Ciera Nicole - Miss Maryland United States 2013

She's social! The New Miss Maryland United States 2013, Ciera Nicole, is socially active with her own blog! She posts pics from appearances and interviews.

http://iamcieranicole.blogspot.com/

Ciera Nicole Crowned Miss Maryland United States 2013

Baltimorean Ciera Nicole Butts, 22, was crowned Miss Maryland United States 2013 on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland. Ciera will represent Maryland in the Miss United states pageant, which is to be held in July 2013. In addition to prepping for the national pageant, Ciera will spend a year serving the community and promoting her platform of youth mentorship. She feels it is important to help guide young adults on the right path, especially those in the inner city where she grew up. Ciera made her first appearance three days after her crowning at the Baltimore Ravens' victory celebration parade at M&T Bank Stadium. There she celebrated her home team's Super Bowl win with her community. Follow Ciera of Twitter at @MissMDUS or like her on facebook http://www.facebook.com/MissMarylandUnitedStates2013 Below is Ciera's Bio. Ciera was born on October 22 in Baltimore, Maryland where she attended Baltimore City College High School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. While attending high school, Ciera was actively involved in the SGA, serving as president of her class all four years, City Sisters, and The Baltimore City College Catwalk Models. At the age of 14, Ciera became very passionate about modeling, which motivated her to become actively involved in the fashion industry.  In an effort to serve the community, Ciera was involved in a community-based modeling organization called Elite Icons. As President of Elite Icons, Ciera and her team coordinated annual fashion shows, which served as esteem building activities and commodious productive work areas, which kept teens away from inner city violence, and helped motivate teens to continue their ambitions.  Upon Graduating from Baltimore City College High School, Ciera began her undergraduate studies at Marymount University in Arlington, VA where she earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree. While at Marymount, Ciera was heavily involved in a number of organizations, including The L.I.S.T. (Ladies Inspiring Strength for Tomorrow), which Ciera established and served as President and Vice President, the Head Public Relations Officer for the Marymount University Fashion Department, and a member of the Black Student Alliance.  As a resident in the D.C. Metropolitan area, Ciera was able undergo hands on experience working for various events, organizations, and companies such as: Men Against Breast Cancer, Becky's Fund, Luke's Wings, Key to the Cure, The Prom Dress Project, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Isaac Mizrahi, Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Neiman Marcus, The Washington Humane Society, Chic Communications, The Aba Agency, Saks Fifth Avenue and more. With the drive to pursue self entrepreneurship, Ciera and a close friend started their own company called, The Aristocracy Inc. The Aristocracy Inc. was a company that provided fashion event planning services, image consulting and demonstrated commitment to the fashion industry by hosting an annual fashion showcase. There Ciera was able to exercise her event planning and public relations skills while in college. In the spring of 2012, Ciera along with the creative minds of her fellow peers, produced the fourth annual Voyage to Utopia fashion show, a show that impressed the Marymount University community like never before. The show created a legacy by setting the standards high for many years to follow. The fourth annual Voyage to Utopia fashion show was the first year that established the Voyage to Utopia Scholarship Fund and supported the KaKenya's Dream Foundation. As an Event Management and Public Relations Professional, Ciera has developed a strong foundation in special events and brand building communications. As a graduate from Marymount University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Communications, she soon plans to further her education by attaining a Masters in Communications Arts. She then plans to later operate her own Special Events Firm; specializing in fashion related and entertainment clientele.  Ciera was recently employed by ROCHE in New York City as the Production Coordinator of New York Fashion Shows. Before She was employed by ROCHE she had the opportunity to intern with IMG - Fashion Events as the Public Relations and Marketing Intern. There she was given the opportunity to assist on all tasks of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Public Relations and Marketing office and managed the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Press and Industry list.  Ciera Also works free-lance with Maryland Based Designer, Courtney M. Roberts as the Event Coordinator in coordination with Roberts' Fashion Events.  Ciera is an advocate for youth empowerment, confidence building, and scholastic achievement of young adults. She believes that confidence is a key essential for success. Ciera lives by two statements: "Have no regrets. See everything as a learning experience." "Always have confidence because insecurity will not get you anywhere!"

Diversity Does Matter, But Now in a Bad Way???

Recently, Essence magazine appointed Lilianna Placas as the new Fashion Editor. Doesn't seem like much of a big deal right, WRONG! This is indeed a HUGE deal. WHY? Ms. Lilianna is a white woman.
Essence Magazine is extremely involved in the life of African American Women and by doing so, the magazine "celebrates, empowers and inspires Black Women to be bold and beautiful." Knowing that Essence magazine stands for those things, it troubles some people to figure out why would such a magazine appoint a position that dictates the fashion of BLACK WOMEN to a WHITE WOMAN. People are criticizing Ms. Placas and stating that she is inadequate of this position because she "can not fully comprehend a black woman's often-fraught relationship with her hair, body and sexuality -- as her feelings about her appearance sometimes carry the echoes of history and racism. And finally, there was the unspoken irritation that once again, in the beauty competition, white trumped black -- this time, on the home court,"(Givhan - Washington Post).

Yes this is a very valid point, but why should we Criticize her for that reason? In the hiring process of this position, I am sure there were many other qualified people who were considered but, there had to have been something about Ms. Placas to make her stand out amongst the rest; and i do NOT mean her skin color. Before she was offered this position, She was a freelancer in the fashion department for six months, therefore she was not new to the company.

Second, why would such a magazine take a risk at hiring someone who they feel is in inadequate to complete a job in its business. On the September issue of Essence, Iman, Naomi Campbell and Liya Kebede are featured on the cover and they look fabulous. Not only do they look great but all the fashion featured in the issue corresponds. So apparently she is not that inadequate huh?

Third, if people are so for adding diversity to VOGUE, why are people not for Essence? It does not make any sense to me as to why when a black person is placed on the cover of VOGUE or if he or she has a high position in the company, it is praise worthy. But on the other hand, the situation is vice versa and people look down upon it and criticize.

Fourth, How is it that a white woman can not comprehend and black women's relationship to her hair, body and sexuality nor her feelings that sometimes carry echos of history and racism, when in THIS INDUSTRY, THE FASHION INDUSTRY have MEN who design and dictate and they neither can comprehend those things. It's the same thing right, but it's perfectly fine in that case.

Am I the only one who sees this?
What do you guys think?

Shoe Craze

Nicki Minaj hit the stage recently at Hot 97's annual Summer Jam Concert. All eyes were on her fiercely dangerous shoes by 2BD. These Hellraiser Boots were custom made for Nicki. According to their site, the shoes will add at least 15lbs to your set -- I would hate to get into a fight with anyone wearing these!

Breaking News! Tyra Banks Re-signs with IMG

In breaking modeling news, Tyra Banks has re-signed with her agency of yore, IMG.

What this means: Tyra will probably be popping up on covers and in editorials very soon.

And what a perfect moment for the model-actress-host-novelist-photographer-mentor to segue back into modeling, right when curvy is in and the Glamazon might finally be backing a comeback.

In case you were wondering: Tyra “retired” from modeling after the 2005 Victoria’s Secret runway show. Five years later, she’s back.

We’re hoping for an epic V spread with Tyra, since their coverage of major celebrities still manages to be edgy and exciting.

excerpt from:
http://news.style.com/story/comments/tyra_banks_re_signs_with_img/786223/

This is simply AMAZING! Cant wait to see her back on the runway!

Giorgio Armani and Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys was never my favorite artist but I would never take the fact that she can BLOW away from her. She is an amazing singer but her style on the other hand is not so amazing in my opinion. If you can recall her performance on the 2010 All-Star Game in February, You will remember that it was not that fashionable. She looked as if she was relaxing home on a Sunday with a studded pair of sweatpants(at least they looked like sweats), tank top, and over-sized necklace that did nothing for her ensemble. Her stylist is to blame for that one. BUT Alicia has decided to step it up for her "Element of Freedom" Tour.

Alicia Keys has teamed up with Giorgio Armani and he is now the designer of her European Tour's costumes. THIS IS GREAT! Alicia is a beautiful and I mean GORGEOUS woman. With the designs of Great Designer Giorgio Armani, she will shine beyond her voice and looks, and now her style.

Mister Armani has designed beautiful yet fashionable costumes for her. Some of the looks include an embroidered, crocodile-print military leather jacket worn with leggings, a silk one-shoulder top and Swarovski crystal-studded leather boots, a dark gray one-shoulder silk chiffon gown accented with Swarovski crystals and sequins; a second silk, embroidered one-shoulder top worn with leggings and crystal-kissed boots; and a sexy, ruffled black viscose lame mini dress accessorized with Swarovski crystal gloves.

This is great for Alicia because with costumes like this, she'll be sure the catch the eyes of everyone. Its not too much for yet it still holds the elegance of Alicia Keys herself and is totally fashionable. I can't wait to see the finished products of the garments. Here are some of the illustrations.

Beyonce "Why Don't You Love Me"

So from what I have heard a lot of people have not seen Beyonce's latest video "Why Don't You Love Me". For those who have seen it, i've heard they have mixed feelings. Personally I love the it. The video features Beyonce wearing many vintage style looks inspired by the 1950's era: platform pumps, one and two piece lingerie/swimwear, mini dresses, pedal pushers, bloomer shorts, gold accessories, bold red lipstick, heavy eyeliner, retro cat eye glasses, stockings and garters. Some of the items she wore were a Dolce & Gabbana floral bodysuit and Christian Louboutin shoes. Below is a pic of the looks and the video. Take a look!

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

Kelis Speaks About Her Fashion Sense

Kelis - MTV Shows

Style File: Ciara and Rihanna

Something that quickly caught my eye! Ciara and Rihanna killing them on the streets!
Ciara wore a sexy black dress with cutouts at Katsuya restaurant on Tuesday night with Giuseppe Zanotti Kama Booties (Beyonce also wore these during her Grammy performance this year). I do not know the designer of the dress but I will find it soon. She looked so good! Here's a pic!




Now Rihanna on the other hand was spotted heading to her Tour after party held at the Merah nightclub in London on Tuesday night. She wore Givenchy patterned leggings ($650) with a gray Helmut Lang Cropped Jacket top ($380) and black pumps. I love those leggings! The print is amazing. Here's a pic!

Oscar De La Renta says, "Couture Has Become Completely Irrelevant"

while reading the New york Times, I came across a post that really interested me. Take a look.

"""The market for couture has shifted. Whereas in the past American socialites would buy couture dresses and parade them around town promoting the label, that's just not the customer anymore. Pre-fall! Resort! Daywear! That's what American women are buying, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. Everyone looks so casual. Oscar de la Renta, who designed Balmain’s couture collection for nine years (1993–2002), sees no point in creating couture clothes at all. "Couture has become completely irrelevant," he told the Journal. "Couture isn’t necessary, even to promote the brand. Customers are smart. They know that a $10,000 wedding dress will look as beautiful as a $1 million wedding dress. Maybe it will not be finished the same way inside, but who will know?"

So who's buying couture? Women in the Middle East and Russia. "For this very moneyed class, it’s less about the luxuriousness of wearing exquisite handmade to-order creations and more about conspicuous consumption and making museums out of their closets," the Journal reports. A couture dress by Elie Saab costs $600,000. Saab said a sheikh’s wife buys an average of six gowns each season. """

What made me read this was for one, the title. I agree that couture has become irrelevant to some extent. After taking my Great Designers class at school I've learned that people do not utilize couture the way it was years ago. Couture used to be worn everyday centuries ago. Couture is what help people distinguish the different between a socialite and a regular person. Now couture is only used on red carpets, award shows, and sometimes music videos. The only exception I would have to make is Lady Gaga. She is our generation's muse for Haute Couture, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. But she is about the only one. Couture is not seen at all much anymore except those special occasions. Why is that? What was happening then that is not happening now for us to not see couture as much anymore? hmmmm...

It's Official - BET has picked up The Game

After getting canceled by the CW last year, The Game will be back on your television screens with all new episodes. BET officially announced the news Wednesday (April 14) in a press release:

"By popular demand, BET answers the prayers of fans everywhere. New episodes of THE GAME will be produced by and air exclusively on BET. After enjoying record ratings in syndication, THE GAME, created by Mara Brock Akil and executive produced by Kelsey Grammer and Salim Akil, will follow the lives of the fictitious San Diego Sabres–and the women who love them. SCHEDULED TO PREMIERE 4Q 2010"

Zac Posen Collection for Target Update! - Video

In a recent post of mine, I revealed photos and information on Zac Posen's Collection for Target. If you can remember, Jean Paul Gaultier has done a recent collection for Target as well but I didn't really like it. Now this collection on the other hand, I like! It's really cute and affordable. Here is a video I found with Zac Posen and he goes through some of the pieces from his collection to show the variety of how each one can be worn. Check it out!

Alexander McQueen - First Book Since Designer's Death

The first of what will undoubtedly be many books on the late British fashion revolutionary, Alexander McQueen, will go on sale on May 7th.

Entitled "Alexander McQueen, Genius of a Generation", the 128-page volume traces McQueen’s remarkable life story, from a child, drawing on the walls of his parent’s council flat, in London’s East End, to his final, fabulous - but unfinished - fall/winter 2010/11 collection, shown posthumously, in a series of private presentations, in Paris.

More than 120 iconic images capture the dramatic and thought-provoking concepts of his catwalk shows, which fired the imagination of an entire fashion industry, from CEO to student; from 1995, in London, through to the hi-tech, cyber fantasy that was "Plato’s Atlantis", for spring/summer 2010, simultaneously live-streamed to millions around the globe.

The photographs demonstrate how McQueen’s vision eclipsed mere ready-to-wear and how he struggled and sought to define fashion through complex thought-processes, science and computer technology, special effects and elaborate sets which were astonishing examples of installation art, designed to showcase some of the most bizarrely-beautiful, ingenious and mind-boggling clothes ever seen on a runway.

The book is written by Kristin Knox, an international fashion journalist and blogger, and published by A&C Black.

It is a tribute to the astounding, shocking talent that was Lee Alexander McQueen, born March, 1969, d. February, 2010. Something of a late-starter at Central Saint Martins, he had already worked with the Savile Row tailors, Anderson & Sheppard, and Gieves & Hawkes - where he sharpened his surgeon-like cutting skills - and, later, the theatrical costumiers, then Angels & Bermans - which fed and fostered his lust for fantasy - as well as for the designers, Koji Tatsuno, and Romeo Gigli, in Milan, before arriving at the famous college to tutor in pattern-cutting. He enrolled instead for an MA.

The fashion guru, Isabella Blow bought his entire MA graduate collection, one piece at a time, and their friendship was one of the great platonic fashion "marriages" of its generation - until Blow’s tragic death by suicide in May, 2007.

Following a series of explosive shows at London Fashion Week, including "Highland Rape", and the launch of "bumsters", which ignited a global, and enduring craze for low-slung trousers, McQueen caught the attention of Paris. Following in the footsteps of John Galliano, he was appointed creative director at the august "maison" of Givenchy, part of the LVMH group, at just 27 years of age. It was always an uneasy alliance: the firebrand McQueen versus the entrenched values of a brand which had had Audrey Hepburn as a muse.

Surprisingly, McQueen lasted five years, before quitting, selling 51% of his label to Gucci Group and finally embarking on the outrageous creativity which was to set the fashion world ablaze.

McQueen’s death, at the age of 40, was announced in London on the afternoon of February 11th this year - the day before the funeral of his beloved mother, Joyce.

This excerpt is from:
http://news.style.com/view_mode/708501/buzz/

The Lighting Strikes Hard From Jimmy Choo

So if you haven't heard, the talk of the town is the new Jimmy Choo Zap. The Zap is one of Jimmy Choo's Spring 2010 collection sandal and guess what...
IT LIGHTS UP!. Yes the heel of the shoe is plexi and it lights up. The The Jimmy Choo site states, "These eye catching Catwalk sandals with black and yellow plexi heel and flashing 'light up' detail at every step are not to be missed. Wear with DAPHNE for ultimate impact". This platform pump is a whopping $2495.00 and the heels height is 130mm/5.1". I heard about this shoe in my class from another student and I thought it was very interesting. In her presentation she read from an article that there is an on and off switch under the sole of the shoe and that the light only lasts up to about a little over 100 days. Well thank God for the light switch because if I were to pay for this shoe I would want it to last extremely long due to the price. What are your thoughts on this Catwalk phenomena.

This Year Prom Will Be in Everyone's Budget

Over the past year or two, Forever21 has expanded their company to hold various new brands. By the beginning of 2010 the company had: Forever21, Heritage1981, Twelve by Twelve(my fav), Love21 Contemporary, and Faith21 Extended Sizes. Now the company has extended even further and has a Prom Collection. Now my opinion on Forever21 is it's a great store to run in and get something cute real quick. Now don't get me wrong, Because I do shop there but its not my entire wardrobe. If i see something that catches my eye there, I get it. BUT for prom, I don't know. The recent Prom collection is very cheap looking, and Im pretty sure some of the dresses are knockoffs of designer party/cocktail dresses. I guess it is great that they have this collection because this will allow almost every girl in the world the ability to afford prom with a cute dress. The dresses range from $13.50 - $47.80. Talk about a reccession, these people must think we are crying broke. Here are some of the dresses. What do you think?

Sex and The City 2 - The Extended Trailer

I am so excited for Sex and The City 2! I hope you all are too! Check out the extended trailer!

Milan Fashion Week...Unorganized Disaster

Fall 2010 Milan Fashion Week was kind of an organizational disaster. After learning Anna Wintour would only be in town for three days, Milan's top designers frantically contacted Fashion Week authorities about changing their show times. And when one person changes — especially a big name like Armani or Fendi — everyone has to change to a time that won't overlap so that the most important showgoers can make it. However, next season Milan's top houses won't stand for a three- or four-day Fashion Week. The houses of Armani and Prada have united and will accept nothing less than a seven-day Fashion Week.

All the big names in Milan have agreed to show evenly across the seven days, so that press and buyers have to stay for the whole thing. Giorgio Armani said the agreement demonstrates that the Italians "are perfectly able to assert themselves without fear." Prada chief Patrizio Bertelli said the decision "underlines a sense of belonging we have been afraid of losing because of recent controversies." But the question is, are seven forced days in Milan likely to make Fashion Week attendees any less grumpy than four incredibly hectic ones? Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn called fall 2010 Fashion Week in Milan "an eternity of bad clothes crammed into four days," and lamented the loss of Tom Ford's Gucci shows. What Milan Fashion Week organizers should do is tell everyone Tom Ford will show his womenswear there at a to-be-determined address and date, and not let him show until the end of the last day. That will hold the fashion people captive and get them to stop grumping about it.

To read more go here: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100409-armani-and-prada-vote-to-extend-the.aspx

Style File! Gaga

Styles from the higly anticipated "Telephone" video ft Beyonce.

Therry Mugler


Viktor & Rolf


Search and Destroy

Rachel Barrett


Jean Charles De Castelbajac


Emilie Pirlot


Brian Lichtenberg

Zac Posen for Target

Here are some of the looks from Zac Posen's collection for target. I personally like this one better than the collection by Jean Paul Gaultier. This collection hits stores April 25 and will be available until May 30, with prices ranging from $16.99 to $199.99. What do you guys think?