Women's Mafia (Official NY Fashion Week Event)

By Rick

Icon Americana is a proud media partner of The Women's Mafia S/S 2011 NY Fashion Week Show taking place Thursday September 9, 2010 6 PM at the Tela Design Studio in NYC.

 

Come meet Marcy Clark and The Women's Mafia as they host this fashion show featuring the winners of their signature “Are You Runway Ready” contest:  Dominique Auxilly, Phuong My, and Priestess NYC by Cody Ross.

Rick and The Womens's Mafia

Left to Right: Sonja Leix, Rick, Marcy Clark and Elisha Dang 

The show is being styled by Engie Hassan of EngieStyle, a fashion styling, personal shopping and image consulting company. Engie Hassan, a Vogue alum and top stylist to royalty and celebrities, launched her fashion line with The Women’s Mafia in June 2010, with much acclaim.

Rick with Engie Hassan

Seats are going fast but if you RSVP right away  -- and tell them you heard about the event from Rick of Icon Americana (please be sure to mention) -- the organizers will work hard to accommodate you.

RSVP to RSVP@WomensMafia.com. Guest list strictly enforced.
For more details about the show or to learn more about The Women's Mafia, visit WomensMafia.Com

2nd Annual WEEN Awards

by Rick

Actress Nia Long and CNN's Soledad O'Brien added star power to an A-List awards event at the Asia Society in NYC last evening, which benefited educational programs. The event also honored Nia, Soledad, LaToya Luckett, Angie Martinez, Hydeia Broadbent and Esther Silver-Parker for their societal contributions.

Left to right: Nia Long, Soledad O'Brien, Valeisha Butterfield, Mashonda and Angie Martinez

All Photos: Icon Americana

The 2nd Annual WEEN (Women's in Entertainment Empowerment Network) Awards made last evening a night of glamour and philanthropy.  Stars sparkled on the "pink carpet," and it was amazing to be a part of it.  These photos are a sampling of my favorite images from the event.  Hope you enjoy!

Behind the Lense: I admit to letting out a silent scream after I took the photos of Nia. I thought it was quiet until, well, other photographers turned around and smiled. I guess they heard me - Rick

Above: LaToya Luckett

 

(Left) Valeisha Butterfield, WEEN Chair with CNN’s Don Lemon (Right) 

See link (to WEEN website) for more details about the organization, its objectives and the award recipients honored last evening.

Photos: Icon Americana

Encore: Blake Lively

By Rick

(dedicated to Erika aka Cafe Fashionista)

Celebrity stylistas come and go. But at Icon Americana, 'fashionable friends' are forever.  The image of a celebrity stylista can be removed; or switched from over here to over there on the Style Wall.  But remove a fashionable friend? Never.

"On the Set" of Gossip Girl

Certain icons may stand the test of time, which they transcend.  We recognize them by first name...The Halles, The Angelinas, The Audreys.  If these are among America's undisputed heavyweight style champions, then Gossip Girl's "Blake" is in the top class of #1 contenders.

Like a feedback loop, they influence us with their style and by who they are. We read about them in magazines. We watch them on TV.  And, we influence them too as they look to us for support, and as echos repeating back to them whether or not they are actually connecting with their talents.  This vibrant interconnection explains why images of undiscovered fashionistas and celebrities are inter-mingled, not separated, on my 'wall of fame.' 

In other words, we draw upon one another for inspiration.  If we recall Emerson from English Lit class, we will also remember that we are all connected, making any separations we see man-made, or woman-made, barriers we ourselves decide to put up.  In the words of President Reagan in Berlin, "Tear down this wall!" (unless of course it's my famed style wall).

That brings us back to Blake. Me and fashionable friend (forever), Erika aka Cafe Fashionista, both think she is quite amazing.  In fact, I just found out Blake is Erika's favorite style icon, while Blake also celebrated her birthday this past week.  So, as a tribute to both Erika and Blake, I thought it would be fun to share with you a photo essay of my favorite images of Blake, including photos taken on and off the set of Gossip Girl and from editorial photos. Enjoy!

On the Set

Off the Set

Editorial

Do you favor a fierce celebrity? Or know an undiscovered smart stylista representing the ideals of Icon Americana you'd like to see in a future photo essay?  We want to know.  Leave a comment or send an email to Rick@Icon-Americana.com. Let us know what you think!

(Happy Birthday, Blake!)

Photos: Blake Lively's FB Fanpage

Akiko Saito: Beauty Is Within

As told to Rick

She asked the question I had been waiting for since I first started fashion writing as a hobby: "Rick, how do you decide who to profile for Icon Americana?" Indeed, many of the women I ask to interview for this site initially react with some degree of surprise.

To the untrained eye, Akiko Saito's reserved style, with careful attentiveness to details, could go unnoticed in a metropolis where many wear things to get attention.  But, the feel of positive energy coming from this undiscovered fashionista compelled me to introduce myself and request a conversation to learn about her thoughts on beauty and fashion -- the summary of that interview being presented in this piece.

Ultimately, it turns out my instincts were right: Akiko is a health and anti-aging professional who also independently distributes vitamin supplements aiming to promote optimal health. During our talk, she reinforced the idea that when you feel good on the inside, this manifests itself on the outside too.  Icon Americana supports greater awareness of the positive benefits of good health!

Icon Americana: What do you do exactly? How did you first get involved?
Akiko Saito:  I am a direct marketer (person-to-person) of dietary supplements for Pharmanex. Unfortunately, many of the vitamins and supplements we consume contain harmful ingredients including chemicals that could have negative side effects on our longer term health.  Pharmanex is unique because rather than spend money on advertising, it invests in its scientists who research for better natural supplements without the harmful ingredients. They ensure the supplements work in your body for better overall health.

Akiko: I always wanted to have something natural in my body and I got involved by experimenting with the products, which improved my skin and health.  This made me want to share the information with others.  Also, while attending a convention in support of the product, I was inspired by the energy of the people involved and the management team.

IA:  Does your work impact your style choices?
Akiko: It does. I introduce nutritional and also other anti-aging beauty products to other people, so it is important to look the part to reflect that.

IA: What other qualities are important for your line of work?
Akiko: You have to be personable. In a way, it's the law of attraction.  People won't be interested in, nor appreciate, your products if they do not like you. As someone who markets products person-to-person, you have to be personable. You have to be able to listen to what their needs are:  from more energy to better overall health.  You also have to believe in the product you are introducing and show excitement.  You have to be able to explain the product and use joy in explaining it.

IA: How do you help stay "balanced?"
Akiko: My yoga practice has been very big part of my life. I am not sure how it is particularly impacting my 'fashion' but definitely how I act, how I live. When I practice asana (poses) there is no space left for any mind chatter. I place my awareness on my breath; concentrating. This practice applies to whatever I do in my life. Yoga has been allowing me to observe my body, listen to my voice and drop my judgment; be present in the moment. I have finished my teacher training and will be looking forward to teaching; I have to figure out how I can fit in my schedule though...I will see!

IA: Let's talk more about your style preferences.
Akiko: I don't go for designer names and brands.  If I like it, I like it. This is different from prevailing attitudes in Japan where I was born and where there is much more pressure to conform with others in terms of style. But, this pressure to conform is not just limited to fashion and clothing.

IA:  Are the concepts of beauty and self-expression interpreted differently by Asians in America compared to in Japan?
Akiko:  In many ways, yes. In Japan, people do not necessarily express what they think. But in America, individuals are much more expressive.  In fashion, women wear tank tops and show their arms in a manner that is much more open.  But in Japan, women tend to hide more of their body through covering, for example, while wearing a kimono. In general, expression and dress is much more conservative.  People ask less questions in Japan.  In America, people question and are more able to express what and how they feel verbally as well as through fashion.

IA:  I've already learned much from this interview. In closing, what parting words or advice would you leave for Icon Americana's readers?
Akiko: Always be open-minded and willing to learn about things you do not know.  Be open to new information. And, be yourself...everyone else is already taken.

Akiko: In addition, know that good health is of primary importance.  When you feel good, you are likely to smile more, which itself can impact your level of confidence in a positive way.  When you feel great, you also look great because of how you feel on the inside.

IA: Thanks for this interview, Akiko!

*Disclaimer:  This interview is not a commercial endorsement of any company or products mentioned.  No compensation of any kind was received. 

If you would like to contact Akiko to learn more about Pharmanex, please send an email to Rick@Icon-Americana.com and your information will be directed as appropriate. Indicate 'Akiko Saito Interview' in the subject line.

Photos: Property of Akiko Saito

Fashion Wars: Ciara vs Blake Lively

by Rick

So I've noticed most other fashion commentators -- upon finding two fashionistas wearing the same outfit or accessories-- would ask their readers the obvious question: "Who Wore It better?" (In this story, 'It' being black-studded heels by Christian Louboutin). 

But Ciara and Blake are both wall of fame icons for Icon Americana. So for neutrality, just this one time, I am going to ask my readers a different question. I.e., "Can't we all just get along?" :-)

Don't they both look lovely?

(Disclaimer: Deep down, I think these heels actually were created to start trouble, not avoid it.)

Photo Credits:

Ciara: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images;

Blake Lively: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images.

Maya Azucena: Music As Service

"...press rewind if I haven't blown your mind..." Redman

As Told to Rick

Maya Azucena is literally a music ambassador. Since our last interview, one of our favorite style icons has been on tour spreading peace and love throughout her international travels. We caught up with Maya who had just returned from Croatia and Ireland for musical collaborations with other renowned positive artists.

Upcoming collaborations include plans to do another U.S. State Dept sponsored tour for a historic trip to Africa later this year. In recognition of her efforts, Maya recently received the prestigious "Top 40 Under 40" Award from The Network Journal, a business periodical. Meanwhile, she still finds time for issues of chief concern to her, including raising awareness about maternal health.

And, she's stylish.  Is there any doubt that this fierce, fist-pumping diva excites us here at Icon Americana?

Icon Americana: What have you been up to since our last chat?

Maya:  I've been on several shows overseas including in Croatia where I've collaborated with the artist Gibonni.  He is to Croatia what Bruce Springstein is to the state of New Jersey. Audiences reached up to 10,000 people and I performed in up to six songs in our shows. Gibonni's music has a universal appeal and working with him places me in a beautiful spirit environment. Gibonni believes music should uplift the people, which fits with my beliefs as well.

I've also had the opportunity to travel to Dublin, Ireland and work with platinum artist, Damien Dempsey. Damien has performed on tour with Sinead O'connor and receives positive recognition of his work from other famous celebrities. Much of his work is also community oriented.

Icon Americana: I understand you yourself recently received recognition for your work in the community. Tell us about that.

Maya: The Network Journal, a business periodical largely targeting African-American business owners, honored me with their "Top 40 Under 40" Award for community service and efforts outside the music industry. This was especially gratifying because in the past 13 years, this award had only been given to five other artists.

In terms of community service, a topic I've become very involved in concerns maternal health and associated outreach efforts.  Half a million women die each year bringing life into this world. That's one woman per minute. I am the co-founder, along with Emmy-winning director Lisa Russell, of an exciting interactive multi-media website named MDGFive.com. The website, dedicated to raising awareness about this important cause, allows users to create custom-designed mash-up videos for maternal health, choosing from the MDGFive library of global artists (film makers, musicians, photographers, painters, spokenword artists). The site, which has support from the United Nations and many celebrated artists from around the world, is currently in a beta version and is expected to launch in September 2010.

I'm also in discussions with the U.S. State dept about a future goodwill trip to Africa.  So of course, this is a very exciting time. Music as service. That's what it's all about.

Photo Credit: 24K Photography courtesy of Naptural Roots Magazine

Hair: Locks of Nu, Brooklyn NY

Jewelry Designer: Malikka Style Couture

Guess Who's Coming to Essence?

by Rick

It's a memorable moment in the history of cinema: Katharine Hepburn's character tells Spencer Tracy's that their daughter's love interest is a distinguished black gentleman (portrayed by Sidney Poitier) whom they meet for the first time. The father then finds out his parents are on their way over to meet them too:

Katharine Hepburn (Mom): "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"

Spencer Tracy (Dad): "Who?"

For an acting class in college, a trio of us performed this scene, and separately, the powerful moment when Sidney's character meets the mother for the first time.  It isn't just the words which make these two scenes so powerful as much as the silence that accompanies them. The facial expressions. The shock that their white daughter was dating a black man, and that his parents were actually coming to meet them.

"Guess Who's Coming to Essence?"

A similar type of shock was experienced by some when it was announced that Essence magazine appointed Ellianna Placas as its fashion editor. The target audience for Essence is black women. Ellianna Placas is white. For more about the firestorm, read here (The Cut/NY Mag) or here (The Huffington Post).

Here is my take:  Assume the fashion editor for Essence was the fictional character, Carrie Bradshaw, from Sex in the City. Would there be as much disapproval?  Or assume the role wasn't even given to a woman, but to a man, say Christian Louboutin. Would there be such fierce objections because these individuals are from a different race (and/or gender)?

If you answered no to these questions, maybe what matters is not a fashion editor's race -- or gender -- but rather the ability of that editor to relate to a target audience in a way that is effective. 

At the university I attended, college basketball was like a religion. People of all races came together, if just for a couple of hours, to celebrate a sport we all loved. I think of the admiration of fashion and style in much the same way. 

In women's fashion, "style icons" come from different backgrounds but what unites them is that they are women. That is the common thread I celebrate when I write. I see Icon Americana as an exciting opportunity, through the venue of fashion, to celebrate individual styles -- from models Liane and Merina, to mega-stars Jessica and J.Lo --  that make women unique.

If I may be so bold, there should be nothing stopping me, a man, from being the Fashion Editor for Essence, or Cosmopolitan for that matter, if I am the best qualified and can relate to women the way, say, Christian Louboutin does.  There should be nothing stopping anyone, of any background, from holding any of these coveted positions if they have the talent to be effective.

But we are not there yet. The question is, how DO we get there from here? (click here to read what I would do in my first 100 days "If I Ruled the Fashion World").

I open the forum to your suggestions...what do you think?

Model Moment: Liane Cornelius

"They seem to demand more respect." Black Woman, Chester Higgins, Jr. & Harold McDougall. 1970.

Interviewed by Rick

A glance at Icon Americana's "wall of fame" reveals a photo of model Liane Cornelius. You may be wondering how some "icons" are selected for the famed wall.  Simple. Influenced by the epic work Black Woman -- a picture book and source of wonder to me as a young child -- this site talks about my experiences with all women - as sisters, friends, elders, colleagues and cultural inspirations. Hence, when I first saw Liane's black & white photo from her photo shoot entitled "Royalty," I immediately considered she commanded the appeal of Marilyn Monroe, mixed with the savvy of Kerry Washington. With the care of a curator, her photo was placed accordingly.

Photo Credit: Derek Blanks

In her own words, Liane, also a high school friend, has been "quietly" modeling for years.. ripping the runway, blazing upscale fashion shows for major designers and celebrity photographers, while doing print work for well-known Caribbean/Exotic publications. We caught up with Liane for a chat. I hope you enjoy.

Icon Americana: How would you describe your style?

Liane: I am a very private, humble and spiritual person. Similar to my personality, my personal sense of style is “down-to-earth”… whatever feels comfortable and just sexy enough to not feel uncomfortable. I am conservative to an extent and believe that “less is more.”

Since I have also been a track and field athlete all of my life, I love being in my element of sports. I embrace being laid back and walking outside in a tee shirt, jeans and a pair of sneakers. The sneakers have to match of course! COORDINATE! (lol). At the end of the day, I am versatile. I can transform from the “tom-boy” who is working under the hood of the car, soccer mom during the day…. to the stiletto-healed, “hot-to-trot” sex symbol, model and diva, ready to feel beautiful on someone’s arm and paint the town red at night. I was a tom-boy when I was younger. I attribute that to having a big brother that I wanted to be like and looked up to…until I realized I was a “girl” and became a “lady.” However, I am still conservative to this day and will always remain true to myself.
 

Photo Credit: Derek Blanks

Icon Americana: From where do you trace your style influences?

Liane: Born to wonderful Caribbean parents, and growing up in the fashion capital of the world in New York City, I am inspired by fashion from all over the world.

Photo Credit: Drexina Nelson

From the streets of Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, New York where I grew up…to Italy, France, Spain and the fashion elite capitals in the Caribbean Islands, I am a student of the overall fashion industry.

Icon Americana: Was education important to you?
Liane: I studied and have degrees in Physical Therapy and Psychology, obviously, neither of which influence my career in modeling or fashion. However, I must stress that education was important to my professional business career, which I have been an integral part of for the past 15 years. I am a business woman FIRST! There is nothing like a successful “9-5” career to keep your "head" way above the water and comfortable.

Photo Credit: Drexina Nelson

Liane: I put heavy weight on the value of education because it has helped skyrocket me to the corporate business executive woman that I am now. I may not be in fashion or model for the rest of my life, but I can definitely "fit" and “model” my education and experience into any part of my life and use it until the end. Education is permanent.

"Royalty"

Photo Credit: Derek Blanks

Icon Americana: What are your future plans?
Liane: I aspire to land a few print profiles in renowned magazines and short films. Right now, I am currently doing major photo shoots and portfolios with celebrity photographers such as Drexina Nelson, Derek Blanks and Leo Marshall, to name a few. I am embracing their desire to use me in their photographic visions and portfolios. I continue to appreciate their love of ME, as a woman first. I also continue to embrace the burning fire from the fashion industry and look forward to greater things to come.

Icon Americana: Thank you for this interview, Liane!  We wish you the very best!

Model Behavior

by Rick

In honor of "Nelson Mandela Day" (92nd birthday), today Icon Americana celebrates positive role models. 

Think no one wants to be a role model?  Think again. Although not always recognized, there are many individuals out there who use their fame, talents and/or fortune to leave a positive impact on the lives of others; today we spotlight a few individuals -- Zoe Saldana, Elle Macpherson, Tommy Hilfiger and Merina Vo -- who were observed in recent days doing just that.

Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana is one celebrity who embraces being a role model for others.  She recently told Style Magazine: "I guess I'm a role model now, and that is a privilege. I think women were fighting because we wanted to be feminine. Then we had to be masculine. Now we just want to be us."

Photo hat tip: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

~ Zoe was also recently named to be the face of Calvin Klein underwear. Congratulations, Zoe! ~

Elle Macpherson

Knowledge is Power! In an interview with the UK's Tatler magazine, Elle Macpherson shared, "My advice [to young aspiring models] would be to get an education. It's much more interesting for girls to be educated and be beautiful because there are a lot of simply pretty girls out there. The ones who get ahead are the ones who have a curiosity, a flexibility and a natural instinct with some cultural understanding, plus a willingness to learn."

"Following in her footsteps"

Photo credits for Elle: Ian Gavan/Getty Images Europe

Elle's advice to young models echos things my mom said during her days as a 'top model,' defined here as a model who trains other models and could determine which ones could perform in a runway show. Mom explained a model could be beautiful physically, but if she lacked confidence to present herself well and speak intelligently in front of others, she would not select her to perform. (And if she had a poor attitude, she would tell her to go home. ~ Ok, Tyra! ~).  I also love Elle's comments about the need for cultural understanding. Icon Americana recognizes that beauty & fashion have indeed "gone global." 

Tommy Hilfiger

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a Tommy Hilfiger / YMA FSF / Vogue social for interns in the fashion industry. The mixer, which was held at Tommy's Fifth Avenue flagship boutique, brought together over 50 highly talented interns working at NYC's top fashion companies and members of the Fashion Social Fund (FSF) Board of Directors.  Tommy (second from left) recently donated $50,000 to the FSF scholarship fund, which will go towards $5,000 in grants each intern receives.

Photo Credit: Donald Bowers/Getty Images

Even more than Tommy's financial generosity, what I will always remember from this event was his generosity of advice and mentoring. Do you see the gentleman on the far right in the above photo? Tommy extended a full-time offer in front of all the attendees and pointed out that the offer was a manifestation of the intern's hard work, innovative thinking and strive for excellence. The action left a lasting impression on everyone in the room (self included).

Rick and Emily Aldredge, Director, NYC Studio for Kent State University

Photo Credit: Sunny Norton

Chelsea Paskvan, Jewelry Designer, former YMA FSF Scholar 

Photo Credit: Sunny Norton

To learn more about the YMA FSF Scholarship Fund, visit here.

Americana's Next Iconic Model: Merina Vo

And finally, a few words on what it means to be a role model, from model/photographer, Merina Vo (click here for our recent interview):

"[Being a] role model is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Role Modeling is Leadership and leadership is about inspiration of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine..."

Photo credit: Merina Vo

"...If there is one thing a leader can do to connect with followers at a human, or better still a spiritual level, it is to become engaged with them fully, to share experiences and emotions, and to set aside the processes of leadership we have learned by rote...

...Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations."  - Merina Vo

Congratulations, Merina.  For inspiring others on a daily basis through your arts and talents, representing the highest ideals of Icon Americana and for being all-around spectacular, you are Americana's Next Iconic Model.  Thanks for all of your support.