more threatening. It was as if a slave was stating with their clothes that they have other aspirations.” Despite black dandyism being portrayed as a negative in the States, the look continued to thrive in the ‘20s, ‘30s and 40’s.

One defining element of the black dandies is their ability to appropriate the Victorian and European classic aesthetic and juxtapose it with their African identity. This fusing is at the heart of today’s modern day black dandy in Brooklyn, Europe and Africa.

“Today’s dandy definitely looks at English bespoke culture, but it’s completely different because of the details and the vibrant color patterns, which is associated with the fabrics coming out of West Africa,” explains Miller. “This is a neo-modern post-African person who clearly understands himself as part as the global world and is singling that cosmopolitan history and modern Africanism. I think it’s fascinating because it’s not in a way that’s really flip, it has intelligence to it.” She points to Outkast’s Andre 3000 as a perfect example.

Pulling off this look isn’t as simple as just wearing a suit off the rack. It has as much to do with an appreciation for fashion, as it does history. “It involves more of an interaction with what you are wearing. It’s something you have to learn. There are things like tying a bow tie, different cuts of pants, fabrics and so forth,” says photographer Kwesi Abensetts, who has spent years capturing these men in Brooklyn. He hopes his contemporary images as part of the Dandy Lion exhibit will encourage men to reference the black gentlemen of the past and take more risk with their style.

“This isn’t anything new. Black people have been doing this since the jazz age and the great depression,” says street fashion photographer Karl-Edwin Guerre whose bright and bold tailored concoctions regularly land him on street style blogs and websites like Jak & Jill, Style.com and Vogue Italy. “One of the reasons for my style maturing was looking at a photo of my father, and then I remembered I never saw my father wear a pair of jeans, ever,” “Just having style and not understanding where it’s coming from and how to put thing together doesn’t necessarily make for something pleasant to look like. A true dandy is not a gentleman who calls himself a dandy, it’s the public who views him as a such.”

While Young, Delcy, Guerre and Abensetts all agree that they’ve spotted many fashion victims who’ve missed the mark trying to emulate this look, they all agree that it’s refreshing to see more black men broadening their style repertoire beyond the confines of hip-hop fashion, which very much still reigns supreme. “There’s this ‘casualisation’ that’s taken over in America,” says Young. “Nobody cares anymore and Hip-hop at its core is the extreme of that. I mean at the NAACP image award you have Lil’ Wayne with his shorts hanging off his ass. Damn, you can’t even get dressed up for the image awards?”

A similar sentiment has been expressed by a number of black politicians, urging young black men to pick their pants up by going as a far as proposing banning the look. For photographer and web designer Jamala Johns, who shot Young for the Dandy Lion exhibit, both styles can, in fact must, co-exist. “You need one to have the other, right? This is a beautiful reaction to the done to death hip-hop look. As a woman, I love seeing black men on the street carrying themselves like gentlemen. It inspires me to step it up.”

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

If you’re anything like us, you’ve spent many Saturday afternoons drooling at interior design star Kelly Wearstler’s line of furnishing gems (and literal gems) on the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman, before or after tucking in at BG, the department store’s haute-canteen that Wearstler also decorated. While getting Wearstler to work her visionary magic in our apartments may be a long shot, we’ll gladly settle for donning her deft mix of vintage, mod, and glamour where everyone can see—on our backs. Judging from her print-heavy, laid-back luxe resort ’12 collection, Wearstler’s transition from in-demand interior designer to fashion designer is a seamless one. Unlike her pricey home pieces, her line of swoon-worthy bleach stripped shirtdresses, sweet ruffled ombré silk blouses, and easy breezy maxi frocks isn’t astronomical (T-shirts start at $58, dresses average $450), and are perfect for round-the-clock cool. And like any good haus guru, she’s got us covered when it comes to adding those stellar decorative touches to brilliantly embellish a look with some glittery stoned cuffs and link necklaces. We guarantee your crib will be so jealous when these pieces hit KW’s site in August!

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

 Even though Georgia native Audrey Estilette had heard about the counterfeit designer handbags sold in New York’s Chinatown, on her recent trip to the city, the fourteen year-old was more interested in exploring the authentic side of the neighborhood—or so she thought. Standing on Canal Street, surrounded by a swarm of vendors vying for her attention with whispers of Louis Vuitton and Chanel, it quickly became obvious to Estilette that sightseeing might have to take a back seat to bargain shopping. “Everywhere you turn, someone is trying to sell you a bag,” she says, she and her girlfriends proudly toting the knockoff Longchamp “Le Pliage” handbags they scored. “You don’t have places like this back home. You know, all out in the open and stuff.”

On an average day in Chinatown, illegal counterfeit vendors and their lookouts snake through the crowds, peddling their fake bags. For soccer mom Terry Johnson, on vacation from Florida, the illicit nature of the not-so-discreet transactions and the prospect of swinging a “designer bag” on her shoulder for a fraction of the price provides a strange thrill. “It’s a fun game to come to Chinatown to buy bags,” she says smiling, clutching four nondescript black plastic bags full of fake handbags. “I always get a rush from a good deal,” she adds, before zeroing in on a vendor holding a laminated sheet of images of Chanel bags. “Oh, let me try to get this guy.”

For years, Chinatown has been so synonymous with fakes—bags, watches, perfumes—that it’s become part of the fabric of the community. That’s why Chinatown’s Council member Margaret Chin is on a mission to rid the lower Manhattan neighborhood of its unofficial title as the Capital of Counterfeits with a proposed bill that would make it illegal to purchase counterfeit goods in her district.

“There is a huge growing demand for these low-cost illegal trademark goods,” explains Chin over the phone from her office. “There are illegal vendors crowding in front of the businesses and apartment buildings. Our constituents and people in the community are sick of living this way. Local businesses have to deal with shoppers coming in trying to negotiate a price, as if they were counterfeit. Why is that okay?”

If Chin’s bill becomes law, anyone caught buying any fake goods would be slapped with a misdemeanor charge that will come with a $1000 fine—or up to a year in jail. Italy and France have both adopted a similar law that goes after the shopper. “That’s crazy,” says Estilette, echoing the sentiment of most of the shoppers we spoke with. “Why don’t they just arrest these vendors? They are the ones selling it in front of everyone.”

That would seem to be the logical course of action. In fact, there’s already a law on the books that makes selling counterfeit goods illegal, although it’s difficult to enforce without a consistent police presence to catch vendors in the act. While there have been small victories in the fight against counterfeiters in Chinatown, like the 2008 police raid that unearthed over $1 million worth of knockoffs and closed down 32 illegal storefronts, with the NYPD stretched thin on issues like terrorism, the problem continues to grow. Accordingly, Chin believes it’s time police turn their focus on the buyer.

“This bill will stop shoppers from coming here specifically to purchase these counterfeit goods. They should experience what Chinatown really has to offer. If they want a bargain, there are a lot of places in the city where they can purchase a designer bag for an affordable price. I go to those places,” says Chin.

But not everyone thinks locking up shoppers is the best way to clean up Chinatown. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s David Louie thinks Chin’s efforts are misplaced. “What’s the goal? To get rid of the sell of counterfeit goods, right? You don’t have to be a Dick Tracy to figure out who is selling illegal goods. Why not enforce the law that’s already on the books? If they wanted to enforce it, they would,” offers Louie. “But it’s certainly not gonna help our image if we start looking up tourists.” While it was difficult finding vendors willing to talk about the proposed legislation, one laughed at the idea of the bill saying, “It’s never going to pass. No counterfeit, no tourist, no money!”

“Poor tourists and their bags, I’m tired of hearing that,” says an exasperated Paul Cantor, who’s in full support of Chin’s proposed bill. “They know what they are doing and they should suffer the consequences. How do you allow straight out lawlessness to exist out in the open?” Cantor, a community board member, has lived in the neighborhood for 16 years. “Why do I have to ask them to move from my doorway so I can get in and then the vendor yells at me? They punched a neighbor who asked one of them to move from in front of his building. There is no reason why at the very least the people out there selling can’t be cognizant of who lives in the neighborhood. I know who they are.”

If arguments about the poor quality of life and revenue loss in Chinatown don’t do much to dissuade shoppers from coming to the area for knockoffs, than Robert Barchiesi of the International Anti Counterfeiting Coalition hopes the sobering facts behind the production of cheap fakes will have shoppers thinking twice before bargaining for a Gucci tote replica.

“I think Margaret Chin’s bill is a creative idea, and will be a deterrent. Shoppers need to be educated on the big issues linked to counterfeit goods, like child labor, prostitution, gangs, and in some instances, terrorism. This is far from a victimless crime,” says Barchiesi. “If people knew just what their money is supporting…”

But even when confronted with the moral arguments against purchasing counterfeit goods, Johnson says that her $95 Louis Vuitton bag or $200 Chanel purse isn’t responsible for the world’s ills. “I’m not hurting anyone. Sorry if I can’t afford the $2000 version.”

Says Rory Chadwick of Midtown Authentic, a reputable consignment shop that sells vintage designer bags, “I know people who don’t have a lot of money and want to get a nice bag. Every week, they save up or buy a vintage bag for half the price. That’s the right thing to do. Instead, these people are cutting corners with these cheap bags.” An expert at detecting fakes for over 16 years, Chadwick sent an email to Chin when the bill was announced to offer support, along with his help in training the NYPD in spotting knockoffs. “It’s not just one person getting one bag. Now, people are coming from Florida and buying 200 bags, and then selling them on eBay or Craigslist as the real thing. Council Member Chin’s bill may be a landmark stepping stone to combating counterfeit bags.”

Enforcing the law and starting a dialogue on the illicit counterfeit trade—as well as debunking the notion that it’s a victimless crime—might be the first step to dealing with Chinatown’s counterfeit vending issues. Still, it’s difficult to image legislation will be anything more than a stopgap, when the real problem here is our insatiable appetite for status symbols, at any cost.

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

For the last few years, high-street chains like H&M and Zara have provided women with tight budgets and big fashion aspirations the chance to indulge in runway trends without breaking the bank. Where those stores pair with haute designers to produce limited-edition collections (take Alber Elbaz’s recent collaboration with H&M), flash-sale sites like Gilt Groupe deliver actual runway duds at hugely slashed prices to women not lucky enough to receive those ‘Friends and Family’ invitations to sample sales in their Inbox. But when savings rule, where does that leave higher-end shoppers who are ready – and more than willing – to spend big bucks on fashion? “There hasn’t been a lot of focus on doing special things for the shopper who wants the latest thing and is going to pay full price,” points out Aslaug Magnusdottir, former head of merchandizing at Gilt Noir (Gilt.com’s elite member group), on the inspiration behind Moda Operandi, the revolutionary new e-commerce site she co-founded with Lauren Santo Domingo of Vogue. “There’s a real need for a new luxury experience at the high-end level.”

Set to launch in February during New York Fashion Week, the exclusive, membership-only shopping site will instantly gratify and reward the fashion obsessed. Moda Operandi will feature collections from the likes of Calvin Klein, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, and many more for sale as early as 48 hours to a couple of days following their runway shows. Perhaps even more surprising, members can shop the entire collection – not simply what a department store’s buyers predict will be a hit for the season – and receive their purchases months before the clothes make it onto store racks. And, of course, before the designs have been replicated by certain high-street stores for the masses.

Closing the gap between the runway shows and the time in which designs are ready to be purchased is a seemingly never-ending fashion conundrum that Magnusdottir hopes Moda Operandi will work towards solving for both designers and serious shoppers. “People get so excited after the shows, it will be great to be able to deliver the pieces quickly,” Magnusdottir says. The fashion veteran took time out from preparing for the launch to answer our questions about Moda Operandi’s alternative shopping strategy, and the effect it will ultimately have on the future of fashion retail.

What inspired you to launch Moda Operandi?

The idea came to me over a year ago. Having worked in fashion for a number of years, designers kept saying to me how they would make these beautiful collections and the stores only buy a select part of them, so the special pieces never get made. It’s really a shame. They tell me the buyers have become more conservative and end up buying less of these special pieces. The inspiration behind the concept is to allow designers the chance to connect with women who appreciate these special pieces. I closely follow the runway shows. In many cases, I’ve seen pieces that I definitely want to get and then I find out it never got made. It was featured in the press a lot, but the store never bought it. I’ve experienced that on many occasions and it’s very disappointing.

Even women with the means to splurge on luxury items can find themselves not having access to certain pieces?

What companies like Gilt did was take something that was an insider experience, the sample sale, and made it accessible to the public. What we are doing is taking one of the few exclusive fashion experiences, the pre-order and trunk show, and making it available to a broader group of women. There are a small group of women in New York, London, Paris and Milan that can go into a designer’s showroom the week after the runway show to place their orders. On the other hand, there are women who see the collection on Style.com and they know what they want but it’s often impossible to find those things. I think this will be attractive, not only to big shoppers living in the city, but people in more remote places that don’t have as much access as a woman in NY.

Your site is giving women the freedom to edit their own closets and personal style.

If you look at the situation 10 years ago, women did not really know what was going down the runway. They would only see what ended up in the magazines or in the stores. Today, they can see every single style online within hours of the show. They know what they want and buyers can only select a certain number of looks. We want to empower women with more choices. They should be able to choose what they want to buy.

While at the same time stripping some power away from the buyer?

This concept does not require a buyer. We will offer guidance with our editorial content. There will be some women who will be happy to buy this way, and then there are women who still like the guidance of someone’s edit. I don’t think this is for everyone, but I think more and more people will become comfortable shopping this way.

How will the site work?

Our team will go to shows to film the runway shows and interviews with designers backstage. Following the show, we will shoot the full collection in the designer’s showroom. We’ll have very detailed shots of the products. The trunk show will then start on the site. It can be as early as 48 hours, but some of the designers prefer to wait later in their market week. It will vary a bit, but generally after the show it will run 36 to 72 hours. During that time period our members will be able to look at the individual styles with detailed descriptions. We have 24-hour customer service on hand to help with any questions. Members can place their order with a 50% deposit and immediately after the trunk show we submit those orders. Designers ship everything to us, and we package and ship to the customers. The membership will be small, at first. We started with a database of 15,000 people from our network of influencers and friends. Those individuals will get to invite two or three people. Then, we will close it down to make sure we get to know those members. Our customer service is at the top level. We will then open it up gradually to more members. We expect by the end of 2011 to be at 100,000.

What was the reaction from designers when you pitched them the idea? And how will this new strategy benefit them?

Lauren and I worked in the industry for a long time and have relationships with a number of brands. The reaction has been absolutely extraordinary. The designers immediately saw the benefits. In addition to being able to reach out to their customers, one of the biggest benefits is the immediate feedback in the start of their market week on what is and isn’t working in parts of the world. They can use this information to make their businesses a lot more efficient and to guide their own buys for their stores. If they are working with other retailers, they can use the information from our site and tell the store buyer what customers are reacting to. This will help everyone to better plan and buy more of what shoppers want and less of what isn’t selling. This information is valuable.

Will designers being able to figuring out exactly what sells make sample sales obsolete?

I think there will always be some overstock, but I think this will help manage the process much better. From a designer and retailer perspective, it’s very positive. Sometimes stores require designers to take back what hasn’t sold at the end of the season. For many designers, this could be a huge financial burden. The aim is to have less overstock. Hopefully, they will be providing items that people want to buy. When you have an item that sells out in two weeks, generally there’s no opportunity to replenish since the designers only go through one production cycle.

One of the biggest complaints from designers, editors, and shoppers is the lag time between the shows and what makes it into the store.

I think designers and the fashion community believe something needs to change. The cycle is just too long. Those chains that re-create designer pieces are working on a much smaller cycle. The replica styles are coming out significantly faster than the originals. We do see this changing. Burberry has been a leader in revolutionizing this experience. In September, they featured styles, immediately following the show, on their site that shipped to shoppers within just a few weeks. Over time, the trend will be to shorten that cycle.

Tom Ford refrained from releasing any images of his latest runway show to build a buzz until the collection would actually be available in stores. What are your thoughts on his approach?

I think that is another reaction to the same issue we are tackling. The item gets so much exposure and then gets copied. I think some other designers may chose to go down Tom Ford’s path. There was a study done by the Wall Street Journal earlier this year that showed that on average, in NY, in the 24 hours after a fashion show there were 100% increase in sale inquires due to the buzz the show created. But it leads to zero sales because none of it is available. I think a fashion show can be a huge buzz and press event, but what is missing is how to leverage that buzz into commerce. That’s what we are trying to enable designers to do. Do you envision other e-commerce sites following your lead? We are the first to specialize in this shopping experience, and I think any good idea is gonna be copied. I expect this to be the new way more and more people will shop. What we are planning to do is create a very special experience. I think the brands will also pick up on it. Just as brands have their own stores and are carried in stores with multiple brands, I think there is room for more than one player here.

Do you envision other e-commerce sites following your lead?

We are the first to specialize in this shopping experience, and I think any good idea is gonna be copied. I expect this to be the new way more and more people will shop. What we are planning to do is create a very special experience. I think the brands will also pick up on it. Just as brands have their own stores and are carried in stores with multiple brands, I think there is room for more than one player here.

ESSENCE.com January, 2010

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

While there may be an endless supply of pretty faces decked out, with the help of stylists, in head-to-toe au courant, designer pieces making the red carpet and party rounds, to catch our eye here at ESSENCE.com, one must approach fashion with a truly individualistic approach, have savvy personal style, be adept at interpreting trends to make them her own, have an understanding of what looks good on her frame and, by all means, she must possess impeccable taste.

Finding someone like that these days can be rather difficult in a sea of style copycats, so you can imagine our giddy, school girl excitement when we discovered Shala Monroque…

The stunning social jet-setter, art enthusiast and editor-at-large of “Pop” Magazine possesses a high-level of sophistication and elegance with a dose of eccentricity that is rarely seen and sorely missed in today’s fashion landscape. Monroque first piqued our interest at the Paris Fashion Week S/S 2010. And how could we miss her? Among a sea of severe black and leather ensembles, there was Monroque front row at every show in a riot of eye-popping hues, prints, textures and statement necklaces textures. We love her willingness to stray from the pact with confidence. It’s no wonder this editrix made Vogue’s top ten best dressed list. Comments reach a fever pitch on The Sartorialist street-style blog every time her photograph is featured. There’s no doubt in our minds that Monroque is surely on her way to taking the fashion world by storm–both as an editor and as a style icon.

The now-famous spotting of Monroque outside the Miu Miu S/S 2010 show in head-to-toe Prada has come to define Monroque’s style pedigree. This is the image that got bloggers and fashion insiders professing their love for Monroque’s coveted style and touting her as fashion week’s breakout star. The pencil, flower printed, yellow Prada skirt paired with a simple brown leather belt and elaborate, tribal-tinged bejeweled Prada heels from F/W 08, beaded statement necklace and her signature chic turban says polished, urban sophisticate.

Nevertheless, we love that she opted for a simple, cloth tote instead of a designer handbag to complete her stellar look. It’s those small, offbeat details that add layers to Monroque’s phenomenal looks and proves she’s not into taking fashion too seriously. And though we would love to own her enviable wardrobe, it’s her shinning confidence  that has all of us paying close attention.

Read more: http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/independent_spirit/it_girl_shala_monroque.php#ixzz155AnCoiN

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

It’s been more than 20 years since Lenny Kravitz wrote and produced his classic debut, ‘Let Love Rule’, which introduced the world to a dreaded hippie whose sound melded an array of musical influences from classic rock to funk. Today the Brooklyn born rocker – sans dreads – continues to thrive and surprise us with his multifaceted talent – and expressions.

If you think a day in the life of Lenny Kravitz entails all night parties and supermodels, think again. In fact, you’re more prone to find the Brooklyn-born rocker taking it easy with his family than living the ubiquitous rocker lifestyle he once indulged in. Today Kravitz shares his time between the high life in Paris and a humble farm in the Bahamas. With 10 albums under his belt and his first acting gig in the critically acclaimed Lee Daniels’s film, Precious, it’s safe to say retirement isn’t in the cards for Mr. Kravitz any time soon.

What are the ups and downs of being Lenny Kravitz?

I mean the ups are great; first of all I get to make music. That supports my life and my family. Doing what I love and being able to support myself and my people with that, and enjoy it, is amazing. But it’s very difficult to forge a relationship… Meaning a romantic relationship. I move around so much that my life is kind of nuts.

Why do you think there is such a big focus on being famous?

Our culture is all about that. It’s crazy how all of our TV shows now are reality and fame. It’s kind of scary that we are so into celebrity and in most cases celebrating people that don’t necessarily have any particular talent, right?

How has it affected your life being famous?

I think early on I wasn’t ready for it, although I grew up with a mother who was famous and my child’s mother was famous. I left home when I was 15 and I was very much a gypsy and a hippie, so when the fame thing began to happen by virtue of just being successful, I had to learn to close down. I had to learn to not be so open because I was like ‘Come one come all. Let’s have fun, let’s hang out.’ I was that kind of person and people started to take advantage and see what they could get. I had to curb my natural vibe. That was hard.

How conscious are you about your image as an artist?

I think it’s something that’s inside of you. I don’t really think about it. Sometimes I’m very covered up and a little dirty as I am right now. Sometimes I’m more glamorous. It all depends on how I feel. Right now, I’m feeling kind of regular.

What do you like the most about being ‘on stage’?

I feel at home. I would never…Turn my back on a friend. 10 years from now I’ll be…Still rockin’ I’m a big fan of …Miles Davis

Links: vsmagazinelive.com

By Alexandra Phanor

After 10 years away from New York, haute couture designer Christian Lacroix celebrated his return to the Big Apple by hosting a private dinner, followed by the unveiling of his much-anticipated first store in the city, across from the Four Seasons Hotel. “It’s always like home here,” said Lacroix, who made his U.S. retail debut back in 2006 in Las Vegas. “Yesterday was the first time I saw the store. I’m very proud. I love it, love it.”

The 1,741-square-foot boutique’s onyx walls, mirrored bricks, contemporary red chandelier, red carpet, pink roses and carnations, and racks of Mr. Lacroix’s signature vibrant-hued gowns lent a kaleidoscopic air to the milieu. “I always passed by the store and couldn’t wait to see inside. It’s gorgeous,” gushed model Hana Soukupova, sipping Champagne in the back room of the store.

On hand to welcome back the designer was a bevy of fashion insiders, including photographer Gilles Bensimon and the Washington Post’s Robin Givhan. Lipstick Jungle star Kim Raver revealed as she made her way through the crowd that Lacroix had gifted her with some beautiful pieces. “He is an extraordinary designer,” said the actress, who wore a long, black, strapless number. “How can you say no?”

Links: HarpersBazaar.com

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

Shoe maestro Brian Atwood’s come-hither skyscraper heels in elaborate skins and blinding jewels are always the stars of the show. Nevertheless, at last night’s fete at the OpenHouse Gallery for the designer’s exclusive new book — Role Play Rene, featuring his candy-hued Spring 09 collection — his killer heels played their first supporting role. A seductive, barely clothed Rene Russo modeling the footwear line was the main attraction. You couldn’t help but be fixated on Russo’s tight bod (If only we could all look this good at 55), and it’s just how Atwood and famed celeb/ fashion photographer Tony Duran wanted it. “Tony and I love Rene. We wanted to make her look very sexy; hence the title of the book. The shoes are all about the attitude that she gives off in these photos,” says Atwood.

Published personally by Atwood, the 1000 copies of his homage to the veteran Hollywood starlet were given out to the invite-only guests. Dying to see a wet Russo in risqué poses involving younger naked male models, hair pulling, blindfolds, and of course sexy shoes? Check out those photos, and you won’t be disappointed. You’re welcome.

Links: Blackbookmag.com

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

Why can we not stop watching Rachel Weisz? Sure, her breathtaking beauty is easy on the eyes, but it’s the vulnerable, often broken characters she so effortlessly inhabits that keep us glued to the screen. Weisz has never chosen the easy golden-paved path that so many Hollywood starlets follow to fame and fortune. Instead, Weisz keeps us constantly guessing with roles as varied as Tennessee William’s Blanche DuBois and as Jackie Onassis in the upcoming biopic being directed by her husband, Darren Aronofsky.

“Choosing a role is like choosing a friend,” explains Oscar winning actress Rachel Weisz. “Why would one do something boring when they can pick something more interesting? What does it mean to really be a human being? I’m interested in that. You don’t want to be friends with someone who is just one thing. We are drawn to complexities.”

Weisz has been adept at choosing a multitude of complicated women to be “friends” with on screen, from the thrill seeking librarian in the action-packed Mummy films to The Constant Gardener’s murder victim Tessa Quayle, who is unraveled slowly in heartbreaking flashbacks and which won Weisz the Oscar for Best Supporting actress. Inhabiting other people’s personalities has always been an integral part of Rachel Weisz’ DNA. Since she was a little girl, growing up as the daughter of a Hungarian father and an Austrian mother in North London, the lure of adopting someone else’s life has been alluring and intoxicating. Weisz’s wild imagination and empathetic nature has allowed her to shape and breathe life into some of film’s most compelling, versatile characters.

Playing against expectations, Weisz has successfully steered her way through blockbuster films, indies, and awe-inspiring stage performances. Weisz, who at 40 still has the wide eyed, innocent face of a young ingénue, has spent her entire career searching for interesting characters to become, so it’s no surprise that she thrives best when surrounded by captivating personalities, whether at fashion events or at a bar in her East Village, NY neighborhood where she lives with husband, Darren Aronofsky, the director of The Wrestler, and their four-yearold son, Henry. Unlike most Hollywood stars, Weisz chooses New York over Los Angeles. “I find Hollywood really toxic,” she once said.

Like the actor herself, New York is raw, uninhibited and buzzing with energy. While porcelain white skin, Brooke Shields’ thick eyebrows and a Betty Paige dark mane command attention and earned her modeling gigs for Revlon and Burberry, Weisz’s inner-life is what keeps us mesmerized with her. Her emotive hazel eyes have told thetales of countless, complicated characters from a grieving mom to a prostitute to an activist and Egyptologist. “Probably one of the greatest portraits of a woman is Blanche DuBois [from Tennessee William’s Street Car Named Desire],” Weisz declares, beforeexpanding on the statement. “She was incredibly sex driven, impossible, cruel and so many things. I like finding what’s wrong with someone.” Weisz’s portrayal of Blanche on the London stage won her the 2010 Laurence Olivier award for Best Actress.

“I miss her terribly,” she sighs, as if talking about a long lost best friend. Luckily for Weisz, the challenging parts keep pouring in. Perhaps one of the most high profile and daunting roles of her career will be playing Jackie Kennedy in Jackie, a movie to be directed by Aronofsky. She won’t be the first actor to tackle Jackie O (Jeanne Tripplehorn portrayed her last year in the award winning Grey Gardens TV movie), but the former first lady is an iconic American heroine who people see as the closest thing the United States had to royalty. “I’vealways admired her from afar,” Weisz admits, realizing the weight of the role and the scrutiny people will place on her performance. “I think it’s a very respectful story and a beautiful portrait of a brave woman.” In the upcoming The Whistleblower she plays Kathryn Bolkovac, a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia who outed the U.N. for covering up a sex scandal.

“I’m not like that in real life. I’m very passionate about my work, but I’m not willing to risk my life for it,” she admits in her British accent. “That fascinates me. What makes a person give up their life for something they believe in? I’ll say anything you like to stay alive. My nature and my job is to tell stories and dream.”

Although like a true actor’s actor, Weisz only ventures to Los Angeles for work, don’t expect to hear her whine and moan about the public’s insidious fascination with celebrity culture. She is not one to give the now ubiquitous monologue on the trappings of Hollywood stardom. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done in Hollywood as I am equally proud of independent films. I don’t have snobbery about it. I love getting dressed up for the red carpet to promote a movie. That’s just the reality of the business, and I’m not above reality.” And Weisz dresses up well, favoring dresses by her close friend, designer Narciso Rodriguez, who dressed her when she won her Oscar and accompanied her and her husband to the Vanity Fair party afterwards to celebrate. It’s that complex, yin/yang, yet down-to-earth essence that endears Weisz to us.

Despite being beautiful, smart, talented and witty, Weisz never appears out of reach – she finds the human thread that connects audiences to every part she plays. While she may take the craft of acting seriously, she isn’t beyond poking fun at her charmed life. “It’s such an absurd thing to be doing,” she confesses of the life of a movie star. “Getting dressed and pretending to be someone else.” And as long as Weisz keeps putting on the clothes and getting in and under the skin of interesting characters, we will always be watching.

Link: Vsmagazinelive.com

By Alexandra Phanor-Faury

Atmos
This minimalist Japanese sneaker boutique houses an extensive collection of kicks ($50–$400)—including Adidas, Puma and Atmos’s exclusive collaborations with Nike and New Balance—all of which are displayed in backlit mahogany cubbies. The sneakerhead haven also dabbles in streetwear like T-shirts, jackets and jeans from Stüssy, Black Scale and Atmos’s own signature line. Accessories such as G-Shock watches and Amongst Friends baseball caps will keep you looking fresh from head to toe. TONY deal: MentionTONY to receive 10 percent off everything except Air Jordans and Air Max 2009 sneakers through Wednesday 21. 203 W 125th St at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) (212-666-2242, atmosny.typepad.com)

Carol’s Daughter
This natural hair- and skin-care line has gone from a neighborhood secret to one of the leading natural beauty companies in the country, with celebs like Brad Pitt lusting after its products. With its soothing white brick walls and divine mélange of fragrances both sweet and subtle, the flagship store in Harlem is an aromatic oasis. Indulge your senses and pick up the brand’s signature handmade soap ($2) in the popular almond-cookie scent, the Ecstasy Shea Souffle moisturizing lotion ($13–$30)and the yummy SweetHoneyDip ChocolateBrownSugah scrub ($34). If time permits, treat yourself to a Rose Petal Ritual mani and pedi ($53) at the in-store Backroom Spa, which focuses solely on hands and feet. 24 W 125th St between Fifth Ave and Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) (212-828-6757,carolsdaughter.com)

Goliath
This 1,200-square-foot former barroom is now Harlem’s hottest sneaker emporium; it’s consistently packed with shoe collectors getting their fix of sought-after limited edition and rare kicks, such as the Android Homme ($220), which are displayed alongside standard model Nikes and Reeboks on the shelves. Browse the assortment of colorful T-shirts, jackets and hoodies by streetwear lines like Primitive, 10Deep and Flip the Bird to complete your look. TONY deal: Mention TONY to receive 15 percent off everything through Wednesday 21. 175 E 105th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-360-7683,goliathny.com)

Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe
This veritable Harlem landmark is by far the largest and most famous indie bookstore in the country, focusing on African-American narratives and authors. Brimming with more than 24,000 non-fiction and fiction titles, Hue-Man is perfect for bibliophiles looking to spend a few hours perusing the latest best-sellers while enjoying a cup of coffee at the bookstore’s Café One. At 4,500 square feet, this cavernous space is meticulously organized by specific categories (New York Harlem History, Street Fiction, Diaspora Studies) that make locating what you need a cinch. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? The engaging and knowledgeable staff are always there to guide you. 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) between 124th and 125th Sts (212-665-7400,huemanbookstore.com)

N Harlem New York
When N Harlem opened its doors in 2006, it was a pioneer for other upscale boutiques that subsequently sprouted in the area. Since then, the shop has outfitted locals and those outside the 10026 zip code in ready-to-wear pieces ($15–$300) from such designers as Joe’s Jeans, Nicole Miller, Byron Lars, Generra and the store’s own private label, N, which specializes in soft cotton T-shirts. In addition to stocking more established designers, the boutique peddles top-shelf local and independent talent alongside N’s line of soy-based candles and lotions. TONY deal: Mention TONY to receive 15 percent off items under $200 and 20 percent off items over $200 through Wednesday 21. 171 Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) between 118th and 119th Sts (212-961-9100, nharlemnewyork.com)

Nicholas
Hardly your run-of-the-mill Bob Marley–T-shirt shop, this spacious and well-organized reggae store distinguishes itself by stocking everything you need to live the true Rasta-monsta lifestyle. Find sterling silver jewelry ($15–$190), books on Rastafarianism and holistic health, flavored rolling paper, and stylish bohemian wares and accessories (like trendy military shirt-dresses and straw fedoras, $15–$45), all catering to those who pledge allegiance to the red, gold and green. 5 E 125th St between Fifth and Madison Aves • 2035 Fifth Ave between 125th and 126th Sts (212-289-3628, nicholasreggae.com)

Pollen Nation Events
At this gallery-like home decor boutique, it’s difficult to determine what’s for sale and what’s part of the store’s furnishings. That’s because everything—save for owners Kelly and Collin Abraham’s adorable son, Myles, sometimes seen napping on the couch—is good for the taking. Scoop up drool-worthy mirrored-glass mosaic vases ($55–$200), photographer Keith Sherwood’s stunning snapshots from the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show ($40–$300) or a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers—Beyoncé and Jay-Z hired Pollen Nation to style the buds at their wedding, so you know the arrangements are top-notch. 11 E 125th St between Fifth and Madison Aves (212-860-2022, pollennation.net)

Scent of Nature
This intimate shop stocks a bevy of perfume notes with which to create your own signature scent ($15–$140). Friendly owner and fragrance guru Ibrahim Diallo will walk you through the process, but those short on time can choose from the generous selection of premade blends that includes the licorice-inflected Rainbow ($45) and the citrusy Scents of Harlem ($45), a perfect summer cologne. The store also carries Diallo’s own line of natural makeup ($22–$150), which he can customize to any complexion. TONY deal: MentionTONY for 15 percent off everything in the shop through Wednesday 21. 321 Lenox Ave at 126th St (212-222-2773, scentofnatures.com)

The Store at Studio Museum in Harlem
This airy gift shop draws museumgoers and savvy shoppers alike with its endless array of captivating books, postcards, catalogues and prints, all devoted to African-American, African and Caribbean art. Even nonacademic types can score with arty bed linens ($44–$60) and Sandy Baker’s semiprecious jewelry ($32–$90). Though the stock rotates according to the current exhibition, you can always find BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL T-shirts ($25) and mugs ($10), which were introduced by director and chief curator Thelma Golden and inspired by the 1960s Black Power movement. TONY deal: Mention TONY for 10 percent off everything in the shop through Wednesday 21. 144 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) and Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) (212-864-4500,studiomuseum.org/store)

Swing Concept Shop
Don’t let the racks of pricey Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester threads fool you: Swing doesn’t cater just to those with large bank accounts. Prepare to drop anywhere from $6 for a statue of Hindu deity Ganesh to $2,000 for antique furniture imported from London; you can hit mid-range price points, too, with Sphatika bath and body products, and ready-to-wear clothing and home decor from all corners of the world. This inviting boutique is designed to feel like the fictional home of owner and world traveler Helena Greene—which will become even more apparent when you sit down in the communal area to enjoy a complimentary cup of French tea. Mention TONY to receive 20 percent off everything in the shop through Wednesday 21; bring your receipt to nearby MoJo Harlem restaurant for a free glass of white wine. 1960 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) at 118th St (212-222-5802, swing-nyc.com)

Links: TimeOutNewYork.com