LADI CHIC

Monday, May 17, 2010

Performing Live this Friday Voodofe @ Parkside Lounge

Voodofe' the Culture

We Dare You!

MUSIC-ART-FASHION

http://www.voodofe.com/

MUSA

Ladies, I’m always excited to share with you a lovely pair of “kick ass” shoes. In my daily efforts to bring you Fabulously Chic Finds, I love it when I come across new, fresh and innovative designers/artists on the rise. Today, I bring to you Mallory Musante, for Musa!

Mallory, a Connecticut based shoe designer, went to school for Marketing at Bryant University in Rhode Island. “I always joke and say, I don’t know why I went to school for Business, when I’ve always been extremely Artistic and Creative”. This young designer new exactly what she was doing in entering the world of business, because today, she is the proud owner and designer of Musa. I’ve come across many designers who aspire to own a company, but are blinded by their tunnel-vision of creativity, and I’m glad to see there are young designers who understand the concept of “business” and “design”. In order to be a business you must understand how to run a business, and in her efforts to become a master of her field, Mallory learned “Business” at Bryant University and “Art of Making Shoes” at Prescott and Mackay.

Originally, Mallory wanted to create and hand-make custom pairs of shoes for women, but after her studies at Prescott and MacKay, she realized that was not very feasible for an independent designer starting out; the materials are very difficult to find and can be very pricey. Then after meeting a designer who painted on men’s sneakers, it sparked her interest. After researching and finding there were very few options for women to have a pair of hand painted shoes, in May 2009 Musa came into fruition! Since then, Mallory has received many inquiries from family and friends wanting a pair of these Fabulous and Unique Shoes, and thus expanded her line of “Signature Looks” to compliment every woman’s wardrobe. Mallory’s philosophy “Everyone woman should have a pair of shoes that perfectly reflect their personal style”.

I had the liberty of Interviewing Mallory, see the Q&A Below:

1.) What types of inspiration help you create your line?

I find inspiration everywhere. I could find inspiration in a piece of jewelry to something in nature to a piece of artwork….really anywhere. I always keep my eyes open and am constantly writing down ideas for designs. The best part about painting shoes is that if your vision isn’t coming out the way you want as you are painting then it is very easy to transform it into what you want.

2.) Who is your favorite shoe designer and why?

I absolutely love Salvatore Ferragamo. Everyone is always shocked when I tell them that because usually Ferragamo is known for men’s shoes. I find something so sexy and sophisticated about his women’s shoes that give me butterflies in my stomach. Basically it’s like love at first sight every time I see a pair of Ferragamo shoes!

3.) Have you worked with any celebs in the industry? (If yes, who and how did you feel about it? If no, who would be your topic choice to work with and why?)

I haven’t worked with any celebs yet but if I had my choice I would love to work with either Rihanna or Lady Gaga. Both are so comfortable and confident with who they are and their style. Both of them are extremely innovative and genius in the work they do and I would love to work with them to create an amazing pair of shoes to fit their personalities perfectly.

4.) What advice would you give to other artists/designers?

Be patient but persistent. There are a lot of ups and downs when you are first starting out so it is really important to be patient. I had so many delays and obstacles come up that I simply could not control so I really had be flexible. You can’t give up when an obstacle is put in your place. Be flexible and innovative to solve any problems that arise. Find something else to focus your time on while you wait on delays that are out of your control. Trust me, being patient and persistent definitely pays off. Once something positive happens for you, you will know that all the difficult times were well worth it!

5.) Where do you see Musa in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I’d love to bring on other artists to provide clients with different perspectives and aesthetics to choose from.

I’d also like to open my own studio space. I’d like it to be half a workspace where I can paint and half a store to showcase my Musa Signature Looks. I’d also like to have extra space for other independent artists to come in to use. Not all artists can afford to have their own studio to work in so I’d like to have space available for them to book so they can come in for an hour or two or however long they need to work. I’d also love to allow them to sell their artwork in the store part of the studio as well. I know it can be difficult as you start out and I’d love to be able to help artists of all kinds get their foot in the door.

To end, I heart Mallory’s spirit: Intelligent, Innovative, Creative and Unique! She is definitely one to watch!

For more information on Mallory and her Custom Designs, visit www.musacustomshoes.com

Support and Spread the Word about this Unique Shoe Designer on the Rise!

Checkout some of her Fabulous “Signature Looks" Below:

Autumn - Boho Chic

Bailey - Glamazon

Brooklyn - It Girl

Penelope - Biker Babe

Willa -Diva Doll

25th Annual AIDS Walk

Yesterday, I teamed up with long time friend, Shyeir Wilson, to walk for the 25th Annual AIDS Walk!
Team #WorkTheWalk was in the building and I was supporting for Team #FRecords. This year it was only 3 of us walking, next year we will have strength in numbers! I was very proud to see so many Fashion Brands in the Building: Macy's, MAC Cosmetics, Kenneth Cole, Gap Inc., Liz Claiborne and Polo Ralph Lauren!

Having known a few people who have died from the AIDS virus, I definitely wanted to go out and support the cause. I feel it is in important to still be knowledgeable of this disease and spread awareness especially to teens, because it seems they start out younger and younger these days and this needs to be addressed... Globally there are about 32.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS, North America having 1.2 million people. Today, women account for one out of every four new HIV cases in the U.S., and is the leading cause of death for African American women ages 25-34. So as you can see, this is disease is still a major issue and we need to continue to teach, spread awareness and promote safe sex! Just a few simple steps can make all the difference and prevent infecting others and spreading the virus.

Take these steps to protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms everytime you have any kind of sex ( vaginal, oral or anal)
- If you use drugs and cannot or will not stop, NEVER share needles...use new, sterile syringes to prepare and inject drugs
- If you're getting a tatoo or body piercing, ask what procedures they use to prevent the spread of HIV. If they do not use new, sterilized needles then go elsewhere

By all means PROTECT yourself and Know Your Status!

Checkout some of the photos from yesterdays event below:

The Starting Point

F Records Reppin and look I got the color scheme "Flow"

Posing with Shy

All Nationalities & Sexualities

Macy's Reppin

Kids came out to support too! I love it!

Cheerleaders support the walkers!

GMHC In the "Festive" Spirit

Friday, May 14, 2010

The Little White Dress

Summer is upon us and just like every woman needs a “Little Black Dress” this summer get yourself a “Little White Dress”! White is light and versatile, I consider it to be Sexy and Modern! White conveys innocence and that dapper chicness! Wear, to a wedding, a night on the town or even to work. Spice it up with a few accessories to compliment your style.

Quick Fashion Tip: Just remember, when wearing white, make sure you the dress is well cut and a nice quality fabric. White shows "Everything" get the right dress to compliment your shape and fits your body type perfectly; wear nude bra and panties, so not to show any lines!

Check out a few of my favorite Chic Finds!

Amsale

Theia

Ports 1961

Versace

Giorgio Armani Designs Costumes for Alicia Keys New Tour

Giorgio Armani has been one busy designer! Designing Lady Gaga's outfits for Lady Gaga and other stars, it has been announced he will be designing a custom wardrobe for Alicia Keys' The Element of Freedom European Tour!

Check out some of the sketches below! In the words of KLS "FABULOSITY" at it's finest!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

ELSTABO ART

If you love art, then checkout some of the hottest designs by Elstabo; Artist, Illustrator and Photographer.

A Brooklyn Native, Elstabo, started his professional career, when he first saw his designs displayed on a Highway Billboard. Wanting to pursue his passion, he picked up various jobs in commercial and fashion art fields, then decided to get his BFA at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After leaving FIT, Elstabo was on a steady grind and got his work featured in CBGB’s Gallery & Music Scene to Art @ Large (Pet Silvas) Erotic Gallery.

Elstabo, now a DC Metropolitan Area resident, has affiliated himself with Artwhino in Maryland and WEAM Gallery in Florida, where his worked is being showcased.

When asked, what inspires your work?, he tells me “Creative Sexiness”, you can definitely see that in alot of his work something I'd like to call "Erotic Chic Freak"! ;)

Elstabo’s most recent work can be found in Aphrodisia: Art of the Female Form by Aristata Publishing, The World’s Greatest Erotic Art of Today by Erotic Signature, and his self published work “Elstabo’s Spanish Fly Series” on Blurb.com. Elstabo is currently working on a new book, which is set to come out early next year. (More "Erotic Chic Freak" I'm sure!)

As an independent artist, Elstabo would like for his work to be more well-known in the years to come. He would like to leave an impression on other artists, “remain true to your craft and make your work signature to your own style”!

For more information on Elstabo, upcoming shows, and purchasing artwork, checkout www.elstabo.com

Here are a few of my favorite pieces by ElStabo