Kimora's Kollection - A Fashion Archive

Many of you know Kimora Lee Simmons for various reasons. She was the creative force behind the Baby Phat brand which she developed and grew for over 10 years. While there she diversified herself into fragrances, cosmetics, KLS collection, Kouture By Kimora, Fabulosity Jr. Line, Hello Kitty Jewelry, Books and still continues her evolution. She is now living a PHAT free life and is focused on the KLS brand and all it's fabulous products; "Onward and Upward" as she put's it. A new skin care line to come this spring as well as the launch of her new fragrance "Love Me" (which is her 6th). This blog was inspired by the re-launch of her website www.KLS.com. It got me thinking about her evolution within the world of fashion and her celebration of fashion as an art form.

I have read that there are people who feel much of her success can be attributed to her ex husband Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons. From where I sit he has been a great mentor, friend, creative partner and inspiration for her but NOT the reason for her continues success or her break into the fashion industry. She was part of the high fashion business as a model long before she became Mrs. Simmons.

Kimora started her career in fashion at the tender age of 13, in true Kimora style. She did not start in a catalogue, or doing local modelling jobs in her home town of St. Louis, Missouri - she went straight to the runways of Paris courtesy of fashion designer and creative genius Karl Lagerfeld. Right out of the gate the biggest honor a model can receive was bestowed on her by the house of CHANEL, she was the finale bride in the 1989 Haute Couture show in Paris. She went on to model for Valentino, Yves St. Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld (his own label), Fendi, Mary McFadden, Susan Lazar, Anna Sui and others.

Fashion has always been part of Kimora's life and over the years she has collected an amazing archive of clothing, accessories and treasures that would make The Metropolitan Museum of Art's costume institute consider an exhibit!

My favorite and in my opinion one of the most impressive fashion treasures is the late Gianni Versace's BED. Not a bed and linens from his home signature collection but HIS bed from the master bedroom from his Miami home (Casa Casuarina). I could not even imagine the energy this piece would bring into one's home. To lay your head where one of histories GREATEST fashion designers slept, worked and possibly cultivated some of his designs is AMAZING.

She also has the largest private collection of Louis Vuitton purses, bags and luggage second only to the house of Louis Vuitton. Not all of it is contemporary either.

She has a large collection of Vintage items such as steamer trunks and the BEST piece: A LV hat box that belonged to the late Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, complete with hair strands left behind; if that box could talk.

I think her signature bag has to be the Hermes Birkin!

Kimora pictured with a small fraction of her Hermes Birkin bag collection - YES she has one in MAUVE (I LOVE IT) ... and yellow, white, pink, black, orange, green, blue and various shades of brown/tan. It is my personal belief that Hermes should create a custom Birkin named "Kimora": in bright LIME!

I am also aware that her collection of Chanel clothing and accessories is vast, spanning the decades. She has vintage pieces, pieces given to her by Karl Lagerfeld personally and those she has accumulated through purchase. I love the patchwork head band from the Fall 1990/1991 show (As seen on Kimora on the runway). It reminds me of my youth spend watching fashion.

She also loves her classic patchwork bags. She even has a bag that she says “Chanel didn’t even know they had”

(Photo posted by Kimora via Twitter of her closet recently)

She has expressed to me via Twitter her love for Vintage clothing and the history of fashion. Her closet is full of both contemporary and Vintage designer pieces. Her collection is so vast she houses it in two seperate locations, in 2 states! Her "satellite closet" as she calls it is in her house in LA and I suppose the mother ship resides in her New Jersey boudoir.

Then there is her love of shoes! She has 2 closets stuffed with the most sought after, designer shoes. The majority being 4", another not so subtle expression of her "go big or go home" attitude! BRAVO KLS! My favorite item: Custom made and Custom designed pairs Manolo Blahnik's

Can you imagine having a closet like this?

NJ

LA

The 'mother ship' Closet in NJ (shot for InStyle Feature 2007, Life and Home

The 'satellite' closet LA (from her Bluefly Closet Confession)

See Kimora's Closet Confession Here:

Next time Kimora take the camera's to the mother ship and call LisaG when you feel like purging, we wear the same size shoe!

Style Maven Series: Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox is the sassy star who got her start on TV in the late 1980’s. She is a well rounded actress between her film and TV roles she appears to have done it all; Comedy, Reality, Drama, Live Theatre, Voice Over’s, Music Video’s, Sitcoms and even Soaps. She was even a resident of Genoa city on The Young and the Restless back in the 1990’s.

Her resume is impressive. You remember her in; HBO series curb your enthusiasm, Drop Dead Diva, and Cartoon Network's Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Voice of Angel Dynamite. Fox also hosted her own VH1 reality series entitled Glam God. She has appeared in Films such as; Kill Bill Vol.1, Independence Day, Soul Food, Ella Enchanted, and MANY others. She was even a fan favorite on Dancing With The Stars, season 3. Her most recent venture is double duty as both Star and Producer of “Cheaper to Keep Her” in this romantic comedy Stage play along side R&B singer Brian McKnight.

"Angel Dynamite"


3 things you may not know about Vivica:

The “A” stands for: Anjanetta

Astrological Sign: Leo

Marital Status: Engaged

When she is not burning up the stage, producing a show or bring a voice to the cartoon radio host and friend of Scooby Doo & the gang she is striving to make women beautiful. In 2009 she launched the Vivica A. Fox hair collection; a collection of wigs and hair extensions (http://www.vivicafoxhair.com/). You can grab both real hair or synthetic locks via dealers all over the us as well as online. www.vivicafoxhair.com/locator.html She even lent her beautiful face and voice to the NOH8 Campaign for Equality - along with countless other celebrities and compassionate people! (http://www.noh8campaign.com/)

I had the opportunity to ask Vivica my Style Maven questions;

LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

VIVICA: My personal style is Glamour, Sexy, Rock n Roll.

LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

VIVICA: Key Components for my closet are a fitted pant suit, great shoes (Louboutin’s are my fav!), sexy classy dresses And great Jackets to rock with jeans or leggings.

LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

VIVICA: I love vintage clothing!

LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

VIVICA: Throw back classic dresses n sweaters n jackets! U can find some great pieces to update! It doesn’t have to b a designer piece that catches my eye when it comes to Vintage clothing

LISA: What are you wearing this Spring? Tell our readers the key elements for your Spring 2011

VIVICA: Spring clothes I love are Herve Leger dresses, Gucci is looking hot and of course Louboutin heels to complete the look!

LISA: If you could give women 1 style tip or piece of Style advice, what would it be?

VIVICA: Don't force fashion is my #1 fashion tip! If it doesn’t make u look HOT! Skip it!


Here's a look at Vivica's Style. What I love about this maven is her BOLD color choices, Sexy dresses, great clutches and SHOES! I LOVE her Vintage GLAM looks here:









CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE:

You look lovely in your Louboutin’s Viv, keep it hot and I for one am excited to see your wedding dress! A Herve Leger custom stunner? Or a maybe you will opt for a Vintage designer gown? either way Maven, you got this!

Follow Vivica on twitter: @MsVivicaFox
On the Web: http://www.vivicafox.com/

EVOLUTION VINTAGE'S PICKS FOR VIVICA:

70's bright coral gown with front beading andopen back


60's Blue Sheath dress w metallic floral pattern


60's Vintage metallic clutch


Late 40's Whiting & Davis gold metal mesh clutch

SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com

A V-Day Idea

We are a few days away from the most LOVED and most LOATHED Hallmark holiday of the year ~ Valentine's day!

I wanted to share a creative Valentine idea for the man or woman who has everything, needs nothing and would sincerely appreciate an thoughtful expression of LOVE (that's all of us, right?)

I don't really buy into all the consumerism that surround these contrived holidays however besides the natural daily expression of love between my husband and I (we gift and are romantic all year long) I thought I wanted to share my creative splurge on a V-day past and my personal creation, my variation of a scavenger hunt activity. It was inexpensive, thoughtful and FUN!



Here's what I did - You can make your own modifications to customize his/her experience:


I created 10 clues to guide him throughout the house.

I used both greeting cards (from the $ store) as well as hand made cards to use as clues.


Each clue was a riddle type rhyme that would lead him to the next. For example:




On the cover of the first card (it started in the kitchen on the fridge) The outside read: "For my Valentine, my husband, my life ~ here you begin your quest to uncover the love gift from your wife xox". It was a V-day card and on the inside Clue #1: When you are feeling less than fresh, all salty and yucky. There's just one place to go to get squeaky clean, you may even see a rubber ducky"



Clue #2 was in the shower under our daughters Rubber Ducky Toy. A homemade card that read: "On me you stand to surf a wave. You use me each and every day. Come find me, come get me - run to this room where unpacked boxes sit in doom and gloom"



Clue#2 was under taped to one of his surfboards in our garage. A greeting card read "Surf's up you found me - open to reveal clue # 3" - 3rd Clue: "This drawer is mostly filled with things that rarely bring you glee; like bills, junk and other stuff you'd rather never see"



Clue #4 was located in the kitchen "junk drawer". It was a homemade card that read: Here I am ~ Clue # 4 you will "get it" you've done it before. 4th Clue: Communicate with family, research, shop and play games. Since this invention came into our home life has never been the same. I sit where your fingers strike keys ~ when you find clue #5 you will be very pleased.



Clue #5 location under the computer's keyboard ....



You get the idea. There was 10 clues in all. You can design your hunt any way you would like. You can hand make all the clue cards and even the gift at the end. Depending on your plan and budget you can purchase something or create something on your own.


The grand gift at the end of the hunt for him was 200 tiny glow in the dark star stickers that I placed in the bedroom ceiling right above where he sleeps. The final clue had him crawl into bed, read the clue card and look up. I hit the lights just then to reveal my glow-in-the-dark message. It spelled out the words "I Love You" and I also created the constellation PAVO (which means peacock)in stars - I had purchased and named a star from the International Star Registry for his 40th birthday (which is another fabulous gift idea: http://www.starregistry.com/ ) and I chose the stars location in the constellation PAVO.


Total Cost:

Cards - $5 & Stickers - $6 = TOTAL $11

Time $0

Result: - Priceless Memories



Single and Fabulous?


I suggest buying yourself something fabulous and loving yourself this V-day. My suggestion get a new fragrance. You don't have to go to a grand expense if you are on a budget but you can treat yourself and show yourself some love with a new signature scent. If you can't afford one take a quick trip to the fragrance counter and sample some. Grab a friend and go frgarance sampling (and perhaps some makeup while you are there)



My current Fragrance Favourites:


Thierry Mugler: "Angel" & "Womanity"









Kimora Lee Simmons: "Fabulosity" & "Seductive Goddess" (Watch for her new fragrance LOVE ME to hit stores in Spring)








Versace: "Bright Crystal"








No matter who you choose to spend your V-day with the most important LOVE on this and every day is SELF LOVE. Celebrate yourself and how unique and wonderful you are! You don't need a 3rd party confirmation ... you know you are worth it.

CAPEtastic

My latest fashion escapade: IMAN Global Chic Classic Couture Luxurious Cape with Patent Trim.

When I prepared my Style Maven feature on IMAN I discovered this jewel in her fashion line for HSN.

It is a really chic caplet coat with a button detail on the bottom of the arm slits. You can undo and wear as a fabulous open cape. You can ROCK this look @ any size or shape; I am 6 months pregnant and it looks/feels fantastic.




It currently comes in 6 colors: White, Camel, Grey, Chocolate Brown, Purple and Black (on a wait list) and 4 sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/1X and 2X/3X




I also love the fact that IMAN actually wears the pieces from her line.


Cape in Camel


Cape in Black



Be a caped fashion crusader and grab yours NOW ~ ON SALE (Reg. 89.95 & NOW: $49.95): http://www.hsn.com/

Feathered Fashion

One of my obsessions is peacock feathers; their colors and patterns used in fashion -in textiles & prints, jewellery and peacock-esque accessories.

I have recently found one of my favorite pieces. It is a peacock feathered bib necklace that has 14 feathers or "eyes" and is feather fabulous. Where did I unearth this amazing piece? Forever 21 ladies! Your's for a mere $11. It appears to be sold out on their web site but check your local Forever 21 location.



Pregnancy Plumage & Prints:

Gwen

FOREVER 21

My plumage passion goes from $6.00 earrings

to this amazing, over the top piece of art work like this:

The $1.5 million Peacock dress unveiled at the wedding expo held in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province. The wedding dress decorated with 2,009 pieces of peacock feathers took eight handicraftsmen two months to finish.

Or Miley Cyrus in her music video for “Can’t Be Tamed,” wears a corset dress made of peacock feathers and approx. 2,400 tiny metal pieces yours for only $25,000!

Some of my other fav peacock pieces:

House of Harlow, 1960 - Gold Plated Peacock Cuff @ $180

SJP in a sequin peacock print dress.

PRADA - 2008

Alexander McQueen Runway

Same McQueen dress in VOGUE (Sarah Jessica Parker & Chris Noth)

Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman (in a Marchesa Gown)

Eva Longoria

Manish Arora Fall 2009 - Runway

Same dress on Katy Perry

Holly Madison @ Hugh Hefner's 80th Birthday in a Peacock Corset

Kendra, Bridget, Hugh Hefner & Holly (Wearing a peacock corset & panties)
Hef's 80th Birthday.

Katy Perry in Matthew Williamson for H&M

Evolution Vintage - pleated peacock print top

Vintage top worn by 'Jess'

DID YOU KNOW? The term "peacock" is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, only males are peacocks. Females are peahens, and together, they are called peafowl.



Get out there ladies and STRUT YOUR STUFF!!