Raf Simons Dior and I

Raf Simons is introduced to Dior staff.

Christian Dior Atelier.

Raf Simons

Buy on Amazon

I've been writing about Dior and I since before its release and [as usual] I miss every movie and documentary I'm interested in watching. Dior and I came and went and I missed out, until now. Thank you Netflix!

[I finally] watched Dior and I, from the comfort of my sofa, about a week ago and I'm still thinking about it. It moved me. Raf Simons moved me. It makes his departure from Dior last Fall very upsetting [to me] because from the perspective of the film, he was beginning to adjust and Dior was doing quite well with Raf at the helm.

Dior and I takes us on a frenzied journey through the creation of an haute couture collection. But not just any collection - this was Raf Simons' first collection as the artistic director for Christian Dior and his very first couture collection ever. He had only eight weeks to create and produce a collection and runway show where ALL eyes would be on him. This was a very stressful, under-pressure situation for him. Or anyone, really.

One of the most interesting "topics" of the documentary was the question of minimalism. There is a difference between modernity and minimalism; they are not the same. However, coming from Jil Sander, Raf Simons was immediately pegged as a minimalist when all he wanted to do was express a modern approach to a legendary label. Watching and listening to him speak on the topic was an important and revealing part of the film. Suddenly, everything made sense.

The collection itself was stunning but the images, including the ones published by me, did not do justice to the garments. The richness of the textiles and the intensive labor involved are captured well in Dior and I. Also, photos can't compare to watching this collection in high-definition movement. So absolutely exquisite.

It is undeniable that Raf Simons is an enormous talent. I enjoyed watching his creativity unfold and at the same time felt his stress and frustration - something the film did well to convey. By the end of Dior and I, you feel like you know this man. And watching Raf Simons get emotional was very moving indeed. I couldn't help but to cry along with him. Dior and I did an excellent job of conveying his humanity as well.

I urge you to watch Dior and I, or even better, like me, own it! I'll most definitely be watching Dior and I again.

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Tesla Presents the Affluent Attache' Winter Wonderland Fashion Show with Mister Triple X & Michael NGO

Tesla presents Affluent Attache Winter Wonderland

This year's Holiday season had a jolt of excitement at the Affluent Attache' Winter Wonderland Mister Triple X fashion show presented by Tesla . The sexy and elegant charity fashion show featured multiple fashion presentations by Mister Triple X and an opening fashion show by Michael NGO. The event was presented by Tesla Motors in benefit of Children's Hospital LA and produced by Affluent Attache'. 

Guests were delighted by the decadent desserts by Belladonna Sweets featuring tequila infused strawberries and sinfully delicious treats. During the night models wowed the crowd with a surprise opening presentation by Michael NGO followed by multiple presentations from none other than Mister Triple X by designer Erik Rosete. 

Guests came out to the Affluent Attache' event to enjoy the fashion, celebrate the holidays and support Children's Hospital LA. Moreno Sparkling wine was the welcome refreshment of choice by all the chic attendees. Other sponsors and supporters included Let's Hang App, and Whole Life Balance. Title sponsor Tesla Motors displayed a beautiful Model S and provided lucky guests with Tesla Products and complimentary rides. 

Michael NGO

Mister Triple X

Erik Rosete

Photo Credit Sean Paul Franget

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Socially Conscious Fashion Brand Cords For Music Featured at New York City Holiday Markets

cords for music

cords for music bracelet

cords for music

cords for music necklace

Cords For Music, a collection of bracelets, earrings and necklaces that benefits music education in deserving communities, is featured at two New York City holiday pop-up shops, the Seaport Studios holiday takeover at the two-story market at 19 Fulton Street, as well as Random Acts of Creativity's nomadic storefront at 98 Orchard Street. 

Visit Seaport Studios at 19 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038, beginning Dec. 10, and Random Acts of Creativity at 98 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002, from Dec. 9-21, 2015, to buy the music-themed finery at the holiday markets.

Each Cords for Music piece makes a heartfelt statement and makes a difference. The first fashion brand to focus on music education as its social component, the company's Core Collection conjures the feeling of awe every child has when they first lay their eyes on a guitar. The designs are refined and iconic, themed around the most intimate tool of rock n' roll, the guitar pick. The collection is made in America of high quality raw materials such as silver, leather, and a vibrant assortment of cotton colors.

CFM's first major partnership is with Education through Music (ETM), a New York based non-profit with an affiliate in Los Angeles. Education Through Music partners with inner-city schools to provide all students with music as a core subject, and to create school communities that value the arts.

Portion of each sale goes to charities that help fund music education in public schools and underserved communities.

For more information on Cords For Music or make a purchase, please visit www.cordsformusic.com.

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Rock-n-Roll Caroling at FRYE ATLANTA with The Whiskey Gentry

The Frye Company and The Whiskey Gentry Surprise Shoppers with Free, Pop-Up Holiday Caroling Event

The Whiskey Gentry at The Frye Company

The Frye Company Atlanta

#FryeAtlanta

Three of my favorite people! Chad, Caren & Marcella. XO

Photos by Abbie Roden

On Saturday, December 12, 2015, The Frye Company at Ponce City Market helped shoppers celebrate the spirit of the season during a rockin’ holiday caroling event with The Whiskey Gentry.  The free, pop-up show starring one of Atlanta’s catchiest bands featured a high-energy, live acoustic show outside the store. Hundreds of shoppers enjoyed The Whiskey Gentry’s toe-tapping spin on favorite holiday tunes while Farm to Ladle at Ponce City Market passed out their coveted homemade chocolate chip cookies and Heath Bar cookies. Guests were also treated to Wild Heaven Craft Beers and sipped on gourmet hot chocolate and Apple Cider Hot Toddies featuring Decatur’s own Copper Pot Distilled Hellbender Bourbon Whiskey. Adaptation Floral Design was also on hand making beautiful holiday wreaths for shoppers that made a purchase from The Frye Company’s Holiday Collection.

I was doing a little bit of Christmas shopping and walked outside to the Ponce City Market courtyard to find a massive crowd gathering around The Frye Company. I meant to stay a "minute"... two hot toddies later... tempted by the Adaptation Floral wreaths and Farm to Ladle cookies exiting The Frye Company, I was tempted to enter. The crowd was almost as massive inside as it was outside. Wow, it was clear that the holiday season had arrived! Lots of good "boys and girls" will be sporting leather shoes and boots this year. AND from the looks of it, the Frye customer is a smart one because I witnessed many trying on Frye's for themselves. Of course!

Get your Frye on Atlanta at Ponce City Market! Happy Holidays!!

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Cool Christmas Sweaters

Asos

Moncler

Asos

Gucci

Ralph Lauren

Moncler

Saint Laurent

Etro

Zara

All Saints

J. Crew

Zara

All Saints

Brooks Brothers

Banana Republic

Mr Turk

Just say "no" to ugly Christmas sweaters and say "hello" to these handsome selections. From Asos to Zara, I have shopped around for fifteen stylish picks that will keep you festive and looking cool. Embrace the un-ugly this holiday season and turn heads with these cool Christmas sweaters from some of [my] favorite labels. 

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Northern Cobbler Shoes May Be Flat But They're Anything But Dull!

Often, women, heels and alcohol just do not get on. This party season, why not eschew the skyscrapers and opt for a comfortable shoe, without compromising on style whatsoever. The latest pieces from Northern Cobbler are the chameleons of fashionable footwear. Practical enough for somewhere super smart, quirky enough for somewhere uber cool, and bang on trend for all the fashionistas wanting something different. Luxurious fabrics, exquisite craftsmenship and creative ideas make for one cracker of a collection, and the Northern Cobbler line have all three in abundance. And just because the party ends at midnight, doesn’t mean you can’t wear your new shoes in the new year. The beauty of Northern Cobbler is that they’re timeless, classic and will transcend seasons, and will happily take you from the office to the bar time after time.

Northern Cobbler is an English brand that creates handcrafted, high quality, traditional footwear with a witty personality. The design process and attention to detail are where their passions lie, and prevail in each and every piece of footwear in their range. They strive to carefully select the best materials to ensure that their shoes always look and feel beautiful and well made.

Northern Cobbler have a womens collection, a mens collection and a mens diffusion line entitled ‘Cobbled’. The shoes are sold through various outlets in the UK, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, USA, Israel, Japan, Singapore and Australia and over on their own website www.northerncobbler.com.

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Mister Triple X Takes on Art Basel Week Miami

Mister Triple X

Art Basel week has come to an end, but the excitement and energy that was brought to Miami Beach during the week lives on. Fashion brand Mister Triple X kicked off the week with a sexy showing at the opening night Gala of Spectrum Miami. Mister Triple X was the finale designer for bi-coastal art and fashion platform Art Hearts Fashion. The fashion show produced by Erik Rosete featured designers House of LiJon, Diana Couture, and Mister Triple X. The event presented by Planet Fashion TV and LaCroix sparkling water proved to be a wonderful kick off to Art Basel Week Miami.

The night featured an incredible partnership with Spectrum Art Fair which was home to 150 international art galleries. During the night models delighted the crowd in designer fashions from renowned international designers. The finale designer was none other than Mister Triple X, the sexy streetwear brand by Erik Rosete. The brand's unique and sexy aesthetic is always a crowd pleaser and was a wonderful way to close out the night.  

Despite record rainfall and a steamy warm Miami night, over 1000 guests came out to the gala and to support the Glory House charity in the fight against human trafficking. LaCroix Sparkling water was the welcome refreshment of choice by all the chic attendees.  

Mega Star Carlos Ponce, Ximena Duque, Miss Universe, actor Ray Santiago, and ANTM finalists Michael Heverly, and Stacey Ann participated in the nights festivities. (Photo Credit Sean Paul Franget)

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