#Fashion Crush – Carmen Dell’Orefice (@CDellOrefice)

Whoever said models had to be young obviously never heard of Carmen Dell’Orefice.

At 86, Dell’Orefice has had an impressive modelling career that has spanned seven decades. In 1946, at just 15, having just been signed, the New York City born Carmen Dell’Orefice landed her first cover of Vogue.  With her statuesque frame and her one of a kind features she quickly became a favorite of top photographers of the time like Richard Avedon and Francesco Scavullo.

After all of her success, she was dropped by her agent, possibly due to her small frame which required medical attention.  Upon receiving her estrogen shots, Dell’Orefice’s new curves allowed her to make a resurgence modelling lingerie for $300 an hour.  Carmen modeled through the 50’s, however, after her second marriage to Richard Heimann in 1958, she decided to retire altogether from modelling.

In 1978, a three time divorced Dell’Orefice found herself in need of money which restarted her modelling career. For the next two decades, she modeled for various campaigns and magazines.  In the 80’s and 90’s, Carmen experienced more financial loss after losing most of her money in the stock market. The rest of her money was lost in a scheme involving Bernie Madoff who was best friends with her boyfriend of 12 years Norman F. Levy. Upon Levy’s death in 2006, Dell’Orefice discovered that Madoff had scammed away almost all of Levy’s $244 million fortune.

Despite all of her obstacles, Carmen Dell’Orefice always manages to carry herself with elegance and grace. She still models here and there though as of late most of her citings are out and about at parties. Her style is never any less than perfection still able to wear top designers and the finest jewelry. Carmen Dell’Orefice’s life can be a true testament that no matter how big the obstacle, it’s never too late to dust yourself off and reinvent yourself.

Written by: Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

19 Years of Fab Fashion! Carrie Bradshaw’s Hottest Looks!

Who could have known back in 1998 that 19 years later we would still be talking about the influence of Carrie Bradshaw on fashion?

The mega successful HBO series which lasted six seasons and catapulted Sarah Jessica Parker to super stardom often credited the fashion as the fifth character. Thanks to Patricia Field, who worked as wardrobe consultant for all six seasons as well as for both movies the wardrobe was as iconic as the characters. Though all four girls created different trends for the specific women they were representing, it was Carrie Bradshaw who’s creativity with her wardrobe garnered major attention.  With this week marking the 19th anniversary of the popular show we take a look back at some of Carrie Bradshaw’s most memorable looks.

10.

“Exactly where do you plan on wearing this?” Asked by her boyfriend Aiden as they were trying to make room for his clothes in her closet in season 4. At the end of the episode Carrie boldly donned the Roberto Cavalli outfit as a get back to him.

9.

After Aiden helped her friend Miranda get to the hospital she went to the bar where he worked to thank him. Sporting this Gucci fanny pack, Bradshaw was casual but always chic.

8.

In this scene Carrie and Miranda visit a bridal shop to try on wedding dresses for fun, however at the sight of herself in a wedding dress, Carrie has a panic attack.  This playful, yet wacky outfit was the perfect juxtaposition to the traditional wedding dresses.

7.

After her torrid affair with Big, which led to his divorce, a guilt-stricken Carrie decides to apologize to his wife in person. For this she opts for this Christian Dior newspaper dress which was so iconic, she donned the stunner again in Sex and the City 2.

6.

After being invited to a bar opening by Aiden (or so she thought) post breakup, Carrie decided to bring him a thank you gift. “It’s a Mulberry bush because you’re on Mulberry St.” she playfully said to Steve, who as it turned out was actually the one that invited her.

5.

One of my personal faves, Carrie sports this Prada dress and floor skimming fringe bag, as she and then boyfriend, Berger, head to a play starring Samantha’s boyfriend, Smith Jared.

4.

During the filming of season 5, as Sarah Jessica Parker’s baby bump grew, Carrie Bradshaw’s bags got bigger, such was this stunning blue Hermes Birkin she casually wore while out and about with her gay best friend Stanford.

3.

Long live the 80’s. Carrie and friend Samantha Jones visit the Hermes store where they check out Birkin bags. Carrie dressed the part choosing to don an Hermes scarf adorned with an “H” ring.

2.

In the Sex and the City movie, after months of being depressed about being left at the altar, Carrie picks herself up wearing this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana feather dress to a fashion show accompanied by her friends.

1.

In the last scene of the series finale of Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw made her metaphoric walk into tv history as she and Big chatted on the phone. A scene which also showed for the first time Big’s actual name, John.

Written by Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

 

 

#Trending! Valentino (@MaisonValentino) Takes on Hip Hop

Valentino has been at the front of the fashion curve since it’s international debut collection in 1962.

The resort collections as of late has taken the fashion glitterati everywhere from Calabasas, CA at Dior to Koko, Japan at Louis Vuitton.  For resort 2018, Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli decided to hold the show in New York City. It was befitting seeing as he looked to America for inspiration for his latest collection. One of his major influences was the Netflix show The Get Down.  A chronicle about kids growing up in New York City in the 1970’s, who stumble upon the burgeoning hip hop revolution.

The hip hop revolution was evident in Valentino’s take on the tracksuit. Done in hammered silk, these aren’t the tracksuits of yesteryear. Some even featured a super flared leg, and others took on dress form. The velour material in which most track suits are made were used in the form of an evening gown. The wild and vivid colors are a staple for the Italian label, who never shies away from using colorful lace for dresses or in this case putting flower motifs on a yellow jacket. The aforementioned track suits were done tastefully in teal with either a green or white stripe along the length of the leg.

The Valentino way has been it’s meticulous attention to detail. The intricate embroidery that graces the dresses and even his former partner’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, who is now at Dior, dresses are unargueably couture-like. Fur also made it’s way into the collection with some looks featuring floor-sweeping chubby fur coats. There were even fur bags which definitely challenge the notion that fur should only be worn during the winter months. There were many doubters of Piccioli over whether or not he could continue to churn out successful collections, given the departure of his longtime partner Maria Grazia Chiuri. This showcase proved that Pierpaolo Piccioli is here to stay.

Written by Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

 

#FashionCrush – Bella Hadid (@bellahadid)

As daring as she is beautiful, Bella Hadid is one of the more fashion forward supermodels around.

Bella can easily be described as the exact opposite of her blonde, bubbly sister GiGi. With her dark hair and a piercing blue gaze, Bella exudes a sexy, sultry aura that can’t be rivaled by any other.  Since signing with IMG Models in 2014, her career has gradually blossomed and exploded all coming to a head in 2016 when the 20 year old was voted model of the year by Models.com.  Just one of many awards Hadid earned as she is highly ranked on numerous model lists as well as men’s magazines.

More recently Bella Hadid was chosen to be the face for Dior’s makeup line.  Among such company as Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron, her position as muse to such a prestigious house keeps her front and center on red carpets from the Met Gala to the Cannes Film Festival. Wherever she goes passersby and photographers are mesmerized by the gorgeous raven-haired beauty.  Almost always in black, her style is the antithesis of today’s time where maximal-ism is reigning supreme as everyone’s go to style choice. When walking the red carpet, Bella Hadid can slip into any piece of haute couture all while still keeping her cool girl charm.

The fashion world took notice of her keen fashion sense when LA based fashion house, Chrome Hearts tapped Hadid to design a 40 piece collection which they debuted in Paris during Paris Fashion Week. The edgy yet fun collection had tongues wagging with every piece from the leather caps with sterling silver piping to the cashmere cardigans with pink fur and those always in fashion leather mini skirts.

 Though it’s only been three years since Bella Hadid was signed she has skyrocketed and remained at the top of the fashion world. Having already before the age of 21, there can only be bright lights ahead.

Written by Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

#FashionCrush- Luka Sabbat (@whoisluka)

the ascent of luka sabbat as one of the most fashionable teens on the internet can only be described as supersonic.

A spirited New Yorker, Luka Sabbat was discovered in SoHo while in route to buy a new video game.  From there the 18 year old has been seen in many different fashion campaigns from Tommy Hilfiger to, most recently, Dolce & Gabbana.  The latter of which he has been a steady presence on their men’s and women’s runway collection. You could say that fashion is in his blood, having been raised by a mother, who formerly worked as a booker for models and a father who designs a womenswear line.  His start came soon after he was signed to ReQuest Model Management, when fashion genius himself, Kanye West picked Luka as one of the models for his Yeezy collection.

#FashionCrush-Met Gala edition

Loads of A-listers showed up and showed out at last night’s Met Gala.

This year’s theme was all about the living legend and uniquely talented Rei Kawakubo and her label Comme des Garcons.  Having started the company in 1973, Kawakubo’s Comme des Garcons collections have impressed many a fashion lover with it’s avant garde aesthetic and distorted proportions. The name translated means “anti-fashion” which ironically has been the driving force behind the label’s success.

This being said the avante garde theme of this year’s Met Gala gave the celebrities in attendance the perfect excuse to turn up the shock and awe. There were lots of amazing looks but a few of them in particular had me smiling from the inside out.

I couldn’t post without mentioning my boys Jaden Smith and Luka Sabbat.  It was no shock that these two would eventually find themselves in a picture together.  This is perfectly fine with me seeing as how I’m low-key obsessed with them both. Jaden wore his go to label of choice Louis Vuitton, where he formerly was house muse. Smith accessorized his look with a diamond encrusted grille as well as his newly shorn blonde locks.  Luka Sabbat, who still has his locs, chose to don a bold red tuxedo by Dolce & Gabbana Alto Sartorio (Dolce & Gabbana’s mens couture line). Sabbat, who is currently starring in Dolce & Gabbana’s spring ad campaigns, was a perfect mix of sartorial elegance and laid back cool.

Speaking of Jaden, his ex Kylie Jenner took my breath away.  Say what you want about her, Kylie was nothing short of perfection in her Atelier Versace creation. Platinum blonde bob and Donatella Versace as her accessories, Jenner was the queen of the night.

Last but certainly not least I have to give it to my girl Rihanna. The “Phresh off the Runway” singer was sort of “fresh off the runway” having chosen a Comme Des Garcons piece straight from their fall 2016 runway collection. You gotta hand it to her, not many people can pull off wearing a byzantine conduit of fabric in assorted colors and prints.  No surprise, consequently the pop singer could have walked down the carpet wearing a burlap sack and would still have looked better than half the women there.

#Fashion Crush- Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian)

“All hail the queen!” That’s what I’m usually thinking whenever I see the ubiquitous Kim Kardashian.

With over 98 million followers on instagram, Kim Kardashian is hands down the most popular of the Kardashian Klan. Now in its 13th season Keeping up with the Kardashians has become a global phenomenon all centered around the gorgeous Kim and her wacky family.  In recent years, however, the attraction that keeps me watching has not been e the family but to anticipate what Kim might be wearing in the next scene.  We watched Kim go from tight Herve Leger bandage dresses and sky high Louboutins to only wearing the most expensive haute couture from french houses such as Givenchy and Balmain, the latter in which Kim has become best friends with the designer. Most would argue this is thanks, in large parts, to her husband Kanye West, who has been a darling to the fashion industry ever since he collaborated with french house, Louis Vuitton, to design limited edition sneakers back in 2009.

A once shunned figure in the fashion industry, it is now expected to find Kim front row at some of the most acclaimed fashion shows, usually cheering on little sister Kendall Jenner. What a life those Kardashians/Jenners live right? I can admit my love of Kim Kardashian has been a guilty pleasure of mine.  Anytime she steps out she never ceases to amaze me with her fashion choices. As a fashion lover, one could only dream of living the life, or even having a sliver of whats in her closet.

Thinking back to the beginning of her career, who could have imagined that Paris Hilton’s best friend would one day out shine her in every way.  The brand that was the Hilton sisters has long been eclipsed by all things Kardashians. From makeup lines (Kylie), denim lines (Khloe), and uber successful apps and video games, it’s hard not to be affected in some way by the Kardashian sisters and even harder not to notice the influence they, or more especially Kim, has had on fashion or even in the way people search for fame and fortune these days.

All things aside, its easy to see that Kim Kardashian is right where she always strived to be. A household name, a fixture in the fashion world, and the wife of a mega famous hip hop star, how could you not sit back and smile all while counting your millions from a couture filled closet. With the Met Gala approaching I’m tingling with excitement and anticipation over what this beauty has in store for us next.

#Fashion Crush- Anna Dello Russo (@annadellorusso)

 When discussing a high next level sense of style, it wound be hard not to acknowledge the flamboyant, over the top, super glamorous spectacle that is Anna Dello Russo.

As the editor-at-large of Vogue Nippon(Japan), Anna Dello Russo utilizes every opportunity to step out in the most coveted runway looks. A true fashion darling, Russo has become renown for never wearing the same outfit twice.  Once an outfit is worn, it is then archived at her other apartment, which was only purchased to house her ever plentiful wardrobe. And the born and bred Italian never disappoints.  Adopting the aesthetic of her homeland, Anna Dello Russo, the constant maximalist, can always be spotted in a full runway look and one of her signature fascinators.  I can’t help but to admit that I can respect the lady for her dedication to fashion.  To commit to never wearing the same thing twice must take as much diligence as it does money.  When asked why she doesn’t like to repeat looks she playfully exclaims in her Italian accent: “How else are you gonna please the blogger?”

With a major influence on the fashion world, it was no wonder that the fashion chain, H&M, looked to Anna Dello Russo to collaborate with them on a limited edition collection of accessories back in 2013.   The playful, wacky, yet elegant collection of bracelets, earrings, and shoes were a true representation of the fashion diva’s unique style.

A jet setting life, a neverending the wardrobe, and a white hot career, Anna Dello Russo has a life that many sit up at night and dream about.  But when asked if she could only save one outfit in the fire which would she do. Anna Dello Russo had a surprising answer;  “I wouldn’t save an outfit only shoes because I always felt like I could be naked but only with the right pair of shoes.”

By Dominique Bedell

 

 

#FashionCrush- Zoe Kravitz (@ZoeKravitz)

Since the dawn of time, it’s been common knowledge that extraordinary things can happen when the stars align.

Never has this been more prominent than when it comes to the unique beauty that is Zoe Kravitz.

Naturally, course when talking about Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz how can you not produce an offspring that is just as rebellious, just as beautiful, and just as talented.  I mean could you imagine this girl doing anything else but be a starlet in the entertainment industry?

#FashionCrush- Jaden Smith (@officialjaden)

Not much can be said about the success of young Jaden Smith.

Being the spawn of two internationally famous stars could easily lead you down a road of despair and disappointing career choices–and who’s to say this still couldn’t happen? However, at this very moment no celebrity kid is as hot as Jaden! His amazing style can only be categorized as High Street Glam. The playful mix of high end brands with contemporary urban streetwear, accompanied by those now signature locs. It evokes a style reminiscent of a young Jean-Michele Basquiat (I could totally see him doing a biopic in the future!).

As influential as his style is, it only seemed necessary that our Louis Vuitton would collaborate with the young actor for an iconic campaign. The images were classic, utilizing Smith’s laid back swag as he even dared to wear a studded skirt in the pictures. It is things like this that keep Jaden on the front rows of Paris’ hottest runway shows. Even his onscreen style makes bold statements, as seen on the Netflix series, The Get Down (premiering the second half of its first season this this weekend). There he portrays “Dizzy/Rumi,” a meek graffiti artist, who along with his best friends and brothers, stumbles onto a cultural revolution. As a fashion lover, I couldn’t help but drool over his seventies style consisting of jean jackets covered in buttons, figure hugging bell bottoms, and sporting a voluminous Afro!

Though still a very young man, it is clear Jaden Smith has the drive and the style to measure, or dare I even say, surpass the success of his megastar parents. It is weird to reflect on how excited I get whenever I see him on my timeline or television screen. For me, I have seen a lot of stars shine brightly only to quickly dim. When it comes to Jaden, however, his name will ring from coast to coast for years to come!

Written By: Dominique Bedell

IG: @artfreak88