You Better Work

Hi ladies,
Well. Last night was my dear friend Malcolm's "Breaking Into Fashion" forum at Runway...and it was GORGEOUS! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. So many aspiring designers, models, fashion/beauty editors and buyers showed up, I wanted to break out in a celebratory verse of George Michael's "Too Funky." I was so flattered to be on a panel (above) that included the brilliant designer Malcolm Harris, Vibe Fashion Director Memsor Kamarake, French Vogue cover model Andre J (who doesn't love the turban?), Stylist Tyson P., model Jaizen Homiller (yum...and that's his girlfriend's hat), and the illustrious Ms. J Alexander showed up later. I ended up learning SO much about these people. DId you know Ms Jay spoke five languages and lived in Paris for twenty years? And none other than a pre-"Like a Virgin" Madonna gave Malcolm his start? So much valuable information was flying around that room, girls. Here are just a few tips for aspiring fashionistas:


MODELS: Before your go-see, make sure your weave's tight, your nails are done and your va-jay-jay is approriately tame (seriously, a bikini moment can happen at any moment). Also, no hoochie pictures or polaroids from your sister's wedding. And learn to edit your look! When Diana Vreeland said "elegance is refusal," I believe she was talking to us. Before you walk out the door, check yourself out in the mirror and remove an accessory or two. Models should look clean, not junky--you're a hanger, girl, so keep it simple!


DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS: Always, always, always have your portfolio with you. If it's too big and bulky, just keep a couple of sketches or photos of your work in your bag. You never know who you'll run into, especially if you live in a city like New York, L.A. or ATL. I told a story about a designer friend of mine who ran into Puffy on Broadway (back when he was starring in "Raisin in the Sun"). He showed the flossy mogul his work, and had a job the next week. TRUE STORY. Also, take advantage of the internet! Start a blog broadcasting your looks or sell your stuff on myspace. The web thing has gotten so legit that you almost don't even need magazine or TV exposure to get word-of-mouth publicity.


MAGAZINE EDITORS: It's all about interning--and the more publications you intern for, the better. That way, when an entry level position opens up, the executive editors will think of you first, since they already know you! If you're a little past the intern stage, try getting experience writing for your local paper or a style magazine in your area. If you're a recent graduate, I TOTALLY recommend applying to NYU's Summer Publishing Course (this is what I did!). The seminars are taught by real-live magazine editors, so you're networking as you're learning. And by the end of the summer, everyone in the course has a job.

I so wish that all my non-New Yorker SYB Babes could've attended, but here's the good news. Malcolm has set up a myspace page, www.myspace.com/breakingintofashion, for you to ask questions, make comments or throw shade (hey, it's fashion)! It's all about sticking together and helping each other out whever we can, right? As Reverend Run says, "Teamwork makes the dream work."

That little Diggy is just so cute!

Until next time,
Tiaxoxo