Thursday, February 26, 2009

Sasha Fierce!!!

I must say, Beyonce sometimes rubs me the wrong way but Sasha Fierce really does go hard and has the fashion game on lock in her Diva video directed by Melina Matsoukas. In the video, Sasha Fierce boogies down, in an empty warehouse, in a similar way she did in the Put a Ring on It Vid but this time the Fashion is uber Divalicious!!!
Original directors cut definition:
Diva (noun) "a female version of a hustla, a woman who is gettin' money and a lady who does NOT allow any other passengers on her plane."

Commercial Video definition:
Diva (noun) "a successful and glamorous female performer or personality especially a female singer who has achieved popularity."

When Beyonce was asked if "Diva" is a woman's equivalent to "A Milli". Knowles replied "It is, in a way. I mean it wasn't consciously." Wikipedia

PLuSH Pieces to look out for in the video:
Gold Mannequins...Sic!
Metal Glove...Sic!
The $$$ fan lol...Sic! {and I want 1}
Haute Couture Garments...designed by Gareth Pugh {Google Him}
Dangle Shades...their growing on me {although I know her eye musta got juk at least once}

Beyonce clearly has a love for sculptural-fashion design. By wearing cyber-punk Pugh pieces at the MTV Europe Music Awards; but, the designer love affair doesn't end there, it continues in her Diva music video with a display of numerous Gareth Pugh creations that most fashionistas would fight to get their hands on!
Beyonce is reportedly collaborating with one of the most acclaimed names in fashion, Thierry Mugler, for her upcoming tour. The collaboration will mark Thierry Mugler’s official return to fashion after a long hiatus.

Enjoy the video:



Here are some of Gareth Pugh's Elizabethan & Shakespearean Couture Pieces:
{Including the plush platform pumps that Ms B, herself, wore in the video}



Been the #1 Diva in the game for a minute! {PE}

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

And the Coco Chanel Legacy Continues...

What you are now whitnessing is the Chanel Mobile Art Pavillion aka Chanel Contemporary Art Container in Hong Kong. A project backed by luxury goods brand Chanel, the traveling contemporary art exhibition, displayed in a futuristic mobile pavilion, was designed by the renowned architect, Zaha Hadid.

Welcome...
...to a place where international contemporary artists were given complete freedom to create artwork inspired by Chanel's universe and by the elements of Mademoiselle Chanel's quilted bag, created 50 years ago!!
Some of the items you will find inside include:
Chanel Sport Exhibition Raft {above}

Chanel Sport Exhibiton Boomerang {above}

Chanel Sport Exhibition Kite {above}

Chanel Sport Exhibition Golf Equip {above}
{Google It...It's crazy!}

Designer Zaha Hadid, pictured below in the Mobile Art Pavillion, speaks about her design/collaboration with Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld:


Keeping you in the know about the flyest...PLuSH Empress!

The Thierry Mugler Effect


Mugler's work always had style that was very much of its time: Shoulders were wide and padded; waists were wasp-like. Prints were banished; Mugler's clothes came in solid, dominating colours. Collars had exaggerated points or flamelike cutouts. The insect kingdom was a constant influence. In his most extreme runway garments, PVC was often used, as were space and robot themes. –Source: wikipedia.

A re-cap of the Thierry Mugler influence:


*just a thought* his looks seem to have quite an influence on Lady Gaga's street couture style which MANY ladies are keen on nowadays.

This designer is doing a lot to help B’s alter ego “Sasha Fierce” really come into existence. He has designed 58 of her costumes for her world tour that kicks off next month, becoming the official creative advisor, as well as assist with choreography. Beyonce fell in LOVE with Mugler after seeing his designers at the Costume Institute’s Superheroes exhibt last year May. (Next time I visit NYC, this is a MUST visit)

Check up on her below in the motorcyle inspired bustier and “the silver glove” (which also appeared in George Michael’s ‘Too Funky’ music video which was directed by Mugler).

George Michael – Too Funky

Sexi SHOES!!!

From concept car to concept car-shoe! Limited Edition Lamborghini Gallardo Stilettos


All of the above heels are BOD!
Designers from top left: {first 2} Giuseppe Zanotti; Dolce Vita; Givenchy gladiator, Chanel, Zinc, Marni, Ohne Titel, Christian Louboutin
Something like a phenomenon!
Luv Jah

Monday, February 23, 2009

From the White House...To your Maison!

Last night President Barack & Mrs O honored the National Governors Association at the White House by hosting their 1st black tie dinner, in the State Room, down on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Michelle chose a strapless star spangled gown, from Peter Soronen's F/W08 collection, accompanied by a multi-strand pearl & crystal necklace by Tom Binns, to wear.

From the White House For Immediate Press Release:
“The White House is the place where our bond as Americans is strengthened,” Desiree Rogers -- White House Social Secretary. “We look forward to welcoming the nation’s governors to celebrate our democratic ideals, our diversity, our shared values and the best of the American spirit.”

Mr. Barack & Mrs. Michelle Obama
THE DINNER PREVIEW
The first lady took care of many of the preparations including the dinner menu. Michelle Obama along with White House Chefs Cristeta Comerford and William Yosses previewed the menu in the White House kitchen. The chefs made sure to stress that the menu was full of American ingredients!
{source: Lynn Sweet of Chicago Sun-Times}
Seems as though Michelle plans to open up the White House to the community on occasion starting with a group of culinary students from L’Academie de Cuisine. Six students, top of their class, attended the dinner menu briefing where each course was displayed on Woodrow Wilson State Service China, 1918.



Menu for Governor's Dinner {sounds dang good!}

Chesapeake Crab Agnolottis with Roasted Sunchokes
Wine pairing: Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California)

Wagyu Beef and Nantucket Scallops with Glazed Red Carrots, Portobello Mushroom and Creamed Spinach
Wine pairing: Archery Summit Pinot Noir "Estate" 2004 (Oregon)

Winter Citrus Salad with Pistachios and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette

Huckleberry Cobbler with Caramel Ice Cream
Wine pairing: Black Star Famrs "A Capella" Riesling Ice Wine 2007 (Michigan)

For live coverage take a look see:


Loving Mr. & Mrs. President...
PLuSH Empress but call me PE for short!!

Academy Awards 2009~Vanity Fair Party

As you all know the glitz & glamour continues long after the Oscars have been handed out. This year the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party pictures are breathtaking.

See for yourself:

Will and Jada Pinkett {in Roberto Cavalli resort09} Smith make their way inside the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party hall
Inside, Alicia Keys, Vanessa Hudgens {in Marchesa} and Halle Berry {in Marchesa} were ultra glam in 3 gorge gowns, sipping champe!
Jessica Alba {in Roland Mouret Resort09}, Halle Berry {in Marchesa} and Kate Bosworth {in Alexander McQueen Resort09} enjoyed the schmooze & booze!
Rosario Dawson {in Dolce & Gabbana} and Jessica Biel {in Oscar De Le Renta} laughed it up PLuSH Paparazzi style
Christina Applegate, Gwen Stefani {in Chanel Couture08} and Jennifer Aniston {in Valentino} were radiant socialistas
Sara Jessica Parker {in Dior Couture} and hubby Matthew Broderick canoodle in a private corner {can't help but think Carrie Bradshaw!}
Laughter is the one sure way to know when guests are enjoying themselves...
Kinda wish I was in on this graceful moment with Gwen Stefani {in Chanel Couture08}, Rachel Weisz {in Narciso Rodriguez} and Gavin Rossdale LoL.
Keeping it PLuSH one day at a time!
Jah Jah.

81st annual Academy Awards...Oscar Red Carpet Arrivals!!

It's that time of year again...the 2009 Academy Awards aka the prestigious Oscars have come & gone!!!!! And as always PLuSH is here to showcase the most eloquent designs and people of the magical red carpet!

Run It:

Actress Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was uber excited and radiant in a Roberto Cavalli gown and diamond necklace





Actress Sara Jessica Parker, Sex & the City, sparkled in a Christian Dior Haute Couture piece



Actress Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, chose a Balmain gown for the occasion



Actress Anne Hathaway, Bride Wars, wore an ultra femme form fitting Armani Prive gown



Actress Natalie Portman, New York I Love You, was absolutely stunning in a Grecian Rodarte gown {even her nail polish excites me}



Actress Melissa George, 30 Days of Night, made an appearance in a mermaid shaped Dolce & Gabbana number



Actress Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road, graced a Yves Saint Lauren gown



Actress Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler, wore a bold Atelier Versace piece



Heidi Klum wore an architectural asymmetrical gown from the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection by Roland Mouret with Excessories!



Actress Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana, wore an interesting Zuhair Murhad dress


For more Oscar Red Carpet Coverage watch this:





PLuSH Empress...we go Hard!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Runways Diversified One Show at a Time


Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Oscar de la Renta


July 2008's Vogue Issue has helped to bring awareness of the beauty of women of color on the runways. More recently, NYC Fashion Week '09 has been acknowledged for showcasing more ethnic models. Popular models on the catwalks include Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Chanel Iman, whom one editor called “staples” at fashion week. Some question whether Barack and Michelle Obama may have something to do with it. - Source WWD

I agree it does make sense. Designer's are literally bombarding the First Lady and her stylist with individualized sketches; it would only make perfect sense that having a model in your show that identifies with Michelle isn't a bad idea. This is an example of change (for all the skeptics!), no matter how indirect or insignificant it may seem. The world and the fashion world still have a LONG way to go; but, it seems as if we are on the right path. I am still eager to see East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Central America and the real Native Americans be represented in the ateliers and the runways!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Trends

Trend Alert: The shoulder pad is back in!!!



Both Kerry Washington and Kim Kardashian are well informed that the shoulder pad is a staple item for Fall/Winter 2009. I believe they both rocked this Maison Martin Margiela coat well; but, Kerry opted for a clean and classy look while Kim went for a more edgier one -combining white with black and pairing her sharp shouldering with big accessories. {If it was up to me I would say Kerry most reflected the way I would wear this coat}
Above Designer: TIBI
Kim & Reggie Bush attend the Y-3 fashion show for MB NY fashion week


Kanye was spotted sporting his Beau Tie & new Model Chick, on his arm, to the Narciso Rodriguez Fashion Show in NYC



J'adore their colourful parasols! Who cares about umbrellas anymore??? Parasols may make a return {I called it!}. Cant lie their outfits drip style as well!

PLuSH Empress...keeping an eye on the fashion forecast for F/W09

Kanye aka The Louis Vuitton Don

Besides showing off his new model chick Amber Rose, Kanye West had something else to be excited about for Mercedes Benz fashion week 2009 -- his new shoe line with Louis Vuitton. He first announced his collaboration, which meshes the best of both music and fashion worlds, durring Paris fashion week. The shoes look hot! So far he has leaked a pair of white leather loaffers and red high tops. The entire shoe line will be available at Louis Vuitton stores world wide June 2009.
Kanye with Marc Jacobs