The Urban Feed

Solange Knowles: Redefined Style

Hey, wait a minute. Isn’t that Beyonce’s sister? From long blond cornrows, to long black loose curls, to a breath taking, show stopping Caesar haircut, Solange Knowles’ progression over the past few years has not gone unnoticed. The transition from pursuit of pop star, to mother, to influential fashionista has landed Ms. Knowles a place on many blogs.

The look of the 2000s, for Solange at least, transpired at denim jackets with camisoles, accompanied by chain belts and cargo pants with heeled sandals. Although this style of dress may have possibly expired, even at that point, it nonetheless was a reflection of personality in sewn fabric.

Subsequent to Solange Knowles’ initial choice of style, the transition began. Introduced to the public in 2002, she began her fashion journey, and remained under the spotlight. Perhaps, her style came as a surprise to some because her sister is so fashionably inclined; however, one must keep in mind that one’s style is a reflection of their personality, in addition, she may have not been exposed and abundance to various styles of dress to adopt.
From 2004 to 2007, there was yet another noticeable in Solange’s style of dress. These revisions derived from red carpet influences, hence the change from classy dressed and long wavy hair, with heeled sandals, to chic, silk party dresses, alongside vibrant colors and shoes. Here, Ms. Knowles has defined herself with her style, which has led to her being fashionable and a role model to many.

The year is 2010 and Ms. Solange Knowles has definitely redefined her style. With her new short haircut, vibrant, and eclectic style, she is now known to most one of the most transformed fashion idols. Although the change has taken several years, it was definitely worth the wait. If you type Solange Knowles in your Google search, the primary links will direct you to sites displaying her newly developed fashion sense.

Aleia Woods
Fashion Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 6% [?]

Wake Up, Mr. West; Always time to Dress to Impress

From Bathing Ape and Kid Robot tees to Yves Saint Laurent Jackets and Metallic Christian Dior jeans, Mr. Kanye West has allowed a progression in his style as he has progressed with his style of artistry. In addition, he has also become a fashion columnist for Complex magazine, talk about a multi-tasking role model for today’s youth!

As Kanye West entered the music scene, he was commonly known for his creative and unidentifiable musical beats for artists such a Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Ludacris. Tuning into the radio, no one knew who created this beat; all they knew was that it was DOPE! Then we were able to put a face to the beat. Simultaneously, individuals revered his clothing style because it was similar to many, yet it was clean and smooth. There are even photographs from Kanye’s “Glow in the Dark” tour, displaying photos from beginning to the end of the tour. The progression of style is what captivates people’s attention more than anything else. Kid Robot, Bathing Ape, Billionaire Boys Club are common brands that you may see teens or skateboarders sporting, now Kanye West is wearing it? Instances like these make Kanye West a respectable fashion icon.

As time progressed, Kanye stepped away from street wear and began to lean toward a more formal style of dress, yet his still continues to be interchangeable, nonetheless. Stepping on the stage to perform, or strolling down the red carpet with Ms. Rose by his side, you can count on Kanye to have on an outfit, one dapper and formal, while taking a risk that most wouldn’t dare too. Outfits such as gold or silver Christian Dior jeans, or a snake Skin Christian Dior track jacket, with white patent leather Iyves Saint Laurent high top sneakers? Who is bold enough to pull off such an outfit? Many people have not and once again, these instances have labeled Mr. West as a Fashion icon over the past few years. In the past year alone, Mr. West has topped several best dressed of the year and decade.

In a brief T.U.F survey, asking a few stylish men who was their favorite stylist artist of the past year and hands down, the replies were all Kan the Louie Vuitton Don. With that, it is noticeable that many teens try to implicate these outfits within their own budgets. But one must be aware of the difficulty you will face when trying to make this possible because as we all know, there is never a dull moment in Mr. West’s life let alone his closet.

Aleia Woods
Fashion Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 3% [?]

Style Spotlight: Ciara

Kiera A. Manison
Fashion Editor

Most think of R&B singer Ciara as the humble girl from Atlanta who topped the charts with her very first smash hit “Goodies.” What her fans also will remember her for is her very unique, young style that came along with her catchy lyrics and distinct dance moves. Ciara has made many changes to her sound and style of music, but what is most obvious is her new ever changing style.

When Ciara first hit the music scene, she would be spotted in outfits that consisted of a bra top, motorcycle jacket, hip hugging jeans, and tie up boots. This combination may not have sound very flattering, but it worked for her. In fact, even back in the beginning stages of her career she was still setting trends. The unforgettable duo of men’s cargo shorts and mini hoodies in her music video “Oh” featuring Ludacris became a phenomenon with many teenage girls and even some A list celebrities. Women today are still spotted sporting cargo pants and shorts.

Although Ciara came into the industry with her own style, she couldn’t wear those bikini tops forever. With the release of her new album “The Evolution,” we see Ciara gradually evolve into a true fashionista. Her first major transformation was the new and improved hair color. Going from blonde to brunette which really flatters her skin tone in more ways that one. Through this time she still held true to her style while performing but it was done in a mature, stylish manner. The absence of her favorite baseball caps and less midriff worked wonders for the songstress.

Ciara was not always a favorite of many fashion critics when it came to red carpet events, but she slowly but surely landed herself on a few best dressed list instead of the worst, that may have haunted her previously. Ciara started wearing beautiful gowns to events and little mini dresses that flattered her in all the right places from some of the hottest designers.

Ciara’s most recent style shocker was cutting her hair into a short “Halle Berry” cut. Following the trends of many before such as Kelis and Rhianna to name a few, she has proven that she is a definite risk taker when it comes to fashion and style. Having that risk factor is essential to any style icon, because the world looks to them to take the risk for them. They are the people that majority of the time set the trends for society.

Overall to date, Ciara has a much more defined, clean cut style. Throughout her career, the fashion world has noticed her many changes as she has grown into the women she is today. She is appreciated for her willingness to stay true to herself, but at the same time her willingness to grow and change for the better. She is a true model of a young women growing into herself and sense of style.

Peep the ever-changing styles of Ciara below…

Popularity: 41% [?]

Style Spotlight: Tracee Ellis Ross

An Inside Look at the Style of Tracee Ellis Ross

-Isoke Davis
Fashion Writer

Go ahead catholic school girl, take that risk. As soon as you escape the watchful eye of that nun, you roll that skirt up. And you pop that top button open. Go ahead, smear that red lip stick on, throw on those hoops and work it! Don’t know if that emerald sequined prom dress will make the best or worst dress list; where it anyway. Not so sure about the amber rose matte pink lipstick, step outside of the box and take a risk.

It is the many fashion risk that are taken that define personal style. Play around with some looks, keep what works for you, and toss what doesn’t. Actress and fashionista, Tracee Ellis Ross has mastered this art form. From early 2000s on the UPN/CW sitcom Girlfriends to present day red carpet appearances, Tracee Ellis Ross goes for the kill. Ross opts for the more dangerous piece, the youth and sleekness of a paper thin, jeweled colored pencil skirt by Proenza Schouler, the big hair, candy colored lips and gets it just right. Ross makes Avante Garde pieces look less severe by wearing what looks good on her. Her confidence and demeanor makes even the most innovative of stylist feel as though they should thought of that. Pencil skirts seem to be made for her, tuxedo pants look amazing, harem pants even better, knee length dresses next to God, and short ones scrumptious. Ross can wear it all. Unwritten rules of fashion say that short hemlines look good on thin legs, but some how Ross found the one chic structured shouldered black mini that completely complimented her toned legs. You may not have been a fan of the red and blue plaid Prada pencil dress but there’s no denying that it couldn’t have looked better on anyone else; She managed to make the most quirky piece look classic.

Ross also capitalizes on her unconventional features. When Ross’ hair isn’t in its signature curls, she shows off her impressive cheekbones by pulling it back and donning large hoops or jeweled dangling earrings. Ross obeys only traditional makeup rules, which has proven to work for her. Candy colored lips go with bare eyes and magnifying mascara; smokey eyes are always balanced by nude lips. Besides an amazing smile, one accessory that Ross almost always carries is a stylish clutch. Peep the clutch and more in the gallery below. Note: the black Prada clutch that is held from the inside. The bag is a perfect summary of Ross’ classic, quirky, personal style.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Style Spotlight: Chanel Iman

Chanel emerging into the fashion industry

The fashion industry seems to be taking a fondness to the admirable beauty of young African-American supermodel Chanel Iman. Clearly, it cannot go unnoticed that this young model has emerged on to the runways and editorial spreads with a striking presence. Her full lips are reminiscent of the wonderful natural attributes of Black women, her sharp cheek bones add to her youthful appeal, and her beautiful piercing eyes are a reflection of her Korean heritage. It is her stunning diverse appearance which sets her apart from the average model. She has not only given a fresh face to the top models of the fashion industry, but she has also given hope to many young girls who desire to see their names in mainstream media.

Chanel Iman Robinson was born November 30, 1989, in Atlanta, GA. Sometime after her birth her family decided to relocate to Los Angeles, California, where Chanel quickly found her appreciation for fashion and modeling since she grew up in a home with a mother who had once been a designer. She has been quoted for saying that she would play dress up with her friends and have runway competitions. In an interview with Modelinia.com, Chanel sat down with legendary supermodel IMAN where she revealed her first moment of falling in love with editorial fashion was with a Tommy Hilfiger spread in which IMAN appeared in along with then husband, David Bowie. “It gave me chills,” Chanel recounts, seeing the campaign that enticed her to set out for a career in modeling. Who knew that in 2006, Chanel would have her big break when she placed in the top three of the Ford modeling agencies “Supermodel of the Year” competition.

Soon after becoming a Ford, Iman began walking in shows for top designers like Phillip Lim, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, and Valentino. By the end of 2006, she was recognized by Style.com as an up-and-coming “star.” It was not surprising she was featured on the May 2007 cover of Vogue with 10 other girls being recognized as the ‘The Worlds Next Top Models’. Later that year Chanel continued to boost her image. She visited the Tyra Banks Show where Banks then gave Chanel a special necklace that signified the importance of black models to the growth of the fashion industry.

The appearance on Tyra’s show must have influenced fashion executives to show their interest in the topic of ethnic models. In 2008, Ms. Iman was featured in numerous international editions of Vogue in countries such as Russia, Italy, and Korea. These editions included articles that explored the topic of the hardships for models of African descent. In a mother-daughter interview for Modelinia.com Chanel and her mother China discussed the importance of the Korean Vogue cover. Iman’s mother, born during the era of the American/Korean War, had been cast out of the country as a young girl because one of her parents was in the American military.

Today, Chanel has gained enough notoriety to be a guest judge on CW’s America’s Next Top Model; and signing a three year deal with Victoria’s Secret is no small feat either. It’s not easy for any person of color to be recognized in the fashion industry- particularly as a top model. Yet, this young lady has managed to do quite well for herself. Chanel’s stardom is a testament to her hard work paying off. And that having a little ambition never hurts anyone. Chanel has stated “I don’t consider myself a black girl…I consider myself a women and I want to relate to everyone, I am an American, and I’m proud to be American.”

-Stacy Meadows
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 6% [?]

Style Spotlight: Style Princess Rihanna

Since her emergence into the world of music and entertainment in early 2005, reigning pop turn style princess and Barbados native, Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty has been the center of attention in a sea of high profile beauties for the past four years. Breaking out onto the scene with her dancehall inspired record, “Pon De Replay” from her first studio album, Music of the Sun and her cute island charm, Rihanna has become a promising Def Jam standout with a bright future.

Since her island inspired album, Rihanna’s music has really evolved. Each single belted out by the Grammy-Award winning artist has had a different sound from the chart topping pop hit “SOS” to the techno-dance inspired track “Don’t Stop the Music” to the worldwide number one hit “Umbrella” featuring her idol and mentor, Jay-Z, her different, edgy style proved to set her apart from other artists. But it wasn’t just Rihanna’s sound that crowned her Pop Princess. It was the Barbadian singer’s unique and edgy style.

When Rihanna first appeared on the scene, she looked like the girl next door with her long sandy brown locks and ready-to-dance look in baggy jeans, boxers and midriff track jackets. Her music stood out, but her style blended in with the rest of the Hollywood starlets. But blending in wasn’t her biggest problem, she was constantly compared to R&B superstar, Beyonce dawning the name “Baby B”.

In mid 2007, with the release of her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna shook her good girl image and all Beyonce look-alike accusations, donning a trendsetting jet black angled bob to match her album’s title. Since her album’s release, Rihanna has been making headlines and turning heads with her unique, eclectic style and much like her music, her looks are always different. She took 2007 by storm donning top designers such as Dsquared2, which the singer stated as her favorite, and Alexandra Wang. Rihanna has stepped onto red carpets wearing fabulous dresses from Gucci, flashy heels from Christian Louboutin and showing off her perfectly tone legs in designer jumpers and five inch pumps. Rihanna’s new look was definitely assuring to the public that the then 19 year old was really growing up and coming into her own skin. During 2007, the singer’s bold style placed her on the covers of Teen Vougue, Vibe Vixen, and Fashion 18 and also won her the title of the first ever Star Style of the Year by Seventeen and 2007’s It Girl.

In 2008, Rihanna donned a new shorter, rock star haircut and a new accessory, fellow singer, Chris Brown. Rihanna’s style changed for the New Year. Her clothes became bolder, with skimpier performance attire and everyday rock star-like garments. She also showed off brand new tattoos to the public as well as a matching tattoo with then boyfriend Chris Brown. Her style has made her an international icon as she graced the covers of two top magazines Elle and Cosmopolitan.

Today, with the assault charges from now ex-boyfriend Chris Brown behind her, Rihanna’s style has become more aggressive; rebellious and outspoken saying everything that the artist has kept to herself for the past year. With the release of her fourth studio album Rated R, Rihanna’s style once again fits the title of her new disc. The singer has since dyed her hair blonde and wears darker makeup and dominatrix styled clothing. Rihanna has come a long way in her musical career, her personal life, her style. As the New Year huddles around the corner, we’ll see how different the style chameleon will be.

Robyn Burt
Contributing Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 12% [?]