Design Redefined With Project Runway Winner Michelle Lesniak Franklin & Intel
May 20th, 2013 by ChristenWhat happens when you mix technology, fashion and Project Runway 11 winner – Michelle Lesniak Franklin an Intel Experience in NYC? A day of entertaining fun & real life talks on the importance of portable technology on the go.

Over the weekend, DivasandDorks.com was invited to attend an exclusive presentation of where technology meets design at the Experience Intel pop up shop in Chelsea. Filled with live performances, gaming experiences and more, Intel offered unique hands-on experiences for consumers and fans alike.

Project Runway 11 winner Michelle Lesniak Franklin
One of Intel’s newest fans, Project Runway 11 winner – Michelle Lesniak Franklin shared the spotlight highlighting her love for the Intel Ultrabook convertable. After winning Project Runway’s host of prizes including a $50,000 suite of Intel products Michelle shares how her world of design has been
redefined with Intel technology. Check out the video to discover more from Michelle, Project Runway and Intel.
About Michelle Lesniak Franklin: Michelle Lesniak Franklin is a designer from Portland who won Project Runway season 11. She first took interest in the world of fashion during high school when she reconstructed vintage clothing to fit her needs and quirkiness. She then studied printmaking/fine art in college as well as pattern making and draping at her her local community college. Discover more of Michelle Lesniak Franklin designs at AU-Clothing.com.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Black Designers in Fashion
March 22nd, 2013 by TiffanyLong before fashion was a “thing” in the African American community slaves were making garments for their owners. As many obtained their freedom, metropolises became the place to obtain cutting-edge designs from talented African American clothing designers. Many may not know it, but New Orleans was actually the fashion mecca for Black businesses to design, make and sell their clothing long before New York was an option. In honor of National Women’s History Month we honor the Black women of the fashion world from both then and now that have broken molds and opened doors for the designers and trends of today.
THEN…
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
Elizabeth Keckly

Supporting herself and her family through her dressmaking and design skills, Keckly bought her freedom and moved to Washington D.C. She was famous for the inaugural gown she designed for Mary Todd Lincoln, wife to then president Abraham Lincoln. This dress can be viewed today at the Smithsonian Institute in D.C. The wives of Robert E. Lee, Stephen Douglas, and Jefferson Davis were also clients of Elizabeth Keckly. A respected independent business woman, she also worked towards the abolition of slavery through her well-connected white clients.
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Zelda Wynn Valdes

Zelda Wynn Valdes opened her own shop on Broadway in New York in 1948. She was known for her sexy hip-hugging styles and numbered among her clientele many of the notable black women of that era including Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald and Gladys Knight. Little known to many, her work even caught the eye of Hugh Hefner, who commissioned her to design the original and most popularly known costumes for the Playboy bunnies. She also helped found the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, an organization of black designers.
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Ann Lowe

Born in Alabama in 1899, Ann Lowe was privileged to move to New York at the age of 16. She attended design school and eventually opened a shop on Madison Avenue. Her clients included members of the Vanderbilt, Roosevelt, and Rockefeller families. She made more than 1,000 dresses per year for clients and sold her designs in Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and I. Magnin. In 1953, Lowe designed the dresses for the mother of the bride and the bridal dress for the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy, one of the most photographed events in history. It was unfortunate, however, that Lowe did not receive the credit she deserved for these famous gowns.

The infamous gown worn by Miss Kennedy.
AND NOW…
Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese designs are noted for their femininity and retro-influenced style; the textiles themselves make use of bright colors, elaborate graphic patterns, and a playful use of bohemian touches. With a namesake label and variety—ranging from home and shoes to nail polish and hosiery—the brand has captured great commercial success and recognition across many categories. Clothing and home fashions by Tracy Reese’s design lines are carried by retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Modcloth, and Nordstrom. Thanks to First Lady Michelle Obama her designs have received national attention recently.
Monif Clarke

Awarded “Best Plus Size Fashion Designer” by Full Figure Fashion Week, “Best Plus Size Clothing Store” by City Search, “Best Store For Plus Size Evening Wear” by Time Out New York and featured in the October issue of Essence Magazine’s “Leaders Of The New School”, Monif C was conceived in 2005 by mother/daughter team Elaine and Monif Clarke to reaffirm every woman’s desire for an inspired life filled with luxury and unadulterated sexy appeal. A love of color, prints, and vintage details sprung from summers spent in Barbados visiting her family.
Today as a plus size woman, Monif understands the need for a new perspective in the plus size market. Monif C. has been featured on Fox Business, NBC’s Today Show, ABC News, Barbara Walters’ the View, The Washington Post, Latina, Crain’s New York Business, Essence, Glamour, TLC’s What Not to Wear, Seventeen Magazine, Ebony, Jet and many more. The Monif C. collection is quintessentially the wardrobe for the young, contemporary, sexy plus size woman.
Laura Smalls
First lady Michelle Obama has made Laura Smalls somewhat of an overnight sensation. In spite of the overnight spike in her brand due to the national attention, Smalls is not new to the fashion industry. In 1976 she graduated from the Parsons School of Design, promptly sold a small spring collection to Bloomingdale’s and Henri Bendel — and then nothing. In the season that followed, Bloomingdale’s opted not to buy her subsequent collection, and a new buyer had replaced her contract at Bendel’s. “I couldn’t even get an appointment,” Smalls told the Huffington Post. Ironically enough, the year we celebrated our first Black president was the same year she began sketching again, and it didn’t take long for first lady Michelle Obama to discover her and add Smalls to the list of American designers she frequently wears.
The history of fashion industry is full of important contributions from creative, talented Black female clothing designers. Black women have certainly made a most worthy contribution to the growth of the fashion industry and to the elegance of women’s wardrobes dating back to slavery and further back to ancient Africa. Given the history of fashion design for Black women our presence in today’s fashion industry is considerably low. However, we can change this by ensuring that Black female and male fashion designers receive our support as did Zelda Wynn Valdes from black stars such as Josephine Baker, and like FLOTUS Michelle Obama does with Tracy Reese, Laura Smalls and others.
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
Kerry Washington Vs Olivia Pope: Life Imitates Art At The 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards
January 28th, 2013 by Christen
Kerry Washington walks the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet cascading in white amidst cloud of bold colored gowns. Dressed in a two-piece Rodarte gown complete with a split V quilted top and flowing white bottom with a lace hem. She accessorized with a silver box clutch, diamond earrings, smokey eyes and a nude lip. Ask any Scandal fan and this look definitely looks familiar…

Kerry described her look as “Olivia Pope white” while talking to E! on tonight’s 2013 SAG Awards red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A.
Could Kerry be transitioning her look to appear more like Ms. Olivia Pope? Undoubtedly the most notable Olivia Pope outfit this season was her this ball gown by designer Jean Fares Couture.

Check out more Olivia Pope Style: Olivia’s Top Scandalicious Looks From ABC’s Scandal

Could Kerry be conjuring up the spirit of Olivia Pope for her future red carpet appearances? If so, we’ll definitely need to keep an eye out for Kerry Washington this red carpet season. She’s sure to have a few more surprises up her sleeves and we’re awaiting every moment of it.

What do you think of Kerry Washington’s red carpet look? Would you like to see more of Olivia Pope’s style infused in Kerry’s real life looks? Sound off below.
Wild Shoe Wednesday: Designer Wish List Roundup
December 12th, 2012 by Fashion StaffChristmas is upon us and we know you all have your fingers crossed to receive a pair of wild shoes during this gift giving season. We can’t blame you either, who wouldn’t enjoy getting a sick pair of heels from a brand that June Ambrose, LaLa Anthony, and Keyshia Cole rock on a daily bases. Plus is nice to dream a little, especially during holidays! We created a list of five diva certified heels will make you dashing to the nearest mall Santa’s lap, confessing how good you were this pass year.
Christian Louboutin Daf Booty 160mm: You will have everybody wanting to touch your feet in these platform booties completely covered in yeti.
Charlotte Olympia Jingle Bell Dolly: This vibrant red six inch heel with gold bells embellished on the ankle strap will play tunes that will put those albums out of business.
Nicholas Kirkwood: Ladies meet your new best friends. This pair of heels come with graphic face on the side an a pony tail to maintain.
Dsquared2 : If I told you a flower bloom on a sick heel would you trust it, because we know you will look chic in these single sole .
Giuseppe Zanotti Swarovski Crystal and Spiked Embellished Contoured Wedges: For the diva who sees studded and Swarovski Crystal invisibal heel shoes as everyday wear.
Which one of these holiday inspired haute heels got you re-thinking if you were “naughty or nice” this holiday season?
This Week In Designer Sample Sales…DVF, Tory Burch, Nautica & More!
December 10th, 2012 by Christen
Looking for a few ways to save some cash on designer frocks? Check out this up to date listing we scored on the latest designer sample sales in New York City this week!
What’s in the sale: Discounts up to 80% off. Be the gifter of good looks this season with a trip to PONO’s annual Holiday sample sale. Snag a steal with a set of Two Tone Italian resin bangles – 3 for $25 (regular $120); at 78% off. Grab something big and bold like The Flower Power Necklace priced at $100 (regular $265) or get festive with a jewel tone Everglade Cuff now fetching $100 (originally $365). Take home the trends with a sassy Alligator Bangle – now $25 (originally $115), and finish with a fantastic new classic, Let The Great World Spin Necklace on sale for $50 (originally $200).
When: December 3rd through 12th: Weekdays, 9am to 6pm
Location: 347 W. 36th St., 4th Floor: Suite 405 (between 8th & 9th Ave.)
For more information call 212.216.0022. Cash and credit accepted.
Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale
What’s in the sale: Up to 70% off DVF merchandise. New stuff added throughout the week.
When: December 11th through 14th: Tuesday: 9am to 6:30pm, Wednesday: 10am to 8pm, Thursday: 10am to 7pm, Friday: 10am to 7pm, Friday: 9am to 3pm
Location: 260 5th Avenue (between 28th and 29th St.)
Cash and credit accepted. For more information visit 260SampleSale.com or call 212.725.5400.
Yarnz Cashmere Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Discounts on cashmere apparel and accessories.
When: December 3rd through 19th: Monday – Friday: 10am to 5:30pm
Location: 260 W. 36th St., Suite 201
Credit card for purchases $200 +
James Jeans Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Discounts on James Jeans merchandise.
When: December 11th through 13th: Tuesday: 9am to 7:30pm, Wednesday: 9:30am to 5:30pm, Thursday: 9:30am to 7:30pm
Location: James Jeans Showroom: 500 Greenwich Street #202
Visa & Mastercard accepted.
eeBoo Holiday Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Up to 75% off retail on eeBoo toys, games, arts & crafts and stationery. Prices $3 and up!
When: December 12th through 14th: 8am to 6pm
Location: 170 W. 74th St., Suite 102 in Lobby (at Amsterdam Ave.)
Nolan Glove Co. Holiday Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Nolan Glove Co is the licensed accessories manufacturer for Laundry by Shelli Segal for Women and Kids, Geoffrey Beene, OshKosh B’gosh, and many more brands. Our sale will feature cold-weather knit gloves, hats, and scarves sold by our designers in high-end department stores, but for a fraction of the price.
When: December 12th through 14th: 12pm to 6:30pm
Location: 22 W. 38th St., 6th Floor (between 5th & 6th)
Circle Showroom Maternity Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Up to 80% off maternity wear.
When: December 5th through 14th: Monday – Thursday: 9:30am to 5pm, Friday: 9:30am to 3pm
Location: 347 West 36th Street, Suite 601 (between 8th & 9th Ave.)
Cash only.
Tory Burch Sample Sale
What’s in the sale: Discounts on Fall/Winter Tory Burch merchandise including ready to wear, footwear & bags. All sizes available.
When: December 11th through 16th: Tuesday – Friday: 11am to 7pm, Saturday – Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Location: 261 W 36th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave), 2nd Floor
YMX Athletic Apparel Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: 50% to 70% off YMX Athletic Apparel including printed tanks, base layers, and cycle jerseys, and other attire perfect for running, cycling, dance, yoga, working out and all around town.
When: December 12th through 14th: 11am to 6pm
Location: YMX/Yellowman: 205 W. 39th St., 15th Floor
Nautica & Kipling Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Discounts on Men’s & Women’s Nautica Sportswear, Men’s Nautica Jeans Co., Men’s & Women’s Nautica Sleepwear & Kipling
When: December 12th through 14th: Wednesday: 11am to 7pm, Thursday – Friday: 10am to 7pm
Location: Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 W. 18th St., 5th Floor (between 6th & 7th Ave.)
Cash, Visa & Mastercard accepted only. All sales are final. No children under 7 permitted in the sale.
Echo Design Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Discounts on scarfs, gloves, handbags, accessories, outerwear & more cold weather merchandise for Men, Women and Kids.
When: December 13th through 15th: Thursday: 12pm to 8pm, Friday: 8am to 8pm, Saturday: 8am to 6pm
Location: Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 W. 18th St., 5th Floor (between 6th & 7th Ave.)
Cash, Visa & Mastercard accepted only. All sales are final.
Mackage & Soia & Kyo Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Discounts on Women’s & Men’s designer merchandise.
When: December 13th through 16th: Thursday – Saturday: 10am to 7pm, Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Location: 530 Fifth Avenue (corner of 44th St.)
Ecko Sample Sale
What’s in the sale: Men’s & Women’s clothing and outerwear at a huge discount. Everything must go. Bring in this ad and receive an additional 20% off every item in the store
When: Through January 1st: 10am to 8pm
Location: 148 Lafayette (between Grand & Howard)
Adrienne Landau Sample Sale

What’s in the sale: Up to 80% off Fall 2012 apparel and accessories.
When: December 16th through 19th: Sunday: 11am to 5pm, Monday – Wednesday: 10am to 6pm
Location: Adrienne Landau Showroom: 519 8th Avenue, 21st Floor
Frette Sample Sale
What’s in the sale: Discounts on Fine Italian Linens, Bed, Bath, Table and Frette to Wear
When: December 12th through December 16th: Wednesday – Saturday: 9am to 6:30pm, Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Location: Soiffer Haskin: 317 West 33rd Street, NYC (just west of 8th Avenue)
Credit cards only. All sales final. No strollers allowed and no children under 12 will be admitted. For more information call 718.747.1656.
Rena Lange Sample Sale
What’s in the sale: Up to 90% off Women’s clothing: Fall/Winter 2012 and Previous Seasons (Sample & Stock Sizes 4-14)
When: December 16th through December 18th: 10am to 6pm
Location: Rena Lange Showroom: 430 West 14th Street, Suite 201 (between 9th and 10th Ave.)
Credit cards only. All sales final. No strollers allowed and no children under 12 will be admitted. For more information call 718.747.1656.
Target + Neiman Marcus = Holiday Upscale Chic At Affordable Prices
December 3rd, 2012 by Fashion StaffLast week retail giants Target and Neiman Marcus unveiled their first ever Holiday Collection. Hosting a variety of designer gifts for the entire family, Target and Neiman Marcus has come together with a holiday hit for any gift list this season. Over 50 gifts were made available in stores and online by the top 24 Designers from the CFDA Council of Fashion Designers of America including Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta, and Marc Jacobs just to name a few!
The items exclusively designed for this event range in price from $7.99 for a roll of Rodarte Wrapping Paper, up to $499 for an Alice + Olivia bicycle and every price point in-between. These items are for a limited time only so be sure to get there before they are GONE! And if you need a little help here are a few top choices below for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
For Mom: Tracy Reese Blouse $79.99
For Dad: Altuzarra Double Old Fashioned Glasses (set of 4) $49.99
Your Gym Rat Sister: Diane von Furstenberg Yoga Mat! $44.99 She’ll be totally prepared for Pilates in style!
Your Lazy Brother: Rag and Bone Men’s Sweater $49.99 Now he can stop shopping in your dad’s closet!
Your Niece: Jason Wu Girls Dress , No words besides TOO CUTE! $59.99
Your Neighbor with the cute Puggle: Oscar de la Renta Pet Dish $29.99 It’s Woof-derful
Your Bestie: Brian Atwood Leather Gloves $49.99 Warm, toasty, and fashion forward!
The Office Secret Santa: Rag and Bone Set of 4 shot glasses $19.99 Risque? Maybe, but oh so necessary.
And the bonus?
Happy Holidays to you!!….The Marc Jacobs pouch in Rose Gold, $69.99!
Now that you’re making your list and checking it twice, what if there was a way for you to win all 52 items featured in the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection? There is! CLICK HERE to discover how you could enter to win all 52 items for yourself and as gifts this holiday season and make sure to let us know your favorite item in the collection below!
Work The Trend: A Guide To Working Oxblood Into Your Daily Wardrobe
November 15th, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Undoubtedly one of the hottest trends for the fall is the color Oxblood. I personally hate the name…why can’t I just call it burgundy or plum like it’s been since the beginning of time!?!?! HA! Aside for the disdain for the name, there is no questioning its presence in this falls lineup of “must haves.” Celebs and fashionistas have flocked to the trend rocking it in a variety of ways. This variety adds to the allure of the trend and it’s capacity to be worn with most anything and worn in almost any way.

This amazing leather skirt, priced at $925 definitely makes a fall statement in traditional McQueen fashion!
Avant Garde fashion house Alexander McQueen took this trend and fused it together with classic fall favorite, leather! This amazing leather skirt, priced at $925 definitely makes a fall statement in traditional McQueen fashion! Wear it with cable knit tights and ankle booties to complete the look!
Unlike some trends, oxblood is not limited to a particular item like military jackets or coated denim. Oxblood can be worn as a clothing item (sweater, blouse, skirt, jeans), an accessory (shoes, purse, necklace, ring, scarf, hat), or as a beauty item (nail polish, lipstick) making it an affordable option for any budget.
There really is no wrong way to wear it as I’ve seen it rocked “all oxblood everything” or as an accent piece for an outfit. Need some style inspirations? Check out these outfits that cater to any budget.

Looking for something more formal? This tuxedo blazer from Elizabeth & James $395 is also successful fusion of two hot trends.
Sequin Dress – Topshop – $130
Ring – Zara Simon Cross Gold Ring – $180 Shoes – Christian Louboutin Daf- $1,075
Clutch – Dareen Hakim Le Icon – $305
Cuff – Dorothy Perkins – $17
But what if you’re not into leather skirts, dresses or tuxedo jackets? You can still be on-trend in oxblood skinny jeans! Super skinny jeans were all the rage this past summer and they are back for the fall season in oxblood and plum! Retailers from Wet Seal $29 to Mother the Looker $196 feature them so price is no barrier to this must!
Peplum Top – Chicwish – $43
Two Tone Jean Pants – Aqua – $68
Hoop Earrings – Miso – $8
Studded Black Bootie – Charlotte Russe – $39
Watch – Merona – $15
Black Boston bag – Mossimo – $30
No matter you taste, style or budget there is something this season that will woo a warm a nice plumy place in your heart this fall! So get out there, get creative and get into the trend because it isn’t going away anytime soon!
Fashion Takes On The Red Carpet At The 2012 Vogue Fashion Fund Awards
November 14th, 2012 by Christen
Burberry CCO Christopher Bailey and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour attend the Ninth Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards
The fashion industry pulled out its fancy frocks and indulged to celebrate Seventh Avenue’s next generation of designers at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner. The Fund, now in its ninth year, provides money and mentoring to promising designers. And over time, with its impressive list of winners and finalists who continue to build their businesses and attract acclaim, the program has set an international standard for nurturing talent and breathing fresh air into an industry that thrives on innovation. Burberry CCO Christopher Bailey and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, Chanel Iman, Rachel Roy and Liya Kebede were among the stylish celebs who attended the 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards last night in NYC.

Model Liya Kebede with Proenza Schouler designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough and Liv Tyler
Model Liya Kebede, rocked a Proenza Schouler dress and black sandals alongside Proenza Schouler designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough (past winners of the design award) and Liv Tyler (also in Proenza Schouler)

Chanel Iman, in a low cut golden gown, was amongst the beautiful folks spotted last night at the 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards.

Designer Rachel Roy wore a winter white suit with a leopard blazer alongside BBC personality and fashion journalist Louise Roe.
This year’s big winner was Greg Chait for his lush knitwear-based collectionThe Elder Statesman. Tabitha Simmons, a former stylist and wife of photographer Craig McDean, was a runner-up with her fanciful footwear. And joining Simmons on the runners-up platform was jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, wife of actor Tobey Maguire, who thanked her grandmother for teaching her how to make enameled baubles when Meyer was just 6 years old. They will all receive business mentoring. Chait wins $300,000; Simmons and Meyer will each get $100,000.
via Photos via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North America/Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com
ALL HANDS ON DECK: Get Fashionable Fingertips With Designer Gloves
November 12th, 2012 by Fashion StaffIt’s kind of hard to believe it’s already November but it’ll be easy to keep the eminent chill of winter at arms length with these chic gloves! With studded, printed and even peplum inspired styles you can make sure to stay warm without sacrificing style!
Burberry’s leather hand-studded gloves are the perfect mix of tough and chic, with these mid-arm and driving gloves. Is it just me or would Darth Vader LOVE these gloves!? If you’re looking for trendy options, try out the Marc Jacobs vinyl and calfskin gloves. They let you continue the oxblood trend throughout the fall, all with a subtle peplum accent
Get pretty with these cassic and sophisticated gloves from Modcloth.com. The pink bows and pleated edge details give these gloves a very first ladylike look. While these daring fingerless red knit gloves will keep texters and tweeters happy with wrist warming ruffles that’ll be a perfect pop of color for any outfit. Mix multiple trends in one with these pyramid studded leopard print gloves from Valentino. It doesn’t get any better to brave the winter in a concrete jungle!
Have more gloves than you need? Donate them! North-easterners who were affected by Hurricane Sandy can use your help! Donate gloves, hats and anything else you can to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army to help out those in need!
Stay warm ladies!














































