24 Hours A Day of Fashion

I was supposed to write something yesterday.  But between watching the Michael Jackson homage on "Glee" and sewing another handbag, I missed my mark.  If only I could have more than 24 hours in a day.  As Miss Scarlet said, "Tomorrow is another day."  And so, alas, here I am on my tomorrow.

I have had to come down from my reality TV high and get back to reality, actually.  So yesterday, after I did my time at the plantation, George (my incredibly skilled tailor) and I met with my new favorite model, Nicole Z.  She really is quite lovely and when you've found someone like her, a fitting, while it is work, really can be a lot of fun.  It's like having your own live version of a curvy Barbie doll and you get to change her outfits including shoes, hosiery, and jewelry.  Each time I work on a collection, when I see the clothes begin to take shape a giddiness starts to set in.  Yesterday really was no exception.

Next week is the beginning of NY Fashion Week.  I won't be doing a presentation of any kind and the collection won't even be finished until next month, finances notwithstanding.  My business partners and I are looking to use the money that we would use for a presentation more wisely when we revamp our website for a late August/early September re-launch.  But in the meantime, the boutique at www.skwilbur.com is still open for business.  So why don't you stop buy and order a fabulous dress or an amazing handbag?!

Peace & Fashion!

BLUE

Last week a friend of mine confided that she was mad at me. "Why are you mad at me?" We hadn't spoken in a few months and I had not uttered a word about her that could have been misconstrued as antagonistic or mean that might have gotten back to her. She went on to explain that earlier this year my blog had taken on a darker tone and she was not pleased about it. She had always anticipated reading about my odyssey because it made her feel empowered and energized and it motivated her to be a better person. Well, she didn't actually say that it motivated her to be a better person. I just added that because it sounds good. But, admittedly, I was caught up in one of my blue moods. Whenever there is an extended period of frustration because of money woes or lack of support from my business partners or I am invariably hitting a brick wall, I will fall into a funk. After I apprised her of the previous months' rough patch, I began to, without delay, admonish her for not reaching out to me to see if I was okay. "Instead of being mad at me, don't you think you should've checked up on me?" I asked. While I am certainly not in the same dark place as Alexander McQueen, the genius fashion talent who hung himself last month, I recognize that this fashion game takes a toll on my spirit and I liken it to a ride on an emotional roller coaster. My dreams for my life are bold and big and inclusive of so many others and I want so much for my hard work and persistence to begin to pay off. I am hungry for my moment to shine. In fact, I'm going to start referring to that as my Madonna moment, because, Lord knows, she is one person that has mastered the shine. So if you see my tone darken, just have a little patience with me. The sun doesn't shine every day and, unfortunately, neither do I.

Peace & Fashion!

What's Going On?

Although this blog documents my journey in fashion, I simply cannot ignore the catastrophic earthquake that has recently brought the country of Haiti to its knees. My heart hurts for the thousands who have perished and the loved ones left behind. But it is at times like these that I really count my blessings for all that I have. I have struggled throughout my career, but I am rich in friends, family, and shelter. And beyond that, I have the capacity to dream and pursue my dreams. Please make a contribution to the relief efforts because the people of Haiti are severely lacking. We have got to help our fellow man. And I just believe that every little bit helps.

It seems weird to segue into fashion. But I need to honor the odyssey and, now more than ever, embrace my passion for fashion to its fullest. This week has been turbo charged with activity as I continue speeding towards the date of the shoot. The new collection will be photographed on February 13 - come hell or high water - so preparations are underway. My milliner, Otis D. Holley (I call him OH for short), is hard at work on the chapeaus the models will be donning. He's finished a couple of styles and I wanted to see how well the hats complimented one of the dresses. So at the fitting on Tuesday, I snapped a photo of my fit model, Ila, working it. I thought she looked HOT! She was the epitome of Fine & Dandy mixed with a little Smooth Criminal.

On this Saturday past, I met one of my sister's old friends from her junior high school days who happens to be a true artisan. We were celebrating Ashanti's 30th birthday at BLT Burger when I noticed Minkie (that's her name) carrying the most chic clutch handbag. When she admitted that she was the designer responsible for it, the wheels in my head immediately started turning. She didn't know this, but I had designed a bag to accompany the looks for this collection and had priced it out at a couple of manufacturers here in New York. It was just too exorbitant and it seemed like I might not have the good fortune to use one of my original designs. But I am positive that Minkie coming into my life at this time is kismet. I am bursting with anticipation to see the final product.

Yesterday, I placed a followup call to Gabourey's stylist, Linda M., who is out on the west coast. I was a little nervous - partly because I would really LOVE to dress Gabourey. And also because in the past when I've tried to make celebrity connections, I have often been met with the sound of crickets (SILENCE). So imagine my surprise when within a half hour Linda returned my call. Apparently, she never got our previous emails and calls so she asked me to send another email with images. Again, Ashanti crafted a great pdf presentation. Linda & I spoke again today and she seems to really want to work with me. The possibilities of a collaboration of this nature are endlessly positive. But I am trying to keep my cool. But wouldn't it be great to see Gabourey walking down the red carpet in one of my custom designed dresses?! Boy, am I happy that after almost 12 years in the trenches, I can still dream.

Peace & Fashion!

Gimme A Break

Every now and then we all need a break from the daily grind. It's true that I love fashion. And oftentimes I do not mind being immersed in the beauty of a well-made coat or a fabulously sexy evening frock. But even I must rejuvenate my creative spirit by getting away from it all. So that's what I am going to do. This Friday, my boyfriend and I are flying to Nice where we will meet friends who have invited us to stay at their home in the South of France. It sounds really ritzy, right? This is my first time traveling to this part of the world so I am really excited. And it always looks so chic because celebrities like Beyonce and Jay-Z and Sean Combs are photographed vacationing there. Needless to say, I will not be posting to the blog while I am away. Hello! That's why it is called a vacation. But I do want to leave you with something really special. Below is the first image from our photo shoot of the Wilbur line - Spring 2010. It's awesome.

In closing, I'd like to pay my respects to two very talented style icons who just passed away. May our angel, Farrah Fawcett, and the king of pop, Michael Jackson, rest in peace.

Peace & Fashion!