Joan Smalls Becomes New Face of Estee Lauder.

WWD announced today that Joan Smalls, is the newest face of the beauty brand Estee Lauder. The model has had an incredible year; from major fashion editorial's around the world or working the runway, The new campaign will debut in May 2011.  The venerable brand announced signing Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen  earlier this year to broaden the range we generally see in advertising here in America - kudos to all involved for the vision and making it happen.

Joan working it in Tom Ford. Harper's Bazaar UK. Photographer: Terry Richardson

For Prada Fall RTW 2010.

Notes.

"Live in joy, in love - even among those who hate."  Dhammapada

Art and Fashion. Anna Sui

Illustration: Hiroshi Tanabe

Illustration. Michell Kim

Illustration: Masiyaki Ogisu

Illustration: Michael Economy

There's something really cool to me about T-shirts with unique stylized illustrations. Designer Anna Sui has a knack for choosing the right illustrators.

Thierry Mugler's 'Womanity'. Jody Watley

"Womanity" powered by revolutionary designer Thierry Mugler is an international based website which weaves together a mosaic of stories and features from women about women. I was profiled in the UK by Simona Rabinovitch.

Read "Jody Watley's Real Love" Here:

Classic Cool.

 Political Activist, Educator, Author Angela Davis with Nobel and Pulitzer Prize Author, Novelist, Professor Toni Morrison.

There's just something special about black and white candid photography. There's something intriguing about the candid moment, and I really appreciate vintage images as well. I really appreciate the 70's stylistically, musically, socially and so on.

Notes. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I always come back to this principle "Actions speak louder than words". 
Put your words into action today. In relationships, ask for what you want - but notice what you get!

Notes. Spirit and Grace: Elizabeth Edwards

I'm sorry to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. She was a woman of inner strength and dignity; both qualities I admire tremendously.  A mother, fighting hard in the midst of family tragedy, health and marital struggles, tabloid headlines and public scrutiny captured the hearts of millions of women who in my view were pulling for her to prevail.

This article from NPR say's it best:
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/07/131862855/elizabeth-edwards-succumbs-to-cancer

New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes

Elizabeth Edward's very poignant message posted just the day before her passing on her Facebook page, which beautifully puts life in perspective and her showed her incredible spirit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20024768-503544.html

May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to her children, family and friends who truly knew and supported her with love.





** I have to add..
I wonder how former Senator John Edwards and that woman who seemed to take so much smug glee at helping push their marriage into a ditch feels.... it's beside the point, but it crossed my mind.

Notes: On Life. Creativity. Art.

"I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then." -Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll

For The Shoe Lover In You. Christian Louboutin Spring 2011

Simply divine.



Photo: (via) www.twitter.com/sashacharnin
US Magazine

Spring Forward. H&M Lookbook 2011

Taking a diversion from holiday and winter style, courtesy of Barracuda Films is a first look at what's going to be in-store at H&M for Spring/Summer. I'm digging the vibrant colors (this from an absolute black-a-holic) and the maxi dresses from the women's wear collections.

Holiday Shopping. Macy's "Heart of Haiti" Collection

Handcrafted votive  holder made from recycled metal.

Ceremonial Bowls. $10.00 Each.

Give a gift that gives back from Macy's, with unique handcrafted items reflecting the culture, history and drive of the Haitian people to rebuild their lives.


Click the link to learn more:

http://www.macys.com/campaign/social?campaign_id=134&channel_id=1&bundle_entryPath=/haiti_landing



Photo: (via) macys.com

Notes.

“I am miracle ingredient Z-247. I’m immense. I’m a real, slam-bang, honest-to-goodness, three-fisted humdinger. I’m a bona fide supraman.” - Catch-22, Joseph Heller

Yves St. Laurent. L'Amour Fou