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

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

Closet Confessions: Who’s Who?

Snap Shot

Front Row: Mary K and Ashley O; Man in scarf, Waris Ahluwalia
Front Row: Mary K and Ashley O; Man in scarf, Waris Ahluwalia

With my past four years stuck in University, I have been out of the fashion loop. With months to go in my degree, I have been thinking about my future. I still love fashion, and I wanted to get back to my first love, hence my blog. This year at NYFW, I feel in love with some amazing people, and I am embarrassed to say I didn’t know whom everyone was sitting in front row, or the people rushing around Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Venue. I still took snap shots because I felt the presence of their greatness, so I wasn’t a complete moron. Research is a University student’s best friend—I do not my want parent’s money go to waste. Therefore, like any good student I hit the books—well, web.

ANTM: Eve Diva
ANTM: Eve Diva
ANTM: Eve Diva
ANTM: Eve Diva

First unknown, known, found at The Standard Hotel, a must see venue in the Meat Packing District, yes where Samantha got her groove on. I was covering an accessory presentation, but being my fifth day into fashion week, and my sixth show of the day, and two more to go, needless to say, I was exhausted. I entered the venue and I got straight to work, taking pictures and gathering material for my blog. My wonderful partner in crime, Nima, who handled all the video production, kept me in line with interviewing designers and crowd goers when I was too tired to care. Unfortunately, he was just as tired, as I was, by this point, and we didn’t want to wait in the long media line for a designer interview. We did collect some amazing shots and video of the collection, as we packed up our things, I spotted this amazing woman on my way out—I had to stop. I told Nima, “Grab the video camera we have to interview this amazing women;” I needed to know everything about her. I approached her and asked her for an interview, and in a Southern twang, she declined, claiming her mouth always gets her in trouble. I asked her for a quick snap shot, and she was more than accommodating. I took my shot, but I was not happy with my photo, and I didn’t want to bug her for another, so I didn’t use her photo in my original street fashion post—glad I didn’t. With a bit of hunting I found out that this amazing women, Kate Lanphear is the style director for Elle USA. My snapshot does not do her justice, but you can check out some of the amazing blogs dedicated to her style: http://fearlanphear.blogspot.com/

Kate Lanphear
Kate Lanphear
tumblr_lzlychEpbe1qga1o2o1_r1_500
tumblr_lzlychEpbe1qga1o2o1_r1_500

My next unknown, known, was found lounging at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week venue. Resting with her friend, this tulle drenched style maven, commented that she loved sitting around, as passerby’s complimented her all day, I could see why, her style is flawless. This fashionista, Lynn Yeager, is contributing fashion editor at Vogue and The New York Times.

Lynn Yeager
Lynn Yeager

My last unknown, known, flabbergasted me. Normally I am not shy to ask for photos, but he was one of the most amazing men I had seen in a long time. I had one of those moments where you know you’ve seen someone before, but you’re not sure where. This striking man, who is a model, was on almost every street style blog I looked at, Shaun Ross is amazing. His sweetheart personality made him even more beautiful in person. Even with my bad photography skills his angelic personality shines. He has done a video with Katy Perry and modeled for every “it” designer.

Shaun Ross
Shaun Ross

Next season I will be up-to-speed about who’s who. I hope I was able to introduce you to some amazing people who I found during my fashion journey. Here are some more shots of cool fashion goers I found. Please stay turned for some great street style interviews coming soon.

Tim Blanks: Style.com editor & me
Tim Blanks: Style.com editor & me
fw-blog-shorine-241
fw-blog-shorine-241: Video Interview with her to come soon