People Reveals Its Best and Worst Dressed of 2009

Kate Winslet seems to have as many designer gowns as she has prestigious films, and she is now an official style icon as well as an Oscar-winning Best Actress: On Wednesday, People magazine named the British actress the best-dressed on the red carpet.

The 33-year-old Winslet joined the likes of First Lady Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift and Nicole Richie on People’s Best & Worst Dressed List, honoring the high and low ends of star style for 2009.

In unveiling the winners and losers exclusively on TODAY, People Style Editor Clarissa Cruz told Natalie Morales picking the best in a sea of stylish celebrities is no easy task.

“We looked at thousands of pictures in the course of the year,” Cruz said. “The one thing that the Top 10 had in common is that they just had a great sense of personal style and they were out and about, and had a great fashion year.”

Wearing Out The Red Carpet

Being named best dressed on the red carpet is arguably the biggest honor, because that’s when celebs do their utmost to put their best fashion feet forward. Winslet in particular wore out her high heels this year, because her star turns in “The Reader” and “Revolutionary Road” put her front and center at all the major film awards shows.

“She just looked fantastic,” Cruz said of Winslet. “She was all over the awards circuit, and she got it right every time. She wore Narcisco Rodriguez, she wore Yves Saint Laurent, and she just looked appropriate and glamorous.”

First lady Michelle Obama, the only non-performer to make the Top 10, received the “Best Accessible Glamour” award, earning points for moving back and forth seamlessly between off-the-rack chain stores and hot designers. “She wears [designer] Jason Wu as well as J Crew, and that’s stuff that anyone can buy at the mall,” Cruz told Morales.

Witherspoon proved that great things — and great style — can come in small packages. Cruz said the 5-foot-2 actress won the “Best Short Dresses” nod for knowing exactly what looks good on her. “It’s important to get the hemlines just right when you’re petite,” she said. “She looked very modern, very confident; she worked the patterns. She looked great.”

Taylor Swift may not be at the top of Kanye West’s personal playlist, but she was tabbed for People’s “Best Sparkle” award. The twinkle in the country star’s eyes might only be matched by her love of all that glitters.

“She has so much fun with fashion,” Cruz said of People’s youngest best-dressed winner. “She told us she loves anything that glitters, and she chooses that for her red carpet outings all the time. It’s really fun and fresh.”

Wild child turned doting mom Nicole Richie had her second child by rocker Joel Madden, son Sparrow, on September 9, and she rocked a fresh maternity fashion looks throughout her pregnancy, Cruz said.

“It’s very bohemian, very hippie chic,” Cruz said of Richie, bestowed People’s “Best Maternity” award. “It just looked really great.”

Rounding out the Top 10 were Beyonce (Best Street Chic), Vanessa Hudgens (Best Hippie Chic), Freida Pinto (Best Use of Color), Cameron Diaz (Best Jeans) and Kim Kardashian (Best Bikinis). But not to be left out, TODAY’s own Kathie Lee Gifford also made the cut, being named to the “Chic at Every Age” list, along with the likes of Christie Brinkley and Jane Seymour.

Fashion flubs

Of course, what fun are fashion “do’s” without some fashion “don’ts?” People also let its snarkier side come out as it named some of the biggest fashion misadventures of the year.

Heading up that list is what sits on the head of “Jon and Kate Plus 8” reality TV star Kate Gosselin. Her gravity-defying ’do has become go-to fodder for comedians, and People couldn’t resist having its own poke at Gosselin’s tresses.

“It was a big hair ‘don’t,’ ” Cruz told Morales. “It was kind of a reverse mullet. Some people may have wanted to do it, but there’s the wig version in stores just in time for Halloween, so that will be pretty funny.”

Then there’s January 25 — a day that will live in fashion infamy. Performing at a Chili Cookoff festival in Pembroke Pines, Fla., singer/actress Jessica Simpson strutted on stage in a high-waisted nightmare pair of jeans that sent the blogosphere gasping for adjectives. It also earned her a spot on People’s Most Memorable/Shocking Moments list.

“They’re very unflattering,” Cruz said of the “mom jeans” Simpson sported that day. “Some people have a bad hair day. She had a very bad pants day. It just wasn’t the best look for her.”

People magazine’s Best & Worst Dressed 2009 issue, which also features best-dressed men such as Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper and Robert Pattinson, hits newsstands Friday, September 18, 2009.

Article by Michael Inbar, TODAYShow.com contributor

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Victoria Rowell Makes A Political Fashion Statement

The 61st annual Emmy Awards delivered all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood from screen gems cloaked in dazzling gowns and marquee hunks donning tuxes.

However, actress and "New York Times" best-selling author Victoria Rowell marched to the beat of her own hem, so to speak, when she arrived on the red carpet in the boldest of fashion statements-a strapless dress emblazoned with President Barack Obama's face.

Although Rowell admits that her favorite designers off stage include B. Michael, Jane Wilson Marquis and Carolina Herrera and on stage Colleen Atwood and Ann Roth, last night's ceremony wasn't about any high-end labels she might have been sporting when media inquiries on the CBS Primetime Emmy red-carpet begged the question of her designer of choice she proudly replied, "A statement."

What better time than the present to deliver such a bold statement on Hollywood's crimson way during one of its most popular awards ceremony and when President Obama has been under a hailstorm of criticism for his healthcare reform plan.

"Yesterday, the opportunity presented itself "Lights, camera, and no healthcare action?' Setting the ruffles and caviar dreams aside is but a meager gesture to echo the herculean efforts of a healthcare reform package long overdue and one which President Obama is introducing for all Americans," Rowell told ESSENCE.com. "I spent 18 years in foster care, enduring inadequate health and dental care and unforgivably, turned away more than once at a doctor's office. Nationally, 25,000 foster youth annually emancipate from foster care without health coverage," says Rowell. "I emerged from Washington DC Health and Human Services as a proud American citizen--an advocate not a victim."

Rowell who has always been politically active in her personal life and career also addressed FOX News' Glenn Beck claims that President Obama's healthcare plan has conspiratorial ulterior motives. "Everything that is getting pushed through Congress, including this health care bill, are transforming America. And they are all driven by President Obama's thinking on one idea: reparations...," Glenn said. "[Obama's ] goal is creating a new America, a new model, a model that will settle old racial scores through new social justice."

"This has nothing to do with reparations Mr. Beck and everything to do with all things American," Rowell continued. "Healthcare shouldn't be divided or thought of as the young and some of us. I have witnessed Black and White foster mothers struggle to raise children, choosing food over medical needs. That does something to a child. At least it affected me most profoundly. And if a frock (on the CBS EMMY red carpet) donned with the President's face sparks dialogue about healthcare, a life-and-death issue so be it. I was taught, ‘If you don't stand for something you'll lie down for anything.'"

Rowell who recently married visual artist Radcliff Bailey in June, serves as a National Angel in Adoption and a National Spokesperson for Casey Family Services/Annie E. Casey Foundatio. Her upcoming novel, "Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva" will hit shelves soon and her autobiography "The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir"has received critical acclaim.

To learn more bout annie E. Casey Foundation visit AECF.org or caseyfamilyservices.org.

Article by: Kenya N. Byrd for Essence.com

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London Fashion Week Controversy: Full-figured Women Take To The Runways

London Fashion Week got a rude awakening this weekend when designer Mark Fast announced his intent to use UK size 14 models on the runway.

The daring move, which placed ladies with US sizes 8-10 on the catwalk, led to a near meltdown among the young designer's staff. Both his stylist and creative director walked out just three days before Saturday's show at Westminster, according to Britain's Daily Mail.

Fast, a 28-year-old knitwear designer originally from Canada, was reportedly saved thanks to the help of a couple of creative freelancers, Daniela Agnelli and Natalie Hubbarb, who stepped in last minute to ensure the show went off without a hitch.

Fast's creative director, Amanda May, supposedly blamed the walkout on "creative differences" over the use of the curvier models.

"There was a team change and we are glad we stuck to our vision," May said. "The decision to use fuller girls is something we have been talking about. There's an idea that only thin and slender women are able to wear Mark's dresses and he wanted to combat that. We wanted women to know they didn't have to be a size zero to wear a Mark Fast dress curvier women can look even better in them."

May also insisted to the paper that the idea to feature the plus-sized models, Hayley Morley, Gwyneth Harrison and Laura Catterall, who all came from the agency 12+ UK, was not a publicity stunt.

But this isn't the first time London Fashion Week has made headlines for reasons unrelated to chic style.

In 2007, a number of size zero models died of starvation, prompting the creation of the Model Health Inquiry.

While the Inquiry made several suggestions, it continues to receive much criticism because it ultimately failed to set any firm guidelines about the weight or sizes of models on the catwalk.

Aside from his recent show, Fast has also been involved with a photographic exhibition entitled "All Walks Beyond the Catwalk," which features photos of models ages 18 to 65 in garments that measure UK sizes 8 to 16.

Like his fashion show, the exhibition, which opened the day before the show, attempts to challenge a view of conventional beauty.

Article by: Amy Eisinger for NY Daily News [Source]

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Fall 2009 Fashion Emerges With Beautiful Ethnic Prints ( Photo Editorial Spread)

Animal Instincts: Survival of the Fashionista

Guard Your Style

Opulent inspired designs go ethnic this season.

Clothing Credits: Bernard Chandran Fall 09 Runway Shield Dress at BernardChandran.com; Giuseppe Zanotti Laminated Calf Leather Open Toe Ankle Bootie at Net-A-Porter.com; Tangle Sold Necklace by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

Fearless Feline

Glamorous gowns get exotic by accessorizing with bold African accents.

Clothing Credits: Ruth Tarvydas Fall 09 Runway Gold Beaded and Sequined Dress at RuthTarvydas.com; Statement Necklace by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

Roaring Flare

Modern ethnic looks combined with sartorial shapes result in a sporty inspired ensemble.

Clothing Credits: Claudiae Camilla Jumpsuit at Claudiae.com, Giuseppe Zanotti Black Open Toe Platform Pump at Couture.Zappos.com; Cocktail Ring, stylist's own; Embellished Bib Necklace by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

Spotted Prey

Animal prints are anything but conventional this season.

Clothing Credits: Hussein Chalayan Fall 09 Runway Black and White One Shoulder Dress at HusseinChalayan.com; Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard Wedge Boot at Barneys.com; Distressed Tights, stylist's own; Stone Collar Necklace and Cuff by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

Journey Unknown

Embark on a mission where form defies function.

Clothing Credits: Bernard Chandran Fall 09 Runway Defined Metallic PVC Oversized Shoulder Mini Dress at BernardChandran.com; Giuseppe Zanotti Triple Side Zipper Detail Booties at Couture.Zappos.com; Wooden Arm Guards by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

Call of the Wild

Animal prints emerge in a new form when paired with an 80's pop of style.

Clothing Credits: Tracy Reese Fall 09 Runway Bronze Blazer at TracyReese.com; H&M Green Leopard Print Tights at Hm.com; Giuseppe Zanotti Black Suede Ankle Bootie at Endless.com; Exotic Necklace by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

Safari Chic

Take an adventure and mix prints, patterns and textures for a journey where east meets west.

Clothing Credits: Bernard Chandran Fall 09 Runway Printed Dress in Grey at BernardChandran.com; Jodi Barima Gold Metallic Belt with 3 Back Buckles at JodiBarima.com; Giuseppe Zanotti Python Print Over the Knee Boots at Shopbop.com

Midnight Blue

Body-conscience creations take cues from the African plains and savanna skies.

Clothing Credits: Bryce D'anice Aime Fall 09 Runway Blaze Coat and Blue Leg Difu at Bryce-danice-aime.com; Hussein Chalayan Fall 09 Runway Printed Leggings at HusseinChalayan.com;Giuseppe Zanotti Laminated Calf Leather Open Toe Ankle Bootie at Net-A-Porter.com;Tribal Colored Necklace by Twiga at Twigagallery.com; Layered Beaded Necklace by Twiga at Twigagallery.com

EDITORIAL CREDITS
Photography by Fernando Colon
Models: Eligha Ojoko & Teara Eggleston @ Major Model Management;
Art Direction: Qianna Smith & Gwen Covington; Stylist: Ludget Delcy;
Hairstylist: Terrence Davidson for Chynadoll Inc.; Makeup Artist: Miyako for She Caribbean Magazine; Photographer Assistant: Julia Shapovalova

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This editorial was shot on location at Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva's famed Butter restaurant in New York City. The unique atmosphere at Butter provided the inspiration for the African safari backdrop. For more information on Butter, visit ButterRestaurant.com.

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Grow, Baby, Grow! 5 Hair strength growth tips that work!

Truth be told, some of that old-school hair advice you've heard from friends and relatives could be, well, just plain incorrect. Here's a professional reality check from leading stylists. Heeding their advice could make the difference between tired-looking tresses and fabulous, healthy hair.

1. Oiling Your Scalp Is An Absolute Necessity

Your scalp needs to breathe to function properly, so it's best not to clog hair follicles with heavy ingredients like petroleum jelly, mineral oil or lanolin. A dry or flaky scalp could be the result of using the wrong products. For example, shampoo with high alcohol content might dry out the scalp, or a too-heavy conditioner may leave a flaky residue. The last thing you want to do is put grease on top of flaky dead skin.

2. Your Hair Will Grow If Your Stylist Has Growing Hands

There is no magic when it comes to hair growth. It's a matter of biology. Depending on your hair's natural growth cycle, it may grow anywhere from a quarter of an inch to a half inch per month. So abandon the idea of "growing hands." Most likely, a stylist's ability to keep hair on your head is based on his or her understanding of how to care for your hair type, texture and special needs.

3. If You Want Your Hair To Grow Long, Don't Cut It

If you don't keep your ends trimmed—a quarter of an inch snipped every six to eight weeks—they will eventually unravel up the hair shaft, leaving thinner, more fragile tresses that will easily break. Regular trimming keeps the hair stronger.

4. With Locks or Braids, You Rarely Have To Wash Your Hair

All hair (especially the scalp) needs regular shampooing. The only way to remove bacteria, perspiration, product residue, pollution, etc. is via regular shampooing. Try a dry shampoo between your regular shampoos to freshen the hair.

5. Natural Hair Doesn't Need Much Maintenance

The late stylist and hair care guru Olive Benson used to tell me constantly: There is no such thing as zero-maintenance Black hair. Our hair is dry, often porous, so it needs regular detangling, moisture and conditioning to counter breakage and to thrive.

Article by: Pamela Edwards Christiani for Essence.com Photos courtesy: Google.com/images

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Carolina Herrera keeps it classic with a breath-taking new collection

Sit and enjoy the view. The fierce fashion team at ESSENCE/ESSENCE.com takes you behind-the-scenes of the Spring 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. From the runway to backstage, front row to celebrity sighting, we have it all. Meet the models, make-up artists, hair stylists, and designers who keep it haute.

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Custo Barcelona Collection brings cool and funk to Bryant Park (PHOTOS)

ESSENCE.com caught-up with Custo Barceolona’s designer Custo Dalmau at his New York showroom in SoHo as he went through the final fittings and casting calls for his spring 2010 “Air Show” collection. Alter twelve years showing at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, Custo Barcelona presented his spring 2010 collection, for the first time at the largest venue at Bryant Park, the tent, before a crowd of 1,000 members of the press, opinion leaders, celebrities and VIP’s. The collection showcased both men’s and women’s designs. Women of color dominated the walk like never before at Custo Barcelona’s spring 2010 show. Dalmu's inspiration for his spring collection was movement and lightness. The Spain based designer has made prints and color the DNA of his brand, which makes Dalmau’s contemporary designs recognizable and sought after worldwide. Custo Barcelona is fighting off the recession by “being very creative". All the material in the collection are perforated, providing a certain transparency to the material and clothes.

Here's what he had to say:

“I come here a couple of days before the show in order to review all of the looks, agree on the casting and review all of the exits. In the Promenade we are never able to fit everybody, and the Tent provides the right venue to hold all of the people and fans wanting to see the show. We have great energy and music and the Tent is a perfect place for showcasing what Custo Barcelona is all about. The consumer right now is not really interested in shopping. But, in order to excite them you have to give them new things, something completely new. That is our idea. The other designers become very conservative, but not Custo Barcelona. Everything is completely new in terms of graphics and colors. But especially the way we mixed the colors with the fabrics, because we used very lightweight fabrics. The prints in this collection we bet on very feminine, sensual, womanly prints but in a very contemporary way.”

Article by: Qianna Smith Photos by: Europe Press for Essence.com

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Behind the scenes with Badgely Mischka

Mark Badgley and James Mischka have been hailed by Vogue as being on of the "Top Ten American Designers". The design duo have made their notable mark in the fashion industry, by creating glamorous, stylish, and wearable evening wear and accessories. Have a look at the behind the scenes event at their Spring and Summer 2010 New York Fashion Week presentation.

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Baby Phat and KLS Collection Runway Spring 2010 NY Fashion Week

It’s springtime at Baby Phat! Kimora Lee Simmons spring 2010 collection, entitled “Moroccan Kiss,” rendered a cacophony of color, eye-catching pattern and bold jewelry as vibrant as the season.

Inspired by exotic Moroccan style and carefree 70’s fashion, Kimora showed a lineup of sweeping maxi dresses, lace blouses and acid-wash jeans that invoked a summer romance on the beach. Keep clicking ESSENCE.com to witness the fabulous collection.

Article by: Jessica Andrews, Photos by: Getty for Essence.com

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BCBG Show Video, ESSENCE Beauty Editor Mikki Taylor shares what’s hot behind ‘The Tent’!

What's really going on in New York? Let Mikki Taylor, Beauty Editor of Essence Magazine, give you a glimpse into the atmosphere under the tents.

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Yigal Azrouel DAZZLES anew at New York Fashion Week

Launched in 1998, Yigal Azrouël’s namesake label is best known for its fluid, feminine draping. As Style.com said, “Azrouël is at his most effective when his clothes look like they could have been nicked from the models' own closets.” And with pieces like experimental jersey T-shirts and shrunken leather jackets, many of his clothes do bear that effortless touch-chic style. Azrouël, who also designs a menswear line, opened a boutique in the Meatpacking District in 2003, and a second store in Watermill in 2008.

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Jason Wu Keeps It Fabulous At New York Fashion Week

Since he launched his label three years ago, it's seemed as if Jason Wu has been auditioning to replace Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera. He certainly has the immaculate Park Avenue thing down cold, should either of the legends decide to step down. But for Spring, inspired by a trip to Japan, where his business has been growing like gangbusters, Wu added an element of quirky whimsy that should broaden his appeal beyond the young ladies-who-lunch set.












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‘ARISE Africa’ Heats up New York Fashion Week

Making a presence at New York Fashion Week for the second straight season is the ARISE African Collective. The four presenting designers included Jewel by Lisa, returning designer Tiffany Amber, Eric Raisina Haute Textures and David Tlale. Pairing Africa’s top design talent with the world’s most wanted models of color makes for one of the most exciting runway events of the week.

Jewel by Lisa

Setting the tone for the evening was Jewel by Lisa, who sent 12 models down the runway in bright Ankara prints embellished with hand beaded details, sequins, crystals, glass and fringe. The line, which was founded by Lisa Folawiyo in 2005 stormed onto the Nigerian fashion scene and has quickly become a global sensation. Taking a cue from sassy, stylish New York women-think Sarah Jessica Parker- the summer collection sees snippy shorts, slim leg pants, mini cocktail frocks and leather-mix biker jackets in a cacophony of color off-set-with batik-inspired silk prints.

Tiffany Amber

nspired by the vibrant kaleidoscopes of Nigerian artist Kolade Oshinowo, Tiffany Amber’s spring/summer 2010 collection was a festive display of flowing silk shapes the moved like a brush of wind on a breezy summery day. The label’s creator, Folake Folarin-Coker, established herself on the Nigerian fashion scene in 1998 after studying in Europe. Folarin-Coker is recognized as a leader of style and elegance both in her country and aboard. The collection takes a cue from Diana Ross in the 1974 Motown hit, Mahogany, where dress sleeves billow and skirts are voluminous.

Erica Raisina

Eric Raisina’s creative flair is rooted in his homeland of Madagascar and is infused by influences from Europe and Asia. Based in Cambodia since the late 90’s, Raisina mastered the techniques of Cambodian silk weaving and dyeing, which has helped him bring a new couture style to his design construction. For spring 2010, women will want to cover themselves in layers of silk set in sunset hues.

David Tale

South African designer David Tlale drew inspiration for his spring 2010 collection from the South African Ndebele tribes and the San aboriginal people of Southern Africa. Fusing these two very different cultural aesthetics into a cohesive embodiment of Africa’s diverse heritage resulted in designs that were elaborate and spectacular, but lacked the adornments and use of accessories one would associate with the artistic identity of these tribes.

Article by Qianna Smith, photos by Fernando Colon for Essence.com

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Behind The Sceens of the Tracy Reese Show - New York Fashion Week

Tracy Reese has become a mainstay in the fashion industry as she continues to develop a strong design philosophy by staying true to her specific point of view. Reese has collaborated with several top brands including Sally Hansen, Hue and most recently, a line of footwear, plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds, debuting in spring 2009.

Bright colors, unique prints and intricate patterns define Tracy Reese, plenty and frock! A consistent fashion favorite amongst industry insiders, celebrities and fashionistas alike, Reese crafts finely detailed looks that make a statement and are easy to wear, garnering the attention of the nation's top media.

Tracy Reese, plenty and frock! are sold nationwide in top department stores and specialty boutiques including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Scoop as well as retailers throughout Europe and Asia. [s0urce]

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