How You Like Her Now?

Jennifer Hudson is on the cover of the latest issue of Essence magazine.  In fact, as of late, it has been difficult to overlook the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Award winning actress and Grammy Award winning singer since she became the latest celebrity spokesperson for Weight Watchers.  J-Hud's svelte new figure is featured prominently in print ads and can be seen gracing billboards all over New York City. Her commercials for the weight loss brand are in heavy rotation on network television and last month she discussed her dramatic weight loss (80 lbs.!) during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.  But there is something that I find disturbing about all this attention being paid to her now size 6 frame.

I remember first catching a glimpse of Jennifer on American Idol.  I thought she was beautiful and talented.  Unabashed by her robust figure, when she performed she commanded the attention of her audience.  And she seemed to own her killer curves.  She was dismissed from the competition too soon, in my opinion, but shortly thereafter she resurfaced as a movie star winning acclaim for her role as Effie White in the film "Dreamgirls".  Each time she graced the red carpet, people took note that she was a beautiful, curvy girl who was stylish, graceful, and gave a lot of fashion fabulosity.

But now it appears that Jennifer has become just another pawn in the celebrity game who has bought into Hollywood's conventional definition of beauty.  It was revealed that she needed to shed weight in order to portray Winnie Mandela in a yet-to-be released film.  Since she gained weight and won an Oscar, I thought losing weight might bring her the same acclaim.  But then she continued with the program, her waist whittled down several inches, the evidence of its former girth only believable because of old photos circulating the Internet.  While no one wants to be considered fat, I do feel that the celebration of Jennifer's transformation is a slap in the face of every curvy woman who struggles with self-esteem and image issues.  We hold women, in particular, to a higher standard without considering the ramifications of all our judgements. Don't get me wrong, I applaud Jennifer's dedication to her weight loss program and exercise regimen, but she was just as lovely when she was a size 16.  My wish is that we are more accepting of ourselves and others who may look less-than-perfect from the outside.  Because beauty flows from within, no matter what the scale says.

Peace & Fashion!

WANTED: A Model Citizen

I thought I'd have photos to share of the fruitful and wonderful casting I was conducting today. I thought you would be able to see the other model who, along with Valencia, will be posing and cavorting in front of the camera on June 20. Not. This time craigslist let me down. None of the candidates worked. They were either not camera ready or did not match Valencia's measurements. And since all the pieces were made to fit Valencia's body, that's just not going to work. But there was one glimmer of hope. Her photos were playful, yet sophisticated. Sexy, yet appropriate. She is lovely to look at possessing a beauty that is accessible. And best yet, her measurements matched Valencia's. I knew, looking at her images online, that I'd found my other goddess. So this morning I packed up all the denim pieces and shoes and jewelry and trudged into Manhattan. That bag was heavy. By mid morning I received word from my sister that our goddess was filming a movie starring Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep. She was not available, but wished us luck. That stinks. But the show must go on, so we have rescheduled the casting for this Monday. These photos have got to be magical and my dresses have got to POP. And we're hoping that we find that model citizen who has all the snap and crackle to do just that.

Peace & Fashion!

Genesis

Many years ago, over 11, I decided to start my own clothing line. What led up to that a-ha moment is a story for another time. But for now, let's just say that the universe supported my creativity. I christened the line Sorta Kinda because it was part of a phrase I had come up with to describe a girlfriend's oh so fierce new hair weave and my then boyfriend thought it had a nice ring to it. Naturally, I was very excited when I scampered off to one of those federal buildings in downtown Brooklyn on July 29, 1998 and filled out the paperwork for sole proprietorship. It was official! I could see my future unfolding like the movie with the classic "feel-good" Hollywood ending. I was going to set the world on fire, rise to become fashion's next darling, and have women across the U.S. chanting my name as they posed on sidewalks and red carpets wearing my clothes. The question on every woman's lips would be, "Versace, who?" Was I delusional, suffering from feelings of grandeur, or just green? Well it's 2009 and that has not happened, yet I am still in the game.

Fast forward to today, my business partner, Serosh, came up with this fantastic idea to create an accessory that would compliment our tops that we hope to bring to market this spring. I came up with this concept called "tee-bags" that would include a tote and a wristlet style. It's gonna be H-O-T! But right now we are faced with drama from our manufacturers overseas. First, our order was too small so a couple of manufacturers turned us down. They said it wasn't worth their time. Now we've got this French dude who says he can make it happen for us, but then disappears for days at a time without so much of a word. Wassup with that?! Everyday we are learning, but, damn, I am sick of the classroom! All I want now is to have those bags for sale at skwilbur.com. Whoever came up with the saying "Patience is a virtue" must have had me in mind. And since I am being SO virtuous, then you must be too. That's it for today, but check in from time to time just to see where I am in my odyssey. And if you feel like dropping me a line, then post something. Please, NO APPLAUSE! Just kidding. . .



Peace & Fashion!