1. Vinyl Leggings:

How did they even convince us these pants were sexy to wear? Hot, sticky and just plain ol’ tacky, these once popular party pants must be packed away into the fashion time capsule and opened…never again.

2. Phrase Graphic Tees:

I know what you’re thinking, “But, t-shirts are comfortable and quick!” right? Yes, they are. We can’t argue with that. But, a graphic tee on a grown woman is an automatic fail. Stock up on your solids girls!

3. Neon & Printed Stockings:

Remember the Fall Report? Sexy, sophisticated, sheer! That’s the direction we’re headed. We want to accentuate our legs not draw circuslike attention to them.

4. Rope Chains & Bamboo Earrings:

The retro phase has been dying out the past few seasons but, we’re still seeing an occasional bamboo earring and rope chain here and there. Tisk, tisk, tisk. Definitely time to hang this one up unless you’re headed to a throwback costume party.

5. Lace:

Lace gloves, lace shirts, lace dresses, cross them all off the list of trends you might’ve been hoping didn’t get the axe. Just as 80’s inspired as a rope chain and bamboo earrings, this phase of fashion has ended, for good.

6. High Waists:

Anything too high waisted is out these days. For the professional woman, a slight high-waisted skirt is always a classy alternative but, once you start inching too high up the rib cage whether in a skirt or jeans you’re crossing into the bad trend zone.

7. Uggs:

We love Uggs in the same respect that Jay-Z does Autotune. We got it, we enjoyed it but, lets get back to style the Ugg overkill is the equivalent of “T-Paining too much”. Uggs are soft and warm in cold winters but, they aren’t waterproof in a snowstorm and definitely shouldn’t be worn in place of sandals with a miniskirt and tank top in the summer.

8. Pointy Toed Stilettos:

If you own or are considering purchasing a shoe in which the toe is a 20 degree angle to wear out on the town, don’t do it. The point of your shoe should no longer be able to kill a bug in the corner.

9. Studs:

Put the bedazzler down! Rocker chic studs and diamond embellishments are sometimes fun, chic and flashy but, only a few accents are needed to exude the look you’re going for.

10. Layering:

Homeless chic is no longer an “in” look. No need to throw on leggings, a mini skirt, a tank top and long sleeved button down shirt underneath that cardigan and oversized jacket. That’s way too many clothes. Less is more!

Looking and feeling your best is always a fashion do but, beware of the dont’s because there are fashion police lurking around every corner!

Who can take out a housemaid with a single Smackberry? Who can rock community service hours in New York City’s Sanitation Department in a pair of Christian Louboutins? Who can make Italian mega-moguls open up their bank accounts and toss out multi-million dollar yachts like so many peppermints?

Naomi Campbell, can…that’s who.

Come on now, Naomi is just the baaaaaaaadest feline to ever meow her way down a catwalk. THE and END. I could give a damn what the haters say, and they do say some stuff about ya girl; she’s a diva, she’s a bad role model, she’s immature, she’s got too much forehead, she don’t look so great without her makeup, she’s too weavalicious, she’s got too many assault and battery charges…you know, the same ol’, same ol’. You know something? They’re right. She is a bitch. She does need anger management classes…ummmm…frequently. She does assault the po-po and a few too many innocent domestic staff, unnecessarily. Her weaves are (sometimes) hellacious and she’s not exactly the poster girl for emotional health. But, having said all that….when it comes to my intense, obsessive love of Naomi, Alicia’s song says it best, “No one, no one, no ooooooone, can get in the way of what I’m feeling.”

I know it’s sorta wrong that I cheer when I hear Naomi’s gone and attacked some more airport security guards in London’s Heathrow Airport, or to feel like high-fivin’ her because she eats paparazzi and little boys for breakfast, spits out the pits and then reapplies her lip-gloss. But, it’s sorta right, too. I mean, love her or hate her, no one can question the fact that her very existence, her breathtaking beauty (a divine fluke, for which she can’t take credit), has profoundly impacted Black images in fashion for the better. No, she wasn’t the first (head nod to Beverly Johnson, Iman, Naomi Sims), she wasn’t the last (shout out to Alec Wek, Tyra, Selita Ebanks, Liya Kibede, Chanel Iman, etc.), but she was THE GREATEST. I know there are plenty of people who are SCREAMING at their computer screens right now, in utter opposition with me on that, but I betcha about 75% of them secretly know it’s true, just don’t want to give the lady her due because she can have a stank attitude. There, I said it.

But, here’s another twist. I think the very fact that she had/has such a stank attitude is another way in which she inadvertently contributed to “the cause.” Before Naomi, everyone was tippy-toeing around the images of Black Women in the media, scared to be politically incorrect. Remember when every Black chick on the soaps had to be the “sweet” girl? It was nauseating. Television and film producers were so scared of being called out for promoting racist stereotypes (the mammy, the whore, the eye-rolling bitch) that they played it safe with these saccharine-Y sweet, erroneously angelic images of “sisters”. It was a total snooze-fest. Then came NAOMI, causing disturbances on planes, throwing temper tantrums in eighteen-star hotel rooms and tossing cell phones in places no decent human beings should toss them. And, I was like….HALLELUJAH, we’re free!!

Let me clarify, because I really don’t want to glorify bad behavior. That’s not what this is about. What I mean is, Naomi’s tempestuous, incendiary temper helped to free us from being trapped into a suffocating, limited definition. She opened up possibilities, helped to show America, show the world, the immense and beautifully complex range of who we are, both good and bad. Even she, the bitch of all bitches (and, I say that with the utmost admiration), is more than one thing. Yes, she’s hell on legs (arguably the most magnificent legs on the planet), but she’s also a deeply compassionate human being, offering her time and name to endless charitable efforts (British Red Cross work in Somali relief efforts, frequently teaming up with Nelson Mandela in South Africa –despite being uninvited to his 90th b-day bash-, going to Moscow to help raise money for children with cancer, on and on and on). Before you say that all of this just for good PR and to improve her rep, I’d argue, this lady has been doing her thang for charity, year in and year out, way too long and with far too much frequency for it to be all for “show”.

I just saw a pic of Naomi online today, which was what got me going off on this Naomi-Adoration rant. And, it made me smile. And, it made me laugh. And, it made me feel so, so fierce and remember that I can DO anything, too. So, I am grateful and ask you again…

Who can fall on her ass on a runway and still look like a goddess?

Answer: Naomi can.

Who can raise money for Katrina victims one day, and hob nob with Andre Léon Talley the next?

Answer: Naomi can.

Who can say, “I have to jet,” and mean it, literally (as in, off on a private “j” to sun myself in Ibiza, while scantily-clad Spanish boy-toys feed me grapes)?

Answer: Naomi can.

Who makes the other “super” models call in sick when she hits a runway because they don’t want to get WALKED the h*ll OFF?

Answer: Naomi Campbell, the baaaaaadest, most willful, explosive, paradoxical, amazing creature to EVER meow her way down a catwalk, Naomi Campbell — that’s who.

This isn’t going to be the typical Fall Fashion Report you’ll find everywhere from your favorite magazines to your favorite sites across the web. We aren’t looking to cheerfully report to you all of the hot new trends and designers you should be on the lookout for. Why? Simply because we here at Clutch have grown to know our readers as the most stylishly confident and informed women around. But then, who are we going to enlighten with the upcoming seasons best choices you’re wondering? This time around, we’re helping you school your favorite yet, fashionably challenged girlfriends, awkwardly developing younger relatives and even your clueless and comically dressed co-workers. Spread the style this season with Clutch’s Fall Fashion Guide for Dummies. Trust us, they’ll thank you later.

It’s always easy to tell a woman what she should wear each season but, who’s advising her of what not to wear? Transitioning between summer trends and falls trends can be tricky. Unknowingly mixing and matching the wrong pieces can and usually always leads to a bi-seasonal disaster. With fashion finally phasing out of the retro and vintage inspired period, it’s crucial to choose the right looks that will mark your knowledge of the arrival of modern style. Embrace the change by bidding farewell to some of these common and beloved fashion trends of seasons past.

ULTRA BRIGHTS & NEONS

Initially apprehensive to the inclusion of neon’s into our wardrobe, ultra bright pieces over the last few years have become somewhat of a staple. “Want your look to pop? Grab a hot pink clutch!” we dared, preached and supported personally. But, as contemporary fall style is centered around the concept of sophistication and futurism, these audacious color palettes are being replaced with the opposite muted versions. As fall’s base color ways are typically charcoal, navy, black and shades of browns, we’re finding the new accent colors to be pale pinks, jade greens and sultry reds. This seems a little boring you might believe at first thought but, as fashion evolves for women, we’re finding the new focus to be complex minimalism. And this change isn’t a seasonal trend but, a sign of the evolution of fashion. Can you still stand out from the crowd wearing these seemingly drab colors? A truly stylish woman definitely will.

THE MICRO MINI
Fun and flirtatious, we courageously weathered many a season in our minis. Long sleeve turtle necked minis in the winter and strapless minis in the summer. Looking back, time sure does fly. Who would’ve realized that for the last four years, Beyonce has had us all shaping up and stepping out in our foxiest “freakum” dresses. There’s nothing wrong with showing off those great long legs in those killer heels but, style has settled on a rather mature commonground this season. Blending both the best cuts and accents of our favorite fitted minis and carefree maxis, lie the classier knee range alternative. Two inches above or below the knee and cut for a sleek and accentuating fit, this comfortable and wearable medium is both sexy and fashion forward.

THE SHOE
So as fashion is essentially an art, where do we look to express ourselves as the cuts and colors seem to promote simplicity? The shoe of course. With a slew of fresh and captivating new designs being birthed out of our favorite fashion houses every season, a woman’s shoe smarts is no longer determined by her knowledge of labels but, her taste and appreciation of the architecture. Heel construction alone is becoming way more intense and exciting. Color and print are no longer the attention grabber, the blueprint is. As an added compliment to creating the ultimate leg appeal, the stocking. While tights have reined the norm for the last few years (even making wearing peep toes in colder weather acceptable) the heavier opaque option has fell short visually this season with the re-emergence of the sheer stocking. The slightly tinted leg has proven sexier and more subtle, the most suitable pairing with an exotic shoe choice.

THE BAG
As fate would have it, a great clutch never goes out of style. So what are the more modern approaches to our favorite bag? Flatter, wider and more luxurious. The classic rectangular cut has been reshaped and repurposed. Appearing a larger wallet as opposed to an actual purse, unfortunately for you bag ladies out there you won’t be getting away with stuffing the maximum amount of your daily necessities into this chic accessory. Fortunately, the larger alternative in replacement of the hobo is the slightly smaller and stylish briefcase. Heavily accented and detailed, this once basic and masculine piece is becoming a symbol of worldliness and refinement for fashionable women.

What is happening to fashion you’re thinking? It used to be fun and daring. Take it all in and pass it on to those in your circle who might get left behind. Although designers are always changing with the season, the last few years have been somewhat safe and repetitive. But, the world is different now and designers are scrambling to dress our fashionable first lady. So if you’re like us, then you’re ready to embrace the change of the new face of fashion.

WHAT WE’RE LOVING ABOUT THE NEW FALL SEASON:

- Oversized jackets
- Trench coat and blazer cut dresses
- Lean trousers
- High collared shirts
- Pale pinks, jade greens, deep reds
- Leather
- Longer gloves
- Tailored suits
- Bias cuts
- Masculine and feminine hybrids

These days, it’s no surprise that your favorite celebrity is coming out with a clothing line. Sure, everybody claims to be creating the most ground-breaking, hip, fashion-forward collection. But we all know how that goes. There are tons of promo pics, interviews, sneak-peaks and what not. Sometimes even “fashion shows with no fashions”. No shade intended. But more often than not, once all is said and done, we’re left with a bunch of blah pieces, some cute and trendy – fine – but certainly not worth all the hype and anticipation.

Now I don’t mean to sound like a complete skeptic, because there are certainly a few celeb lines that consistently make me drool over must-have pieces. Gwen Stefani, for example, always inspires me to stack my pesos so that I can splurge on a pair of killer L.A.M.B. pumps! But there are also a few key questions that I must ask myself when hearing of the “next great” celebrity fashion line.

* CREATIVITY: How much input do they really have? There’s nothing better than hearing that some stars – such as the Olsen twins, as I learned on Oprah – are actually present and active in the design process from beginning to end. They do rough sketches, pick fabric swatches and trim, style shoots/shows, and even have a basic knowledge of sewing and construction. But I don’t have much respect for so-called “designers” who simply provide financial backing and a face for the line, and receive credit for other people’s work. There’s a clear distinction between designer and sponsor.

* WEARABILITY: Would they even wear this stuff? No offense to the creators of brands such as Baby Phat and Dereon, but too often I’ve seen items of theirs that led me to wonder: “Who the hell would wear this mess?” Not to say that all of their clothes are hideous, but surely some items lack the taste and signature style that’s exhibited by the women who endorse them. I understand that the goal of a successful brand is to cater to a “target audience” that may veer towards certain trends– yeah yeah, sure. But how sincere is it to promote an item that you would never be caught dead in the street wearing? Because unless I’m mistaken, I’ve never seen Kimora rockin these, nor Beyonce killin ‘em in this. But I’m just saying… Designers such as Rachel Roy and Andre 3000 who allow their own personal style esthetic to shine through their designs seem to be far more genuine in their efforts.

* VALUE: Is it a name we’re paying for, or quality garments and accessories? A common thread amongst many celebrity clothing lines is higher price points. But is it always worth the splurge? If someone were to simply remove the tag from that sweater, bag, or pair of shoes, would we still be so inclined to hand over our Visa? In some cases, I guarantee we’d think twice. You see, having a rich name and lavish reputation at the forefront of the line does not ensure that the same high standards are being met in the production of their products. Are the fabrics and dye going to hold up in the wash? Will these buttons and zippers function properly for long? You never know.

* BRANDING: Must we always “Say [Your] Name”? Clearly, we’re aware of the multi-million dollar powerhouses behind the likes of Sean John, Rocawear, Dereon, and Apple Bottom. But in case we forgot – they make sure to stamp those names and logos loud and proud all over each garment! Why must they o.d. like that? I can’t even lie, I once saw the cutest pair of distressed skinny jeans that I just knew I had to have. Perfect color, just enough stretch, and decent price. But as soon as I flipped that hanger around and caught glimpse of those juicy Granny Smith-shaped pockets on each cheek, I dropped those bad boys right where I stood. Way to ruin a good thing, guys. Thanks a lot.

Despite the downfalls we’ve seen in certain lines, we can’t forget to pay homage to those who’ve actually gotten it right. Because in the case of certain celebrities, great success and profit have resulted since they decided to branch out into the wonderful world of fashion. Consider SEAN JOHN by Diddy: 11 years in the business, and no sign of falling off. Annual participation in New York Fashion Week. National ad campaigns via television, billboards, and the pages of top fashion publications. And the 2004 CFDA award for Men’s Designer of the Year. Enough said, huh? Even Angela and Vanessa Simmons are getting it right with their PASTRY line. You may wonder why a teeny-bopper seeming brand would deserve such recognition after a seasoned vet. But if you look at the logistics, these girls deserve their shine: They found a specific demographic to target, in an age range not too far from their own – so they can relate to their customers. They picked a clever brand concept – sweets and treats – that allows them to experiment openly with funky colors, fabrics, and product names. And even better, they used their television exposure to show the world that they are truly putting in the hours to help push their line to the next level. Kudos, ladies.

So, what’s you all’s take on the surge of celebrity fashion lines. Are we “buying” it?

“Are you the young lady who is supposed to be interviewing me?” he beckoned charmingly. Nervous and unsure if I would be dressed to his liking, I forced a tense smile, nodded yes and stood awkwardly in admiration spellbound by the iconic man before me. “Well come sit with me!” he warmly motioned inviting me to come closer and sit beside him this one Sunday afternoon at George Faison’s Firehouse Theater in Harlem. I’d been prepped earlier on that I’d be granted a quick interview and had already primed myself for an abrupt reception given his many other important cares scheduled for the intimate event. Instead I was welcomed with a much unexpected and opposite treatment. Within the next fifteen minutes, I was a more enlightened and appreciative lover of fashion and the man whom granted me this courtesy intrusion. Perched luxuriously in a grand velvet chair, wearing a chic authentic African clothed cape and caramel-mauve peep toe velvet slippers, this alluring industry legend had proven to be modest, sophisticated and compassionate.

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.”

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.” he tells of his days of obsessively channeling fashion as a young man. “I dreamt about visual stunningness, visual sophistication.” he shares. This curiosity of visual expression would later be honed during his time as a student at Brown University where he’d befriended several fashion students studying at the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design. Mastering his natural aptitude for developing innovative and eye pleasing style stories, he’d earned himself a name within the fashion industry having worked for Women’s Wear Daily, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, W Magazine and of course his current residency at Vogue Magazine.

“Always have an education to fall back on. That’s the most important thing.” he preached reassuringly. Stressing that quality, consistency, passion and faith are the pillars to success for a fulfilling and lasting career in the fashion industry and life in general, his honesty and encouragement exudes with an authenticity unmatched. An authoritative but, gentle giant Mr. Talley is the finest example of the phrase “Never judge a book by its cover”. Distinguished and enigmatic, whether in Kente or on the tennis courts, Andre Leon Talley is filled with enough charm and humility to heal the world.

The times of buying an entire summer wardrobe are far behind us but that doesn’t stop us from eyeing these summer scorchers. Adding a few pieces from this list of the season’s searing designs is guaranteed to have someone calling the fire department.

There’s one section that still hasn’t burst at its seams, mainstream multicultural e-tailers. Women of color represent billions of dollars in buying power but there’s still a shortage of e-tailers that offer furnishings for their needs.

Thai Randolph noticed her chance to fill that void. Using her marketing skills, she launched Dezigner’s Den – a place where women can find the duds of Elizabeth Cole, Ghita and Trina Turk among other multicultural designers.

With the company’s plans for expansion by Fall 2009, Randolph is a busy woman. Taking a few minutes out of the daily tasks of running her own site, she discusses her strategic game plan and why out-of-the ordinary indulgences exemplify the meaning of luxuries.

Clutch: Tell us a little about yourself and how you came up with the idea for Dezigner’s Den?
Thai Randolph: My background is in marketing, but I’ve always been very interested in fashion. I do a great deal of my shopping online and realized that multicultural women are underserved, and multicultural designers underrepresented in the high-end women’s wear market. So I conducted some research and decided to launch an online boutique that would celebrate diversity in fashion by embracing a diverse cross-section of women and design perspectives.

Clutch: Was an online boutique always a plan for you?
Thai Randolph: It has been for some time. I came up with the idea when I was college, but just launched the site on January 20th, 2009 (Inauguration Day)

Clutch: What criteria do you use in selecting the designers sold through Dezigner’s Den?
Thai Randolph: We carry established mainstream designers like Trina Turk and House of Dereon but love to highlight emerging brands like Sukari and Shree Moni. The one requirement is that the clothing has to appeal to the Dezigner’s Den customer: She’s smart, driven and not afraid to express herself. So we provide her with what we like to think of as “statement pieces”.

Clutch: Dezigner’s Den caters to such a carefully targeted audience, what advantage do you have over your competitors?
Thai Randolph: Online boutiques are showing up every day, but very few cater to multicultural women the way we do. We believe our advantage lies in our dedication to and understanding of our customer base. We have a dialogue with our customers so we have our fingers on the pulse of their fashion needs.

Clutch: For summer 2009, what can the Dezigner’s Den customer expect?
Thai Randolph: We’re adding some new designers, some really hot swimwear lines and we’ll be holding some exciting giveaways and promotions including a contest that will give the winner an opportunity to be featured in our Fall ad campaign.

Clutch: You offer some of our favorites like Ghita, Trina Turk and Melody Ehsani, what brands can we expect to see in the future?
Thai Randolph: We’ve just started carrying some styles from the Shree Moni shoe collection as well as a new handbag and accessories line called Sukari. Both designers were recently profiled on your site. We’re expanding this Fall and will nearly double the number of designers we carry. So, you see can expect some really famous brands that you already love and new names that you’ll definitely fall in love with.

Clutch: What’s your philosophy on luxury and style?
Thai Randolph: We believe luxury is about out-of-the ordinary indulgences. In terms of fashion, that doesn’t have to mean a high price tag, just special, high-quality pieces that make you feel good about yourself. Our goal is to fill our boutique with little “luxuries” from a diverse pool of talent.

Clutch: If we opened your Clutch, what would we find in it?
Thai Randolph: My Dezigner’s Den business cards, an extra pair of earrings (I swap out constantly) and lip gloss.

For more information about Thai Randolph and Dezinger’s Den please visit www.dezignersden.com.

Friends and former roommates Ken Leung and Dana Chin left behind lucrative careers on Wall Street to pursue their true calling: jewelry making. The creation of ken & dana design in 2004 allowed total immersion into a once creative project of making one of a kind pieces for those who dared to be different.

While still learning the ropes of the jewelry industry, Leung and Chin have perfected their voice of the two collections under ken & dana design, BYLU and B-Side. While both collections target different trinket mavens, the political statements, unsuspecting designs and graffiti tagging are seamlessly interwoven into luxurious and precious metals that received accolades from Beyoncé, Sessilee Lopez and Keri Hilson.

Clutch spoke exclusively with co-founder Dana Chin about catering to the “stylishly different” crowd, creating pieces for Doo.Ri’s earlier collection and why they’re devoted to giving back to the community.

Clutch: The birth of Ken & Dana Design doesn’t follow the traditional recipe for success. Tell us how you all got started.
Dana Chin: Success.. that is very kind of you. Ken and I were roomies in college, graduated and moved into the city. We both had taken jobs on Wall St. and didn’t want to kill each other so we decided to stay roommates. After a year of no sleep, Ken left his banking job for a month long beach sitting adventure in Greece. When he got back to the states he decided to take his parents up on an offer to run the family gemstone business.

For the following year as I pretended to be useful on Wall St. Ken and I would talk shit about starting our own biz… pretty standard for 23 I believe. After my second year out of school I pulled the plug on my corporate job and joined ken.

Of course we had no friggan idea what we were doing. We would come up with fancy (or so we thought) designs that were going to revolutionize the jewelry industry only to find out they had already been done or they were just too nuts to ever make. Needless to say nobody wanted to make the things we came up with, and so one tool at a time we started to build a shop.

Clutch: Your first collection, BYLU had already cemented your position in jewelry design so what encouraged the creation of B-Side?
Dana Chin: BYLU and b-side are different labels. The main distinction is that BYLU is fine jewelry (gold and diamonds and all that) and b-side is Fashion Jewelry (not gold and diamonds). We produce collections under both labels.

Our start was in fashion jewelry. For two years we made things with wire and beads and all that. We even made a collection of items for Doori Chung and her 2005 Spring Runway show. After which we decided that we wanted people to take our work more seriously and started working with gold and precious stones. In hindsight I think fine jewelry at such an early stage is a double edge sword: on one hand we realized we loved working with these materials, and the connections of a very important piece with the wearer. On the other hand fine jewelry is very difficult because of all the costs. For a young designer it can be very difficult to execute all the funky ideas you have if you have to pay out the ass for materials all the time. We launched b-side to get back to our fashion roots. We wanted to make things that were fun and easy to pick up again.

Clutch: What are the differential elements between BYLU and B-Side?
Dana Chin: Again fine v fashion is the real divider. But whatever collection or label you’re talking about all of our work is strong: what I mean by that is there is either a strong story the piece is telling or the look is very bold. That is the unifier. We like to talk about similarities rather than differences (OBAMA!!!!)

Clutch: Your creations are all handmade pieces, how long does it take to complete a look?
Dana Chin: Ummm yeah. That depends. Some of the enamel work can take a while to set, and some of the stone setting can be rough. But we can make most pieces in a day or two. We run production cycles every two weeks and to be honest a lot of the time is involved in planning and sourcing the materials. Once you have all the parts it tends to be pretty easy to construct (assuming you have done it a few thousand times).

Clutch: Three of Clutch’s favorite women, Beyoncé, Keri Hilson and Sessilee Lopez, have been photographed in pieces from the B-Side collection. How stoked were you all when you found out?
Dana Chin: We totally played it cool. Um no. We were real excited…. To be honest we get excited when any one wears our work. But yea we were quite happy. Beyonce bought her pieces so that made us happier.

From a design perspective we will always create work that is bold and expressive.

Clutch: What inspires your design process the most?
Dana Chin: All the cliché stuff inspires us (as with most people). I mean anything you create is always infused with your personality and perspective so I don’t think its any one thing. Having said that we make work that we want to connect with people. Sometimes its an emotion connection (see our upcoming RIGHTS collection), sometimes is on a visual level (ie. Bold cube looks).

Clutch: What can we expect to see from Ken & Dana Design in the future?
Dana Chin: More work that impacts our local and national community (lofty hugh). We are donating a portion of our sales from the upcoming “RIGHTS” collection to the Harlem Children’s Zone. Beyond just writing a check we are looking to invest in our local communities youth art’s education. We are working on a few projects to get ourselves more involved in the artistic development of our community (with focus on the youth) as well as create works that raise awareness. From a design perspective we will always create work that is bold and expressive.

For more information on BYLU and B-Side Jewelry, visit www.kenanddanadesign.com.

It is common knowledge that Paris is one of the major fashion capitals and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the mecca of all things artistic and extravagant and has produced some of the greatest artists in history. The legacy continues with a fresh and talented fashion designer, Dolita Paris. Dolita is most certainly no stranger to the fashion industry, however, she is a newbie to the United States – New York City to be exact in which she just moved to recently this year. In the quest to mirror the success and accolade she has received back home in Europe, Dolita has been show casing her latest collection at small events in venues all through the Big City and down the east coast. With having a successful showing at New York Fashion Week last season and having megastar Beyonce coveting her designs, its evident that Dolita Paris is clearly on the path to becoming a signature brand on the same level as a Dontella Versace or Diane Von Furstenberg. Just wait and see.

Clutch: For those who are unfamiliar, describe the Dolita Paris brand.
Dolita: It is ultra feminine. I use a lot of lace, Silk Jersey lycra, which for me is a fabric that accentuates a woman’s sensuality and self-assurance.

Clutch: You started in the industry at the age of 16, which is incredible. What was it like being in such a glamorous industry at such a young age? What did you learn?
Dolita: I learned sense of proportion. I learned the discipline of hard work behind the beauty and the dream of fashion. I also learned the freedom of Art and the passion of creativity.

Clutch: What’s the biggest myth about the fashion industry you’ve learned firsthand that isn’t true?
Dolita: When you look at a magazine cover or fashion photo, it looks like an easy job for the model, the photographer, the designer, the stylist, the make up artist, the artistic director, everyone involved. Not at all. It takes hours of preparation and hard work for only one “perfect” shot and so much more for a all Fashion show.

Clutch: You’ve lived in the top fashion capital of the world, Paris – what do you love most about the culture there… particularly the fashion?
Dolita: I love Paris, which is also the capital of Art. New York is a great city, but here, the fashion industry is more interested in celebrity, in money, in who represents the label. The fashion industry in my country is more interested in the designer, in the artistic originality. Here, you don’t have to be a designer to design. In France, it is totally different.

Clutch: You’ve recently shown a collection at Bryant Park for Fashion Week this past Spring with huge success, are you planning to show again this year?
Dolita: Yes, I will. It will be original and spontaneous.

Clutch: If you had to pick a muse to be the face of your next collection, who would you pick and why?
Dolita: If you are a free-spirited woman and love yourself, you are my muse.

Clutch: Being a designer of color, do you believe that you have to work twice as hard to make it in the industry? What do you believe has been your key to success thus far?
Dolita: I have never thought that way. I’m from Paris and I always worked with top people from the media, fashion and music industries as well as artists. Being a woman, being black, being Asian, and being white – all of which I am — was an advantage. I know there is a politics of race here, but it is also so that green is the color of success! Anyway, you must see that fashion is hard work and it is especially hard right now. I work more than 16 hours a day for my line. What matters are my amazing clients who love my line and give the real life to my dresses .

Clutch: We know that you’re headed to the states to expand your brand. Without giving away too much, what’s next in store for Dolita Paris?
Dolita: I am now holding fashion events & shows in New York and I am working on new lines with Fopp’s Boutique!

Clutch: If we were to steal your Clutch. What would we find inside?
Dolita: One Yves Saint Laurent pink make-up holder, one black Chanel make-up holder with my business cards and credit cards, Ange Ou Demon perfume by Givenchy, my little scissors ( I call them my mini ciseaux), two cell phones, my appointment book, model composites and so much safety pins!

For more information please visit www.dolitaparis.com.

Baruch

The look: We shun drama in our personal lives, but in our closets…well, that’s another matter. Sultry, slightly edgy with a focus on fit and detailing, the Baruch line is the daring answer to the global minded trend. Edwardian, Romantic and Baroque influences seen throughout the collections reflect the darker more intense mood that many designers embraced for summer.

The story: Baruch, which in Hebrew means blessed, was launched just last year and is the vision of self taught London based designer Angela Knowles. Within her capsule collections, the designer focuses on creating accessible fashion for women who have an appreciation for vibrant colors and sharp style.

Visit Baruch @ www.baruch.me.uk

Sika

The look: Vintage takes on a modern spirit with funky styling and retro feminine cuts. Sika seamlessly marries traditional West African textiles and prints with a London hipster sensibility. We love how the lines four spring/summer collections: fusion, wonderland, spell bound and gold coast feature functional pieces for our multi-faceted fashion needs.

The story: Sika’s designer, Phyllis Taylor, is a native of Ghana living in London who not only uses her culture as inspiration, but also gives something back to the community from which the lines success is derived. Fabrics are made and sourced locally in Ghana, while skilled craftsman in the area are employed to produce the line.

Visit Sika @ www.sikadesigns.co.uk

Alala

The look: Alala’s spring/summer designs tread lightly on directional patterns for an end result that’s light, fun and flirty. From the pop of color boyfriend vest to the sexy open-back dress, this line is full of classic with a twist “ooh, I need those” pieces. Fortunately, with prices starting at $70-$400 we might be able to actually cop a few items for ourselves.

The story: As early as age 6 Taiwo, who is of Nigerian descent, recalls toying around with fabric and sewing. Since her childhood explorations in design and despite being told that she wasn’t that great, Adejoke can count being an alum of Project Runway Canada as one of her accomplishments. The designer has said of her line, “My collections main objective is to create pieces that the modern woman can easily take on retreats, as well as mix and match into their everyday wardrobe. Rich color, texture, and materials from around the globe are used to create an eclectic yet appropriate line of clothing.” We say that her mission was successfully accomplished.

Visit Alala @ www.adejoke.com