Wednesday, January 30, 2008

FASHION WEEK IS HERE AGAIN, GOD HELP ME!




Well Ladies and Gentlemen today is January 30th 2008 and for all my fellow fashion whores and employees of the taste you know what that means - we’re only two days away from the beginning of it all once again – Mercedes-Benz New York Fall Fashion Week. I just got a call from a client in desperate need of an emergency fashion consultation, for an event she is attending with a very important client that she must impress; just for reference, she called me at 1pm, the event is at 7pm. To be honest with you it wasn’t until that moment that I realized it was already the 30th and we were only two days away from the shows. My wakeup call from her got me in full go mode and I’m doing what needs to be done to get her dressed to the nines to impress everyone in that room, including her client. Yes, it is normal to get a call a matter of hours before an event, with a client expecting you to turn them into a Vogue/GQ cover model, for an event with that limited amount of prep time. I’m really good at what I do, so this is not a problem for me. It also helps that the client happens to also be a friend that I love, so I like making her look as great on the outside, as she is on the inside.

I have not really been on my pre- Fashion Week grind this year, the weeks leading up to fashion week tend to be just as frantic and busy as the actual eight day week of the shows – credentials, castings, fittings, client meetings, shopping, calls, scheduling, bookings, photo shoots, and pre-parties - the list is considerably longer. However, this year – not so much of all that pre-week “stuff”. I’ve just been uninterested in the process. Since I was not able to attend The Milan Men’s Fall Fashion Week Shows (The real fashion week for us people who work in men’s apparel) a few weeks ago due to scheduling conflicts, it put me in a shitty mood for the New York shows. I wasn’t too impressed with what I saw back in September on those runways and all the bull that came with what the week has become. I didn’t even book a hotel room in the area as I usually do to save me the hassle of having to go back and forth from the shows to Brooklyn to events and parties. I’m losing interest in an event that seems to be becoming more about the celebrities in the seats than the clothes on the runway. When I have more celebrities, paparazzi, and entertainment gossip shows/mags present than Buyers, Editors, Fashion Photographers, Image Consultants, and Stylist – then it’s time to wrap it up and wait for the online coverage in the comfort of my home or just jack my Stylist and Editor friends for their digicam shots and notes.

As it happens every year around this time for the Fall shows and September for the Spring shows, I seem to become very popular. I’m sure everyone who has been reading this blog for a while remembers what last September was like for me. All of a sudden, people I haven’t heard from in about six months seem to miraculously find me in their phonebooks and need to reconnect - do the math, fashion week is semi-annual, and it’s that time once again. This worked so well last September that I have decided to do the list once again – THE FAQ LIST.

For all those long lost friends and all the people who love stopping me in mid sprint, as if I have an information kiosk sign on my head, I have created a small FAQ section. This is to save you any daytime minutes or for me to avoid your need to stop me from getting to where I have to get to, so you can ask the same questions your co- worker at Starbucks just asked me five minutes earlier. I am sure as the days of fashion week go on I will be adding more answers to this list, seeing, as I am sure you will be asking more questions. Peace, Love, and Fashion!


•NO, I DO NOT HAVE EXTRA INVITATIONS FOR ANY SHOWS.

•NO, I CANNOT GET YOU A MEETING WITH SOME DESIGNERS, BUYERS, BOOKING AGENTS, CASTING DIRECTORS, FASHION EDITOR, AND/OR PUFFY’S BABY MOMMAS, ETC.

•NO, I CANNOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE GUEST LIST.

•NO, YOU CANNOT BE MY PLUS 1.

•THIS IS THE TENTS FOR FASHION WEEK. IT’S WHERE TWICE A YEAR DESIGNERS SHOW THEIR NEW FALL/SPRING DESIGNS FOR BUYERS, FASHION EDITORS, STYLIST, IMAGE CONSULTANTS, INDUSTRY INSIDERS, THE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY THIS SH%T, THE CHILDREN OF PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY THIS SH%T. YES, THAT FASHION WEEK.

•NO, I WILL NOT GIVE UP MY SEAT TO THE CRACKED OUT STARLET OF THE MOMENT.

•NO, I AM NOT ANY PLUS SIZED, DARK SKINNED, BLACK ACTOR, SINGER, OR RAPPER YOU LOVE.

•NO, I AM NOT A STYLIST. I AM AN IMAGE CONSULTANT. YES, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. NO, I WILL NOT EXPLAIN WHAT IT IS. WHY ARE YOU HERE?!?!!!

•I BOUGHT IT AT THAT PLACE UP THE BLOCK, AROUND THE CORNER, AND DOWN THE STREET. NO. NOT THAT PLACE.

•YES, MODELS EAT. NO, I HAVE NOT SEEN IT, BUT I HEARD.

•NO, I DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU CAN SCORE SOME…

•NO, YOU CANNOT MEET ME AT THE DOOR FOR THE AFTER PARTY. I WILL MEET YOU INSIDE.

•YES, I KNOW WHERE DIDDY’S PARTY IS. NO, I AM NOT TELLING YOU.

•NO, OF COURSE I DID NOT IGNORE YOUR CALL. (APPLY WHICHEVER SUITS)

1. "I GET NO RECEPTION IN HERE"
2. "I CANNOT HEAR MY PHONE WITH ALL THAT NOISE"
3. "WE HAD TO TURN OUR PHONES OFF FOR THE SHOW"

•NO, YOU CANNOT SEE WHAT IS IN MY GIFT BAGS.

•YES, THERE ARE STRAIGHT MEN IN FASHION.

•YES, THERE ARE SUCCESSFUL BLACK PEOPLE IN FASHION.

•YES, THIS IS THE LINE FOR THE SHOW/PARTY. LOOK AT THE SIGN!

•YES, THOSE SHADES ARE PRETENTIOUS, BUT WHERE ELSE BUT HERE TO BE.

•YES, THEY ARE WEARING REAL FUR. HOW DO I KNOW?! I DIDN'T DESIGN IT!

•YES, YOU MAY GET ME ANOTHER DRINK.

•YES, YOU MAY PRACTICE WALKING IN YOUR 5 INCH HEELS FOR MY OPINIONS AND CRITIQUES.

•YES, YOU MAY FLY ME TO MILAN AND PARIS TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING.

•YES, I WILL BE UP FOR THE NEXT EIGHT DAYS AND LOVING EVERY WAKING MINUTE OF IT.


SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RUNWAY


GVG
~Tom Ford is still my fashion God~

P.S. I would have put up a photo of some black models on the runway, but let’s be honest – it’s New York Fashion Week – they don’t exist. Blog probably coming soon.

10 comments:

*muse said...

tomford.com

lol.

u already know ;)
i'm working on that one. let me know where you end up.

Anonymous said...

damn son let bygones be bygones, the important thing is that we cool. so, you got any extra invites for the kid?

The Bougie Baller said...

I loved this post... I love your honesty, humor, and energy for fashion!

I'm a Tom Ford fan too... I think he's dynamic! Favorite shoe designer (male shoe)? What about favorite female designer? Favorite shoe designer (female shoe)?

And ahhhh Milan... I desperately want to go to Milan (and Florance... and Rome... you get the picture). Paris is on my "do-see" list...actually, my "to-see" list is quite long... lol. and I'm really not mad at "yes you may fly me to Milan or Paris to keep the party going" ... that's perfect!

As funny as this may sound, I've never had any kind of interaction with an American-based fashion week... I've been to South Africa fashion week in Cape Town... phenomenal, amazing, wonderful! I had such a good time, my only lament is that I didn't take any pictures :(

Anyhoo, enjoy Fashion week... I'm sure you'll have stories, adventures, and other amazing things to share once it is over :)

I AM GVG® said...

ISIS! WOW! HOW I LOVE YOU FOR THAT!

That promo just made my day and this my friends is why I love him.

Please ALL go visit his site NOW
WWW.TOMFORD.COM

I AM GVG® said...

Leah:

Glad you enjoyed the post. Here are the answers to your queries.

1. Favorite shoe designer (male shoe)?

I am an Italian shoe person all the way; I love the long, narrow form of an Italian shoe. The stitch work. It is the perfect marriage between form and function. Therefore, it would probably have to go to Salvatore Ferragamo. Gucci close second. However, there are some new kids on the block that I am really digging - The brothers of Barker Black (www.barkerblack.com). They understand.

2. Favorite shoe designer (female shoe)?

I honestly believe that Christian Louboutin (www.christianlouboutin.fr) is the God of the women’s shoe. He understand how to make a women look like a towering goddess in a five inch stiletto. You just want to find a comfortable seat and watch a women walk in those red bottom shoes. Matter of fact, she does not have to be wearing anything else for you to consider it perfection achieved. I often use the term stem game and once when asked I described stem game as “A woman who makes walking in a pair of sexy, well made high heels look like an art form; a retrospective on fluent motion that should be broadcast on JumboTrons for all to enjoy.(4inch +, anything less would be uncivilized.)” I think Louboutin is the designer who makes the shoes that compliments your stem game.

Sorry I get a bit carried way when it comes you lovely ladies and those shoes you give us the pleasure of seeing you in.

3. What about favorite female designer?

This one I cannot really give an answer to. It all depends on the women, the mood I am in, and what I would like to see her in at that moment.

Whom do you like to wear?
What designer makes you feel sexy? (Both shoe and clothing)

I AM GVG® said...

P.S. Leah, I actually did a short post on Christian Louboutin last fashion week.

http://iamgvg.blogspot.com/2007/09/ps-every-woman-should-own-pair.html

Anonymous said...

It amazes me how much you are like a slightly altered reflection of me. The TOM FORD is a fashion God comment resinates in my spirit! He to is my FASHION GOD still to this day.

Anonymous said...

GVG!!! LMAO....

Hey G, DO you have an EXTRA INVITATIONS FOR ANY SHOW? Or can you GET A MEETING for me WITH SOME DESIGNERS, BUYERS, BOOKING AGENTS, CASTING DIRECTORS, FASHION EDITOR, AND/OR PUFFY’S BABY MOMMAS!!!?

I was really hoping you could PUT my NAME ON THE GUEST LIST or let me be your PLUS 1.

And...I tried to call you...are you ignoring my calls or were you not getting reception?!! lol

Son...I had to do it. Ah, I miss Fashion week most of all.

Much love,
CMG

The Bougie Baller said...

g, you must be a mind-reader :)

i love salvatore ferragamo for men! very sleek and sophisticated...

as for shoes... christian louboutin is hands down my favorite shoe designer... there's no one who comes close to him in my heart... how do i procrastinate during the day? i stare at christian louboutins online! my friend just purched a peep-toe with a 5 inch heel (for an unbelievable price... ugh, so jealous!)... they are gorgeous... classic... did i mention gorgeous?

*sigh* oh and i don't do CL flats (or wedges... unless they are super hot)... what a waste of a good shoe! Now I'd love to find a high-end shoe with a purple sole... that'd be intense :) ... I'm also a newly converted Brian Atwood fan... his shoes are definitely sharp!

Favorite clothing designers... I have SO many ugh... (you should see my shopstyle profile)... I'm a fan of marc jacobs although less so in recent years... david meister, tracy reece, joe's jeans, habitual, Sky(e), Alice + Olivia, nicole miller, versace... but if i could wil' out... i LOVE herve ledger dresses... love love love them and i am determined to buy one by any means necessary!

ugh, clearly we need to talk shop ... :)

Anonymous said...

More about Tom Ford?
His fan-page !
www.tomford.nl
Now you will know everything about him.
:)

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