An Icon Is Gone

Forever remembered as inspiration for everyone, Michael Jackson lives on... he leaves us his legacy of love for one another and his music that has united races and generations. I will never forget how I grew up listening to his music, thanks to my dad, a loyal fan. 

I have always looked at him as an icon. From his music to his style, Michael Jackson was an innovator. He will be missed.

Shop Miami @ The Moore Building

Considering the very inviting open vodka bar, I decided to finally suck it up and go to Shop Miami. It took place on June 18th at the Moore Building in Miami's Design District. Gen Art's evening of fashion got together designers and boutiques under one roof (and 3 floors), with music by our dear Ray Milian, and Miami's trend-seeking crowd. Having put aside my expectations, I walked around while sipping on my drink and taking it all in. 

The venue looked amazing. As we walked in, the very welcoming music and vibe took over... It set a nice atmosphere and could have gotten me in a mood to shop, but, as I came to notice, I am as picky as it  gets. Out of all the stands I struggled to walk through, I can truly say I might have liked 3, at most. Some honorable mentions go out to ZulaStudio, Ecoist (handbags made out of folded paper), and KRELwear (who took it to the next level by offering custom made knits right on the spot). 

I would have liked to see more design, more originality, and less south-beach-sundress. Yes, I know I might be asking for too much in a city that survives on that, but being a fashion event, I would have loved to see more emerging designers with that edge and sophistication that the other 305 crowd loves. 

Here's to hoping... that next year I'll see more designers getting involved. Not going to lie, I had a great time, maybe too much of a good time (or too much kiwi vodka, or passion fruit, or whatever that was).

I'm expecting Jipsy to post some very indecent pictures soon. I'll be waiting. That's all.

Barbie

Comme Des Garçons turns 40...

... and they are celebrating by creating a new brand. BLACK. This new side of CDG will be more contemporary, rougher, and will be what Rei Kawakubo has been all about throughout the years. The Comme Des Garçons designer is known for having her way with color: mostly all-black collections, with hints of red here and there. 

Kawakubo has always been true to her originality, and has yet to be imitated. She creates outside of the boundaries and makes clothing that represent the CDG woman: independent, comfortable, and she likes to think outside of the box. 

Along with the Black label, the designer is now collaborating with Vogue Nippon in several projects. The stores have already opened in Tokyo, and there are various to be opened in Paris as well. It is thanks to her, that contemporary Japanese designers have been able to flourish and establish their successful businesses; she set the foundation for the future brands to come. 

According to CEO of Comme Des Garçons, Mr. Joffe, Rei Kawakubo's involvement and control of the company has not changed one bit in the past forty years. 

Knowing that the US will most likely NOT be home to any Black stores, I will forward to checking out via web all that I am missing out on right across the globe.