Month: June 2013

Google Glasses Taking Over The World?

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So I just came across my first Google glasses fashion statement at the Absolut Vodka Open Canvas Event in Brooklyn this past weekend and I was in awe. I was casually chit chatting with crochet artist Olek’s and her friend when it dawned on me that I had never seen these glasses that she had on. I put my fashion blogger cap on and had to ask, what kind of glasses are those??

They both quickly answered saying they were Google glasses. First thought was how high-tech and interesting. Second thought was that she looked kind of geeky and that they were clunky and not too fashionable. ‘Nerd Gear’ were the exact words that came to mind. I wondered if these so-called ‘sophisticated’ Google glasses were really worth all the hype and hysteria? And not to mention, $1500 price tag? I do not own a pair but supposedly it’s like having a smartphone, but it’s on your face. I actually prefer search engine Bing, I wonder can I access that through Google glasses? I mean, just how important is it to be so uber-connected to society that you need to physically wear glasses that will allow you to record a “Google video” or conduct a “Google hangout” while riding a rollercoaster?

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For now, I remain skeptical. It looks like another unnecessary and over-hyped piece of ‘fancy technology’ that Google is using to make a good profit. And, at $1500 a pop, I’m sure they certainly are generating a fabulous return. And, of course wearable technology is the next fashion frontier. Hell, perhaps one day we’ll look back at this post and laugh, and Google glasses and whatever else really will have taken over the world. In the meantime, however, I’m not buying it. Google glasses are just an unnecessary technological toy that might make you look cool at a party.

What’s your opinion?

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Jean Paul Gaultier’s “Fight Racism” Dress

 

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are this week has you fired up about something. Well, I’m all about peace, love and happiness as you can see by my Bob Marley painting here. So thought I would share this “Fight Racism” dress from Jean Paul Gaultier.

Now I’m not sure if Jean Paul Gaultier made this dress because he made his own disparaging comments and is trying to turn around his public image like Paula Deen right now but either way, I like the dress. We need more outspoken fashion statements these days. Rules are meant to be broken and fashion is always taboo until it’s the ‘norm.’

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Absolut Open Canvas Art Event in Brooklyn

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Talk about street art. This past weekend I stopped by the Absolut Vodka Open Canvas Event in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where artists Olek, Katsu and others transformed a whole street into an art display. Ice sculptures, knitted bikes, and graffiti filled the street and it was kind of amazing.

It was also really hot outside! Summer finally hit New York and I stayed cool in a white bustier, a white lace skirt and jewelry from various places including I-Ella’s List and Lea Jefferson. Absolut Vodka stirred up some great cocktails and I was able to meet Olek and her friend, the first person I’ve ever spotted wearing the new Google glasses! Check out more photos from the event below.

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Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

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Susan Claassen’s Conversations with Edith Head at the National Arts Club

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I always love to visit the National Arts Club for their fancy decor and interesting programs put on by the National Arts Club Fashion Committee.  This weekend I went to see a play starring Susan Claassen, Conversations with Edith Head. She’s been touring the country telling the Edith’s story for the last few years, but this was the first stop in New York. Quotables from the play include that she would make “…the girls look better than they were…, give them more butt,” and that she always wanted to “look like Shirley Temple.” Susan made everyone laugh during the play when she stated that “several young ladies come to me in blue jeans with no underwear on underneath.” When asked about Edith’s biggest regrets, she said it was “never dressing Marilyn Monroe.”

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Susan Claassen and Malinda KnowlesJean and Valerie_malindaknowlesnetChrysanna and Friend

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Susan took me back to sitting and talking with my grandmother, who was quite a master seamstress herself. Most of us these days do not think about putting together a beautiful dress as the ready-to-wear market has taken over and most likely people will not be returning to sewing their own clothing. Lots of folk came out to see the play and many I suppose were from Edith’s era. I even ran into Jean and Valerie, mature women bloggers who looked absolutely fabulous. Most of the crowd including myself wore a summer dress or suit, falling somewhere under that Spring Garden Party look.  I also met Ellen Christine, a couture milliner, who showed off her beautiful hat for the camera. It was a great time.

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Edith-Head-9332755-1-402MV5BMzE1MzMzMTExOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTk0ODkyMw@@._V1._SX640_SY923_If you’re not familiar with Edith Head, you should definitely check out the play and read these 6 things to know about her;

1. Edith Head had no prior experience in art or costume design before she was hired by Paramount Pictures as a costume sketch artist in 1924.

2. She’s the most honored costume designer in American history; she won 8 Oscars and received 35 Academy Award nominations

3. Edna Mode in Disney’s Pixar The Incredibles Movie (2004) was modeled after her

4. Her trademark “sunglasses” weren’t really sunglasses, they were blue-lensed glasses that allowed her to see what a costume would look like on Black and White film

5. From 1927-1979, she dressed about every important actress in Hollywood including Dorothy Lamour, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly

6. She presided over Alfred Hitchcock’s wardrobe department on 11 movies

 Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

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Black and White at the DKNY Store for Iris Smyle’s New Book Signing and OCRF Benefit

  DKNY hosts Iris Smyles Book signing, Malinda KnowlesDKNY hosts Iris Smyles Book signing, Malinda Knowles

Tuesday I dashed in the rain to the midtown DKNY store for Iris Smyle’s Iris Has Free Time book signing and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) Fundraiser. DKNY sent a percentage of sales proceeds to OCRF and provided some great champagne to top it off. Iris Has Free Time is about growing up and can we please applaud the cover photo? Just loving the blue tutu!

I was wearing my white leather Vince jacket (on sale at Shopbop), a vegan black leather skirt from Guess (similar here), vintage Christian Louboutin heels and this amazing hat at the DKNY store. The store was full of some really great summer outfits and some of the best sneaker heels in town! I spotted the black version of the sneaker heels that I had blogged about last year and found a white pair I hadn’t seen before (pictured below).

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Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Opening Reception at the Milk Gallery for Jonathan Mannion’s Rough Around The Edges Polaroid Photography Exhibit

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This week I stopped by the Milk Gallery for Jonathan Mannion’s Rough Around the Edges Photography Exhibit Opening Reception. Mannion is most known for his iconic Hip Hop photography: the portraits of DMX covered in blood for “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” Ludacris’ “Back For the First Time” album cover, Jay Z’s “Reasonable Doubt,” Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Ni**a Please,” and more. Amazingly, his work was done with a Polaroid camera.

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The DJ was absolutely amazing and kept the crowd rocking while the crowd sipped to Ciroc cocktails and Red Stripe beer. The crowd was also decked out in their most fashionable summertime party gear and I met a few interesting people. Model Stevie Finedore (pictured below) wore a black and white dress, I saw lots of cutouts and crop tops, and other summer essentials like maxi dressesrompers and printed pants. Check out photos of what they wore and more of Mannion’s photography below. The exhibit is on until July 9th so check it out!

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 Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Miami Design District, Graffiti and Louis Vuitton

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Graffiti Covers Louis Vuitton Store in Miami

Louis-Vuitton-Graffiti-Alma-Horizontal-Satchel-Handbag-_37236_front_large_0According to Business of Fashion, developer Craig Robins’ Miami Design District is growing at a rapid pace. Artists, interior designers, architects, and luxury good stores have clustered in the neighborhood. The feel of Miami, everlasting impact of Cuban and Latin American culture, as well as the artwork are shaping the character of this new district and business is experiencing success. Real Estate professional Zendell stated that “…before, Miami was a place to unload your summer gear, now even cashmere sells in Miami.”

I thought it was particularly interesting that artwork and even graffiti seem to permeate the area. Street artist Retna covered the Louis Vuitton store graffiti-style and the brand has marketed graffiti-covered merchandise as well. Robins states that “when you come here there will be a lot of art, anchored by the Rosa de la Cruz collection and my own collection.” Robins is an avid supporter and collector of the arts. He is Founder and Chairman of the Anaphiel Foundation, member of the Board of Trustees of the Miami Art Museum, and Principal of Art Basel Miami. Over 100 brands are expected to have locations in the District by the end of 2015, and I am very excited to see the area develop.  

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Graffiti Wall in Miami
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Graffiti Wall by Rime in Miami

Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Cute New Shoes at The FFANY Shoe Show 2013

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This week I attended the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) Shoe Show 2013 in midtown and was in shoe heaven! There were plenty of shoes from over a hundred brands and the suggested retail price for many of them were well within reason. New York showrooms were open this week for market as well.  Shoe lovers, get in here!

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I whirled through three floors of shoes and my favorite and the funkiest shoe was from J.C. Dossier. But as these shoes are not on the market yet and knock-off brands are rampant, I won’t be able to share them with you. I can tell you, however, that they were some of the most creative, kooky and colorful wedge heels I’ve ever seen! They will be in stores soon. Apart from those, I adored a pair of Kiss & Tell blue ruffled booties (pictured below), a pair of NYLA orange spiked sandals (above), and several from Six London (may have photos soon).

I also ran into Ivy Reyes of Luichi NY, a fellow FITer, who showed me some new dark blue python shoes (below) with a high-backing, apparently a big trend for the upcoming season.  London Trash also had several shoes with a high-back (pictured below).

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Wedge sneakers, spikes, high-rising heels (like London Trash above) and sequins seemed to be dominant trends at the Show.

The most innovative pair of shoes were from Cassandra Droogan of Protect Your Shoes In Style (PYSIS). She created a pair of boots that will go over your expensive pair of heels if you happen to be out in unfavorable weather conditions. Seems like a solution to me, instead of trying to change shoes all the time. I did not try them on but Cassandra modeled them below.

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I also ran into Melissa Tierney, FFANY Social Media Chair and Creator of Look 4 Less, a page about putting a look together on a budget. I was struck by Melissa’s necklace and pretty blouse who told me she got them from Target and H & M for about five dollars. I was wearing a white leather and linen Vince jacket, blue Kelly Wearstler skirt, my Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and a white blouse from H &M.

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Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Nine Fave Looks from Michael Kors Safari Themed Resort 2014 Collection

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  These are looks I could rock this summer! I’m absolutely loving the Michael Kors Safari Themed Resort 2014 Collection. Check out the looks above. There’s a little bit of everything in here; going to work, going to a futuristic tropical island or even a formal dinner. Either way, there’s something in here for everything and I’m loving it.

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

 

Stopped by The Rush Arts Gallery This Weekend for the Closing Reception of Physically Practiced

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This weekend I stopped by the Chelsea Rush Arts Gallery in a hot orange jumper (similar here) to catch the tail end of their Physically Practiced Performance and Closing Reception. Artist MarIo [Or Am I] Platypus went from painting a wall with interpretive language to actually frying a fish in a performance art dance. The studio also features artwork from artists Samson Contompasis, Musa Hixson, John Lee, and Jonathan Villoch (Depoe). The artists all incorporated movement into their work whether it be martial arts, breakdancing or simply meditating on dirt from the earth. I just loved Samson Contompasis and Jonathan Villoch’s pop art portraits of real women (pictured above) which he is using to raise awareness of women’s rights. And they displayed John Lee’s jump suit and a video of him literally break dancing and painting at the same time.

I met Curator Charlotte Mouquin, her team and photographer Greg who were all too gracious in having me at the studio. Charlotte and her team posed for a quick photo below after the event. Fried fish, breakdancing and painting simultaneously. Great stuff at the Rush Arts Gallery this past weekend.

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Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles