"FASHION ROCKS": GOTTA HAVE MUSIC WITH FASHION!

I can't believe that Spring 2009 Fashion Week is here already! From the looks of it, just about everybody who is big on the entertainment scene right now was at the Fashion Rocks - Conde' Nast event at Radio City Music Hall this past Friday night. Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, Kid Rock, Fergie and many other big-names in the music industry turned out for the event. The entertainers performed for a great cause-- to help raise funds for cancer research.

The only problem was that no one has any new music out right now, so instead of promoting themselves, the entertainers paid tribute to music legends, like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Etta James, the Rolling Stones, and producer-songwriter Timbaland.

Here are some of the photos from the event (courtesy of In Style):

A glammed up Mariah Carey

Young and sexy R&B Crooner Chris Brown

Not to mention his "first lady" Rihanna and the Queen of R&B Mary J. Blige



"The Dutchess" Fergie with 80's sensation Debbie Harry

I have to mention that these performers were all looking quite the trendsetters themselves! Look out runway models-- with music sales down, don't be surprised if some of these performers show up on the catwalk soon!

LOOKING FOR A CUTE CELL PHONE PURSE? WELL, I'VE GOT ONE FOR YOU!

Thought I'd share my latest creations with you-- cell phone purses!

These purses are all handmade, and totally functional! In addition to keeping your cell phone securely in tow, these purses have a small pocket in front where you can put some cash or a credit card inside. The front flap has a magnetic snap that holds everything together! The handle even has a detachable swivel hook with a key ring that can be re-attached to your purse or a belt loop or buckle on your clothing. Easy access to your phone is important!

Ladies, I had you all in mind when I chose the prints for these adorable little creations, if I should say so myself! Who wants to display a boring purse with no pizazz?

The purses come in many styles and colors, and yes, more colors and styles are on the way! Some of the styles are adorned with crystals-- nothing like a little bit of *bling*! There is also a contrasting print on the inside-- I thought I'd might as well allow the inside to look as good as the outside!






These purses made their debut at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show in Pasadena, CA earlier this month, where I exhibited my handbag collection.


They were a hit-- and not just with women. The young girls who accompanied their moms to the show were purchasing them as well!

You can check out my collection of cell phone purses by visiting my online boutique, Designs To Infinity.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING ON SEPTEMBER 13-14TH? WALKING FOR BREAST CANCER!

In case you're wondering, I do not have breast cancer. It seemed like yesterday on a day back in January when my girlfriend, Cheryl, asked me if I was interested in participating in the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer. It was perfect timing; I had been looking for a cause that I would be willing to commit to for the long haul. It was time for me to live out my true purpose in life, to use myself to help others. Never before have I experienced friends and relatives, or even friends of those people, who knows someone with breast cancer. I've been one of the lucky ones-- so far, I've gotten good reports back.

On September 13-14th, I’ll be just one of thousands of people that will walk up to a marathon and a half over a weekend, raising awareness of the cause and educating even more people.

If you are interested in helping me support this important cause, or if you are interested in participating in this amazing event in your city, you can get more information about the Avon Walk by clicking here.

THE "CARRY-ART" HANDBAG COLLECTION: SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO SEE!

Elliot Vance has been a designer in his family outerwear business for many years and an artist, with over 1,500 pieces of artwork.

Vance has taken his art to a new level with his "Carry-Art" handbag collection. In his "Premier" collection, he has created for the Spring and Summer of 2008 eight handbags, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. He has literally created an evolution in the designer handbag industry. He has taken classic styles and updated them in his own creative way.

These bags are absolutely beautiful, and a great way to express your love of art. However, they do carry a pretty hefty price tag, so toting them around would be the equivalent of carrying around an actual painting! I would only carry a bag like this around for a really special occasion.

Great concept, though!

To view the entire collection, click here.

(Story courtesy of 24-7)

For You Jeopardy Types, I'll Take Purse History For 500!

Have Purse Will Travel

Something I came across worth checking out. There's an exhibit titled "The Purse and The Person" at the Midway Museum in Rockford Illinois. The purses tell the story of women in America—how far they’ve come and what they’ve gone through.

For instance, the museum combines articles from their collection to broaden the exhibit beyond the purse; creating vignettes of life during that time. In the twenties Women were getting a taste of freedom and in the thirties that taste grew to a healthy appetite. They were starting to work outside of the home. They were starting to go at night.

I can tell you more, but why not just read it for yourself...

BARACK ISN'T THE ONLY OBAMA THAT'S ATTRACTING TOP DESIGNERS

From a fundraiser sponsored by The Daily and WWD, attended by movers and shakers in the fashion world, to a guest spot on The View the next morning, Michelle Obama's newfound sense of style has caught the eyes of top designers in New York. They are all up for the challenge of convincing the very possible, future First-Lady to give them the opportunity to fashion her from head to toe.

Even a presidential election creates opportunity for fashion designers. If Barack Obama wins the bid for President and moves into the White House, what better opportunity could there be for a designer to be able to take credit for all of the compliments that Michelle Obama receives for her impeccable taste of style and fashion sense? Not to mention all of the dollars pouring in from sales of dresses and gown orders from women who want to be just like her.

Sometimes a little nostalgia is good-- those Jackie Kennedy days feel like they're coming back again...

When opportunity knocks, you'd better be ready to answer!


(photo courtesy of New York Magazine)

DONNATELLA VERSACE'S INSPIRATION FOR SPRING-SUMMER '09 MILAN SHOW: BARACK OBAMA!

Looks like politics isn't the only place where Barack Obama is inspiring change. Apparently, the fashion world is open to change as well.

Donnatella Versace is so inspired by Obama that she dedicated her Spring-Summer '09 menswear collection to him at her show in Milan this past Saturday evening.

Donatella Versace considers him the "man of the moment" and "a relaxed man who doesn't need to flex muscles to show he has power." Believe me, she isn't the only person who feels that way-- many of us are in total accord with her!

To read the entire story, click here.


Source: New York Magazine)