Matte Is The New Black

Edited by Princess Glover

I can remember a time when black nail polish was a trend specifically assigned to Goths, experimental teenagers and anyone with a wayward piercing. Then, as we all know, it somehow worked its way onto the fingertips of just about everyone with a pulse (including boys) and has become as synonymous with fashion as obnoxious forearm tattoos with douchebags. Knock Out Cosmetics has put a twist on the popular hue with the release of Flatte Black, a matte, chip-resistant lacquer that is shiny when wet, but when dry favors fresh charcoal. Created by NYC makeup artist Mike Potter, who for years has been putting ebony polish celebrities such as Karen O., the shade is a unique departure from the liquid vinyl look and adds a chic touch of edge.

MAG HAG: Zoe Kravitz in PREEN

Edited by Princess Glover

Yeah it’s late…but whatever. One of my favorite indie mags, Preen, features a choppy-haired Zoe Kravitz in their No. 7 issue, which happens to be the latest issue since No. 8 has curiously failed to hit the newsstands yet (not another fatality, I hope). I’m just really feeling the photography in this spread, plus it gives me a reason to wax poetic about the talented and enigmatic progeny. Despite having some very remarkable genes, 20 yr.-old Zoe seems to maintain an unassuming presence and a reposed, eclectic style that is really all her own. She’s continuously proving herself as a serious fashion maven and genuine actress, as evidenced by her latest film, The Greatest, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

FASHION QUOTABLE: Chanel Iman

Edited by Princess Glover

One of the “it” models of the moment, Chanel Iman, shares her grievances in the latest issue of Page Six Magazine on what it means to be a model of color these days. Personally, I feel as though the fashion industry has become much more inclusive as of late. There seems to be a burgeoning transgression of more ethnic faces on runways and magazine covers, and designers have definitely stepped it up since the days of Naomi in her prime. But then again, all may not be what it seems…

“It’s not just black girls. It’s ethnic girls in general: Brazilian girls, Hispanic. You really don’t see a lot of Asians either. A lot of designers think that if every girl on the runway looks exactly alike, then people will come to the shows and buy the clothes because they won’t be focusing on the models….It’s not even just runway either… us ethnic girls should be getting a lot of the covers too! I would love to be on half of the campaigns these [white] girls are booking, all looking exactly alike. It’s not right. It’s not fair.”

MOMENTS OF STYLE: Kerry Washington

Edited by Princess Glover

Usually when it comes to risk-taking in fashion, many walk that fine line of costumed foolishness and inevitably end up standing out for the wrong reasons. Kerry Washington mangages to do just the opposite in a striking mesh and metallic minidress at an inagural event last night. The outfit stands out without being overwhelming, and is complimented by subdued hair and accessories. It’s distinction and simplicity at its very best.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

Edited by Princess Glover

GQ’s second annual Best New Menswear Designers in America awards is on the horizon and the nominees are out. The project, in collaboration with the CFDA, will select one of six up and coming designers to design a capsule collection for Levi’s to be shown at a special event in New York City February 11, 2009, along with $50,000 cash. The list is pretty much legit, with recently recognized labels that have made a distinctive impact in the world of men’s fashion. May the best man win:

Benjamin Bixby (Andre Benjamin, designer)

Robert Geller (Robert Geller, designer)

Rogues Gallery (Alex Carleton, designer)

Save Khaki (David Mullen, designer)

Shipley & Halmos (Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos, designers)

Yigal Azrouel (Yigal Azrouel, designer)

LINKAGE: Out

Isn’t It Bionic?

Edited by Princess Glover

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any greener, fashion has reached new levels in sustainability. Plastic is the new hemp thanks to Bionic Yarn, a New York- based textile company that produces premium yarns and fabrics derived from recycled plastic beverage bottles.

DESIGNER TO KNOW: Natascha Stolle

Edited by Princess Glover

For Girls Who Wish They’d Been Sluts In High School…

This, according to American-born, London-based designer Natascha Stolle, is the subtle theme behind her label, which debuted in 2007. Stolle’s works are a cheeky blend of grown-up style and teenage sexuality, a quality that also lends itself to her latest S/S 09 collection.

Looks Like Kanye Won’t have to Fetch Coffee With These Designs

Edited by Princess Glover

I have to admit, as much as I have been turned off by the Kanye lately–the egomaniacal rants, aggressive temper tantrums and lame auto-tune album finally killed it for me–I’m really impressed with his latest efforts for Louis Vuitton. The sneaker/boat shoe hybrid, one of the six designs he’s created while “interning” for the fashion house, is a palatable, understated representation of casual sophistication. I hope to see this ironically humble quality translated into future designs since it’s becoming clear that Mr. West may be on his way to a legitimate fashion career.