MTV Movie Awards Best Dressed

Last night I had to make a tough decision between watching the MTV Movie Awards or a new episode of Game of Thrones. After watching the Red Carpet Pre-Award show with as much excitement as if the actual show was commencing I decided hitting the record button on my remote and tuning into GoT was a better way to spend the remainder of my evening. Besides, no one really take this award show seriously other than to watch the trailers for new-upcoming summer blockbusters. Plus, I watched what I needed to watch; the who, what and wear of fashion. I was so glad I made that decision because last night episode was the happiest I ever been with a show's ending! "Ding dong the witch is dead" is all I have to say to that! On to the best dressed at the MTV Movie Awards

There was a lot of contenders but I kept the list as short as the average length of a Hollyweird relationship. Starting with my no. 7 pick, Rita Ora:

Rita Ora is often a hit or miss with me. One minute I'm like 'Yea that's definitely dope!" the next I'm left like an anime character with a bunch of ??? around my head. But this black, low-cut gown by Barbara Casasola is a win in my book. 

Next is Jessica Alba. I was inches away of putting Jessica in no. 7 simply because I'm not too please of the shape this outfit gives her. It's almost boxy. BUT I love the color choices and the overall look she pulled together with a summery bandeau top by Pieve d'Anarchive, a flared skirt by Kenzo and printed Jimmy Choo pumps.

This is such a cute summer outfits Rocsi Diaz wore plus she's is pulling the monochromatic all-white trend quite nicely. Took me a while to find out who she was wearing (I guess no one cared to ask, ouch) but she is wearing Monica Rose by @loversfriendsla with nude Christian Louboutin pumps. 

Now for the top 4! I placed Nicki Minaj as no. 4 because she kept it simple,clean and dashed it with sexy in this body-hugging Alexander McQueen dress! I think this is one of her best looks to date! When she's not doing her caricatures and wearing her Lady Gaga-esque outfits I love to see more of this Nicki Minaj.

Rih-Rih!! This woman's fashion senses are off  the charts and I love her daring nature! This look, lounge wear couture by Ulyana Sergeenko, is feeding me Eartha Kitt from Boomerang if she was still in her prime! Fabulous darrrling! However, she's no. 3 because, honestly, if it was anyone else wearing this I don't think they would receive the same praise and/or reaction as everyone is giving Rihanna. 

It has been very interesting and fun watching Miss Zendaya grow and I'm quite pleased with her sense of style. She knows what works for her and this time isn't any different. This floral frock by Emanuel Ungaro, which is totes on trend, fits her tomboyish figure perfectly adding length to her slender frame. The slit as well as the ankle strap Christian Louboutins add to the sex appeal.

My no. 1 look for the evening was hands down Ms. Lupita Nygon'o! This colorful Chanel frock is vibrant and playful! You really can't help but to stop and look at the details. Pairing the outfit with sky blue Christian Louboutin (I guess CL shoes was the memo) added to the sugary fun of the overall look!

 Do you agree or disagree with the order of 'Best Dressed'? Who were your favorites?

Black Dresses Exhibition

What’s funny about me writing this post is how nervous I am! As mouthy and opinionated as I can be I’m actually feeling…shy? Lol! But the same rule that I apply to my everyday life I shall apply it here! And you, my fabulous readers and fellow bloggers, shall be receiving the best of me!

With that being said,

  WELCOME TO BLAK LABELS!!  

The fashion/style blog focused on designers and entrepreneurs of color within the fashion and beauty industry!  How did I come up with this concept? Actually the origin of this blog correlates with my first post!

My cousin and good friend, Shantavia Loh, sent me a text about celebrity designer, LaQuan Smith, and a few other designers, coming together to debut their collection at Pratt Institute in honor of Black History Month. I work alongside Shantavia as her assistant for her PR firm, Panache PR &Marketing, and post daily gossip & news on their Facebook page. The name of the fashion exhibition is Black Dress: Ten Contemporary Fashion Designers and it featured designs by LaQuan Smith, Tracy Reese, ByronLars, Epperson, Samantha Black, Omar Salam, Michael Jerome Francis, Donna Dove, Stephen Burrows and Jeffery Banks. I researched the information further, landing on the Pratt Institute webpage and immediately became enthralled (FYI: I love SAT words! I even have the Dictionary as an app on my phone. SO if there’s any way I can throw in my word of the day or a SAT word I will =-D )! I noticed they had a panel discussion scheduled one night and I made sure to clear my schedule so I can attend.

When I got there the room was packed but I noticed the majority of the attendants were of an older generation. There were a few in my age group, a few students, one of the designers and the other was a part of the panel. But, overall, my 20s group was scarce.  On the panel were the curators of the exhibition, a fashion consultant, a fashion blogger and editors from Teen Vogue, The Huffington Post, and Ebony. After a round of introductions the discussion began and it was very informative.

The overall theme of the discussion was the lack of recognition and progress black designers have made in the fashion industry. One of the panelists even challenged the audience if they can name several black designers other than Tracy Reese and LaQuan Smith. Honestly, I couldn't really think of any other designers. Either I’m not as fashionably adept as I thought I was or my fashion pool is very shallow. But our silence proved the point. Referencing back to the attendants being of an older generation, whom by the way, were able to answer the question of naming more than 2 black designers, most of them were from the fashion days when supermodel Iman reigned supreme and Naomi Campbell’s name barely left anyone’s lips without an inquisitive “who?” followed afterwards.  They echoed the same sentiments that this is a battle that has been waging on for generations! One even stated that she expected 7^th avenue (Fashion Avenue) to have at least 1 or 2 black-owned clothing stores open by now but she is still currently waiting to hear the news.  This led me to ask the profound question of the night (I’m not exaggerating. I literally heard “ooohhhh….good one!” all over the room lol): “Why aren't black designers, or designers of color in general, not highly recognized as their counterparts? Is it because of the lack of coverage from the media, the lack of support from their communities or the lack of passion & commitment from the designers themselves?”

This question not only stirred a whole new discussion but it also sparked an idea in me! Especially when one of the panelists, fashion Blogger Joy Adaeze, responded that most of her clothes she post are from black designers, more specifically, African designers. I thought “Why don’t I start a blog focused on black designers and creating that publicity they need!?” We can’t deny that social media is becoming our main way of communicating with one another and creating exposure for brands, ideas, services and products. So why not take advantage? At first I was hesitant because it felt like just another fashion blog in the mix of all the other fashion blogs out there. I didn't want to get lost in the sauce! But I realize that there are so many duplicates out in the world, for example the concept of burger and fries, that I figured there is room for one more blog! Besides, I aim and will strive to make mine stand out from the rest especially since I am shining a light on a particular niche that needs to be exposed. Thus, Blak Labels is born!

Donna Dove's collection

After the discussion they opened the exhibit to the audience for about 30 minutes and I took several pictures. My favorites were Byron Lars, Donna Dove (her designs were made out of shirts!), LaQuan Smith (Duh!), Tracey Reese (another duh!) and Samantha Black. I posted a few of the pictures for your viewing pleasure! The exhibition, which is free by the way, is available for viewing until April 26^th so make sure to stop by Pratt Manhattan Gallery (144 W. 14th Street, New York, NY 10011) before it’s over! 

Donna Dove's collection

Byron Lars' collection

Byron Lars' collection

Tracy Reese's collection

Omar Salam collection

Jeffery Banks' collection

Stephen Burrows' collection

Michael Jerome Francis' collection

Samantha Black's collection

Epperson's collection