NOW: THAT's What's "POP"pin...

Lady Tigra of the 80's hip hop duo L'Trimm, certainly has the right idea about showing presidential support, by remixing Obama's iconic "Hope" poster.

And how DOPE is it that in less than 5 days, with one balllot, we have the power to CHANGE the direction of America and our perception across the globe? Now that's what's "Pop"pin!

And you know what else POP's...?



Three aptly titled fall magazine covers featuring Super Duper Models: Oluchi, Jordan Dunn and Naomi Campbell. With winter rapidly approaching, these British mags will 'fall' off of magazine stands real soon--so grab them while you can.

Limited Edition Sweetness: U.S. Postage and 'All-Black' Vogue

(Josephine Baker's Princess Tam Tam gets immortalized in postage)

Classic Black movie fans can now stick their own bold, new signature stamp on things with the recently released 'Vintage Black Cinema' Movie Poster postage from the U.S. Postal Service.

The series of 5 stamps include: 1921's The Sport of The Gods; Duke Ellington's 1929 film debut, Black and Tan; the short Caldonia; the Josephine Baker-helmed cult-classic, Princess Tam Tam and King Vidor's 1929 academy award-nominated Hallelujah.

Get them while their still hot (and if you don't see them, ask! The post office we visited didn't even have these colorful beauties on display. Tsk. Tsk.)

======



(l to r: Legendary models: Gail O'Neill, Karen Alexander, Alek Wek, Iman and newcomer, Arlenis Sosa.)

Another limited edition item to get while it's still on shelves is Vogue Italia's 'All Black Issue,' available on newstands everywhere. Though the price may run you just about $20 here in the United States, $20 is a very small price to pay for equality, and green seems to be the only color any industry responds to these days. And with the amount of Italian Vogues flying off of newstands, the buying public is making itself very clear: DIVERSITY SALES.

According to the Guardian, UK, the magazine is one of the most in-demand yet:

It's nearly August, the retail fashion industry is in an uneasy slump, and summer issues of women's magazines are gaunt for want of advertising. Yet in the past four weeks, the 'black issue' of Italian Vogue has caused such a phenomenal demand at news-stands in Britain and the United States that Condé Nast, the publisher, has rushed to reprint and distribute 40,000 more copies.

You don't have to be an avid magazine buyer to appreciate this monumental issue; besides the cultural significance, the mag will enhance even the most drab of coffee tables and you may pick up an italian word or two...

Ciao!

Haut Shots: Nefertiti Kebede

Random Haut-ness from the photographic perspective...



Model, Liya Kebede, as Egypt's Queen Nefertiti.

The Black Model Museum: The First American Covergirl

Forty years ago, marked the first time a black woman ever appeared on the cover of a national American women's magazine. The pioneering face on the cover of the August 1968 issue belonged to Katiti Kironde, then a college student at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Though not a model, Katiti's cover was a financial success and would open the floodgates for many model firsts in the years to follow: Jolie Jones, Mademoiselle '69; Daphne Maxwell, Glamour, '69; Jane Hoffman, Cosmopolitan, '69; Elizabeth of Toro, Harper's Bazaar, '69; and Beverly Johnson's coveted, American Vogue cover of '74, struck the last blow to the long-standing tradition of exclusion.

Thanks to Katiti's historic cover and the efforts of women and men in front of, and behind the lens, we've never known a world where diversity was blatantly not welcomed to the publication party. And we think that's something worth celebrating.

Today we're gonna party like its 1968!

Fresh Face [#016 - #017]: Kinee Diouf and Honorine Uwera

Two of the freshest new faces in modeling belong to: Honorine Uwera of Rwanda and Kinee Diouf of Senegal.

Their collective resumes include work for Moschino, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier and coveted positions in magazines from Trace to Elle.

Watch for Kinee walking for Project Runway finalist Jillian Lewis during the final episode of Season 4.

In the global world of fashion, African girls stay rockin' the runway and Haute couture is so much better for it.

America's Next Top Mogul: Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks announces a new show for the CW

When Tyra Banks became a youth correspondent on the Oprah Winfrey Show nearly 10 years ago, whispers began that she was being molded as the next Oprah Winfrey. Some snickered, wondering how the Victoria's Secret model would ever reach such lofty heights.

Fast forward to now and at 33, Tyra Banks is one of the hottest commodities in both daytime and primetime television with her properties The Tyra Banks Show and America's Next Top Model.

Now Tyra is set to add another show to her Bankable Productions line-up: A currently untiltled project from the producers of Top Model and Project Runway. The project is being described as The Devil Wears Prada meets The Assistant and is scheduled to premiere on the CW Network this summer.

Iman Sashays Onto TV's 'Runway'

Hold on to your chemise, Heidi Klum! Iman joins the growing list of über-models turned television stars as host of Project Runway Canada, the latest installment of the popular Project Runway franchise.

Iman puts her own stamp on the Canadian version with a no-nonsense approach to judging contestants' designs. But as any model knows, measuring up is a tough job, especially when another (Klum) has worn the 'Runway' look so well.

Does Project Runway Canada measure up to its American predecessor? You be the judge:



Wanna see more episodes? Iman's Runway airs on Canada's Slice network. If you're outside of Canada, don't bother checking your local listings, we recommend scouring youtube instead.

Cocoa Lounge NOW: Jordan Richardson is a Covergirl

From The Cocoa Lounge

(Jordan Richardson, pictured right, is one model to watch.)

Cocoa Lounge Fresh Face: Model, Jordan Richardson is the face of Colures Magazine's current issue. Jordan makes our list of Models on the Move and we're sure this cover is the beginning of many.

Model Liya Kebede Struts Onto Forbes' Earnings List

Liya Kebede was recently named one of Forbes Top Earning Models joining a list of modeling elite which includes Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss and Heidi Klum.

From Forbes:

[Earnings:]$2.5 million

As the first black model in Estée Lauder's history, the 29-year-old Ethiopian beauty is hailed as a ground-breaker. She also models for H&M, the Gap, Anne Taylor and Givenchy.

From the philanthropic work she does in her home country of Ethiopia to a perched spot atop the prestigious Forbes list, Liya Kebede never ceases to be a pioneer.

The Black Model Museum [#003]: The Beauty Dynasty

From The Cocoa Lounge

Three generations of fashion industry giants.

In one historic snapshot, circa 2001, Vanity Fair Photographer Annie Leibovitz captured over 30 years of black beauty from all around the globe. To us, it was one of the most relevant images published in the magazine in years.

(Models pictured. Front Row (l to r) : Gail O'neal, Karen Alexander, Shakara Ledard, Clara Benjamin Naomi Campbell, Iman, Second Row: (l to r) Kadra, Kara Young, Cynthia Bailey, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede, Beverly Johnson Third Row: (standing) (l to r:) Oluchi, Katoucha, Adia, Noemie Lenoir

Trapped in The Folds: The Problem with Today's Magazine Covers

(Model, Chanel Iman, on the Cover fold of Vogue)

American Vogue's recent "The Worlds Next Top Models" cover got us thinking about a problem that has been plaguing the publishing industry since someone got the grand idea of extending a magazine's cover: The Fold.


"The Fold" has always suggested that the person(s) who occupied that space were either (a) not quite famous enough to carry a cover (b) not quite cute enough for the much-coveted front page or (c) just too "ethnic."


(Actresses Rosario Dawson, Ziyi Zhang and Kerry Washington in the Fold of Vanity Fair)

Whatever the case, literally marginalizing (particularly) black people to the folds is a practice that is not only archaic but slighting. It's gotten to the point where anytime we see a magazine with a fold, we can assume that at least one person of color is included on it. Either an individual makes the cover or they don't, and relegating us to the 'well, you almost made it' space is no real consolation.


(All 3 Heroes cast members of African descent, Noah Gray-Cabey, Leonard Roberts and Tawny Cypress find themselves in the fold)

So to Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, Emmy and others who come from the 'push 'em to the right' school of publication, we'd like to let you know that we're watching and we're definitely aware...

Nigeria's Next Top Model

From The Cocoa Lounge


African models have been successful on the American and European fashion scene for years. From Somalia's Iman to Ethiopia's Liya Kebede, Ugandan-born Kiara Kabukuru, Alek Wek of the Sudan, and Nigeria's own, Oluchi, African models have helped to define and re-define black beauty for the last several decades.

So seeing a spin-off of Tyra Banks' popular America's Next Top Model head to the motherland is not only fitting but just plain dope.

" The overriding aim is to nurture, encourage, develop, fashion, mentor young ladies into that which they were born to be – superb flag bearers and ambassadors of the great ‘Heart of Africa’ Nigeria!"

We're not sure what stage of production this series is in, or if it will even make it to air, but we'll be watching to see what happens.

For more info about Nigeria's Next Top Model visit: http://www.nigerianexttopmodel.com

Related Posts: South Africa, Stand Up!

The Black Model Museum [#002]: Beverly Peele

From The Cocoa Lounge


Former supermodel, Beverly Peele

The Fashion Industry is such an interesting beast. It produces the most exquisite creations (human and textile) and throws them out like yesterday's trash at the mere sight of an imperfection--or worse--a new season.

Such is the story of Beverly Peele, who began her fashion career as a teenage It girl in the early 90's, riding in on the steam of Beverly Johnson, Iman, and Naomi Campbell before her. She appeared on and in between the covers of Harpers Bazaar, Seventeen, Mademoiselle, Italian Vogue and a host of other publications across the globe.



But it was the dark side of the fashion world that nearly derailed her career as Peele became involved with hard partying and recreational drugs before disappearing from the scene altogether. After the birth of her daughter, she returned to modeling with a vengenace, sparking hopes in fans and critics alike that--this time--she was back to stay. But in late 2005, trouble came knocking again as Peele was sentenced in a devastating identity theft case.

These days, it seems that Ms. Peele is back on the right track. She has traded in fashion for family and recently appeared on The Tyra Banks Show, to warn young model hopefuls about the dangers of the industry.

We salute Beverly Peele's courage and wish her the best in all her future endeavors, whether it includes modeling or not.

The Black Model Museum [#001]: Aisha Cain

From The Cocoa Lounge


Model, Aisha Cain as the Evian Angel

This is the first installation of The Black Model Museum, a shout-out if you will to the models we've come to love over the years. We're pulling photos and info straight from the archives--The Cocoa Lounge early years, circa 1999 - 2002. Hope you enjoy.

Aisha Cain ruled the fashion world at the turn of the 21st century. She stood out in the post-Naomi reign with her free-form afro and baby-doll features. Aisha had the face of an angel, and was immortalized that way in a long-running Evian campaign.



Although Aisha isn't as visible these days as she was at the height of her modeling career, she remains one of our all-time faves.

The Cocoa Lounge Remembers Tamara Dobson

We recently featured an article that a rumor was circulating that actress Tamara Dobson may be returning to the screen. Unfortunately, the buzz was unfounded. Tamara Dobson, former model and star of the Cleopatra Jones films of the 1970s died recently in her hometown of Baltimore after a battle with mutiple sclerosis. She was only 59.

If you are unfamililar with Ms. Dobson's accomplishments, here's a biography that we featured on the Cocoa Lounge in our early days:

Tamara Dobson earned a degree in Fashion Illustration at the Maryland Institute of Art. It was no suprise that the striking 6' 2" Baltimore native would later decide to head to New York to become a model. Before heading to Hollywood, Tamara Dobson plugged products for 25 television commercials. In the early 1970s it was almost impossible to see adverstisements geared to black audiences that didn't include Tamara Dobson or then-model, Richard Roundtree (who also became a huge action star in the Shaft films).

She later won the role of Cleopatra Jones beating out over 100 other young ladies who auditioned. Cleopatra Jones (1973) and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975) were two of Dobson's most popular films, providing young black women with a classy, sassy film icon that they could identify with. After the Cleopatra Jones films, however, Dobson would appear in only a few televsion movies and series and would disappear from the Hollywood scene forever, leaving two films to stand as testament to the box-office clout that black women can have--when given the opportunity.



Related Posts: Tamara Dobson Returns?

Project Runway: Season Three's Got Seasoning

From The ATL to Atlas New York: Michael Knight

Blink and you missed him in the first few episodes, but Michael Knight's eye for fashion is undeniable. The glimpses we got of his coffee filter dress in episode 1 and his stunning number in the dog challenge made us hungry for more. He looks more hip hop than high fashion, and may have been wrote off early by the likes of judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. But Mike has obviously got skills that could possibly pay the bills for a spot in the final three. Only time will tell. For now, we're just waiting for him to get at least a minute per episode in...

Black Girls Rule The Runway

If you've been keeping tuned in to Bravo's Reality Darling, Project Runway, then you've probably noticed the unmistakable flavor of this season's cast. Aside from the drama in the workroom--and there's lots of it--is the drama on the stage. We're not eluding to backstage catfights, or seam sabotage, but to the FIERCE runway stylings of a sizeable number of sistas that take the stage each week. The proof is in the pudding. The first three challenges have went to exquisite garments made even more exquisite by models at the top of their game.

Anybody who knows Cocoa Lounge's history knows that we love to profile fresh faces in the industry. The good casting folks at Runway have cut our job in half. Take a look at some of our favorite models from the show:


Clockwise from top left: Camilla B, Katia Bissou, Marilinda, and our personal favorite, Nazri Segaro.

Tamara Dobson Returns?

If you haven't seen Cleopatra Jones in action, then you probably don't know who Tamara Dobson is. The model-turned-actress starred in the successful Cleopatra Jones action films in the early 1970s and disappeared from the film and television scene altogether shortly after. Along with Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Pam Grier (Foxy Brown), Tamara Dobson was the equivalent of a superhero to action fans of the era.


Rumors have it that Tamara Dobson will return to the screen in an upcoming Rudy Ray Moore Dolemite film but with Rudy's recent health issues, we're not sure if this one will ever see the light of day.

In the meantime, if you'd like to see Tamara Dobson again (or for the first time), we'd recommend renting Cleopatra Jones or Cleopatra Jones and the Casino Gold.


The Casino Gold film is a Cocoa Lounge favorite. How often do you get to see an action flick starring an African American woman filmed on location in Hong Kong? Correct us if we're wrong, but we don't think that has happened since 1975.

Fresh Face [#005]: Jordan Richardson

Do we really need a tv show to tell us who America's Next Top Model will be? Maybe. But if young Jordan Richardson sticks around the fashion scene, we're pretty sure who at least one of them will be.

Chances are, you haven't heard of Jordan Richardson just yet, or even seen her face. But if this supermodel in training keeps up her pace, she could join the ranks of models who we've come to know and love on a first name basis: "Naomi," Tyra", "Iman" and "Gisele."


Keep your eye out for the young beauty who has already landed campaigns with United Colors of Benetton and Abercrombie and Fitch. Recently, she was spotted on the runway at New York Fashion week 2006, modeling for Project Runway finalist Chloe Dao.

Jordan is definitely a contender for the "Best 'fro in the business" and certainly one to watch.

Jordan is represented by VNY Model Management

Fresh Face [#003]: Sherica Maynard

ID model, Sherica Maynard, is a fresh face to watch in the fashion world. This youngster is poised to be a sensation in the vein of Jessica White, another teen model we profiled on The Cocoa Lounge in 2001 when she was about Sherica's age (see Cocoa Lounge screenshot image below).

With the endless possibilities available for young models these days, we're looking forward to great things from Sherica Maynard.


Since 2001, Jessica White has become an industry name, nabbing spreads in international magazines and becoming the first African American model to be featured in three consecutive editions of Sports Illustrated.

Cocoa Lounge's 2001 Jessica White Profile

From The Vaults: An interview with model, Debra Shaw

(This interview was first featured on cocoalounge.com in 2002)

Born in South Philly, Debra Shaw was destined for greatness. If she hadn't discovered her passion for fashion, Debra could very well be draped in medals instead of designer garments. As a teen in New Jersey, this six-foot beauty aspired to become a track-and-field athlete and was coached by the father of the legendary Olympic gold-medalist Carl Lewis. After being approached to model, Debra packed her things and headed to New York to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Since then, she has moved to Paris, appeared in several high-fashion magazines (including American and Italian Vogue), been featured in international ad campaigns and modeled in shows for some of the most recognized designers in the world. Aside from her duties as model and wife (her 1997 wedding was covered in U.S. Vogue) Debra Shaw is a humanitarian whose benefit shows have included Nelson Mandela's Children's Foundation (with Naomi Campbell) and the World Vision Hunger Campaign. The Cocoa Lounge cordially invites you to meet Debra Shaw.


Cocoa Lounge: As a child, did you ever imagine that you'd become a high-fashion model?

Debra Shaw: Not at all. People always told me that I should model. But the most impressive person was this beautiful and very eccentric sister who told me to go to Paris. I was working in the mall at the time and she just passed by the shop I was working in. She was mysterious with an unusual style. At first I was scared of her presence cause she was very intense when she spoke (somewhat like a messenger from above). She told me that she was a model and that I should go to Paris where it would be the best for me. I wanted to be a designer or do something in fashion...

CL: Was there any particular model that inspired you to enter the fashion industry?

DS: There were quite a few models from Philly that inspired me like Ziggy, Debbie Cobb, Yvette Prescott, Tammy Echols (personal stylist to Camille Cosby). Tammy went to the same church as I. She would walk with grace and would elegantly put her money in the collection plate. Then once I got into modeling more, I started discovering Iman, Katoucha, Roshumba, Rosalind Johnson and Karen Alexander.

CL: What was your "big break?"

DS: I've had several big breaks. I can't really say it was just one. But the first was when I won a modeling competition in Newark, NJ. The prize was a trip to Paris. The second was winning another competition in NY. Then later on, my other big breaks were: working for John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, photographer Tyen, Xuly Bet, Thierry Mugler, Versace. And the most incredible break, is discovering that I am on a collectors stamp in Christian Dior Masai outfit. I still have this in a frame today.


CL: How has the industry changed for black women since you began (if at all)?

DS: In the industry today, there can only be one black model on top--and always a similar looking one waiting to replace you, whereas in the 80's there were several top black models to look up too. I would like to see the industry change back to this. There are so many beautiful black models, different shades and shapes. It's important to see variety and quantity.

CL: Who are some of the designers that you have modeled for?

DS: I worked for Versace. His very last show. Chanel, Dior, Gianofranco Ferre, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, Xuly Bet, Valentino, Armani , Paco Rabanne, YSL and so many more known and unknown.

CL: Here's the burning question on every woman's mind: When the show is over do you get to keep the clothes?

DS: Sometimes. But usually not! It depends on the relationship you have with the designer. They will normally give away the shoes from the show.


CL: We've read somewhere that you live in Paris. How did you come to live abroad?

DS: I was told by several agencies and former models that Paris would be the best place for me. When I arrived, I fell in love with the city right away. I never really planned on living here, it just sort of happened, the way things were happening for me here. So I never left.


CL: How is living in France different from the U.S?

DS: France is a slower lifestyle. Three hour lunches. Dinner starts at 9-10pm. You can have a cafe for 2 bucks and stay there all day with no pressure to order anything else. Being from the U. S. you are some what interesting for the French, so they like to get to know you for that alone. Customer service does NOT exist here at all. There are alot of good underground artists that may never be heard in the states. I find that the French people are more accepting/open minded as far as beauty lifestyle. Beauty for them is being natural.



CL: Back on the homefront, Philadelphia has become the home of a soul/hip-hop Renaissance (Jill Scott, Roots, Bilal, Jaguar, etc). Are any of these artists in your CD player? What's on your current play list?

DS: All of the above accept for Jaguar. I never heard of her before but I will check it out. N'dambi, Unwrapped vol. 1 by Hidden Beach, Kelis' new CD, Neptunes new CD and Jill Scotts new CD.


CL: We hear you're a singer, as well. How would you describe your style?

DS: How did you find that out! I never really talk about that! Good work. I really do not know what my style is because I am influenced by so many types of artist. I love gospel, jazz, neo soul, underground artist like Sandra St. Victor, Carleen Anderson, N'dambi, Mica Paris, Maysa, and Soul singer Ledisi. My friends have told me that my style is similiar to Jill Scott.


CL: Have you had any funny/interesting runway experiences?

DS: Hmm.... I'm sure I have. Let me think of a good one for you. Okay, this did not happen on the runway but at a fitting for a runway show for Gianofranco Ferre when he was designing for Dior. It was my first Haute Couture show ever! My agency was so excited for me to get this job. They prepped me before going to the fitting. They told me to eat because you may get nauseous because fittings can be tiring and you stand alot. So I was too excited to eat so I just grabbed a milkshake. When I got to the fitting, the assistants and the designer tried several outfits on me for the show the next day. When they fit me for the very last outfit, which was \a long red fitted gown, they kept pinning it tighter and tighter on me so that it will fit perfectly on me. All of a sudden I got a little nauseous. I started looking at all the composite cards on the wall of all the top models booked for the show, like Katoucha and others. I started to get really nervous cause I could not believe I would be doing a show with models I looked up too. Meanwhile, they are pinning that dress tighter and tighter on me. I started focusing on the trash can across the room. Telling myself if I can just make it there I will be fine. Well, I did not make it to the trash can. I made it halfway and ended up throwing up on the designer's expensive shoes Mr. Ferre.

All of a sudden I hear the assistants saying "Save the dress,! Save the dress"! They immediately took the dress off and I ran to the toilet. I stayed in the toilet for about 15 minutes, thinking how I made such a fool out of myself. When I came back to the fitting room they told me that my fitting was over, Thank you, that's it. I went home so sad inside because I knew that they did not want me any longer for the show. I called my agency and told them to send the designer flowers for me but I did not tell them why because they warned me that this could happen. I did end up doing the show. But for several seasons after when I would go the casting for Gianfranco Ferre, he would not book me, he would just look at me and smile and that was it. Finally we end up working together just recently. And now he books me every season, but we never discuss what happen in the past.


CL: What are some misconceptions about models that you'd like to clear up?

DS: That it's an easy paid job. It's not true! You travel a lot, go on castings daily and have people judging/criticizing you daily. It can really be a very stressful job (mentally) sometimes.


CL: What's a typical working day like?

DS: Wake up. Call my agency for my agenda. Then dress the part for the job if required. If there aren't any castings for the day, I then try to create some with my agency by suggesting ideals.


CL: If you weren't a model, what could you see yourself doing professionally?

DS: What I am presently doing now along with modeling. Being a fashion editor/stylist for Spoon magazine. I love the ideal of being behind the scenes and creating a story and image for a person or for photos.

CL: Is there any advice you'd like to give to aspiring models?

DS: Being a model is not based on looks to me. It's based on determination. If you know that is what you want then by all means necessary, go for it! You really need to be strong in your mind. Confident about yourself. Because you will be criticized alot. That is how you get the job. So if you do not get it because the client does not like something about you then fine, move on-- its their loss. But you should not believe that something is wrong with you because alot of times the clients do not really know what they are looking for, so don't take it personally. Go out and create work for yourself as well. Try to meet the photographers you would like to work with. Study the magazines' runway shows to see what is the lastest style. The agency will help you but you must help them as well. Sometimes agencies loose confidence in you and you must show them that you still have something to offer. Most of all, if you can help it, don't put a time limit on your goal. If you want it and you know within that this is for you, and people believe in you, then stick with it. It's all about timing. Being in the right place at the right time so to speak. So you really can't put a time [limit] on that!

Learn more about Debra Shaw at Debrashaw.com