Cover Me: Riddle Me This…

Stepping Up

During NYFW Fall 2012, J.Mendel gave us a big show.  Front row seats were full of celebrity guests. Fashionable noted, two sunglass clad twins. Also spotted front row was fashion commentator and stylist, Mary Alice Stephenson. I got a chance to speak with fashion’s globe-trotting Queen backstage at J.Mendel.

rby-mary-alice-stephenson-prabal-gurung-fall-2012-s2
rby-mary-alice-stephenson-prabal-gurung-fall-2012-s2
kristen-wiig-2012-oscars-j-mendel-dress
kristen-wiig-2012-oscars-j-mendel-dress
J.Mendel: Pre-Fall 2012
J.Mendel: Pre-Fall 2012

For this year’s Academy Awards red carpet breakdown, Wendy Williams called on Stephenson. She has also  dressed major celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker,  and she  is a major contributor to Harper’s Bazzaar, so I knew I was in good hands talking about the inspiration for the J.Mendel show. Minus her credentials, I may have been a little taken by all her compliments to my outfit.

J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012

 Kristen Wigg won Oscar gold in  J.Mendel this year. J.Mendel is known for amazing furs and modern evening wear, which did not disappoint. I picked a few pieces to highlight Fall 2012.

J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012

Fashion Chat: Jeanne Beker

“What You Takin’ bout Willis”

If you told me I would be talking to Fashion Television Host Jeanne Beker one day, I would say your smoking crack. Well light up the pipe because, I am in a haze. Recently during NYFW Fall 2012, Reem Acra show, I had a moment to chat with Fashion Television host, Jeanne Beker, about her career and fashion insight.

Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012

Let’s start with the show, Reem Acra, Fall 2012. say what?!! Yes, not many of us our familiar with this designer. Well let me tell you who does know Reem Acra: Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez. Madonna wore Reem Acra to this year’s Golden Globe Awards, and won, well best dressed for me, and Jennifer Lopez has also been seen in a Reem Acra creations. The collection was sexual, sensual, and fun; the models were confident walking down the runway. Also, Reem Acra has an amazing Bridal collection that is on par with Vera Wang. Here are some looks from NYFW Fall 2012.

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals: Madonna Reem Acra
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals: Madonna Reem Acra
taylor-swift-nashville-symphony-ball-2011-reem-acra-dress
taylor-swift-nashville-symphony-ball-2011-reem-acra-dress
2012 Univision Winter TCA Breakfast: Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra
2012 Univision Winter TCA Breakfast: Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra

Back to Ms. Beker. What do you say when your faced with a women you’ve grown up with your entire life. Living in rural Alberta, she was my only connection to the fashion world. Over 25 years in the business, and still going strong. Hence, you will see how nervous I was speaking to Fashion Television’s talk Queen.

Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012

First, I must say she was delightful. To be honest I’ve had my eye on her job forever, plotting my move to conquer, however after meeting and chatting with her I concede. I will be more than happy to find my own way, as Jeanne is the master of her craft. Growing up, my battle was between Tim Blanks and Jeanne Beker, both Canadian, and both covering fashion. Tim always seemed to be on point about his assessment of each collection: smart, insightful, and exact. Meanwhile, Jeanne felt more free and unrehearsed. I met both during NYFW Fall 2012, and I respect them both as trail blazers for Canadian fashion coverage. Both put Canada on the map, as champions for fashion. We may not have pockets as deep as Americas, but damn it, we’ll help you sell shit and expose you to the world. “Well done!”

Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection

I must have done something right in my life, at some point, because as I think back and wonder how, not only do I get to share space with Jeanne Beker, but she is standing in front of me talking. I hope you enjoy my backstage interview with Jeanne at Reem Acra. I skipped interviewing the designer, to wait and speak with Jeanne, it was a toss-up, but I am glad I did.

JeanneBeker-nophotographer
JeanneBeker-nophotographer

Raw Edges: Baiyu

BAIYU @ VDS

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6_uDsUPyLQ

When you get to an after party, you only have one thing on your mind. Whose wearing what! Well, maybe only me. Victor dE Souza (VDS) had a wonderful after party during NYFW Fall 2012, and he is the man who dresses major singing sensations like Rihanna, Gaga, and Cyndi Lauper, so when I spotted Baiyu, I shouldn’t have been shocked.

Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/

I noticed this fashion savvy singer front row during the VDS show. Her style was eclectic and luxurious, “girl, I see your Chanel bag.” Her fur hat was fitting for the cold NY air, but her personality was all sunshine. Check out our Muse Closet interview with Baiyu, to hear how this lovely song bird describes her style.

Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS

When Baiyu told me she was a singer, I was curious to know her musical style. I admit, l’ve grown up listening to Asian pop music, so my mind was racing to see if this girl was on my iTunes playlist–I was wrong. This American Asian signer sent me her track, and I almost fainted–girl has soul.

Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/

Her music, like her personality, is electric. Her smooth alluring voice reminds me of great R&B divas. Her singing chops are authentic and original, like her style. I am now obsessed with her, and her music is on my iTunes in full rotation. Check out her videos and music for yourself. (Baiyu: YouTube Channel)

VDS SHOW

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClBz9YTCrgM

Closet Confessions: “Bright Lights, Big Dreams, In The Big City”

NY: Curtain Call

Dear New York,

Once upon a time, a little boy had a dream, watching a world of glamour beyond belief. One day he dreamt he would be part of this world, but growing up in rural Alberta, Canada, he felt that was only a fantasy. Through trial and error he found his way, so he took a risk to play in a big way, and with open arms you took him–thank you New York for making me feel loved.

NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style

Fashion has been a part of my life from birth. Every moment in my life is defined by a look or moment in fashion. I took a brief detour to study film, and I abandoned my passion for fashion, I felt threatened to fit in, but being a misfit is what made me fit in the end. Fashion showed me how to use film to my benefit–so I did.

NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style

When I think of fashion’s power to transform, I realize why people are scared or worried about understanding a world riddled with mystery. Clothes may seem simple, but fashion is defining. You can create and develop yourself with fashion, to help brand your personal identity. Doesn’t matter what you look like, fashion can be used to your benefit. I think this is why street style has become such a huge force in fashion, although designers bring us all together.

NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
Real Housewives of Atlanta: Cynthia Bailey
Real Housewives of Atlanta: Cynthia Bailey

Therefore, no matter what your own reviews maybe, please keep pressing forward. 2012, has proven to be a wonderful year, thus far, and my promo video of Fashion Week Fall 2012, is a testament to my own hard work. I want to say thank you to my wonderful production help and support, Nima @ Qube Film. I look forward to bringing you more footage and Muse Closet Philosophy. There will be Muse Closet exclusives with up-coming music artist, backstage celebrity and designer interviews, and yes my street style fashion picks. Stay tuned…

NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style
NY: Fashion Street Style

My Fashion picks today remind me that dreams do come true, as each style maven seems to channel inner beauty.

Raw Edges: Backstage

“Celebration Time”

“Well, did I call it, or did I call it? Ah… yeah I did!” Check out my Oscar prediction post: “Iron Lady

Congratulations to Meryl Streep, I can see why she won for Best Actress. Her speech was witty, emotional, and gracious. I cannot say I loved her dress, but who I am to say anything to a three-time Oscar winner. She may have had her own prediction by dressing in Oscar gold.

Meryl-Streep-In-Lanvin-2012-Oscars
Meryl-Streep-In-Lanvin-2012-Oscars

What I really liked about Streep’s win is that even after seventeen nominations, she was sincere with emotion. We all work so hard at everything we do, and in most cases our effort is overlook, so when we’re applauded for our tenacity it feels so deserving.

Meryl-Streep-84th-Annual-Academy-Awards_-Press-Room_-Los-Angeles_-America---26-Feb-2012
Meryl-Streep-84th-Annual-Academy-Awards_-Press-Room_-Los-Angeles_-America---26-Feb-2012

Here are some of my favourite “winning” looks during New York Fashion Week, Fall 2012. What I love about each of my fashion favourites is that their style is effortless. The clothing of each street-styleista is simple and achievable, but attitude and confidence is centre stage.

NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012
NYFW-Fall 2012