Urban Thought Collective

High Societies

Dear Lovelies,

It’s interesting the many and different societies that this world has. Each have their own set of requirements, whether education levels, financial standings, personal style, or some are merely based on what you are willing to do. As I am writing this I am coming to you live from a place whose society I do not belong to and am completely overjoyed about it. The event itself, which is to celebrate the nationwide DVD release of the award winning documentary Flintown Kids, by director and fellow Howard University alum Omar McGee, is of great value to me. However it’s the other participants and the existing activities that have me cast out of this “club” society. (Yes I am beating around the bush a bit to avoid a negative tone. This is a gossip free zone!). Personal beliefs aside after a certain age the club just needs to be left to those who are trying to “find themselves” but in actuality are avoiding who they really are. Just to give you a taste the music playlist includes “Nuck if you Buck”. HA! I remember getting my groove on to this once, I’m not ashamed.

All of this got me thinking about societies and fitting in. So, I thought I’d do a quick update while in the midst of everyone shaking their derrieres in their House of Dereon. HA! Fish out of water, I digress. Enjoy.

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St. John Resort 2010 Collection
I recently I attended LA Focus Newspaper’s 12th Annual First Ladies High Tea hosted by Wendy Raquel Robinson and publisher Alis Collins. The event was beautiful. This year’s tea participated in the month long celebration of breast cancer awareness. Honorees included first lady of California Maria Shriver, and Dr. Betty Price of Crenshaw Christian Center. As I was talking to the event coordinator Jasmine Simpkins she pointed out the fact that even still after “we” book fabulous hotels, give eloquent performances and speeches, and put on fantastic well organized and orchestrated events the media placed us right back into South Central and down played the entire event as a visit from a Kennedy princess that was hosted by a Pastor’s wife. Gee thanks ABC 7, we see you.

On the best side of the event the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hilton was delightfully set and filled with the “Sunday’s Best Hat Brigade”. I personally spotted a few hats that I would have loved to snag and add to my collection. Nonetheless the event was a success. This year’s fashion show was sponsored by St. John Knits, who previewed their 2010 resort collection. While most of the applause went to the two black girls that were strategically placed amongst the other pale beauties, the collection overall was very chic. The vibrant printed tweeds, pretty color-blocked dresses and even the boyfriend cardigan cut sweaters made me perk up on my chair a few times. If you have the opportunity to partake in next year’s event it’s more than worth the ticket.

Mr. Penn
The fashion industry and photographers around the world are sadly tipping their hats to legendary photographer Irving Penn. The captivating lensman, died this past week at the age of 92. His career, since taking off after World War II, has been closely documented and watched for inspiration and creative direction. His illusive style relied more on natural lighting, shadows and were vividly told in spaces that were almost empty, as oppposed to hot studio lamps and conventional story telling. The trick or the genius to his approach came from his imagination, the subject, and the photography as a medium itself. His work for Vogue, “created a marvelous world that could be experienced vicariously for the price of a magazine”, as Mary Panzer of the Wall Street Journal puts it. In fashions exclusive fantastical society, where women have silent children, never wrinkle, and wake-up with freshly made up faces Penn honed the idea, through his shots of keeping this fantasy alive. As he explained, “there is no room for less than perfection.” Penn was born in Plainfield, N.J., and grew up in Philadelphia. He studied graphic design at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art. His worked has been captured and studied all over the world. Photos of his work are now on display at the Getty Museum.

Until next time lovelies,

Totally Obsessed,
xoxo Love

Love Collins is a custom clothing designer and stylist who studied fashion design at Howard University and FIT. Her thoughts and interviews from the fashion world are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. For more information, visit www.ilovecollins.com.