This Christmas

Some people leave milk and cookies for Santa. Others leave M & M candies. Michelle Obama said she was going to leave Santa some apple slices with her milk & cookies. I am not sure what I will be leaving Old St. Nick, but it will be something thoughtful. Maybe he'd like a trimmer for his beard because he is starting to look a little, um, unkempt. Or maybe I'll leave him a membership to a local North Pole gym because it's been said many times many ways, "Thin is in." I know I need to be hitting the treadmill myself before people start mistaking me for Santa Claus. And that's just not cute! But this is the season to show your appreciation for people who mean a lot to you whether through a kind word, gesture, or gift. So if that means doing a fashion intervention and telling your good friend to retire that colorful '80s Cosby sweater, then go for it.

Two nights ago, George and I had a fitting with Ila for the next 2 looks. FABULOUS! I cannot wait to see the finished dresses. This year's Christmas gift from my mother is a sample from the line courtesy of her checkbook. Can you say, "Fa, La, La, La, La!" I will be picking it up early next week so that it can be tucked neatly under my tree. And I've been talking to acquaintances and friends to see if it will be possible to stage a presentation during New York Fashion Week. It is kind of a long shot, but I remain cautiously optimistic. In fact, if all goes according to plan, I will be inviting you, my readers and supporters, to come take a look. As soon as I have a date, I will let you know. I haven't participated in fashion week for several years now, so I am bursting with excitement.

Every day is filled with the promise of possibilities. And it feels great to be able to live out those promises. I think one of the finest things about Christmas is that this time allows you to assess all the wonderful things in your life. That is, if you're not too jaded to recognize them. Listen, I gotta go now and put the finishing touches on my Christmas decor. But don't forget your milk & cookies. After traveling all over the globe, Santa needs a hook-up, too!

By the way, check out the latest from my diva friend The Mad Fashionista. She interviewed me and asked some very probing questions I was not expecting. I think you'll find it fascinating and fun reading. Perhaps you may even learn some tidbit I had not yet disclosed.

Peace & Fashion!

O' Christmas Tree

'Tis the season for tidings of good cheer, but this week I've been jammed with more year end hustle and bustle than I am accustomed to, so I've been too worn out to impart much mirth and merriment. Besides dressing women, I've also taken on the task of dressing my tree. And although I've been in charge of tree decor over the last few years, this year I decided to try something a little different and make it a Kwanzaa Christmas. For those of you who have no idea what Kwanzaa is, it is a week-long celebration held in the United States honoring African heritage and culture. It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year, primarily in the U.S. The impetus for me to declare this a Kwanzaa Christmas was the angel tree topper my mother bought so many years ago. Made out of African Kente cloth with raffia wings, she is a vision to behold. But her look clashed with the silver, gold, & white color scheme I've been rocking for the last couple of years. I grew tired of watching the kente clothed angel collect dust and wanted to get her back on top of our family tree. So I got all Martha Stewart and decided to create ornaments using Styrofoam balls from the local arts and crafts store covering them in kente. But my obsession, like Martha's bank account, grew and I couldn't stop with just the tree ornaments. So now I have my sister knitting Christmas stockings that I will cuff with kente, I've refashioned my wreath with a kente bow, and our table in the dining room where the tree stands will be draped in green silk dupioni accessorized with a kente runner and place mats. In the meantime, between trying to figure out what to give my niece, nephew, and goddaughter for Christmas and cracking the whip across my tailor's back as he finishes up 3 samples, I've got to figure out a clever package to send to julib.com since you were kind enough to nominate me for a style award. I am also inquiring about the feasibility of participating in New York Fashion Week. It's going to take a lot of volunteer elves to make that happen. And we are also in the process of following up with Gabourey Sidibe's L.A. based stylist to see if there is a chance that we will be dressing her for any event during the awards season. You know it's hard out here for a pimp! But I do find a few quiet moments to stand in the dining room and admire my beautiful and magical tree. Season's Greetings. . .

Peace & Fashion!

Hold up, Santa!

The end of 2009 is fast approaching and I am racing against the clock to complete the collection for Fall 2010. As it stands now, I still have only one look finished. But George, my tailor, is hard at work on two more and I've discussed the details of another. Between the holidays and good cheer, there aren't many working days left to crack the proverbial whip. Just start referring to me as Ebenezer for the next few weeks. But don't get it twisted fashionistas, I am just as jolly as that fabled fat man in the fur trimmed red velvet suit. But since I am desperately trying to make a deadline, I've got to reduce my season's greeting from "Ho, Ho, Ho!" to "HO!" Last night, Ila, George, and I were up to our ears in adjustments for the second sample of my No One Gets The Prize style. Check out the photo to the left. Reflecting on the design, I'd say it has a Victor/Victoria flavor to it - a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. A little confusing to be sure, but when it's done I think you'll be dazzled.

In between Christmas prep, collection prep, and eating way too much Thanksgiving turkey, my family and I took a trip to the local multiplex to check out the movie Precious. I'd read the book, Push by Sapphire on which the film is based, years ago and was blown away by its grittiness, so I was really looking forward to quite a cinematic experience. And of course, it didn't hurt that all the reviews of the movie and the performances were positive. The movie did not disappoint. It's not a story for the faint hearted, but it is an outstanding piece. Mo'Nique's portrayal of an abusive monster for a mother is definitely Oscar worthy. But it is newcomer, Gabourey Sidibe in the lead role that really made me take notice. She is the heart and soul of Precious and carries the film with the unexpected deftness of a seasoned thespian. I was so moved that I've decided that I've got to dress her for the upcoming awards season. So with my small fashion company that can be compared to the the little engine that could, I called the movie studio, Lionsgate, to obtain her contact info. My sister and business partner in crime, Ashanti, crafted a fine email that included images of my work as well as the sketches that I conceived with Miss Sidibe in mind and forwarded it to her management. Miss Sidibe plays an underdog and that's the element of the story that I really identify with. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

My request for donations continues. Please click on the donate button on the right side of this blog screen and help this struggling designer out today. So far, I've raised $335. And I am so grateful, but I really could use a lot more help. And your kindness will definitely be appreciated. I might just be desperate enough to sit on Santa's lap and give him my list of samples that I want to find under my tree on Christmas morning. It may not be the most stylish thing I've ever done, but desperate times call for desperate measures. And although I have been known to be naughty, I've mostly been nice this year.

Peace & Fashion!