Lil Kim Queen Of Iconic Wigs

Being a style icon requires originality, few ever reach that status despite spinning webs of lies. Lil Kim is that, the Queen Bee always serves looks. Her wigs are like Picasso periods, deserving their own post. These are just a few of her hair serves henny. The designer logos dyed in are just another level of legendary. She’s so fucking major, even when she’s keeping it simple with a side swooped bang. Bold, fun, sexy, innovative. Which coif is your favorite? Via: Lil Kim Is Muva & Nostalgic_Eras

Set For The Future

Me walking into my abundance while you all process the plot twist. Live in the now, but plan for the future. Hi, I’m the future. Via: La_Fashion_Village

Style With Dorit Kemsley

Pure glamour. Being loyal to Lisa Vanderpump has left me side eyeing all who have betrayed her, but Dorit has grown on me this season. She’s matured out of the mean girl bunch, but still brings her fair share of drama. Most importantly she’s successfully usurped Erika Jayne as the queen of housewives glam. Jayne started it, but Dorit took that crown off her frosted blonde head and plopped it right onto hers. Bitch is SERVING LOOKS, from intricate hairstyles to curated shoes. A mix between streetwear chic and vintage ladies like Lee Radziwell. Think twice before meeting up with her, because dressing down is pearl lined hair and full Chanel. Let’s talk about the conscious effort in look six. The blue with white shoe straps that play up the white print on the blouse, pants and hair tie. Subtle sophistication. She’s giving me white Thelma from Good Times vibes with that one. Which look is your fave? Via: Dorit Kemsley’s instagram

Model Agent Insights

Going to the beach with a bunch of gays, who make a living on ranking women is not for the weak of heart. Thank the lord I was snatched to the gods and could handle it. These were model agents after all, women are merited based on aesthetics, which can sometimes spill over into real life. More than a time, or two I had to get them together. You aren’t in front of the camera for a reason, lest you forget.

Elite’s Manhattan office after hours, it was a special occasion. We drank remnants of an opened bottle of champagne from clear plastic cups, against a jaw dropping view of the skyline. Givenchy was debuting at New York Fashion Week, Riccardo Tisci at the helm. Three agents (DNA, Ford, Elite) and I sat encased in a glass box staring at the big screen. I’ve had an affinity for models since elementary school. Being the tallest girl in class most of my life, it was a relief to see people as gigantic as me. I was casted as a young girl, but my mom would never take me. Glory be, the industry is brutal, kudos to those who traverse it successfully, self-esteem still in tact. While I watched the show for the theatrics and artistry, they watched to see how the girls performed, the clothes completely escaping their minds.

Pat McGrath make-up and masks couldn’t conceal whose who. They recognized a model based on legit her ears! EARS for christ sake! In light of fashion week coming to a close, here are some things I’ve learned based on the insights of agents:

  • Agencies Are Ranked: If you don’t work for a top ten agency, you’re considered a joke. They will cackle and drag you to the catacombs, especially if you’re not in the top three. Forget about it.
  • Rankings Change: All the time, depending on who is traded where, earnings and how many supermodels are on the roster. One month it’s IMG, the next it’s The Society.
  • Weekend Of Tears: Is a thing, girls cry when they don’t make the cut for the big shows. You can find models in and out of various offices, faces stained, because they didn’t book Alexander Wang or Chanel.
  • Broke Until You’re Not: A lot of girls come as, well girls, teenagers who are placed in a model house. If you aren’t booked and making money, you’re going home broke and in debt (rent, transportation, food…). That’s why getting the big shows and campaigns matter, it means visibility and big bucks. Especially if you’re supporting a family overseas. No one wants to be dropped and owing the agency what they didn’t make back.
  • Male Models: Struggle more than anyone. Unless you’re a top male model, you’re nobody.

To be a success in this industry takes skill, tenacity and a thick skin. They make it look easy, because that’s their job. Whose your favorite mannequin? Photo: Riccardo Tisci Instagram