Jessica White 4 Sean Penn

My mate Ms Nanalious and I were talking about black-gal-wannabes [personally I’m a big fan of there’s] and just how very easy it is to become famous –right now [I disagree by the way –it takes balls and killer confidence to stand up and be counted]. We talked about the ubiquitous nose job, the skin bleaching, the lace-front wig and the coloured contact lenses –and got into a very heated conversation about the very ‘alive’, Jessica White –of whom I’m a fan! Nana was convinced that all the aforementioned had made it very possible/easy for Ms White to make it –but I disagree. Surly we all know of gals or sisters in the errr [sort of] public eye who have that look but are still struggling to be spotted in Movida never mind by some scouting agent!


In fact, its two things that have helped to catapult this talented gal into the public domain –and one of them is how very clever she is [many rumours abound of just how very clever Jessica White is] and of course, -her very thin body [plus, I don’t know if she bleaches.... that’s her business –even though certain black blogs call her, -Jessica ‘Ashy’ White]. Also, I truly believe that unlike when I was growing up in Ghana, –women are no longer beautiful because they have naturally beautiful faces –no sirrreeee! You can have a face like a hammer-head shark but as long as you’re rail thin [in the west anyways] –you are deemed beautiful. But truly, I love Jessica. She has the balls to get up of a Morning –and put her best foot forward, –plus she rocks –she can pay her own rent! Jessica White’s so much more than the aforementioned errrm ubiquitous qualities or her body, -she’s a Victoria Secret’s model –and that’s what I want to be when I grow-up! She has also been linked to some killer gorgeous men.....and is now all over Blogland because of her hook-up with the ever fabulous Sean Penn [clever gal] –oh, if you haven’t already been bombarded with this one –google her. For more info about model Jessica White visit: http://www.jessica-white.com/

Model of the Month: Samantha Harris –an Aboriginal model on the rise....

What a strange world we live in! I have spent the last week trying to shake off [probably -the most devastating news of the year so far] –the death of Boa Sr -the last remaining speaker of ‘Bo’ [one of the ten Great Andamanese languages] –this February on India's remote Andaman Islands. Her passing marked the end of the Bo tribe and the loss of a language. Can you imagine being the last of your kind –nor can I? Anyway, I was trying to come to terms with the death of this [entre] indigenous tribe when I received a fabulously uplifting email from my mate Talib about an Aboriginal model called Samantha Harris –who’s about to go stellar! This is what he wrote' “another name worth noting is that of Samantha Harris, a 19-year-old model who is booked for almost 20 shows during the fashion week that ends May 7. Without a doubt the most successful local runway model of this season, Harris is not only celebrated for her striking features but also for potentially becoming the first Aboriginal supermodel.”

Enough said! This month’s model is Samantha Harris –an Aboriginal supermodel on the make. I pray success, joy and peace into her life –and a new respect for the Aboriginal people [probably the oldest race on earth]. I’m so pleased for her and the Aboriginal community [and for every indigenous race out there]...xx

***Please remember that time’s also running out for the rest of the Andaman Islanders –in particular the Jarawa [the ancestors of the Andaman Islanders: the Onge, Sentinelese and Great Andamanese tribes -are thought to have been part of the first successful human migrations out of Africa -and are believed to have settled in the Andaman islands as long as 60,000 years ago] –and are slowly dying out as a result of contact with the outside world! You can read more about the Andaman Islanders at: http://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/jarawa

The Jarawa

RIP Boa Sr

Alek Wek graces the cover of Elle South Africa’s 14th Anniversary Issue....

Whilst many of us are celebrating this ‘happy’ cover –others are asking, ‘do black covers sell?’ What I want to know, -really want to know is –‘do white woman buy ‘black covers?’. I feel that many publishers will be surprised to find -many of our white sisters are more than happy to buy glossies with black models/celebrities on. And thus -the debate ensues. -Are there fewer black covers because they don’t sell/the public don’t buy them or are there other issues involved?

I was asked this question by a third year fashion student [doing her dissertation] last week and I decided to get deep. I believe that whilst black women [and men] are seen as: less aspirational, with less disposable income, less fashionable, lacking class, ghetto, uglier etc –there will always be less ‘black covers’. And then she made an excellent point about our first lady Michelle Obama –and her many ‘covers’ –and she concluded, -most ‘black covers’ feature black role models -and [maybe] if we in England had more ‘black female role models’ then there will be more ‘black covers’ etc. –And I agree to a point, because whilst we are blessed in the UK with numerous black female role models [we have politicians, actors, entrepreneurs, models etc], -glossies like British Vogue, -will never put a role model like Dawn Butler, MP for Brent South [who is young and beautiful] on their cover because she is not seen as fashionable.

Fashion is first most –aspirational! It celebrates the uber stylish woman etc –and the ‘real’ truth is, –most mainstream fashion magazines don’t know [a lot of] stylish black women. Of cause there are other [political] issues but I’m optimistic and believe that things will change; –just look at American Vogue, –there’s always [at least] one fabulous black sister -in each issue. What do you think ladies, –do ‘black covers’ sell

Fashion et al Hearts Alek Wek

One of the most inspirational models of ‘our’ time, Alek Wek’s epic rise in the touchy world of fashion helped to break down barriers –and made the beauty industry sit-up and take note. As for her style, [personally] I’ve never seen a photo of Ms Wek off duty –and not been blown away by her beauty [that winning smile], that incredible body, the elegant way she carries herself -and her refusal bow down to [certain] pressures like: bleaching her skin, or adding hair extensions or ‘doing’ her nose etc [because it kind of hard to think of black models who haven’t had their noses 'done'].

Alek’s [innate] style is timeless, chic and classic. Off duty -she's laidback in t-shirt/classic white shirt and jeans combo -but the red carpet is where you find Alek without equal –at her very best, –in elegantly sexy va va voom statement dresses! I’m also a big fan of her headscarves [I rock them too].....x

Fashion: Diddy & Natalia Vodianova –A fine Romance

Diddy and Natalia Vodianova get all ‘Audrey-Tautou-in-Chanel-No-5-advert’ -in the February 2010 Issue of American Vogue….Shoot by uber photographer, Annie Leibovitz –Diddy talks about this latest album called "Last Train to Paris". The pictures are stunning….….x

The one to watch: Diandra Forrest

I can't wait for Diandra Forrest to hit these shores -she is sooo fashion fabulous! Discovered by photographer Shameer Khan in New York, Diandra is a 5'11" Bronx gal -causing quit a stir over the pond. Since signing to Elite Models last year, -she's been working non stop -so look out for her at the A/W 10 shows...

Don’t Believe The Hype: A Black Lara Stone in French Vogue

I have been meaning to write about the latest uproar in Blogland -forever. Lara Stone –mainstream’s model de jour was painted black for French Vogue’s October issue [it was dedicated to supermodels] –and some folks aren’t happy! Shot by Steven Klein and styled by Carine Roitfeld, –Lara is painted all black [and looks great by the way –heheheeh] in what can only be describe as a ‘wannabe controversial’ shoot [goodness knows how folks are suppose to sell glossy magazines in this credit crunch!] entitled ‘Contemporary Blackface’. Personally, I see it for what it really is, -another clever piece of hype –all done in the name of very clever marketing –in [a] very desperate time.

After the uber exposure and the incredible publicity garnered by the ‘All Black Italian Vogue’ –why not a black Lara Stone? I have had this idea forever, –the idea of using Nicola Roberts [the lovely redhead in Girls Aloud] in my magazine aimed the chichi black sister –because she is the very flip-side, the very opposite of the black woman –no?? It’s all about Art, expression –and maybe a little bit of desperate selling –and very clever marketing but not racism as some in Blogland are claiming.

Yes one could argue that French Vogue should have booked a black model for this shoot –but would we be talking about it? No sirree. I don’t think that French Vogue readers or me or you -would have batted an eyelid [well maybe me -because I always get excited when I see black models in the ‘Vogues’ –but you get my point?] If the lovely Lara was left in her natural state –I would have just flicked over to the next page –but because of this hullabaloo, –these images are now firmly stuck in my mind and that I feel is what Carine Roitfeld wanted, –and good for her. What do think folks? xx

Model of the Month: Rose Cordero

What’s not to love about Fashion et al's model de Jour, Rose Cordero. This Brazilian model is hot potatoes -and was chosen as one of the 'Hot 19' models to grace V Magazine September 2009 Issue...... Go Rose !!

Fashion et al Hearts Joy Vieli

I first spied Joy via her Myspace page about four years ago; -when she was a jobbing model -somewhere in Austria [I think?]. Fast forward three years and I'm trying to get an interview with her. Fast forward four years and my lovely mate Tals bumps into her at some hot event or the other, -and is telling her that she is fabulous and that she needs to be on his [hot] friend's Blog [that's moi -folks] etc. My friend Tals, is a treasure trove of all things: hot, relevant and stylish, -and if he says someone is hot -they are!! Well you can image my excitement [and his happy disappointment] when I told him that Joy and I have chatted via Facebook -and that I have already approached this 'model/social butterfly' -and hopefully the interview will happen soon. As for Joy style -I love it. Dark-Afro-Gothic-rock-n-roller or glamorous-kanye-gal, Joy is never predictable and that hair! Funny enough, -she is on the cover of Black, Hair and Beauty [I saw it in the library] and looks beautiful. I predict that we will be seeing more of Joy -as chichi mainstream [always behind] starts to celebrate this 'new' style icon.....xx

An Exclusive interview with Tolula Adeyemi

I love Tolula Adeyemi. She is an innovator and a trendsetter. Part of a new breed of celebrated -uber stylish Afro-Saxons, Tolula is not just a beautiful 'It girl / Socialite' about town -but a force to be reckoned with. A style icon, DJ, model -and an incredible actress [she is the very embodiment of Fashion et al].... I bumped into her a while back -and gushingly [embarrassingly sooo -folks] told her, 'I loved her style and thought she was great etc [Tolula I must point out, -was great about the whole thing, -and didn't scream, 'stalker'] -and agreed to an interview [yippee]. The following is an exciting insight into the wonderful world of one of my favourite style icons ......enjoy xx


FEA: Hi Tolula, how are you?
TA: Great thanks, very busy, but busy is always good!

FEA: Thanks for the interview babes. What are you up to right now?
TA: Right now I am working on a theatre project, a comedy show, sketches/Act plays to be precise! That is taking up a lot of my time and energy right now. Which is all part of my theatre company.

FEA: Can you tell us about yourself and how you became Model/Actress/DJ etc?
TA: I was scouted aged 17 -shopping in Topshop. I was such a tomboy and wanted to be like my brothers -that modelling never once crossed my mind, even though my mother modelled during university. I was just playing basketball and wearing lumberjack shirts and Timberland boots then! But I didn't realise at the time and for quite a while what opportunities are available to models...so it took a while for me to be comfortable with the idea of being a model, plus my family is bursting with academics, so it wasn't considered a natural path. But I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity to take this journey; it's honestly been incredible so far.

Like any profession modelling/acting/etc has its ups and downs. But hopefully I was prepared for the rejection part of acting [through modelling castings] but then I think maybe not! DJing was for fun and I tried it out first with one of my best friend's Jeanette. Our first gig was unpaid in an empty pub, and then our second was a billionaire's son's 16th birthday party. I loved the unpredictability and love of the music...Acting is something I picked back up from my childhood. I was also singing, dancing, ballet, tap, performing. It was like picking up an instrument that you played as a child and learning again and with a different mindset and goals. I started taking classes -no drama school, although I auditioned and got into [drama school], but it didn't feel right to me - I took classes in the evening while I modelled.

I studied art for a year at Chelsea and almost became a fashion designer, but thank god I didn't!! As I don't think I would be able to cope with that kind of stress. My parents said I had to study something so I also took up writing as I wrote songs and poetry from a young age. I was all over the place, and then I discovered acting and its many faces! I didn't really plan all these different things I just took what came my way and held onto what I love and let go of what didn't feel right. I think it's great to be able to discover and experiment when you're very young...I think I still am!

FEA: If you had to choose only one of your chosen professions -which would it be and why?
TA: I can't be 'Jack of All Trades'. Acting because I love it and it constantly challenges me, educates me and makes me feel alive. I'm also a frustrated rock star/rapper, hence the DJing! But I have found my one true love in acting, there is so much freedom given to you, in the dedication to the craft. I mean, life is theatrical; kids are fighting in a war and getting killed, London is preparing years in advance for the Olympics, people are dying of swine flu, most people are counting their pennies, because of "The Credit Crunch" (when really we should be spending a bit more!), diamonds are being stolen by guys wearing high-tec latex masks...they are all movie themes!

FEA: Do you still DJ at Bungalow 8 –and can you tell us about your best DJing experience to date?
TA: Yes, Bungalow 8, if I’m not working on projects etc. DJing for me is like instant gratification, it's that feeling you get as a performer, but not so concentrated as it is on stage. But that's only when the crowd is dancing, which I usually try to help them do! I really enjoyed DJing at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards after party, or a random night -like when Eva Mendes, Marion Coiltard, Kate Hudson and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas all came to my DJ gig for a girls night out, after a break in filming from new film Nine. Fergie loved my set, which was great coming from her!! I played reggae, ragga and dancehall at the end of the night and they said they didn't want to leave! That was an experience to cherish. Hopefully I’ll be working with at least one of them on a film project....

FEA: Tolula you are photographed out and about regularly -does it feel strange to be recognised by 'Joe Public'?
TA: Err, yes...I don't feel like a celebrity, I really only think about my art, my work....I forget that some people know me and wonder why that person is staring and whispering. Others just don't have a clue who the hell I’m supposed to be, it's all quite funny and confusing! I did see Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow leaving Nobu one night and couldn't believe how many paparazzi surrounded their car, they couldn't even drive anywhere! I'm not at that stage...yet!! I think I’m lucky in the sense that I’ve been in this scene for a really long time and I suddenly haven’t been catapulted over night, it's happening gradually, but you never know boom! I'm every where! Fame is crazy, but I suppose you make it what you want it to be, it can be fun, if you want! I always think about Andy Warhol's prediction - that in the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.....But no, no stalkers that I know of!

FEA: Who are you listening to right now, -and what was the last album you bought?
TA: I tend to download a lot (which isn't very supportive of recording artists!) because of DJing and I love mixtapes/CDs. Florence and The Machine, Dizzee Rascal, unknown new bands that sound good, lots of old stuff, Nina Simone, Jay Z, Arctic Monkeys, M.I.A, loving The Gossip's new album...I usually buy albums from artists who consistently have 8-10 good tracks on their albums like Kings Of Leon, Jay Z, Dizzee Rascal, The Killers, Jay Z, Pharell Williams.... I love 80s Duran Duran too! God if only Tupac and Biggie were alive! And I can forever listen to any Prince song all day for the rest of my life.

FEA: Congratulations, you are the face of Hari [a luxury sportswear label by Lainey Sheridan-Young] -it must be very exciting, -how's it going?
TA: Yes, exciting! And to have taken over from Daisy Lowe who I think is a force of nature in her own right. It's a great brand! Also signing with Next Models is exciting, under Sarah Leon and the team.

FEA: You have great style -how would you describe your look?
TA: Thank you! I have to apologise, this is not a question I’m fond of answering as it's not that simple to just answer, "yes, well I think I’m a touch of rock chic, a dash of grime dancehall queen and a huge dollop of Shoreditch burlesque 1920s!!!" Style, I think its complex. Or it's easy. Some people have it, some people don't, others don't care... I usually say Masculine/Feminine and will probably say that until the day I die!! "Yeah, also a pinch of Drama Queen!!"


FEA: Who is your style icon?
TA: Josephine Baker, Marilyn Monroe, Eartha Kitt, Grace Jones, the late Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, Tilda Swinton, Patti Smith, Jimi Hendrix, David Lynch, Michelle Obama, Edith Piaf, Edie Sedgwick, and the photographer, model, Man Ray's muse, artist - Lee Miller.....

FEA: List the shops you can't live without?
TA: Jeanette's shop on Redchurch street - one of my best friends! Selfridges, Vivienne Westwood on Conduit St, Watkins bookshop, Samuel French theatre bookshop in Fitzrovia, any shop with a printer to print scripts, James Read - Tanning Expert, Topshop, Beyond retro, all vintage shops, jewellery from Gray's Antique Market

FEA: London, Lagos or NYC?
TA: All the above! London is my base but I have family all over the world..my uncle was even in Dafar as colonel doctor during the conflict. He emailed some gruesome pictures...!

FEA: Tell us about the designer(s)on your speed dial?
TA: Hannah Marshall, Charlotte Olympia - hot shoes!, Manjit Deu, Henry Holland, Louis Vuitton, D&G, Vivienne Westwood, ANCE Jeans, Felix Rey bags, Golden jewellery (www.golden-jewellery.co.uk), New Yorker Genevieve Jones jewels and bags...MOMO [I modelled for them on the catwalk at Africa Rising at The Royal Albert Hall] -also Nigerian designer, Duro Olowu is great.

FEA: Who is hot right now?
TA: I know it's a cliche now but I have always thought this before he blew up into a movie star! ROBERT PATTINSON (If you're reading this Robby, let's go on a DATE sometime soon....OK!?!?!) is so hot right now! haha! Just like half the female population of the planet and probably more, -I think. I'm also feeling TINCHY STRYDER, -DIZZEE RASCAL will always have a place in my heart, he's brilliant! It's great to have our own British hip hop/grime artists, I love what Dizzee does, it's so original and clever. Also I'll be controversial and say Wiley next! ha! I have such a broad taste in Music, I love the Kings Of Leon and anything that Jay-Z does. I'm so into Shinga from The NOISETTES, it's so great to see your friends doing so well! I used to go to her and Paloma Faith's gigs ages ago. Shinga supported my friend Skin at Koko once and blew the place apart with that voice. Paloma is another great artist too and does the acting thing as well, which I really respect...I couldn't imagine acting and being in the music business, the music business scares me! There's more scarier money hungry people in music than film or theatre, that's for sure! I started singing in bands and solo projects in my teens and wrote songs and poetry, but did it for fun, but had loads of professional offers...but my singing background helped me to get a part as jazz singer in Last Chance Harvey, shot in 2007. Taylor Swift, I was impressed with her hip hop collaboration, also there's something about her...

Natalie Press has such a fierce talent and I loved her in her break out film, 'My Summer Of Love'. There needs to be more -new young up-coming black actresses coming out of this country...There are already established black actresses -I admire; Naomi Harris (Pirates of The Caribbean, 28 Days Later), also Thandie Newton is now an academy award winner, Sophie Okenodo -the same,...I'm searching for someone. I think it's about time there are some! Aurel Schmidt [a Canadian- New Yorker] who's a new young up coming artist - amazing illustrations (I studied art at Chelsea for a year). Florence and The Machine - that girl has an amazing voice. Also, I'm loving a new jewellery brand called Golden, designed by Stepania Pena-Nur. Model wise; Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will always be in my top 5, she's living the model dream. Chanel Iman is on fire, as well as model Sessilee Lopez.


FEA: What's the must have 'item' for A/W 09?
TA: Any shade of red lipstick by Chanel, especially Passion. Mulberry Clutch (also with a shoulder strap). Anything from Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. Loads of chunky cocktails rings on each finger and the highest heels you've ever worn in your whole entire life.....

FEA: And finally, Tolula -a packet of crisp or a bar of chocolate?
TA: Most definitely chocolate and a cheeky bag of popcorn, a kiss and a good film = PURE JOY!

FEA: Thanks Tolula, stay beautiful.............xx

My kind of people: Jourdan Dunn

Sususu Gossip about our Jourdan is whirling in the 'land of Blog' -and it's left me feeling, erm......kind of ...like....- I felt; -when the [very] young Jamelia got pregnant at the [very] beginning of her sing career!! Our Jourdan [the only black British model who is really working] -is rumoured to be pregnant -and I am exhausted, -she is only 19. Anyway, God Bless her and her baby [-if its true] and hopefully, she will bounce right back, -and return to the catwalk]. I will keep you posted. (Credit: Jourdan Dunn on Thakoon [Fall 2009] Ready-to-Wear Runway)

Next Big Thing: Adwoa Aboah

Adwoa Aboah is 'red' hot. Of Ghanaian and English origin, -this fierce beauty with boombastic red hair is the daughter of uber couple, Charles and Camilla [Lowther] Aboah. Hauntingly beautiful, this freckled princess has just signed with, Storm model agency -and is about to blow-up -big stylee.....so watch out world. www.stormmodels.com